Decisions, decisions....

Yeah I’d do the same considering how close the prices are. The useful bells and whistles on the OR cost way more than the $1k price difference.

Good luck getting the deal done and again, enjoy it!

 

Damn, that is impressive!

 

Better hurry. Looks like 3rd Gen production has ended with the final 2023 being a silver SR.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-production-officially-ended.817270/

 

Get the Sport and add dealer installed TRD lift kit. Bilsteins 5100 all around , better suspension 17” wheels so better tire options and better looking truck over OR and of course the scoop !

 

I bought this in 2019, added the Pro grill, the wheels and 265/70/17, load range C BFG All Terrains. I use my truck similar to what you are describing and couldn't be happier. I'll change the shocks at some point, but what's on there is fine. It does great off road, it's a comfortable DD and is much more fun to drive than my old Ram which sat on 35s, was lifted, brakes, and had engine and trans mods. On a long drive, this truck is just an easier drive and handles driving over things, rain and snow, and so on, easily. It also brakes, and steers well, and gets good milage (for a truck). On the way to and from Cody and Jackson Wy from So Cal last Summer, I was getting 27 at 70-75. My old truck only broke 14 going downhill, with the engine shut off, and a tailwind. For my life, this truck works. Once you add large, heavy tires, you need to address brakes and gearing, and you typically lose mileage. I can get it through an In-N-Out easily or use a parking garage if I have to go into LA. When we take a trip we usually rent a condo or cabin. This truck fits in the garage, whereas the Ram would not.

I like the TRD OffRoad features such as the crawl control, locking diff, and terrain select. The most I will likely ever do is change the shocks to Bilstein 6112/5160s, and add a tru-tract to the front, neither of which it really needs. I also like the looks of the OR better than the others. I debadged it, added a tonneau cover, and am pretty happy with it. What really matters, though, is what will make you happy, and that should guide your decision.

 

If you come across a Limited (a bit more expensive) take that for a spirited ride. I think you will find it checks all your boxes with a few creature comforts to boot!

 

TRD Off Road trim rides the best on road and off imo. Best of both worlds. Holds its value pretty good too.

 

Off Road all day. Best wishes

 

Get the off road and throw a set of Mickey Thompson Baja Boss on in 265 then you’re set for almost all off-road adventures!

 

Since you two are actually using this to off road,,, even if not extreme, I would spring for the OR w the locker. That’s what I did; what mild stuff I do, and I haven’t yet actually needed it,,, but it’s still nice to have, as we can’t control the weather or the trails.

 

the OR is the best deal .....more stufff for your money

 

Obviously I’m biased as I have the off road but I think you get the most bang for your buck of things you can actually use with this trim (locker, crawl control, MTS) vs the sport which is mostly cosmetic (painted flares, non functional hood scoop). Of course the suspension differences are there as well. I liked the stock off road suspension fine, it was a bit mushy but the only times I really noticed it was at highway speeds going over bridge abutments. It would kind of buck around a bit especially if on a curve. That or during hard braking it had a bit of a nose dive but not horrible.

You don’t need to re-gear for 33’s although it’s not a horrible idea. I’ve been running 255 85 r16 tires for a few years with a tune and no re-gear, which I’ll add fit without rubbing on a completely stock configuration. The truck was sluggish before, it’s still sluggish after the larger tires. Gonna switch to 285’s in a week or so, we’ll see how I feel after that.

 

I am guessing that a sport might be best at towing.

 

Technically it can be, but it's splitting hairs. The lightest V6 trim will be the best at towing, which will be an access cab RWD 3.5 SR5. The Sport is a close second.

The worst thing you can do is tow with a 4x4, as that front differential subtracts a whopping 300 pounds from your tow/payload capacity. Surprisingly, the double cab short bed is only 150 pounds heavier than an access cab. And the difference between the heaviest trim and the lightest, the Pro vs SR/SR5, is about 100 pounds. Also surprising, the differences between MT and AT are negligible in weight, but the AT has a favorable gear ratio for towing.

In reality, the difference between the worst towing 3.5 Tacoma and the best is a difference of little over 500 pounds. But if you want to tow, get rid of that 4x4.

 

I plan on towing my enclosed 7x12 trailer 25 miles to my other property every 10 days during the summer. It weighs 4000 lbs max. We pull it with our Durango GT w/ towing package that tows 6400#'s no problem at all. I think the 4x4 Tacoma with actual sway control will do better?

 

My sport is definitely not the best tow vehicle for towing. Our double cab long bed with only 950 pounds of payload tows our heaviest trailer (2500 pounds) pretty good. Drives and handles well.

 

It will do better. The sway control term is meaningless marketing twaddle, however. All that means is that if it detects the back end swinging out, it will pump the truck brakes in an attempt to recover. I feel that if the machine detects the ass breaking free and there's a trailer in tow, it's usually too late.


That said, I do love the Tacoma for towing small things. I do it frequently. You'll like it better than the Durango.

 

Durango pulls out enclosed trailer great, but having the truck should def. be better for it. Thanks! Awesome setup!

 

It’s gonna be slow as hell, towing is something the Tacoma does not excel at.

 

You should hurry up because this is last year V6 last gen. Next one is coming out with lawnmower turbo charged small 4cyl. Yes, you figured it out the 1100$ is worth the TRD off road.



Also, have you looked at 4runner? Lots of ladies like it, its family truck SUV that is very capable of off roading, city driving. However it is bit expensive.