I Off-Road Every Version Of The New Toyota Tacoma | The One You Should Buy Is NOT What You Think!

[@mkstevenson.]

Next time, start with a base SR and then go up from there for the FULL range. My homely 2021 SR was $20K less than TRD Pro new and has been through Moab, CO and WY, no problem. 👍

[@benanderson569]

My SR 4x4 is great! I totally agree.

[@cwds70]

I Agree SR-5 is all truck with no fluff...Less is really More...

[@mittiejackson8421]

My 1980 Toyota pickup has made it all the way thru.😂😂 No problems.

[@mittiejackson8421]

@@benanderson569 the SR 4 X4 is a nice truck, and all people need.

[@stufoo]

Driver mod is the most important

[@flyingburrito6579]

For a 90 year old man , tommy has too much fun! 😂

[@bekabeka71]

Why 😂😂😂😂

[@jefftenhave8038]

As per the locker comment.. the difference is the Bronco Locker system (exactly the same Dana/Spicer locker as the Rubicon BTW) does not confirm engagement, it only tells you that you have in fact only turned the locker on.. The Toyota Locker system on the other hand is like the Wrangler Rubicon where it actually confirms that the locker is in fact engaged before the light appears solid..

[@henryalvitre6287]

I’ve had my trail Tacoma for 4 months now and wow. The rims are sweet & a rear locker is so clutch. No complaints from me

[@aldo90731]

With regards to Bronco’s “instant” locker: I keep hearing that when you “engage” the lockers on Bronco, the light comes on immediately, but that doesn’t mean the lockers have engaged. Apparently Jeep and Bronco use the exact same supplier; Ford simply chose for the locker light to come on regardless of the lockers having engaged or not. Toyota and Jeep, on the other hand, choose to let the driver know when the locker engaged by lighting up only after it does.

[@TFLclassics]

I thought that at first too but after playing with it when the light is on the Lockers is on, I’ve played with it on super articulated areas and it’s the best in the business

[@DougVandegrift]

I can confirm after driving it off-road that the bronco engages its lockers almost instantly.

[@codyschmid6807]

Video after video shows the lockers are engaged as quickly as the light comes on. It's clear when you see the wheels go from slipping to no slipping when the buttons are pushed. Whoever is saying that is probably a hater 😂

[@stephenlove8067]

One benefit to the decals is you can more easily remove them over stampings. My dad had the dealership remove the giant 4x4 and z71 decals off our truck before it even left the dealership. Just a thought for those who prefer a cleaner/unassuming look.

[@honda116969]

I think the stickers look 🆒 myself but to each their own and that's cool the dealership took those off 4 your dad 👍👍

[@bambikiller338]

I have a TrD off road in manual and I can tell you I use the sunglasses holder a lot more than the automatic folks will use their crawl control. 👍🏻.

[@Offshore1977]

Agreed. I would prefer to have the sun glass holder over the crawl control. They should have placed it else wear.

[@borisscepanovic1684]

Is any kind of clutch adjustment needed if one wants to take it off road?

[@VanderJam]

Lol. Sure you do. TRD OFF Road owner here. Always struggling to store glasses in my truck.

[@bambikiller338]

@@borisscepanovic1684 no its a hydrolic clutch so its self adjusting.

[@borisscepanovic1684]

@@bambikiller338 O.K.Thanks.

[@kevinblock2307]

Hahahahaha ignore the CRV in the background..that was funny. Great review Tommy

[@andyham6094]

I feel like this new trail package is gonna be a top seller. Sr5 yet with the locker with lifted suspension and bronze wheels?!? Hell yeah!!

[@timlong1462]

Definitely, and 5-10k Will buy you some serious aftermarket suspension upgrades if you want to go that route. You could make something way better than the TRD pro for that money, assuming you can do your own labor.

[@jps226]

Yeah that bed is a dealbreaker for me though. Maybe if I had the room to store those boxes, but the double cab short bed is already pretty small...

[@kevinjust6740]

Don't be fooled, I just did a build your own tacoma on the toyota website and the 4x4 double cab SR5 with the trail package is about 1000 to 2000 more than the TRD off road, check it out yourself.

[@Aerospacer77]

​@@jps226bed storage boxes are removable

[@Offshore1977]

I love the 3rd gen Tacoma seating position. I’ll take ground clearance any day. I find to make the rear locker lock easier is to actually turn as it is trying to engage. It will make the rear tires turn at different speeds which will help engage to lock pin.

[@mrvwbug4423]

That is common to most electric actuated lockers. Jeep lockers are the same, though sometimes you have to saw at the wheel a tad to get a Jeep locker to disengage.

[@Kana0211]

My locker on the fj qould keep blinking even when engaged and a couple weeks later the locker called it wuits and now it doesn't work. Lol

[@mikegilmer9990]

I’m 6.3 and haven’t had any problems with the sitting position but when I got my first Tacoma in 2004 it was uncomfortable for a couple of weeks until I became accustomed to the seats mainly my right leg thank god for cruise control.

[@ThatsWhatSheSaid75]

Hey Tommy - you mentioned how a manual really transforms the Tacoma. I'd love to see a video where you compare the automatic to the manual in multiple off-road scenarios. Keep up the great work!

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

Since the pros finally started showing up here I’ve compared them all side by side. Best truck option after driving them all is the pro with a manual transmission if you can handle rowing the gears on a trail. The extra 2” height and better shocks make a noticeable difference and the pro just looks cool.

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

If I were going to mod one though, the offroad premium is the way to go, although no manual option anymore. :( the leather and power seat makes a big comfort difference on longer trips.

[@user-tb5ns7hc5i]

Bottom line though - they are all super capable if they have the rear locker option, a lift, and a good set of offroad tires… if you’re a skilled driver, all of these trucks will go places the competition’s cannot, even in 2wd.

[@cosmotraumatika7474]

Great advice on the TRD Off-Road. I bought a 2021 Off-Road and put the $10k I saved into a 3-2 lift, RCI Metalworks sliders, full underbody armor, tires, bedrack, bed stiffeners, and rooftop tent. Pretty sure it outdoes the Pro now.

[@mengzilla6496]

you can get the SR5 4x4 and do your same upgrade :)

[@austinstrickland5850]

Idk how you got all that for 10k but Good job. I’m building out my wife’s 4Runner right now and 10k only got us suspension, wheels, tires, and sliders. And on my 17 Tacoma TRD off-road 10k got me a full midtravel fox racing suspension kit, front skid, sliders, and the labor to install because I’m military and not home to put it on. (Also way to impatient to do it when I get home 😂)

[@jps226]

Did you get the auto or manual? I'm looking at 2022's and love manuals but was going auto since it's my first off-road vehicle. Is auto really that bad?

[@RetirementGoals1]

I really like the SR5 with the Trail package. Smart money purchase. One question, how were you able to go off-road without front red tow hooks? Lol

[@C.Lopez-SWFL-Off-Road-Trucks]

But the Sr5 is the same $ for the off Road

[@Fakingittilimakeit]

2 things make the upgrade worth it: bigger axle, rear lockers

[@AlexKalicinski]

@@C.Lopez-SWFL-Off-Road-Trucks Eh its like a 4k difference.

[@C.Lopez-SWFL-Off-Road-Trucks]

@@AlexKalicinski no really

[@AlexKalicinski]

@@C.Lopez-SWFL-Off-Road-Trucks 31k vs 35k.

[@zman92630]

I have a 2003 4 Runner SR5 4x4. Over the years, I added a suspension lift, bigger tires, sliders, skid plates, UCA's, rear locker, and a front bumper/winch. It only has 145k miles on it, can conquer the same terrain as the expensive new ones. I'll keep it forever!

[@rondail5675]

Good review Tommy. The Tacoma is a very capable truck. For me to buy one, I would like: * 8 or 9 speed automatic * higher sitting seats, higher roof * updated dash, cluster, infotainment * not sure, I want heated seats and steering, power rear window * nice leather power seats for both front For now, the new Frontier is the most appealing to me.

[@mrvwbug4423]

So I've heard a lot of probably reliable rumors concerning the upcoming 4 Runner and Tacoma (from the guy that nailed all the predictions on the new Tundra), and what I've heard is the V6 is going away in favor of a 2.4L turbo, and probably getting the 10 speed auto that is in the upcoming Tundra. Also all the US market Toyota trucks (Tundra, Sequoia, 4 Runner, Tacoma) will be on a common platform, which also probably means the Tacoma is getting coil springs out back too just like the Tundra is getting.

[@mct8888]

Frontier is a letdown. Have you actually driven one? The interior materials are a joke, so cheap. It looks awesome, but is a typical Nissan in terms of quality.

[@---rg1gb]

I second this

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

Have you driven a Frontier? The exterior styling and transmission feel modern, but that's it. The driving dynamics and interior feel old. And I'd bet the Tacoma holds its value better, even with a redesign coming soon.

[@rondail5675]

@@DeuceDeuceBravo I haven't driven a Frontier. I bought a 2022 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition last October.

[@nlpnt]

One feature I really like on the SR5 Trail that's missing from the fancier ones is the pale-gray headliner. Makes the interior feel a lot more open and spacious than the black one.

[@chrisx5127]

That why I don't want it. I want black headliner.

[@Aerospacer77]

I have a Trail and my friend has an Off-road. I definitely prefer my light grey ceiling!

[@mikeh.8155]

grey looks old, black looks better and doesn't get as dirty...but just my .02

[@oscaralcalaonyoutube]

Just purchased a Trail Edition this week and I’m loving it. It was nice hearing you say it’s the one to buy. Give me ground clearance, 4x4 and a rear locker and I’m good to go! Plus those gold rims 😍

[@stout_tossme7541]

I do love the Tacoma, but that long trip seating position. I am short and struggle with it. I love the fact they added the locker to the trial edition. About time it had something more than looks. Tommy this is the off-road stuff we want. I don't know about others, but I could careless about side by sides.

[@stout_tossme7541]

@life phobic yep

[@Eric-Sindoni]

If you have the power/adjustable seats, I've found that lowering the back (butt) half of the seat and raising the front (thigh) half has helped with leg support

[@goingindieEN]

Same. I'm short and hate the seating arrangement in the Tacoma. My knees are pretty high up when I sit.

[@EaglesTime]

They have mods for the seats

[@steve8803]

@Stout Tossme "could careless". It's actually "couldn't care less". Seems like so many Americans confuse it.

[@mikegabler5183]

yesterday I found out why the Tacoma does not have a front locker! Does not need one if you have the MTS! If you are using the MTS, don't use the rear locker. Tried it out on a hill called "Big Money" in the snow. the hill cost a lot of money to get up and not making it up results in sledding down at a high rate of speed in reverse even with your foot pushing the brake pedal through the floor. In my previous Toyota's I could usually make it up with my locker engaged. This time, no locker, but used MTS in mud and sand mode, didn't even air down. crawled right up the hill. turning around at the top and coming down is usually just as treacherous as you go down in 4 low 1st gear for as long as you can until you start sledding again. Crawl control on and the truck came down the hill very slow and controlled, although noisy as the ABS was very busy on the way down. I may never use my locker again!!!

[@mannymotta2174]

Although I appreciate the idea that these trucks are great off-road, the majority of Tacoma owners like me buy them because they run forever, will get you to work in the snow and are fairly fuel efficient. Not to mention great resale value. That being said, even though the positives outweighs the negative, The negatives IMO after over 5 years and 73k are : shitty seating position, automatic tranny, front bumper is junk , paint is thin, cabin is very noisy,….besides that I never had an issue mechanically, rides as tight as day 1, interior while plain I’d sturdy, you can overload the bed and the truck doesn’t squat, actually has good acceleration for what it is, will go through any snow, rows up to 4000 lbs comfortably (6400-6800 max is bullshit). Avg fuel mileage for me with wildpeak at3 is 21 mpg avg. and I paid $32,700 out the door in 2016. So it made sense considering everything. I don’t go off road because I need this truck to get to work and don’t want to ruin it. Just my two cents. Good video.

[@mynamesbutchful]

Are the seats already comfy enough?

[@n0dedotorg]

Why 73k, specifically?

[@Aerospacer77]

Tommy, I love your review on the Trail Edition. It makes me very happy that I bought mine. I had no idea I was going to buy a Tacoma when I bought mine. I went to look at 4Runners, but when I went to the dealership, I was drawn to the Trail Edition based on its great looks with the Bronze wheels and heritage grill. I also noticed it was lifted. When I got inside of it I really liked the all black interior and comfortable cloth seats. When I saw that it had a rear locking differential, I was sold. And ten months later, I have zero regrets. I've been off roading for 20 years and never used a Crawl Mode option and I dont think I'll need it anytime soon.

[@equalizer2233]

Seat Jackers that mount under the front seat brackets fix the seat issue. Getting the KDMax tune installed improves the gear hunting and increases throttle response. Ive had both and almost makes it feel like a different truck.

[@mrvwbug4423]

If you raised the Tacoma's seat any more you'd be hitting your head, the Taco has very little headroom. I'm looking into the KDMax tune for my Taco, the 4th gear deathgrip gets old.

[@equalizer2233]

@@mrvwbug4423 The seat jackers dont raise the whole seat, they raise the front under the knees. I have plenty of headroom and I have the moonroof.

[@chrisridebike8]

The SR5 with the trail package is what the 4Runner Trail “Special Edition” should have been. Instead, to get a locker, I had to get the TRD Off Road, and in Hawaii that means I had to get KDSS, which I didn’t want. Still great trucks though.

[@Pabloperes675]

Kdss is nice man, why didn’t you want it?

[@Pabloperes675]

I don’t have it but wish I did. 2018 Trd off road premium.

[@chrisridebike8]

@@Pabloperes675 just for reliability and I don’t want to deal with possible KDSS lean and install headaches when I lift it. It’s supposed to be pretty reliable, but if it goes, it’s very expensive to fix

[@Pabloperes675]

@@chrisridebike8 thanks for replying!

[@scotw67]

I love the front locker, the rear locker that can be locked in 2HI and 4HI, and the terrain management features that can be used in 2HI and 4HI. Oh wait…. The Tacoma has NONE of those, lol!

[@johnwesley6224]

The 4Runner TRD Off Road is the way to go. I love these Toyota videos!

[@StubProductions]

Indeed! Add a Toytec 2” / 1.5” spacer lift and a set of 265 KO2’s and you have an unstoppable off-road rig that can easily go 300,000 miles.

[@thebigempty_5792]

@@StubProductions Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro and Ko2's

[@canalesivany]

4Runner TRD off-road is the best by far, 4.0 and 5 speed transmission are bulletproof

[@StubProductions]

@@thebigempty_5792 Nothing wrong with stock components. Just needs the front spacer to preload the spring slightly. And spacer on top of coil in back to add a little height. Good setup that is still all factory components.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

@@thebigempty_5792 I'm very interested in the foam cell suspension. Love my KO2's.

[@TheTinManTJ]

Great video, Tommy! Very impressive that I think you shot it all solo!

[@nickbono8]

My dad bought my mom a 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro with all the fancy off-roading stuff that comes with it. The most off road that car has seen is their mile long well maintain gravel driveway. Looks cool though!

[@jeremy8715]

Falken Wildpeak AT3W would of been an awesome factory add on for the off-road package.

[@chrisb9478]

I agree, I just bought a 21 OffRoad & wished it came with Falken At3w’s. The oe Goodyear’s seem more like highway tires. Toyota should make the Falkens standard on the Off-road & Pro.

[@samuelrowland76]

At some south eastern Toyota dealerships you can order a Tacoma with more aggressive Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac’s in a 265/70r16.

[@alexgarcia3900]

Nitto ridge is the way to go. Or even ko2s. I have nitto ridge on my 2019 and ko2s on my 16. The nitto looks and performs a bit better in my opinion. Both tires also have a good life span, just gotta rotate tires regularly

[@austinetheridge3231]

Just put a set of those on my F250. They are great tires! And to think before I bought them I had never even heard of Falken.

[@vTRage]

There are far better tires they could pick

[@theylied1776]

I love Emme Hall. There are a lot of Automotive reporters and reviewers out there, but Emme Hall does her research.

[@rjmc41994]

Im loving my 19' TRD off-road 4x4 so far, its my first truck and i don't see myself looking into a different brand any time soon

[@Jv19979]

I'm tired of mine. Dang thing hunts for gears on interstate.

[@rjmc41994]

@@Jv19979 you should get a Pedal Commander, helps a lot on the throttle

[@Jv19979]

@@rjmc41994 thanks I'll look into it. I was going to get a tuner but couldn't find one. ECT pwr button seems to help but still hunts for gears

[@rjmc41994]

@@Jv19979 ECT helps sometimes but if you really want to help your transmission, the Pedal Commander is the way to go. Plus its cheaper than finding a tuner (unless you gots a tuner guy that can give you discounts)

[@urinecakes]

@@Jv19979 pedal commander is good and all but it’s a bandaid. If you can afford it and really wanna fix the way the truck drives getting an OVtune is the way to go.

[@crazymtbrewery]

obviously late to this party, but a comment on the gear searching at CO altitude, the ECT setting actually helps with that a lot. It holds the shift to a higher RPM and the gear searching seems to be resolved.

[@Keko2461]

Wouldn’t that be fixed by just putting the trans in “S” Mode?

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

If I was buying a truck with serious offroading in mind, the SR5 Trail Edition is absolutely what I would buy. I'm curious how a TRD Sport would have handled a trail like that. Any idea?

[@joshualogan3428]

Probably the same way

[@kotklegg3367]

I heard you mention trouble engaging the rear locker. All you have to do is press the locker button and if it starts to blink, just slightly move your steering wheel right to left as you’re moving forward and it will kick right in. You’re welcome!

[@loytowse8140]

Awesome video! As cool as all of these trucks are I have to go with the 2022 TRD Pro. The suspension, skid plate, badging, and extra clearance are worth it in my opinion.

[@benpinter1988]

100% agree on the seat comfort. Had 2 different rental Tacoma TRD Off road models for 2 weeks 2000 miles and I just could not get comfortable in either of them. Transmission tuning is interesting, it was terrible in the first one which had very few miles, but felt a lot better in the second one which had 12000 miles on it. And the 3.5 was not happy above 10 thousand feet of elevation but that's expected.

[@speterbilt]

Love my 17 stock Taco offroad. Did Black Bear, Imogene, and Clear Lake easily

[@peachtexoutdoors2259]

The ONLY negatives I can see in the Trail Edition are the bed boxes. If you're able to remove them (or not even include them), then I think the TE is the clear winner. Of course, I'm the weirdo who prefers cloth seats and no sunroof.

[@Fishingrunner]

Love my 2018 Cement TRD Sport with the 6-speed manual, bought that truck brand new during that time and currently has almost 61,000 miles and it’s been an awesome truck ever since new! But I have to say, I love the looks of that SR5 Trail in Lunar rock! Really like the fact that it has a rear locker. Makes me almost want to trade in my Sport when these come out.

[@davidr6865]

Any issues with the clutch? I’ve been reading about people having to replace them at 30-40k miles

[@Fishingrunner]

@@davidr6865 nope never had any issues. I was planning on keeping it forever, but I had recently wanted to get into a 4Runner, so I ended up trading my Tacoma in. I put 66,000 miles on it when I traded it in. Had I not gotten an awesome trade in for it for $35,000 I probably wouldn’t have done it. But I wanted the 4.0L and plan on having kids in the near future so I wanted the 4Runner for space as well.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

True story, back in 2019, I tried to but a Tacoma, but I couldn’t fit in one properly. The upgrade I’d like to see is a taller cabin and seats so I could have a “truck like” seating position, not a “Yaris seating position”.

[@JH-mt3pp]

How tall are you ?

[@justinwells6795]

Really like the trail but at over 40 grand msrp(including destination), why wouldn’t you just get the trd off-road? Base msrp for a 2021 TRD OR is about 38? Doesn’t make sense…

[@jackgervais640]

I agree that the Offroad or the new trail is the best value. However, if you option up an offroad to match the standard TRD pro options (heated seats, etc) it actually is more expensive. If you don't want the interior goodies, a SRD Trail with an aftermarket suspension is the way to go, although it doesn't look like you can get the manual on an SR5. I am ready to order a 2022 tacoma and would get the trail, as you suggested, if only they sold it with the stick shift.

[@carrdoug99]

I'm with you Tommy. The SR5 seems like the clear choice. Especially seeing as how I'm only interested in the manual transmission (call control wouldn't be available anyway). Thanks for the nice review.👍

[@WillHinkle2]

Is the SR5 available in manual?

[@CharAznableLoNZ]

I have a 2020 Pro with a stick. Only mods I've done is rock sliders, flexible mud flaps, and a canopy and bed stiffeners. I've taken it offroad quite a bit and enjoy it. The nastiest stuff it's been in is going up to American Basin and doing the Alpine loop clockwise out of Silverton. Everything else I've done with it has been much tamer. Something they don't tell you, the manual cannot get the JBL sound system or any of the offroad helper features.

[@smallfact0ry921]

I just checked the Toyota website, and the sr5 with the trail package (with no other options) is $38545 or the TRD Offroad (with no options) is $38745. So for $200 you get all the Offroad software, plus the additional resale that it will bring in the future? It sounds like the Offroad model is giving you a whole lot for $200...

[@mannymotta2174]

Plus trd off-road has a slightly larger rear end pumpkin than the others

[@YerBoyTroy]

@@mannymotta2174 pretty sure all Tacoma with a manual trans/e locker will have the same size rear differential

[@mannymotta2174]

@@YerBoyTroy I believe the trd off road and the pro have an 8-3/4 “ as opposed to 8-1/4 “ for the sport, limited and sr5. May have to do with locker but not sure.

[@mannymotta2174]

@@YerBoyTroy I wasn’t referring to manual or automatic specifically, I was referring to the model. My off road dc is a 2016 and I remember reading about the rear end being larger. Truthfully I’ve had the truck over 5 years and I forgot exactly what the specs are to be fair. 1/4” or 1/2” difference approx

[@Aglassact77]

The ECT option for these is a “must have” in these Tacoma’s. My 2020’ TRD off road was originally ordered with nearly every option known to man . Every single button module slot is currently being used . Leather heated seats , duel climate control, etc. it was definitely as much as , or close to the TRD pro . I personally added 3.5 Rough country lift with Vertex adjustable coil-overs, and Reservoir shocks. Which with the Cbi off road bumper gives me the clearance to run General Grabber x3 33x12.50 tires which run amazing on most surfaces .

[@obviousgreyman]

Toyota’s been doing so well with the trd pro colors what were they thinking? That green plus the new feature on the trail package is looking like the SR5 is gonna have a good year.

[@doubletap777]

Who buys these things? What do they do, that a 4Runner or F150 cant do 100% better?

[@obviousgreyman]

@@doubletap777 they have more off-road features, better clearance angles, weigh less, and are more compact than an f150 all things you want off road and they have much more utility than a 4Runner with same/similar capabilities.

[@doubletap777]

@@obviousgreyman Over a 4R? Nah dawg

[@Kana0211]

@@doubletap777 a bed

[@doubletap777]

@@Kana0211 again, see F150. 2x the power and economy and space....

[@Jv19979]

The thing I like about Ford. You can lock the rear without 4x4. And Toyota only lets you change modes in 4x4 low.

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

"Baby head sized boulders that spit out from underneath the tires ." Interesting visual. I'm looking forward to the 2022 Frontier and Tacoma head-to-head video. You guys are doing a great job.

[@skippysvr4586]

3/4 metal sleeve under rear mounts from ace hardware fixed seating angle. Huge improvement for my wife. Simple fix.

[@daved6464]

Nice job on the video. Going the extra mile to get video of the stuck truck.

[@americanrambler4972]

My preference is the SR5 with the trail package. I think it also looks the best. Plus you get the important good stuff without paying a bunch extra for all the other whistles and bells the others have. However, the Toyota Tacoma has an Achilles heel which has existed for its entire existence. The low seat height and limited cab head room. For all its goodness (and there is a LOT of goodness!) the low uncomfortable seating position is a deal breaker for me. They could have easily fixed this by simply re contouring the front footwell floor pans and dropping them between 1 and 2 inches. The rest of the cab could remain the same. That would make a giant improvement in cab comfort.

[@TRUE_GR1T]

must be a 3rd gen problem because I drove a 2006 RWD SR5 4 cylinder for 9 years with no issues and bought a 2015 TRD off road v6 and the seating is quite comfortable and I'm 6'4. The only issue I ever found was getting in and sliding my right leg under the steering wheel, but now that I lifted my 15', 2.5" I find it extremely easy to climb into.

[@jps226]

Thanks for the great video. I've been going back and forth in recent weeks on the SR5 trail vs. TRD OR, and settled on the TRD OR. The toyota builder has the msrp of the SR5 Trail higher than the TRD OR in 2022. I do love those wheels though...

[@alanj7306]

The SR5 is actually a pretty good price for what you get. Saves you about $12k over the TRD Pro, which would easily leave you with a few grand to do some upgrades and mods and really make it your own. It’d be a cold day in hell before I paid $50k for a Tacoma, but I could see myself paying $36k. But still no. I’m going to be buying a travel trailer and will be needing a 3/4 or full ton truck. Still enjoy seeing how far these smaller trucks have come.

[@alanj7306]

Also, the Chevy Silverado 2500HD Custom I’m looking at is about $48.5k, so twice the truck for the same price.

[@botashs]

Realizing a 200 series was on this trip- how did it do size wise? I’m certain it had no problems going over obstacles, but how well did it fit around obstacles- trees and such? Am also curious, Tommy, how you felt the 4Runner did when comparing the same trim level against a Tacoma.

[@WW-wf8tu]

I agree with you again here Tommy. For less money and a step up from old school 4WD off road action, that Trail with the rear locker is a great choice! So many times back in the old days I had wished for at the very least a rear locker to aid me along in some technical spots.

[@Shakerhood69]

It's not less money though, starts at $40,635 which is higher than the Off Road

[@lucasblanchard47]

The SR5 Trail Package definitely seems like the one I’d buy! Seems perfect for mountain bike camping trips!

[@alexgarcia3900]

Just get a regular sr5. The sr5 trail edition is pretty much the same price as the off road so why even bother?. The sr5 will most likely take you anywhere the ones with lockers will.

[@lucasblanchard47]

@@alexgarcia3900 I’ll consider that too

[@lifeoutdoors3953]

@@alexgarcia3900 the trail SR-5 has rear lockers

[@alexgarcia3900]

@@lifeoutdoors3953 yes I know this. The new one does.

[@alexgarcia3900]

@@lifeoutdoors3953 I was saying just get the regular sr5

[@PGioldasis]

Just got a 2023 TRD OR and have been trying to find videos on them and this is easily this most informative video I’ve come across. Thanks for posting! Subbed!

[@DUNEATV]

Hands down the best looking mid-size truck made! Unfortunately it’s really lacking in almost everything. Interior, drivetrain…ect 🥺

[@feliperomanoff9808]

Even reliability is also lacking now, engine's plastic cooling parts are breaking

[@MrZachgonz]

You can tune them and get better shifting/MPG but yea I wish it had a more powerful engine and maybe a 8-10 speed transmission. Overall though I really like my TRD 4x4 OR.

[@canalesivany]

@@feliperomanoff9808 fiat Chrysler is more reliable 😂

[@user-ej1bq4bq2w]

The tune does wonders to the trans issues, while it shouldn't be necessary it absolutely is. Where's the Sporty? My sport 4x4 keeps up with the off-road on the trails. I skipped the crawl control because imo it's pointless. Haven't been any any position where I needed the locker yet either. For 6k that offroad was a package I could live without, considering I'm going to do my own suspension.

[@dantheman9395]

That SR5 Trail edition is my choice! Simple and functional

[@charleswhite5482]

Ordered the Tacoma TRD Pro in electric lime green metallic. Planning some long road trips with a lot of off roading.

[@jamesnemeth8067]

Great detailed comments and really helped me with my buying decision. Very well done, Tommy!!!!

[@alexgarcia3900]

What are you buying?

[@mikewright2858]

I don't have a Taco but I am on my second 4R, and I will say that my new Pro's suspension is leagues ahead of the stock suspension on my '16 ORP. Literally no comparison.

[@Boltdriver70]

the Tacoma pro suspension (fox dampers in particular) is much better than the OR as well which has been the conclusion in tons of other comparisons. If you did a higher speed trail run the pro would decimate the OR.

[@o2boutdoors]

Appreciate the focus on function and value over frills!

[@DuaneCaldwell]

Nice video Tommy! I actually love that Electric Lime green on the ORP, even more than the duller green on the T4R ORP. It is nice that Toyota put some real features on the Taco Trail, but they should put the better LED headlights on all models as a safety improvement. As Roman often says, safety should not be limited to the most expensive models. I have a '16 T4R SR5 4x4, and the OEM headlights were among the worst I've had on any vehicle since I bought my first car in 1985. The OEM brake rotors and pads were also subpar, so I had to upgrade them. When you start adding up the upgrades needed on SR5 models, it makes the OR and ORP models more attractive.

[@aldo90731]

Yes, TRD Off-Road offers the best overall value in the Tacoma lineup for the trail: it has all the hardware -and software- you need, without the unnecessary flash of TRD Pro

[@alexgarcia3900]

If you are talking msrp yes you are right. But you are more likely to get a better discount on the other model's and less markup. For example I bought my 2019 trd sport for over 2k cheaper. And in all honesty the 4x4 system on any tacoma is so good you don't really need a locker unless you are going to seriously modify it for serious off road. But at the point you're better off just getting an air locker with the money you save from not getting the Off road. Or a jeep.

[@RedWingsninetyone]

@@alexgarcia3900 the TRD Off Road and Pro also come with larger rear ends than the TRD Sport.

[@alexgarcia3900]

@@RedWingsninetyone yes I did forget about that actually. But since you can't lock the rear end on the sport/sr5/sr anyway it doesn't really need to be stronger. I'm sure the new trail comes with the bigger diff as well.

[@StarGateSG7]

You should buy ONE of these four tire sets as replacements for your Taco! NITTO Trail Grappler M/T Mud-Terrain Tire, or the Goodyear Wranger Duratrac MT, or the TOYO - OPEN COUNTRY A/T III 245/75 R16 T (111) or the Cooper 90000023671 | Cooper 90000023671 Discoverer STT Pro LT215/85R16/10 MT sets of 4x4 off-road tires I would also make sure I have a two inch or four inch lift on ANY Toyota Tacoma I would buy! Since you're buying a 4x4 capable vehicle, you might as well get a decent set of tires AND a decent lift to fit the aftermarket M/T tires! I am biased towards the Nitto Trail Grapplers BUT those Goodyear Duratracs are looking GREAT too !!!! If you want something more budget friendly, I would look at the Cooper Discoverer STT sets as they offer GREAT bang for the buck!

[@jefferyturner517]

Witch has the better ride your willies or the tacoma on that trail.

[@shawnscott1254]

Cruiser Kurt guiding your trip? Awesome!!! Love all the Taco’s but I think the one for me would be the SR5 Trail edition…maybe the Off Road but my personal needs wouldn’t need any more than that.

[@Henray316]

What i was thinking too heard his voice on the CB

[@northerntoyota7584]

Great review Tommy! No interruptions from dad. The TE finally makes sense for 2022 and would be the trim I’d choose once my 2005 wears out, but that might have to wait until the 4th Gen? 5th? 😂

[@silvervalleya-frame7829]

Cons to manual transmission in the Pro: No crawl control. No remote start (I live in North Idaho, remote start is a must)

[@rezyn0]

You can get a locking diff on the base XL Ranger 4x4, Toyota had to match, this is why competition is good.

[@ghilliemanreviews]

Same goes with the new f150s, so that tells us the Tundra will have a locking rear diff with the new gen.

[@AkioWasRight]

What the segment needs is fresh blood. $40,000 for a lower-end trim of a mid-size truck developed over a decade ago is silly. The prices for mid-size trucks are all but fixed, protected by government regulations that keeps competition stale.

[@AkioWasRight]

@ivebeen That'll never happen with CAFE regulation.

[@AkioWasRight]

@ivebeen Because a smaller truck has to comply with a different set of MPG requirements. Basically, if you make a truck the size of a car, even it's basically the same platform as a larger version, you then have to comply the corporate averages for that size of a vehicle. That's hard to do with a truck, because the construction of a truck doesn't lend itself to fuel economy. It's the main reason everything seems to have gotten bigger. Mid-size trucks are basically the same size as full-size trucks from 30 years ago, because it makes it easier to comply with CAFE. This is also explains why regular cab short-beds trucks have disappeared, because they fall into a stricter CAFE segment. So, everything has gotten bigger, because it's easier to make things bigger rather than comply with set MPG requirements in smaller categories. Really, it shows government stupidity, and how unintended consequences work.

[@KTMcaptain]

@ivebeen It's because no one wants them, so to produce it Toyota would lose economies of scale which would either make it not profitable or make it even more expensive. It's only cheap to produce cars when expensive manufacturing techniques can be offset my massive number of sales volume

[@pissedoffpatriot1516]

Thanks for this review. A lot of reviews out there basically only talk about cosmetics and don't even drive the car at all. All of those reviews are absolutely worthless. But yours however is not. I've been planning to get one of these for months now, and this video has given me more information to make my choice easier.

[@edsoncedeno8354]

Last year, trail edition was priced above TRD Off Road... There is no sense to go for the trail edition over off road if the price stay the same.

[@371kenny]

I've read its $40k. But you get bronze!! Lol

[@DB-qm4jx]

I bought a 2023 double cab long bed off-road last month brand new. And the MSRP was just over $1000 less than the trail edition. I asked about it, but they had a special mark up on it. No special off-road features, except for the lift kit and bronze Trd wheels. Oh, and I guess to cubby boxs is in the bed. I thought about it for a second because it’s a pretty truck. But it made more sense to pay less especially without mark up with more features and put a lift kit on for $1000 myself I guess the wheels I don’t get, but I like the factory off-road wheels.

[@Gobirds1399]

This year’s Trd pro is another level and that new lime green but still not enough for me to buy over the off road version

[@larsulven1852]

Nice to see Emme again :-)

[@johnshellenberg1383]

I agree the SR5 is the way to go. Use some of the saved money for a front locker and new K-02s and presto, that's the best Taco, period.

[@Shakerhood69]

The SR5 Trail Edition is the 3rd most expensive Tacoma, only less than the Limited and Pro.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Tommy travels to the top of the mountain, only to find a Hond CR-V beat him!

[@markparent7999]

Yeah...i was thinking..if that can make it up there..what the heck do i need a locker. Plus the crv gets great gas mileage.

[@OdysseyOffroad]

It's funny A lot of people do complain about the transmission but I had two of them a 2018 and a 2019 TRD off-road and had no issues with the transmission I even towed with it.

[@mrvwbug4423]

You didn't have a problem with the 3rd gen Tacoma's infamous 4th gear deathgrip?

[@OdysseyOffroad]

@@mrvwbug4423 I can't say I did The two trucks I had both drove flawlessly I had zero issues and due to all of the people talking about it I was hypersensitive to it but I never felt anything out of the ordinary.

[@Sithlord224]

I like that they are kicking down the upgrades to lower trims. Reminds me of you Willys all be it without the locker but you get better suspension than stock

[@mrvwbug4423]

They are basically the "tuner special" model for those that intend to throw a lot of aftermarket stuff at them.

[@mechmat12345]

The SR5 with Trail package costs as much or more than the TRD Off Road, it's not a good value.

[@BadKittus]

Access cab, off-road + manual is best Taco!

[@gavinkeddie8540]

Would really like to see EVERY VERSION tested and not just the two highest trim levels.

[@peterhoma6385]

I honestly don’t understand the complaint about the automatic trans in the Tacoma with “gear hunt” I have a 2021 TRD ORDC 4x4 and I drive it in 7000 ft elevation all the time , yes it down shifts just like any automatic trans does , but It will hold the proper gear until you crest the hill . It will down shift from 6th to 5th sometimes 4th if the hill is very steep the truck stays in 4th it’s doesn’t up shift going up a hill? I’ve driven Colorado v6 and ranger they down shift more than the Tacoma , they down shift 4-5 gears when Tacoma down shifts one gear maybe two gears??? I think Toyota did an exceptional job with this automatic transmission. I will say in high elevation on twisty mountain passes that are 25-30 mph turns I switch it to sports mode and pick my gears for the turns it’s does fantastic for a truck very good handling .

[@Boltdriver70]

agree

[@Ww8.3]

So the Trail edition is basically a stripped down less optioned trd off-road for the same price

[@371kenny]

Correct. But you get bronze lol

[@mrvwbug4423]

Pretty much, cloth interior TRD off road is the same price

[@DB-qm4jx]

Oh and a mild lift

[@perkmaster979]

Credits to Tommy! This was a great video! Positive Vibes all round and we can see how a vehicle can be twice as capable with a good spotter upfront. KEEP EM COMING!!

[@J.Young808]

Get the Trail without the sunroof and then you can raise up more.

[@mardamek]

IMHO the things to emphasize on from factory options are rear locker and skid plates. Suspension lift and tire upgrade are something that are more optional, depending on the drivers use of the vehicle. Plus, without having a factory installed off-road tire, he will have the freedom to choose what he wants on it. Of course, I'm saying this assuming that the price differential between the two models is high enough to afford the buyer a new set of tires and have some leftover money.

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

16:16 - a famous classic sound of a high revving naturally aspirated engine... ;)

[@aarongerman7857]

in boulder CO, the TRD PRO is marked up $10,000. the TRD Off road is $43k ( you didn't show that on your pricing sheet, just a TRD PRO AT and MT..for $3k difference..odd i assume AT and MT are tires?). all day long take a TRD Off road over the Pro, and if you want aftermarket LED headlights, they're $1200, so take that into account if you're getting the Trail vs the Off Road (trail seems to be $39k...$35.6 + $3.7)

[@zacharygoeden1282]

Need off-road comparison with pro4x and trd off-road

[@danielpelletier3834]

If you're off road or on dirt, I would have the trans in sport mode. You can manage this transmission. I do agree that is frustrating sometimes waiting for it to lock in.

[@kenmcdougal97]

You forgot the SR No one reviews the SR package

[@AntilleanConfederation]

He did. The best sr5 is the trail.

[@kenmcdougal97]

@@AntilleanConfederation the bottom trim package is SR then it goes up to SR5. The SR package is considered the work truck

[@midwestpyro8165]

@@kenmcdougal97 Yep, tough to find videos. Love my SR, though.

[@pennedaizee]

I did a similar trail up and down Tincup pass down to Mirror lake and back from St. Elmo in my ‘03 Tacoma Prerunner. Toyota’s are the real deal💪🏻

[@46rambo49]

Tommy as always, your reviews are knowledgeable, full of experience of a someone that has done the deed. now if we could get the model we want in a stick shift. and the new ones come with a fat guy in shorts to direct you??? how special color I call BILE it's vile, how's the "chip" situation at Toyota? with GM shutting down production due to shortages

[@craigchadwick2504]

Tommy you forgot to mention that the red TRD Off-road truck has the factory lift installed. You can tell by the shocks installed and the grill with the big TOYOTA across it. I have the factory lift installed on my 2021 Army green longbed TRD Off road too.

[@eeleye4]

I'm so mad I bought the trail edition last year and they decided to throw in the locker for this year's model😑 Still prefer my SR5 trail edition to an off road!

[@alexgarcia3900]

Why would you prefer an sr5 trail over an off road? Aren't they basically the same price?Btw I have a 19 trd sport (same 4x4 system as the sr5)and a 16 trd off road. The locker is unnecessary unless you are doing some very technical stuff. Even then the sr5 will make it, it'll just be easier and more controlled if you have a locker.

[@shughes911]

Thx for addressing that! I really want a tacoma but that seating position kills my low back!! Any suggestion? i would get the 4runner but i need a truck! I like the Ranger but that thing needs a interior update! I feel a f150 is to big?

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

Check out the Tacoma Seat Jackers. $100 to fix the seating position. Big difference.

[@shughes911]

@@DeuceDeuceBravo oh nice man! Thx for that info! I did find the seating position a little strange!

[@belowme4927]

LEFTOVER SUBARU HYBRID LIME

[@BigDThatsMe]

I just traded my 21 TRD OFF ROAD for a 23, they start building next month (I hope). I would agree, OFF ROAD is the better between PRO. I can do all the after market stuff and still come in under the Pro price.