Why isn’t the 4th Gen TRD Sport selling well?

I noticed that my local Toyota dealer has several sports not selling well and I see that there is a lease deal on them.

 

Friday was yesterday.

 

You comments are welcome but, you still didn’t answer the question.

 

Cash incentives and subsidized interest rates were normal before the world went bat-eating crazy in 2020.

According to sales data, TRD Sport accounts for 27% of 4th gen sales, more popular than TRD OR at 23%:

 

Not sure how Toy allocates. If the dealer can order what they want or if Toy just send them. Talking about lot cars. A lot has changed in that area.

 

I originally wanted the sport. I drove one and it was a horrendously choppy ride plus the engine sounded like a box of rocks. I was also not very impressed with the performance. I then test drove two SR5's. They both had a smoother ride and the engine was quieter and ran smoother. I did like the performance of those. I believe the sport has a stiffer suspension so that explains one thing. But I have no idea why the engines sounded and felt differently. But maybe the suspension alone is why they may not be selling well if that is true. Maybe some buyers got turned away to another trim like me.

 

Sport was the first trim level to hit dealer lots when the 4th gen launched. I think the majority of consumers buy Tacoma's for their off road capabilities and would prefer one of the other trims (trail hunter, off road, prerunner, pro).

 

sports always had a metrosexual vibe to it

 

Toyota sends them cars according to past sales history.

 

It’s worth noting that many other makes/models are up there in days supply.

https://caredge.com/guides/new-car-inventory-2025

 

The 4G is a bit aggressive when it comes to looks and the price has increased significantly. Those are two things any new Tacoma buyer is going to have to accept. I see a lot of Limited trucks listed when browsing those look more plentiful than the Sports. I don't want a double cab so the Sport sits on the lot in place of the Xtracab I would buy. Toyota must have more Sport trims available if they are offering incentives. Toyota is discounting Tundras and Tacomas because Toyota set the price to high to begin with. I know it's the norm but $70k for a half ton with leather is bonkers.

 

Those lease deals are just a way to get you in there. Nobody in their right mind would put $4K down on something you're essentially renting. Even the dealer said don't put money down on a lease. I went through that whole rigamarole on mine on the leasing process.

 

^Why? Down payment on a lease just reduces your monthly payment during the lease. The residual ($33k as advertised) remains the same.

 

If your truck is totaled 1 month after leasing you’re out the cap cost reduction versus just minimum due at signing.

 

I know it was only like a $100 difference on mine so it was better for me to just leave it in the bank.

Be sure NOT to follow me for financial advice

 

"Cap cost reduction" you talking business expense for tax purposes?

If you got gap coverage I don't see why it would work out differently; with a large down payment you'd have less owing on the lease.

 

That's actually a good point, hadn't thought of that.

 

$350 vs. $450 a month would be an appreciable difference.

 

I drove both a hybrid sport and hybrid off road when I test drove a Gen 4….if/when I upgrade it’s going to be an off road even though I have a Gen3 sport.

I have to agree with the poster above, the new sport has a much harsher ride than the off road. The off road felt like what the truck should ride like. Not harsh and not overly bouncy, very composed going down the road.

That and the scoop and the hood bouncing around every decent bump in the road. The dealer had a few speed bumps leaving the drive and that thing was all over the place. Looks cheap for the 55k sticker truck I was sitting in.