Looking to purchase a 2023 or 2024 Tacoma.

Good day to all,

I am looking to purchase a Tacoma Truck. I am not sure which models to purchase. SR5 vs TRD Sport vs a TRD Off-Road. Looking for your experiences and thoughts behind these models. Near as I can tell there is not much difference in the and performance. I will be light to medium Off roading. I will be doing Mods a little at a time. This is my daily driver and weekend toy.

I look forward to chatting with you all.

Grumpy

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

If you want to buy now, I'd go for the 23. I personally shy away from first year products on a new generation of anything. That being said, my Toyota history started in 2018. That being said, I was going to jump in on a '25 model, but decided to keep the '18 Sport for a while longer and finish the mods I want to do.

Either truck you get will be capable stock to off road with. I took mine off with less the 2k miles on it on one of the more difficult trails here.

First question, do you want a manual or automatic? Manual puts you in a Sport, Off Road or Pro. Auto and you'll probably want a tune.

 

Welcome to TW.

Its a conundrum. I have bought the last year of something and it drove me insane knowing that my new car doesn't look "new." I have also bought the first year of something and it needed constant repair. (With one exception, I did have a 2016 Tacoma. It was quirky and felt way under-equipped compared to my 2018 of the exact same trim, but for the most part it was mechanically sound.)

If I did it again, I'd probably buy the 23 and be driven insane that I have exactly three months of enjoyment before my car no longer looks "new."

 

Any of those 3 will do what you need them to from what you described. The SR5 will be cheaper.

The TRD Off Road will have a rear locker (which you'll probably never need) and larger rear end. It will also not come with a chin spoiler.

The sport will be more road oriented and have a hood scoop that's only for looks.

Both are built on the SR5 platform which will also have a bit less chrome if you're not into that sort of thing. The Sport and SR5 will also have limited slip differentials and pseudo lockers that use the abs system.

That's a basic rundown of the differences. The trucks are all 90% the same even from SR to TRD Pro. I would also avoid the 2024 models. They look cool and all but will inevitably have issues they need to dial in. You'll have a warranty to cover most of that, but you'd still be dealing with it and sometimes getting a replacement that either isn't available yet or needs improving and hasn't been re-engineered yet. If you must have a 2024, at least wait until toward the end of 2024.

 

If I had the money I’d get a 23’ off road. undercoat with cosmoline, and drive it for a long long time.

the last generation 6cyl will be a nice to have, it’ll run forever, be cool for a long time, and looking “new” is overrated.

 

I just picked up a new 23 PRO. Had the same dilemma but when I dug deeper I’m an old school guy so I prefer the V6, last year, analog dash and just the overall look of the 23. I don’t think those little 4 cyl engines and the electronics will age well. I plan to keep this truck for years so it’s more in line w my preferences. I don’t think you can go wrong w either year. As for trim, I prefer the PRO but the Sport would have been my 2nd choice

 

The hood scoop is annoying and gets in your way when you're off-roading
That's all I got
Good luck

 

What I imagine when I hear people claiming that the scoop obscures their view

 

It's subtle, but it's there. These hoods are giant in general when it comes to off roading.

 

I won't disagree with that. There have been many blind crests where I've had to get out and walk before I could pick my line.

The number of crests that the OR can see but the Sport/Pro can't... Yeah I don't buy that it's that many. The taco in general has too much nose. Then again, that's part of the fun.