Off Road Noob -- Which Model?

Hey all,

I am in the market for a Tacoma -- I've convinced the wife we should buy one (the battle is won!), but am now trying to decide which model to get. If I'm being perfectly honest with myself, the primary purpose of this vehicle is for city driving with the advantage of being able to carry things or tow things our Subaru Outback cannot -- and at some point in the future, carrying kids (thus a double cab for sure). That being said, I live in Colorado and enjoy backpacking and hiking in remote locations -- so the other purpose of this vehicle is to get me up 4x4 roads that the Subaru also can't handle. Because I've only owned an Outback and various sedans up until now, I really have no idea what I'm doing on 4x4 roads. Additionally, I have no intention of doing any modding to whatever Tacoma model I end up with, with the possible exception of something simple like new tires.

All this being said, I'm trying to decide if I should go for the Baja or the Off Road (plus towing package, either way). I test drove a Baja today and really liked the vehicle, but I'm not sure if the price premium is worth the extras (and if those extras will be completely wasted on me). Is the Baja really going to be able to take me to more places than the Off Road? The additional wrench in the works is that the Baja is only available in white right now (and I'm personally not a fan). The dealership said that it's end of model year, so there won't be new ones for a while -- assuming the Baja is even available for the next model year.

Appreciate any thoughts!

 

The TRD Off-Road will be just fine. Except for the suspension, there isn't any difference between the two. The suspension is certainly an upgrade on the Baja, but there are lots of after market suspension upgrades available that are cheaper than the Baja package that can achieve the same thing; that is, unless money is no object!... If that's the case, go for the Baja!

 

Baja is an off road with small suspension upgrade. Most think that you'd be better upgrading the suspension yourself. Either choice is great, don't think you can go wrong.