How do 4x4 SR5's do off road.

The SR5 is exceptionally capable in stock form. I have had mine on unimproved Forest Service Roads in Maine and New Hampshire getting to hunting and fishing spots in everything but mud. IMO: It is only limited by it's tires and lack of decent skid-plates. (I consider the lack of both as a positive feature per se: helps keep me out of obvious rock hazards as well as streams with hidden possibilities of the same.) The Traction and Stability control systems work to do what they can to help, as does the electronic trailer sway control logic that comes with the factory Tow Package.

Something to keep in mind is that "SR5" in the name and on the tailgate is essentially just a trim package: nicer radio, power windows, lighted vanity mirrors, privacy glass etc: just "Foo Foo" for the most part but they didn't overdo it: no gizmos. It's a nice package, but AFAIK, changes nothing as far as the 4x4 capabilities, except maybe the tire size.

The closest you get to a "gizmo" in an SR5 is steering wheel controls: without the constant beeping/vibrating/ANNOYING steering-wheel lane-change warnings.

That's why I think it's the perfect Tacoma. YMMV

 

Like I mentioned earlier in the thread, the SR5's 4x4 system is no slouch, but "Traction control" was made for on-road severe driving conditions, not built for Off Roading, period the end. But it does help somewhat...

 

LOL same I'm in Northern NJ and no place to go but literally the same thing happened to me. New truck, firestones le2 which are pretty darn good for highway tires, I was going to Dingmans falls in PA to see it frozen over but gps routed me to doodle hollow road which I can't turn around on and it literally just snowed like 8-10" of mush so I had to go all the way down and I was praying not to get stuck getting out. My little SR drove out like there was no snow on the ground at all. Just steady speed and throttle and powered right up the snow covered dirt road. I was thoroughly impressed as I just had the truck and literally was the first time I used 4wd.

 

part-time 4wd is part-time 4wd regardless of brand, model, or trim. You need to get more into details like tires, lockers, etc. to compare differences.