I’ve been looking into getting a Toyota Tacoma for a while, and I’m trying to figure out whether I should go for the SR5 or the TRD Sport. This is my first truck, so I want to make sure I pick the right one. I’m specifically looking for a double cab, 4x4 with a 6-foot bed. It seems like the TRD Sport might be easier to find, and I really enjoyed driving it. But is there a significant difference in features for the price difference compared to the SR5? I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether the TRD Sport is worth the extra cash. Thanks, everyone! I’m excited to find the right truck and be part of this community. 
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It really depends on what you plan to do with the truck in the long run. If you’re looking to save some cash, it might be smarter to get the cheaper Tacoma and then upgrade it. Personally, I wish I had chosen the off-road version instead of the sport because there are certain features in off-road that you can’t easily add later.
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I have a 2020 SR5 V6 4X4 double cab with a 6-foot bed, and it has everything I need. I got it for about $35,500, and honestly, I didn’t find much value in the TRD models for my needs. I don’t go off-road much, so I didn’t need the rear locker. The interior is pretty much the same unless you go for special packages. The SR5 is just as capable as the TRD Sport, and the suspension is similar, just with slightly different wheel sizes. I actually prefer the physical turn key over the push button, so the SR5 is a win for me. If you’re planning on off-roading, then I’d suggest the TRD Off-Road, but for everyday use, I think the SR5 is the way to go.
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Honestly, I think the SR5 is a hard pass for what you’re getting. When my 2020 TRD Off-Road was in the shop, I was given an SR5 rental, and I found the TRD’s interior to be way nicer. It had a better head unit and some upgrades that the SR5 just didn’t have. Why aren’t you considering the TRD Off-Road?
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Just to clarify, the head unit in the 2020 SR5 and TRD are actually the same. The interiors are similar unless you opt for the tech package or leather seats.
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The rental I had must’ve been an older model because the head unit definitely didn’t have as many features as my 2020.
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I don’t really have a reason besides the price. I have to say, I wasn’t thrilled with how the SR5 handled, but I loved driving the TRD Sport. I haven’t tried the Off-Road version yet. What advantages does it have?
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The TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road are pretty similar in price, but in my opinion, the Off-Road rides better and comes with features like a rear locker and crawl control, while the Sport has a scoop.
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I agree that the Off-Road rides better, but the way it achieves that is quite different from the Sport. I didn’t need the crawl control or rear locker, but I opted for the Off-Road anyway just to have those features if I ever needed them.
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The locker is the one feature I miss in my Sport. The auto limited slip is pretty useless in my experience. Can someone explain the difference between that and standard traction control?
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I bought an SR5, and I use it daily. I haul my kayak, firewood, and fence panels with it. I didn’t think the TRD Sport would offer me much more. Looking back, I’d probably just stick with the SR. If you want the upgrades the Sport offers, then go for it. Resale value? Definitely go for the Sport. I’m not sure if a 6-foot bed is easier to find in a Sport compared to an SR5, but that could be another plus.
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I just got an SR, and I’m really surprised by how much it has even as a base model.