is the TRD package worth it?

I just got the SR5, it rode smoother, cost less, and my off roading will be minimal.

 

When I bought my 2011 they were different. I cant say for the 12's.

 

According to Toyota.com, the "sport" seat is still exclusive to the TRD packages.

 

sr5 w/tow pkg... get the 3.73 gears and tranny cooler... then buy the lockers if ya need em... Atrac...can't comment as I don't have...The locker has saved the day more than a few times for me

 

I have a TRD Off Road Package and love it. It was well worth the extra few dollars. I don't dislike the standard SR5 package as I had a 97' Tacoma Access Cab that was just your bare bones 4x4 and I loved it too but I love the rear locker in this one, the fog lights and a few oth the extra goodies that come with it.

 

I was all set to buy a SR5, and it was enough for me, but I could not get over the seats..I did not like them. I then looked at a TRD offroad, and really loved the seats. I was able to really get an excellent deal on a TRD that was not really too much more than a SR5 and I went for it!

 

I went with the SR5 as I had already picked the lift kit out and didn't see any sense in buying a suspension I was going to take off. Yeah I got a LSD instead of a locker. I've been driving 4x4 since I could drive and haven't needed one yet so why get one now? I already knew I would be adding my own inverter in the cab for in cab power so no need for the stock one. I didn't want a JBL system to have to rip out cause stock radios suck. I will be adding a DVD head unit shortly and polk audio speakers and amp. SR5 was all I needed and I spend a lot of time in my truck. It's 5 months old and I already have 10000 miles on her. She will be setup nicely shortly.

 

Urban Dictionary
Mall Crawler : 1. A mall crawler is any truck or suv that's hella lifted and that's got like 33's. But the difference is not a spec of dirt can be found on it showing that it's not actually used for off road.

Minus the lift and 33's, my TRD Off-Road basically fits that description. Since it's new, I do tend to keep it fairly clean & polished. At the same time, I don't go off-road all that much (not once in this truck yet, but in previous vehicles). However, when I do, the 4x4 capabilities (with added winch, etc) are useful since I'm often towing a fishing boat or camper trailer in mud, snow, or similar.

 

Forget about the sticker. When new, my TRD was $700 net more than a non-TRD. No brainer for me.

 

SR5. I've taken my Jeep into some gnarly places, and it has a electric locker, I have maybe used it twice since I've had the Jeep. Lockers have their place, but if you are really good at 4 wheeling, you won't need one often. Not to mention the SR5 package is cheaper than TRD.

 

+1 .... If you are going to totally upgrade the suspension, then the TRD package is not worthwhile. If you are going to leave the suspension as is, then the TRD package is worthwhile.

The sport seats are definitely very nice though, probably the best seats I've ever had in a car or truck before. You have to look at the whole package..aside from suspension, what are the other features that currently separate the SR5 from TRD?

 

Getting either of the TRD packages for just the seats is worth it.

 

SR5 4X4 with LSD, been wheeling all over and never needed the locker. I just bought new seats and put my own system in and lifted it and still didn't spend the extra money it would have cost me for the OR package. But I knew I'd put new suspension in so it didn't seem worth it.

 

I couldn't see spending the extra $'s for the TRD, the SR5 was getting up there into stratospheric territory and my wife was steadily complaining the more $$$ I got into the truck.

I go into some very rough territory in Colorado and Utah, and if it proves to be a problem with the SR5 (which I doubt, seeings how the Gen I did just fine), I'll first add oversized Goodrich AT KO's to replace the stock Dunlops then go from there if necessary.

 

Please don't dislike me because I have been the info. guy here on the little known drive systems these truck have... I post info. to help, not hurt!



To the OP, get what you need or think you will use!

Don't buy 4WD if you won't ever leave the pavement or it never snows where you are.

If you are not into off road exploring, going solo into the boonies, and pushing your truck to its limits (as I do), then no need for a locking differential or Active Traction Control (which is very close to having locker traction on all 4 tires)... as only the 4WD Off Road Tacomas have those.

If you want a 'sport car' look, but need a pickup bed... then the Sport TRD Tacoma may be perfect for you... and it can be ordered in 2WD or 4WD, but there is no additional traction systems beyond what all other base or SR5 Tacomas have. All Tacomas have TRAC and AUTO LSD in 2WD and TRAC in 4WD-HI. Nothing in 4WD-LO, unless you perform the yellow wire mod.

 

What seats did you put in it?

 

I was dead set on getting an SR5 until I sat in a TRD seat. The temp/compass also sold me. I figured payments spread out over 4 years it wouldn't hurt. Better shocks and nicer wheels too, and i like the hood scoop.

 

Skewp!

X2

 

Sport seats. Required a bit of modification

 

Yeah the seat sold me and I wanted the long bed so I ended up with the sport. I'm happy!