Possible Buyer

This. With the exception of the differential (limited slip in the Sport vs locking rear in the OR), the Sports package is primarily an appearance package. I went with the OR primarily bc, for basically the same price as the Sport, I felt like I was getting functional features instead of aesthetic features. But definitely test drive both. I loved the look of the hood scoop from the exterior, but didn’t like how it obstructed the view from the interior.

 

I hear you. And sheesh at least you had some color in your life! I'm too dang bland.

 

After it got t-boned I had to settle on either getting a black sport for a good Black Friday price, or get a limited for about 10 grand more than I was willing to pay in a silly color that I didn't want.

 

If I did NEED (okay want) the manual transmission, V6 and the double cap, I would've saved the money and be in a 4x4 SR. If MT and v6, then you need to look at Sport, OR, or Pro. Since Pro is worthless or worth the money, boink Sport or OR.

 

Ew.

 

The SR has not had a manual option in 3 years. And the SR5 offers V6 4x4 usually for cheaper than the sport and off-road.

 

Anything you put snow tires on will do just fine in the snow.

 

I got the OR because I liked how it drove better than the sport, and I didn't really like the fake hood scoop - and the price was identical. I have only used crawl control once to see how it worked, but figured the resale wouldn't hurt me. They didn't have an SR5 in stock the day I test drove so... Go drive them, as has been suggested before.

 

I didn’t read the other posts, so if it’s been said sorry.

the sport is a very capable truck but probably rides better on the road, the Off-road is the better bang for your buck but most that push them hard change suspension.

you would be fine with a base model 4x4

 

Thanks guys for all the input did not expect this much help! I am going to test drive some Tacomas this week on vacation, the SR5 with the 4x4 package is looking really good. Like I said I do not do much offroading besides when I am launching a boat or camping. It is nice to have a 4x4 when you need it. The SR5 is also not as expensive as a TRD sport.

 

Based on what you said you need a Honda Ridgeline could do the job. Do you want a Ridgeline? Probably not. I'd recomend a SR or SR5 4x4.

 

^^ that definitely sounds like your best bet and what I would likely do if I were to buy again. You can always upgrade the suspension at some point later, but chnces are you won't need or want to. (this was in reply to the OP post, not the post about the Ridgeline)

 

I have a DC Sport with Manual Transmission. Daily driver, winter snow and ice on frozen lakes. minimum maintenance roads “worse than gravel”. Sport is great. If you’re truly going to off-road get the OR.
Softer shocks=smoother ride off road.
Marginally better stock Off road tires.
Locking rear differential.
Mine had exactly every option I wanted
Double cab, leather seat “dog hair”, manual trans, side steps, tonneau, mud flaps, nav. Rear bed step for kids. Towing, etc. get what you want/need.
Then fewer regrets.

 

As nice as the Sport is inside and out...sometimes wish I went SR5 4x4 and saved some change.

 

Set down with the specs and figure out what you definitely want. You may find that things you'd want to option with the SR5 come as part of the base Sport package. Unless you do a bunch of back country going up to the Off-Road package has you spending on a bunch of things you'll never use. The Sport has a limited-slip rear end vs. the locker for the off-road so you still get some extra traction capability. You can now navigate with the app in your phone and mirror it in the info-center so there's no need for that option that you'll have to upgrade every couple of years.

 

BUY THE 2021 SR 4X4!! It comes standard with a lot of the tech that the 2020 didn’t have. The 2021 SR has Toyota Safety Sense, a 7” touch screen with apple car play and wifi option, remote keyless entry and you can get one for about $30k. And btw, it rides amazing on those bottom shelf Hitachi shocks.

I ordered one after driving a TRD Off-road for nearly a decade. Save the money and use it for upgrades later on. The Sport and OR ride identical, you won’t be able to tell the difference. The Sport’s hood scoop is non functional. The OR’s crawl control is a nice gimmick that you’ll never use (someone prove me wrong). The e-locker however is excellent but you can easily add one to an SR down the road when you inevitably lift and regear it as half this forum does....with the SR you won’t pay an extra $8-$10k for parts you’ll be trying to sell on eBay for $200.

The TRD “Pro” is an Off-road with non-adjustable Fox shocks added for an extra $10k; shocks that you can purchase for $1500 any where and easily put on yourself with 2-3 hours of labor.

 

For me the whole point of 4WD is to save some change on winter tires.

That said I run KO2s so better than stock but dedicated winters are a pain to buy, store and change out every year. Pass

 

Both trucks have brake actuated simulated Limited Slip, the OR gets the Locker in addition.

 

The sport and off-road absolutely do not ride the same. The off-road also has several other tech features that are not available on the sport, such as an inclinometer. doesn't sound like OP would benefit from paying for any of that, but get your facts straight before throwing up in here.

 

Used to be the base price on the Sport and the OR were pretty close. The base starting point on the 2021 OR now carries a $1255 premium over the Sport. So you are paying for the locker and crawl control features. If you don't think you need those features the Sport is a great truck that is very capable off road and handles better (IMO) on payment. Now why a Sport over an SR5 w/4wd? Check the specs and features. There are some differences other than the scoop, but more importantly the Sport and OR's seem to hold value better than the lower models. When I bought my first Tacoma a 2018 Sport I went back and forth on that model vs the SR5. Went with the Sport and when I traded it in on my current 2019 OR, I got near the price I paid for it on the trade-in. Of course I did this transaction during the December blitz when Toyota dealers are very motivated to move inventory and used Tacomas where in sort supply. I still believe the higher trim models are a better overall value... well except the Pro which is crazy expensive. Best of luck in your shopping.