Sponsored

TRD Sport vs Off Road? What are the actual true differences?

MustardTiger

Active member
Joined
Nov 13, 2024
Threads
2
Messages
35
Reaction score
13
Location
Canada
Vehicle(s)
Tundra/Ford/GMC
Just watched a good video that reviewed a super nice TRD Sport that's been up-fitted for off roading:
TrailRecon

This got me thinking - what are the actual physical differences between the two trims, especially considering the price between the two is very close (at least it is for me in Canada...at only $200).

Some things are obvious: hood scoop, wheel/tire size, fender flare paint/no paint, shocks, etc. It would seem like the TRD Off Road has more content within, particularly when looking at specs, but it really only seems like it's different shocks/rear locker/electronic aids.

Some things maybe not obvious: suspension components? CV axles?

Anyways, just curious what others think between these two trims.
Sponsored

 

Sner

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2024
Threads
4
Messages
296
Reaction score
313
Location
Canada
Vehicle(s)
2017 RX350, 1999 Miata, 2011 Accord, 2024 Tacoma
Just watched a good video that reviewed a super nice TRD Sport that's been up-fitted for off roading:
TrailRecon

This got me thinking - what are the actual physical differences between the two trims, especially considering the price between the two is very close (at least it is for me in Canada...at only $200).

Some things are obvious: hood scoop, wheel/tire size, fender flare paint/no paint, shocks, etc. It would seem like the TRD Off Road has more content within, particularly when looking at specs, but it really only seems like it's different shocks/rear locker/electronic aids.

Some things maybe not obvious: suspension components? CV axles?

Anyways, just curious what others think between these two trims.
Pretty sure none of these features come on the sport - in addition to what you already mentioned

Multi train select
Downhill Assist
Crawl control
Multi Terrain Monitor
 

UPTooShort

New member
First Name
Paul
Joined
Nov 24, 2024
Threads
0
Messages
4
Reaction score
7
Location
Wisconsin
Vehicle(s)
2024 Tacoma TRD OR
I think it’s suspension tuning as well. I always go with the Off Road model for the rear dif locker since that’s the one item you can’t easily add to a sport.
I agree. Drive both of them. Stiffer suspension on the sport which you can feel on a test drive. I know the dealer will want to keep you on smooth roads, but take it onto a shitty road.
 

Airborne

Well-known member
First Name
David
Joined
Jul 9, 2024
Threads
11
Messages
136
Reaction score
136
Location
Upstate,NewYork
Vehicle(s)
2014 4runner
This is kind of confusing, all points above acurate, the scoop gives nice look but its non function, looks kind of cool.
The way it was broken down to me is…the sport rides stiffer, offroad has suspention for better overall ride, ?? Besides the fact of the addional transmission features, locker
My thoughts are you get more bang for the buck , for $ 200 more over the sport…..both are great trucks, they both look cool and Both great function, …..i may add my 4 runner has the KDSS System and it is night and day how a 4 runner handles, no body roll, and handles very well in turns …
Good luck, looking forward to seeing the truck you decide on.
 

Sponsored

OP
OP

MustardTiger

Active member
Joined
Nov 13, 2024
Threads
2
Messages
35
Reaction score
13
Location
Canada
Vehicle(s)
Tundra/Ford/GMC
Pretty sure none of these features come on the sport - in addition to what you already mentioned

Multi train select
Downhill Assist
Crawl control
Multi Terrain Monitor
Aren't these features just electronic manipulation of the ABS pump and ECM?
 

Sner

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2024
Threads
4
Messages
296
Reaction score
313
Location
Canada
Vehicle(s)
2017 RX350, 1999 Miata, 2011 Accord, 2024 Tacoma
Aren't these features just electronic manipulation of the ABS pump and ECM?
So fine, those electronic manipulation features of the ABS pump and ECM are not available on the Sport.
 

JakeJoeBob

Well-known member
First Name
Jake
Joined
May 15, 2023
Threads
3
Messages
49
Reaction score
63
Vehicle(s)
24' TRD Offroad
One thing I can think of is the Offroad comes with an additional crossmember that the Pro and TH get "for increased strength and damage resistance" but is mainly releavnt becasue it lets you bolt on a TRD Pro or Trailhunter Skid Plate.
 

bking

Well-known member
First Name
Bernie
Joined
Nov 8, 2023
Threads
21
Messages
396
Reaction score
508
Location
Ohio
Vehicle(s)
2021 F150
I had the same quandary. In my research, I did find the the OffRoad typically had a little better resale. The locker also makes a huge difference. You can always swap the hood on an offroad, but you cannot add the locker. I actually plan on doing that next year. As far as the suspension goes, well it's just what it sounds like. The sport is stiffer. If you are getting a pavement princess and drive windy roads, it may be the truck for you. I personally think the tires on the truck are even more worthless than the tires on the Offroad unless you live in a good climate. For the money, I couldn't justify passing on the OR. I do drive offroad through so it was more of a no brainer for me.
2024 Tacoma TRD Sport vs Off Road?  What are the actual true differences? IMG_1319
 

Sponsored

EastonTaco

Active member
First Name
Chris
Joined
Nov 9, 2024
Threads
5
Messages
26
Reaction score
43
Location
Venice FL
Vehicle(s)
2024 Tacoma TRD Sport
When I purchased my Gen 3 in Jan 2021 the Sport had better highway features like lane departure and the OR likewise had the better trail features. I think sort of the same for Gen 4 which led me to a Sport again. I think you need to look at the 90% of driving you do. For me I need 4WD for weather and some very light fire road travel but I don’t off road so the Sport was right for me. If I did even a little serious off roading then I would go with the OR. Like on my Gen 3, I removed the air dam and added a moderate level skid plate to protect from road debris and stones, but EastonTaco pretty much stays on the roadway and gets me to and from the ski slopes.
 

wire4money

Member
First Name
Tim
Joined
Nov 24, 2024
Threads
0
Messages
8
Reaction score
6
Location
Las Vegas
Vehicle(s)
2024 Ice Cap SR5
When I purchased my Gen 3 in Jan 2021 the Sport had better highway features like lane departure and the OR likewise had the better trail features. I think sort of the same for Gen 4 which led me to a Sport again. I think you need to look at the 90% of driving you do. For me I need 4WD for weather and some very light fire road travel but I don’t off road so the Sport was right for me. If I did even a little serious off roading then I would go with the OR. Like on my Gen 3, I removed the air dam and added a moderate level skid plate to protect from road debris and stones, but EastonTaco pretty much stays on the roadway and gets me to and from the ski slopes.
The off road had all the same Toyota Safety Sense the sport had. Sport was appearance package.
 
OP
OP

MustardTiger

Active member
Joined
Nov 13, 2024
Threads
2
Messages
35
Reaction score
13
Location
Canada
Vehicle(s)
Tundra/Ford/GMC
@bking is it true that the locking rear diff is only available in 4-lo? I'm used to the GM automatic clutch based G80 or Fords electronic switch that can be activated any time needed (deactivates over 25mph). Even my old Tundra has Auto LSD...which albeit electronic and you have to push the button...it works quite well. I wonder if all Tacoma models have at least Auto LSD?
 
 



Top