Is a 2021 TRD Offroad, 2WD worth it?

Having previously lived in upstate NY, there weren't too many times I was driving where a 4x4 was necessary, even in winter. I would rather have an AWD than a 4x4 for winter driving. I was mainly responding to all those who keep advising to buy the 4x4 just to have it, in case. Living in CA as well as the OP, I have no intention of off roading, so I am perfectly happy with the 2WD.

 

If you don’t need 4x4 go for it, less maintenance and wear parts to deal with.

 

No argument, but again the OP was asking about a 2wd OR, so basically he was asking if a rear locker, AT tires, an inclinometer, plus a few tidbits that are available on the Sport were more important than 4x4.

 

If u never ever plan on using 4wd then go for it. I wouldn’t buy a 2wd Tacoma. But that’s just me.

 

I’m really considering getting a 2wd too. Just for the price alone. In my area it’s basically $5k for the identical truck but in 4wd. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten stuck where the difference between 2wd and 4wd mattered. I would have got stuck regardless. I’m so conflicted!!!

 

I cant believe they make a 2WD OR. The OR should be a 4WD only model.

 

I go off-roading all the time here in Socal with a 2 wheel drive. Having ground clearance and off road tires make it possible. I think it really just depends on what you are your demands. If I'm doing more rock crawling I use my wrangler anyways. But for camping and trail running I've been able to get through any obstacle with 2 wheel on my taco. I always go equipped with my recovery gear regardless and travel in groups of 2 or more.

 

I had a chance to get a 2019 white TRD 4x4 with many miles it had some wear or a choice of getting a 2020 TRD OR 2WD that was very low miles super clean as it was a leased vehicle for the same price I opted out for the 2WD since its a daily driver and only going to do overland traveling back roads here in central California, if I was going to do rock climbing I think I would of gotten the 4x4.

 

As many have said, the sport is an awesome vehicle still, but without 4WD it is really misses out. It's better to have that option, and not need it than to not have it.

 

Don't forget ornithopter assist

 

That can be debated If it was a jeep then I would understand why the fuss on having to have a 4x4 but after watching so many videos on 2WD Tacoma's with a locker that's all some of us need if we do not see rock-climbing and snow.

 

If you don’t need 4wd, why do you need a locker? It doesn’t make much sense to me. I see a locker as something for serious off roading after you have surpassed the capabilities of 4wd. The only advantage I see is that you have slightly increased the traction capability without adding a bunch of weight and moving parts to the truck. Keep in mind that all tacos have AutoLSD and I use it instead of 4wd in certain on-road situations. Not sure I would ever need a locker on a 2wd truck.

 

I would probably use it for pulling trailers but your right you may not need it.

 

Wut? You can’t use a locker on pavement except when going in straight lines.

 

I would have gone used, over (2 years of free service), if it meant getting a 4x4

 

I know this is an old post, but 4x4s are very useful as indicated, if you use them for that purpose of off road, Michigan, Canada, Maine etc. However, hmm, in my opinion pulling travel trailers for years. I prefer 2WD Tacoma Crew cab TRD offroad for that.

 

2wd Off Road sounds like an oxymoron.

 

It’s actually not. You get the OR bells and whistles. Including locking rear diff. Which is fine for certain scenarios, especially in warmer climates.

Would I ever buy one? NO

 

My 2009 was a TRD OR Prerunner ACLB. Rear diff locker, Bilsteins, KO2's & skid plates, a few hundred pounds of sandbags over rear axle & it did better than you would think. No rock crawler but I don't do that anyway. Pulled out many Jeeps stuck in snow at the mountain house. This is w/o the Method wheels & KO2,s but with 2023 TRD takeoffs & Goodyear AT tires. My grandson in Texas has it now.