Sedan was totaled. Should I get an SR5 and mod it or get an Off-Road?

Hi Folks I apologize for how vague this is but currently looking to own my first Tacoma. My sedan was just totaled so no better time haha!

As I’ve been combing through all the info I can I’m completely lost on what’s actually worth paying for and what’s not between the trims or even years, although I’m looking for a 2018+.

My plan is for it to be about 75% regular daily driving with some light off-roading. Stuff such as trails, beach driving, and snow as I live in the north east.

Interior features don’t matter a ton to me as I know I’m buying a truck and not a luxury sedan. Any input on if the OR is worth the extra or if buying the SR5 saving some money and then moding it myself is worth it.

Any and all info is greatly appreciated and can’t wait to buy one!

 

The biggest deal is the you get an upgraded electric brake booster on the OR for locker-like wheeling. And also, an actual rear locker.

The SR5 is more than capable off road, but there are up sides to the ORs.

Lots of goofed up terms used and a bad test method, but a good demo of the SR5 capabilities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXYFxXUcdYA

 

Living here in connecticut, imo, i'd be looking for a 2020, or newer....especially new. Used truck prices are insane right now. Hopefully you'll have less gremlins that pop up, plus you'll have a newer year truck worth more down the road. All i can claim is, i've always owned sr5 toyota's. My days of any serious off road work have long past. That being said my 2020 sr5 v6 is still a very capable 4x4 thats been able to serve me well. It also has been a totally problem free truck so far. Whatever you choose, good luck on it.

 

I know you state you are looking for a 2018+, but this PDF was helpful when I was shopping for my 2016. Safety features have been added, changes to packages and there was no Pro in 2016 but hopefully this will help decide what you want in a Tacoma.

http://www.tfltruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2016-toyota-Tacoma-Technical-specs.pdf

 

IMO unless you plan on taking your stock truck into extreme off roading, the SR5 4x4 is more than enough for 99% of people. You said you are into trails, beach driving, and snow in the northeast and that doesn't sound like anything extreme to me. Get the SR5, save some money, make the upgrades you need down the road if it doesn't perform as well as you want. A SR5 4x4 with all-terrain tires would be hard to get stuck anywhere, unless you are doing stupid things.

 

General Input 7

 

An SR5 4X4 is more than capable for your needs.
The price difference on a 2022 SR5 vs OR (V6/Auto 4X4) is about $2,000. So a used OR will sell at a premium (all things being equal).
That said, I don't think you can go wrong with an OffRoad.

 

Today? Right NOW? I’d have a 2wd Nissan Frontier KC sitting in my driveway, tonight so f’n fast

 

SR (not SR5) Access Cab with utility package.

Thank me later.

 

Honda Ridgeline

 

Best looking midsize right there. I saw a 2nd gen with a cap for the first time the other day, almost looked like a compact Ram 1500. If you want a truck to drive at stock ride height, Ridgeline is it.

 

You'd be happy with either truck. Will most likely end up driving it all the time. I love having the locker available but I'm mostly in the wilds with mine. The traction control stuff on them now works well. My Tacomas are older ones, have newer Tundra so I do understand the traction stuff.

 

Things a beaut

 

Lol
Lets be real, from his uses SR5 would be more than enough, but we'll see a new thread complaining about mpg, "ride quality" or "creature features" being too much like a truck.

Keeping everything stock and being on pavement for the amount he will be with those trails, Ridgeline is targeted towards him.

 

Appreciate all the help folks, first forum I’ve posted in where a basic question like this wasn’t shit on haha. Looking like the SR5 will be it

 

Tacoma SR5 would be perfect. The new Nissan Frontier is acceptable. If you buy a POS Ridgeline you should never return to TacomaWorld

 

I have a SR5 and it has been great! I’m surprised at the things it can do without the locker.

 

Locker with ATRAC is really nice. You don't need all that for what you plan, but it has gotten me out of all but one dumbfuck situation. Now I have a winch, and I will probably test my dumbfuckery at some point soon with it, too. Get it before you need it!

 

I got everywhere I needed to go in my 06 SR5. Like all the older trucks I had before it, it didn't even have traction control let alone a locker. Current truck has traction control and a locker, and it all works great. Thing is, the trails here that absolutely require a locker will have the body panels resembling a raisin with the slightest of line mistakes.