Comparing 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road vs TRD Sport - Pick Your Choice
When you think about long-term truck reliability and dependability, Toyota Tacoma often comes to mind. After all, what other vehicle on the market consistently records hundreds of thousands of miles with few incidents? In fact, I personally know the owner of a 2008 Tacoma with over 1.2 million miles on it, and his access cab 4-cylinder is still going strong with over 1,250,000 miles.
One of the most common Tacoma questions I get from my Torque News readers and my YouTube channel viewers involves how to tell the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road models apart. After all, they are both Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and both look sporty and stylish. I will help you tell them apart so you can choose the right one for you and your family.
2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport: How they are the same
Both Off-Road and Sport use a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. torque. You can get each with 6-speed automatic transmission, or if you are looking for that fun-to-drive experience, you can choose a 6-speed manual transmission. They are also available in either rear-wheel drive or part-time 4WD. For those drivers looking for enhanced safety, all Tacoma models have standard Toyota Safety Sense active safety features that help limit distractions and avoid accidents.
One is for the road and one is for much more
Probably the chief philosophical difference between the two models is the ride quality and off-roading capabilities. Tacoma TRD Sport is designed more for on-road driving, with 17” alloy wheels and sport-tuned suspension. With 16” alloy wheels and TRD Off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, The TRD Off-Road is ready to tackle the roughest terrain.
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The Tacoma TRD Off-road allows you to take things off the beaten path with both multi-terrain select and crawl control. With multi-terrain select, you can choose from five different driving modes: mud and sand, loose rock, rock and dirt, mogul and rock. This system will regulate wheel spin, brake pressure and throttle response to increase traction over many surfaces. Crawl control is like a low-speed cruise control that pulls you through difficult terrain so that you can focus on driving through those tough paths. I feel you would see MacGyver riding in a TRD Off-Road while he quickly makes an explosive diversion made from pine tar, a bubble gum wrapper and twine to escape from the bad guys. Just a hunch.
You will also find a locking rear differential on the 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road. This is electronically-controlled, and it distributes power evenly to both of the rear wheels so they move at the same speed while you are driving through lower-traction ground.
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Comparing the exteriors, you will find 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport has color-keyed front and rear bumpers. It also comes with color-keyed overfenders. The TRD Off-Road on the other hand, has a black front fender and chrome-accented rear bumper with black step pads. To avoid scratches while driving through taller brush and weeds, black matte overfenders accent the truck nicely and add to its rugged looks.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Both trucks boast well-equipped interiors that are incredibly similar. Smart key push button start systems, Qi-compatible wireless phone charging, power sliding rear windows and leather-trimmed steering wheels are practical shared features. For multimedia enthusiasts, you will find both trucks feature Entune Premium Audio with navigation and 7” touch-screen, as well as three USB ports for data and charging.
Toyota is proud to offer a stable of dependable and reliable vehicles that are selling at record levels, such as Tacoma and the RAV4 (see RAV4’s record popularity here). I hope my comparison helps you decide the perfect 2019 Toyota Tacoma for you.
What Toyota Tacoma trim level would you pick if you could? What features do you like best about both the 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport? Thanks for reading everyone and see you next story…
Video: Click here to see me compare Tacoma TRD Off-Road vs TRD Sport
Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter at @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at Toyotajeff.