2017 TRD Sport v. TRD Off-Road Differences?

Ok.. we are trying to decide between these.. anyone have advice on major differences besides the sporty hood?? Suspension? Can they tow the same?

 

Go on Toyota website and use the compare tool between the both models.

 

Sport has painted flares and rear bumper covers, hood scoop, and different shocks (I dont remember the name),Off road has black flares, no scoop, chrome rear bumper covers (unless you buy the premium package), locking rear diff and crawl control (auto only). Towing and performance is the same. I'm sure i missed something but i believe that is the major stuff.

 

I think the shocks on the sport are Hitachi shocks

 

Yes. That's it.

 

I actually owned a 16 Sport and now a 17 OR. Both are very capable trucks.The suspension is different. The Sport has a slightly harsher Hitachi suspension. It works off road, but it isn't at home there. The OR has a slightly cushier suspension that handles off roading better. It definitely rolls more in the corners though. The tires are different. Honestly, you'll want to upgrade those anyway probably, no matter which model you go with. Aesthetics are up to you. That Sport hood looks great. The color matched rear bumper on the Sport is a win too.
I would encourage you to lean to the OR. It's a better value. It has features the Sport doesn't. The rear locker on the OR was enough of a difference to sway me in that direction. But the OR also has Crawl Control, and more under body protection.
Assess your needs and wants and you'll be fine. Either truck is a home run. Did you have any specific questions I might be able to answer?

 

I have been leaning toward OR also... we don't do any MAJOR off-roading but it seems it would handle things better than Sport. So we are leaning towards a 4x2 rather than a 4x4, does it still have the Crawl Control?

 

The suspension on the Sport is EXTREMELY stiff.

 

To be honest, I would go with an SR5 4x4 over a OR 4x2. A 2wd with a locker will not get you as far a 4wd without a locker. There are plenty of YT videos demonstrating that. If you like the TRD upgrades, but don't want to go off road, get the Sport. If you go OR, you'll just end up getting a bunch of stuff you don't use and don't need.

 

Test drive both, the ride and handling differences will be relatively noticeable. I drove both, found the sport to be harsh over bumps, but corners not like a car. I wasn’t a fan. The OR was plush riding in comparison, corners more like a truck, as it should.
I liked a lot of the sport features, but preferred the OR Package. Bought a pro, problem solved lol

 

Oops, meant to say corners like a car

 

I wish i could get the Pro.. yes all problems solved.. $$$$$$$

 

So much of this choice comes down to application. I had two trucks prior to this one and never went off road. I didn't even consider off roading when buying my new truck. I did want a 4wd though. The Sport seemed like a no brainer for me. When I got a 4wd I figured I should see what it could do. Aaaaand it turns out off roading is hella fun. When I had a chance to switch to the OR, I jumped on it.

 

You can get a Sport AccessCab with an MT. The Offroad only comes in a DoubleCab MT, if that is your flavor.

 

Off Road for TRACTION
Sport for BLING

 

Um...No....Not everyone spends a lot of time crawling off-road. Some people like having 4-wheel drive when needed, mostly inclement weather, and like a truck with better handling on curvy roads. I am one of those people, and chose the Sport over the OR for just that reason.

 

Yep, it's all about application.

 

I said it before and will again, the differences between models is really splitting hairs compared with big picture stuff about the Tacos, in general.

Beyond that, just look at all the stock Pro parts for sale. Sheesh.

To put it in the simplest terms, the SR 4x4 is a damn capable truck.

 

All Tacomas are great trucks... I didn't mean to diminish one over the other. What I was trying to explain in the shortest possible amount of words was that for almost the same price, the Sport has all the visual enhancements so many of you want (fake hood scoop, color matched trim, etc.) and not one additional traction aid over all other Tacomas. The Off Road (for about the same price as a Sport) has actual mechanical and electronic traction systems that really work great to keep you moving: A-TRAC/MTS/CRAWL/LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL. Bling vs. Traction. I personally want to not be stuck or rely on someone else to pull me out of a stuck, as I usually travel alone.
If you only need 4WD for some snow or slippery roads and want the bling, Toyota created the SPORT TRD in 2005. Different strokes for different folks!

 

Might be exaggerating a little with that. It is firmer. I'd probably leave it there.