2021 Off Road AT Question & Bolt on rails/steps recommendation?

Confession - I've never driven a Tacoma but I've pretty much decided that the Taco is what I want. Based on the looks, off-road chops and largely on the reliability and epic resale value. I REALLY wanted to get a manual and actually scheduled a test drive one with my local dealer but after talking it over with my wife, she's a bit gun shy on the MT. I'll be driving the truck 90 percent of the time but still, as someone who typically doesn't purchase brand new, I just can't justify a 40k truck that my wife hates driving or worse, would be too intimidated to drive in the snowy mountains that we live by. So, yeah, looks like I'm getting an auto transmission. I've read that the 3rd generation has had some issues with the AT. This surprises me a bit, given Toyota's reputation. Does anyone know if the problem has been addressed with the 2021 models?

Confession #2: My truck will likely spend very little time off road. Maybe a few times a year and I doubt I'll be trying to tackle anything too crazy until I get some more experience. Moab is just over three hours away from me so I know that I'll want to do some rock climbing (obviously nothing crazy to start with). Bottom line, I don't have much off roading experience so I would greatly appreciate some some input on how to setup my Truck. From my understanding, the Off Road has some skid plates but is not entirely protected. Is that correct? Do you guys have any recommendations on a full skid plate setup? As I said, I don't plan on doing anything advanced, but I should I make a newb mistake and end up centered on a big ass rock, I want to make sure I don't ruin the truck.

Last question - I've read that the side steps are not advised if one is going to do any moderate off roading. I saw on "tacomabeast" that they sell bolt on rails that double as steps. Really wasn't a fan of what they had. Anyone have a recommendation for a rail/step setup that is super low key, yet fully functional as both a step and rail guard?

Thanks in advance for your input! Much appreciated!

 

You’ll get lots of opinions on the auto transmission. Mine is just one of the many, but I’ve had both a 2017 and a 2020 Tacoma. I feel that my 2020 is more predictable and consistent than the 2017. I have zero issues with the shifting and appreciate the improved gas mileage. (I also had a 2017 4Runner for reference.)

 

On the flip side, you're spending $40k on a truck, it should probably be what you want. If you're not thrilled about the AT and really want the MT, I'd definitely recommend getting it. Your wife getting comfortable driving stick will probably take her like 2,000 miles. How many miles until you're happy you got an AT over an MT?

To your question about the transmission - it all depends who you ask. I install OVtune on the side and ive met guys that hated the transmissions so much that they were on the verge of trading their otherwise perfect trucks in at a loss. The OVtune apparently made the transmission amazing.

So if you do end up getting the AT and experience annoyances with it, spend the $250-300 and have someone tune it for you.

For skids, go with whatever name brand you can get local and pickup. For steps, just find some 0 degree sliders, again try to find local to save big bucks on shipping. A decent set of frame bolt on sliders is like $600-800 and decent set of rocker mounted steps are like $300+. Spend the extra money and get the sliders and have some real protection.
Here's my Mobtown sliders

 

Thanks man! I like your setup!