Tacoma more fun to drive?

So I test drove a bunch of Toyota vehicles today, including a SR5 4runner, Limited 4runner, and a Limited Highlander, to better fit 2 carseats.

I gotta say, they were pretty underwhelming - I much, much prefer my pickup (2014 TRD Sport) over any of those. Sure they had more room, but they didn't drive well or handle well at all? The interiors weren't particularly impressive for a $40k vehicle. What gives?

One of the dealer salesfolks was saying I should look into a TRD Offroad Premium? Anyone have any thoughts?

 

I think the interior of my 19 T4R ORP is much better than my 08 Taco Sport was. Handling wise, for a 3 ton brick, it's not horrible. If I lift it the same as the Taco, it should get better. What I really wish I could have is the 6spd manual the Taco had.

 

"fun to drive" is questionable for any body-on-frame beast. If you want a nice interior that's a blast to drive, the M3 is what you want.

That said, I like the handling of the sport. It sacrifices any decent dampening, but in exchange you get significantly less body roll. The TRD off-road does the exact opposite. Takes a hit like a champ but at the cost of cornering like crap. It can't hurt to test it, you might be surprised, but I bet it isn't what you're looking for.

Hate to say it, but your perfect ride might be something non-toyota.

 

I love my truck, but those new 4 Runner Pros sure are nice. I haven’t driven one, just see them around.

 

Always enjoyed driving my tacos, once I got used to driving the Outback more truck like (6 speed manual), I found that I also enjoyed the handling of the car for a grocery getter. We had VWs prior to the Subaru.

 

If he’s trying to sell you a TRD off-road you should ask him for an off-road test drive

 

I've heard an Offroad with KDSS has less body roll.

 

test drive a sport/and off road and a trd Pro. They all handle different

 

I haven't driven one of those. I'd wager you're probably right.

 

Tacoma is the only toyota i would buy. I wouldn't call it more fun... Unless you are currently walking

 

Salesfold said buy or premium only because he didn't have a pro to sell you. Buy what you need, not what they want to sell

 

I am a Die hard Taco guy but I have to say my 2014 SR5 4runner interior is light years ahead of the 2nd gen taco the two are not even close in any way other than the steering wheel... The 4runner is a ton quieter and just all around a lot better it's my one real complaint that I am working on in my Baja to be honest I think my 1st gen Taco still is better than my 2nd gen in the interior department... I always's thought Toyota dropped the ball on this interior until I drove the new ford ranger lol.. I am sure your sport rides better than a stock SR5 4runner since it's super soft from the factory but if you mod your trucks who really cares! My two turds below Neither are stock but I prefer the 4runner for long hauls until I finish building out the Baja... Just my worthless .02

 

I completely agree. I've drove my friends 2014 sr5 4runner a few times. The interior is substantially better IMO, it also rides much quieter than mine rode even stock. The ride is also much more comfy than my truck ever was in stock form. None of this is really surprising though since its an SUV with coils on all 4 corners.