TRD Off-Road or TRD Sport?

I am considering purchasing a new Tacoma and I would love some insight from the group here. I am looking at the TRD Sport in a manual (I like the look of this truck better than the Off-road) and the TRD Off-road in an automatic. I like driving a stick, but I've been told that its better to have an auto for off-road use. I will not be doing any crazy rock crawling but I live in Utah and will definitely be off road a bunch. My wife also likes the idea of the Auto. My big question is this, Seems like the off-road has so much more than the sport as far as off-road capability. ATRAC, Crawl Control, Locking rear diff, etc. All of which you loose when you go manual. I would love to hear your two cents. Thanks in advance!

 

You don't lose ATRAC / Locking Rear Diff when you go M/T in the TRDOR. You lose crawl control (which is replaced by clutchless start) and MTS (which is replaced by ATRAC) with the M/T variant.

What kind of off-roading do you plan on doing? How experienced are you with a M/T vehicle?

Honestly, if your wife doesn't want a M/T, you should go with the A/T, because happy wife = happy life.

 

But if she can't drive it, she can't mess it up.

 

Sounds like a Sport 4x4 in automatic would do the job for you.

 

I am plenty experienced with manual transmissions, but have never owned a truck and done any serious off-roading. I've always had manuals. I feel more involved in the driving experience when I am shifting, but I'm sure off-road is a different experience. Thanks for the feedback!

 

Offroad, nuff said.

But really. I live in Utah as well and find the manual fine. IMHO, all the new fancy offload and terrain selection is garbage with the auto. You will never use terrain select 99% of the time with the traction control on, whats the point? As far as crawl control goes, the manual has is at well, it's just called atrac. (active traction control which only works under 3mph which is pretty much how crawl control works only the truck does everything for you, where is the fun in that)

Oh, you do not loose diff lock in a manual just FYI, nor Atrac...

 

I got a TRD Sport manual because I like the cosmetics of the sport better -- hood scoop, color painted wheel flares, color painted rear bumper (non tech package). I do minimal off roading and don't need a rear locker or any of the other fancy stuff. Basic 4x4 does me just fine! Also, the manual is the way to go. Good luck!

 

I'd go OR. Auto makes for a nicer and a more smooth off road experience. Although I do miss engine braking down hills, and I don't really care for the added maintenance and complexity of an AT. But all is well so far. My Taco is my first AT I've ever owned, in a truck I don't miss a MT. In a car, I'll take the MT all day.