Why do they make TRD OR’s in RWD?

This question never gets old. Simply put, two wheel drive fits my usage, and many others whether they admit it or not, so it was just a matter of selecting the trim level I liked/valued the most.

After having a TRD Sport, I opted for a TRD Off Road because I preferred the more aggressive appearance (black fender flares, tires) and more comfortable ride with the Bilstein shocks. A quick point about the TRD Sport, the hood scoop wasn’t functional and obstructed my view while driving.

I primarily use my Tacoma TRD Off Road two wheel drive as a commuter/passenger vehicle. The truck bed is mostly filled with sporting, outdoor equipment during my son’s baseball season, which is nearly eight months per year. Occasionally, I haul large items in the truck bed. I have a utility trailer for use as well.

I’ve never gone off-roading and don’t have any intentions of doing so, especially considering I live in a relatively flat area. In case of an unforeseen situation, the rear locker on the two wheel drive is a bonus feature.

TRD Off Road is a trim level and purchase of it doesn’t mean an owner will go off-roading. Since it’s only a trim, Toyota offers the Off Road in two wheel drive and four wheel drive. Ford has opted to do the same with its Ranger FX trim, an equivalent to the Off Road trim. There is a market for two wheel drive, always has been and will likely always be.

 

I did a large group trail run through Arizona last summer, and one of the guys had a 2WD. The only thing close to possibly getting stuck were sandy river beds. He does have better mpg than the rest of us, and we could also give him a tug if he needed it (which he never did). Plus, a friend with front locking hubs on a Jeep, he usually drives around off-road in rear wheel drive.

 

As I’ve said many times, trim packages are just marketing. 4x4 vs 4x2 is the big decision. After that, it’s just features and aesthetics.

 

A lot of people buy them as a precaution in case it’s needed due to weather etc. They aren’t posers because of it. A four wheel drive vehicle is one of the most practical add ons you can buy dude.

Very different than buying an off road badged version of a truck that is 2wd.

 

I'm getting triggered guys, been waiting to get my truck in 4WD... Haven't had a weekend to cut loose since the Summer!

 

Haha, that made my day!
That was probably the one time it bothered him!

 

A optioned out SR5 isn’t as nice as a minimally optioned out TRD OR... pretty simple guys.

 

Where I live, you don’t need 4wd unless you purposely seek out 4wd trails.

 

They used to make 2 wheel drive Jeep Wrangler's too, not sure if they still do today though.

 

Bro opinion alert! ^^^^

I’ve seen people wheel things in the stock tires that would have you begging for mercy. Just saying. This opinion is rife on TW, but isn’t based on experience. It just looks good in writing.

“OEM tires are garbage.....get some Thornbirds.....blah blah blah”

No offence.

 

Dude, I bought the truck for work. I do civil construction, so I drive over terrain that hasnt been established. I dont "crawl" recreationally, only for work. Yeah the stock tires constantly got me stuck and I'd have to get pulled out by a bulldozer. The mud terrains I have now are way better for off road. Bro.

 

No question an MT is better in mud. Snow tires are better in snow too.

 

Yup.
Toyota sales makes no bones about it around here. The stock tires are for appearance and quieter/smoother ride then most AT tires. They all seem to agree. Buyers of most Tacos, especially the OR, end up changing over tires regardless.

 

I think that’s the same in many areas. Ground clearance is always good, 4 wd often unnecessary. That’s why the Pre runner before and stock Tacos now are all setup with raised suspension. Even in the city, you're going* to want to crawl over the occasional curb.

 

Exactly. There’s a little “ survivalist” in everyone.

 

In a world of Keynesian nightmare economics, I have alas found another fan of the Mises Institute.

 

True for many as well, but then those people probably really don’t need a locking differential either. The issue isn’t the universal justification for 4WD as much as an “off road” package offered in 4x2.

A 4x4 SR5 is a better off roading vehicle than a 4x2 OR. Hence the irony.

 

It’s just a package name. It’s not like the SR5 comes in a 5 speed manual. Even the guys with a pro wouldn’t do something like the Baja 1000 with a stock truck.

 

Hmmmm,

 

So how is that an opinion,like you stated? If I bought the truck to off road, I need it to be good off the road. Not after modifications.