Tacoma trim selection

[Mr.BS]

Hello all, first post so go easy on me.

I'm finally doing a purpose built overlander rig. I've decided on a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. But can't decide between a TRD Sport and a TRD Off Road. I'm going to be making some aftermarket changes anyway, and the prices are similar, so does it really matter? Or does the TRD Off Road really have that much more to offer over the TRD Sport?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[Mr.bones]

Hello
I just bought a 4Runner TRD PRO and was was kind of disappointed to find out the off-road package is basically the same and offers KDSS and it’s not available on the more expensive Pro version.I would say go with the off road in my opinion

 

[MidOH]

Do they both come with a rear elocker?

If so, all you need is a lunch box in the front, and you're fully locked.

 

[grubworm]

welcome, brian
good to have you as a member!

i bought the tundra sport and from what i got out of reading the sticker and talking with the sales rep, the off road package was basically just upgrading the shocks to bilsteins and a better a/t tire. stickers and decals are different, but i didnt see the value in the off-road package. i bought the sport and added a leveling kit and went up to a 275 tire.

the offroad and pro package both include a rear locker, so basically THAT is what you get for the extra money. i go off road a decent bit on trips and have yet to need the benefit of lockers. depends on what you are doing, but for the extra money, probably best to go with the sport package and spend the extra money on things that will be more useful. if you want the lockers and go with the off road package, you will get some of that extra money back at trade in...

 

[Mr.BS]

Do they both come with a rear elocker?

Only the Off Road has a rear locker. Other upgrades to the Off Road are shocks, and AT Tires.

 

[Dave in AZ]

If I was buying for offroad and overlanding, I absolutely would want a rear locker. IMO the rear locker is make or break for off road not getting stuck in sand, which I drive a lot.

Additionally, the OffRoad and the Tow package give you a 130A alternator, vs the standard 90A on Tacoma... 90A is not enough to make use of a dcdc alternator charger for charging a powerstation or house battery, which you for sure want! Check what alternator the sport comes with.

Lastly, the Tacoma is TERRIBLE for payload! Super weak. I think the offroad has more than the sport, like 1150 lbs vs 970. Check that.

Each of those 3 items would force me to the offroad. I'm not 100% sure if sport has them or not, but if not, bail on the sport.

 

[MidOH]

Only the Off Road has a rear locker. Other upgrades to the Off Road are shocks, and AT Tires.

Cool.

OP, you have to get the rear locker. Huge money saving feature, when it's included.

 

[ZombieCat]

I’m interested to follow this discussion, as I’m considering adding a Tacoma to my stable this year. I’d like to hear what some of the current Taco owners think of their models and, with their current experience, would they have made a different decision?
According to the Toyota website comparing the 2024 TRD Off Road (double cab, 5 ft bed) and TRD Pro (also double cab, 5 ft bed):
Pro: Max payload 1680 lbs, max towing 6000 lbs, base curb weight 5100 lbs, 326 hp @ 6000 rpm and slightly better gas mileage than the Off Road
Off Road: Max payload 1610 lbs, towing 6300 lbs, base curb weight 4630 lbs, 278 hp @ 6000 rpm

There are some other differences, but for the 2024 models, the short bed Off Road and Pro are similar. However, there are various trim options that may change the suspension, bumper and recovery points. I’d likely upgrade the suspension with a modest lift and change the tires, similar to what I did with my 4Runner. I’m also considering a topper or locking bed cover.

Edit: I fully agree with @Dave in AZ - get the locking rear differential! When you need it, you’ll thank yourself!

 

[Dave in AZ]

I’m interested to follow this discussion, as I’m considering adding a Tacoma to my stable this year. I’d like to hear what some of the current Taco owners think of their models and, with their current experience, would they have made a different decision?
According to the Toyota website comparing the 2024 TRD Off Road (double cab, 5 ft bed) and TRD Pro (also double cab, 5 ft bed):
Pro: Max payload 1680 lbs, max towing 6000 lbs, base curb weight 5100 lbs, 326 hp @ 6000 rpm and slightly better gas mileage than the Off Road
Off Road: Max payload 1610 lbs, towing 6300 lbs, base curb weight 4630 lbs, 278 hp @ 6000 rpm

There are some other differences, but for the 2024 models, the short bed Off Road and Pro are similar. However, there are various trim options that may change the suspension, bumper and recovery points. I’d likely upgrade the suspension with a modest lift and change the tires, similar to what I did with my 4Runner. I’m also considering a topper or locking bed cover.

Edit: I fully agree with @Dave in AZ - get the locking rear differential! When you need it, you’ll thank yourself!

Don't believe those 1600 lb payloads!!! All the web shows that, but it's like one stripped down model only. If you walk around the lot and actually look at REAL DOOR STICKERS SHOWING REAL PAYLOAD, you'll see 1100 to 1250 lbs!! This is realllllly skosh for overlanding. My 21 Tacoma is 1105 lbs delivered, after a Tune camper, my wife and I, I have like 300 lbs for everything else! Gear, camping gear, fiod, water, fridge... it is not enough. Barely really.

I read all the time that the 24 has more payload, but have never seen a real picture of a payload door sticker proving it, and the 10 I saw on the lot were all 1250 lbs or less.

 

[Mr.BS]

@ZombieCat and everyone else. I appreciate all the feedback, thank you!

Some more info and update: so I came to the Toyota Tacoma after a lot of thought and comparison. I just think it both fits my needs and style. My personal preference is to go with the TRD Off Road trim, however the conundrum is I fell in love with the color "solar octane" (pictured). Solar Octane is not avaliable on 2025's, and the only Solar Octane Tacoma at my local dealership is a TRD Sport. So if I can't custom order one, that's all that's available to me.

The full build that I'm looking for:
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road in Solar Octane, double cab with 6ft. bed and 4-Wheel drive with automatic transmission.