Most people are probably already aware of Toyota’s famed off-road history and its lineup of off-road-focused pickups. The brand-new 2022 Tundra is no exception, offering the desert-taming and current premium TRD Pro trim in addition to the TRD Off-Road package as an option. Toyota has produced the TRD Sport package if you only want the exterior styling of the TRD package without the extra off-road equipment.
One of the most adaptable options in the new Tundra series, the TRD Sport package may be added to a wide range of truck models. The TRD Sport package is an option that can be added to vehicles with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, Double Cab or Crew Max, and any length of bed. The TRD Sport package is only offered on SR5 trim trucks, which implies that it is also available with the base i-Force gasoline engine. This is the only restriction.
The 20-inch black TRD wheels, red TRD engine start button, distinctive TRD grille, TRD leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a minimally (0.5 inches) lowered front suspension are all included in the TRD Sport package. Toyota supplied two SR5 Tundras with the TRD Sport package to add to the fleet of vehicles that are available for us to test. The first vehicle was a Double Cab with two wheels, while the second was a Crew Max with four wheels.
Our conclusion after driving both trucks is that the TRD Sport package is merely an aesthetic one. The front suspension has been lowered, but neither the on-road handling performance nor the driving experience have been significantly improved. The styling the TRD Sport option adds to the SR5 model, though, is something we truly like. Our conviction that there is no compelling reason not to add the TRD Sport package to an SR5 Tundra was strengthened by our experience with the vehicles in a real-world setting.
The SR5, which Toyota anticipates to sell the most of, is one of our favorite 2022 Tundra models at its core (SR5 and Limited are the volume selling trims). The new 10-speed automatic transmission was wonderfully smooth, the new 3.4L V-6 engine was more than adequate, and the suspension felt controlled without being overly soft. We truly appreciated our stay in the truck’s quiet cab and the cloth bucket seats of the SR5. Although we were unable to test the SR5’s standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen, we were impressed by the new, enormous 14.0-inch screen. The SR5 grade is a great alternative for folks who don’t particularly care for leather seats because it can be equipped with many of the same high-end features as the higher-grade pickups.
Toyota has not yet released pricing information for the 2022 Tundra, but we anticipate the TRD Sport option to have a cost of around $2,500, which is reasonable given what it offers. Therefore, if you’re considering a 2022 Tundra SR5 but don’t require all of the extreme off-road equipment, think about adding the TRD Sport option. You won’t be let down.
In This Article...
TRD Sport
The entry-level TRD model is the TRD Sport. It features 8 distinct drivetrain, cab, box length, and transmission variants as a result. It sports a street-tuned suspension, a front air dam, and a hood scoop. The Sport is more style-focused than the Off-Road when comparing the two. The Sport performs similarly in terms of day-to-day functionality, but with a smoother ride.
TRD Off-Road
The TRD Off-Road model, which is available in 5 distinct configurations, is the following. Off-road driving is the main focus, as its name would imply. It does not have the Sport’s hood scoop or air damn. A selectable off-road traction control system, a locking rear differential, Bilstein monotube shocks, and crawl control are in their place. The Off-Road and TRD Sport have the same daily performance, but the Off-Road has a firmer ride.
TRD Pro
The TRD Pro is a serious vehicle that is only offered in automatic or manual variants. The TRD Pro not only boasts the best-looking vehicle on the market, but it also receives all the TRD Off-enhancements Road’s plus additional ones. It adds a TRD Pro skid plate, a TRD Pro cat-back exhaust, and replaces the stock Bilstein shocks with high-performance FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks that have been adjusted by TRD. Additionally, it receives all-terrain tires and a 1-inch raise to increase the vehicle’s clearance.
Why does TRD Sport exist?
Toyota Racing Development is known as TRD. The term adds some specially tuned parts and aesthetic upgrades for various Toyota automobiles and is more of a convenience package than a trim level. You get stronger drivetrains, improved shocks, updated exhausts, and features specifically designed for racing and off-roading. Of course, the off-roading elements go on the trucks, whilst the racing features go on the sedans.
What distinguishes the TRD Sport from the SR5?
Their suspension systems, which give the TRD Sport its added off-road boost, are what set the Tacoma SR5 and TRD Sport apart from one another. Both trucks have a leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar, as well as a coil-spring double-wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar.
Can TRD Sport be used off-road?
Four-wheel drive is a feature that off-roaders need, and the TRD Sport comes with a system from Toyota that is incredibly dependable. The TRD Sport still performs admirably off-road even without a 4×4, although there is a higher likelihood of getting stranded.
Overall, the TRD Sport is not a bad off-road vehicle. Thanks to its sturdy construction and high ground clearance, it performs better than the majority of standard 4WD trucks on the market. Its modest size compared to the majority of modern vehicles is also very advantageous off-road.
The TRD Sport is made for off-roading, but not for super challenging trails or scaling vertical cliff cliffs. Most off-road drivers will find it to be more than competent, and the vehicle will handle well as long as the driver doesn’t put it through too much.
Benefits of the TRD Sport
The TRD Sport has a lot of advantages. For starters, the TRD Sport is more affordable than the other trim levels while still allowing you to equip your vehicle with 4-wheel drive for a respectable off-road driving experience.
You can use bigger wheels and tires and get protection from the fender flares. This is especially crucial if you intend to upgrade your truck in the future. Off-road, the truck’s relatively high stance and decent ground clearance are advantageous.
You may enjoy the power and efficiency that new Toyota cars are known for since the TRD Sport’s engine is the same as that of the TRD Off-Road and the TRD PRO.
Downsides of the TRD Sport
The TRD Sport is deficient in a few amenities, particularly in the electronics and suspension departments, compared to the other trim levels. Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, two features that make the TRD Off-Road shine on the trail, are not included in this trim.
Furthermore, it lacks factory skid plates. The engine and transmission are shielded by skid plates from being damaged by terrain and pebbles. Skid plates aren’t too expensive to add, therefore that problem can be solved. Additionally, the TRD Sport does not include the more modern Fox or Bilstein shocks (TRD Off-Road) (TRD Pro).
Is TRD sport superior to TRD off-road?
The alternatives present the biggest disparities. You may get Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control on the TRD Off-Road. With Multi-Terrain Select, you can choose between mud, sand, loose rock, rock, dirt, or mogul modes. Additionally, it has Crawl Control, which enables the truck to free itself even from deep sand.
Starting at $35,590, the Off-Road has far more off-roading capability than the Tacoma TRD Sport.
Compared to the Sport, the Off-Road can better bound over pebbles thanks to specially tuned Bilstein shocks. The locking rear differential that comes with the Off-Road is the significant addition, though.
Off-Road has matte black fender flares and a front bumper. Off-roaders favor matte black because it hides scratches that are unavoidable while driving through mud or a forest. Skid plates are also included to safeguard the motor and suspension.
The TRD Off-Road may be equipped with a six-foot bed, making it a popular option for people who wish to build an amazing overlanding vehicle or for individuals who utilize their trucks for both work and play.
Differences in the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road Trims
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and TRD off-Road models are fundamentally designed for different types of conditions. The TRD Sport boasts a sport-tuned suspension for improved on-road performance and has a modest advantage in terms of configuration options and towing power. The TRD Off-Road variant includes the Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control features for ultimate off-road potential. Additionally, it boasts a superior approach and breakover angle degrees for maneuverability and comes standard with an electronically controlled locking rear differential.
Similarities Between the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road Options
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and Off-Road variants offer the most customization when it comes to truck setup thanks to a number of base components. Both options feature a manual transmission option in addition to the usual six-speed automatic powertrain. The same holds true for the Double Cab and Access Cab choices, as well as for the front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations.
Athletic and Aerodynamic Exterior
Tacoma’s sculpted front bumper, smooth back deck, integrated tailgate spoiler, and underbody air dam all work together to offer a drag coefficient of 0.38 for better handling and efficiency, and the double-wall composite cargo bed and color-keyed fender flares add sporty good looks.
Interior Comfort & Convenience
The quietest taxi in Tacoma history is prepared for all your travels. You may stay cozy in the optional heated sport front seats, which come with superior fabric or available leather trim. On all Double Cab Short Box models and the Double Cab (6-foot Box) with TRD Sport Package, a practical power sliding rear window comes standard.
Easy Lower & Lift Tailgate
Tacoma’s reinforced tailgate locks were introduced in response to Canadian drivers’ needs to protect your payload. It opens to a 5′ or 6′ cargo bed that is conveniently detachable, simply liftable, and accessible via the rear bumper step.
Rear Seat Versatility
Tacoma can be ordered as a 4×2 or 4×4 Access Cab or 4×4 Double Cab. Access Cab rear seats fold up to increase load capacity, while 60/40 split fold down seat backs and fold down seat cushions are standard on Double Cab models.
Tacoma Limited
Both tough and refined. Premium leather seating, a Smart Key system with push-button start, Qi wireless charging, and a 7-speaker JBL premium audio system with 7 touchscreen display and navigation can all be found within the Tacoma 4×4 Double Cab V6 Limited. The exterior ups the ante with amenities like a power sunroof to let the great outdoors shine in, a complete chrome grille, and chrome accents on the fog lamps, mirrors, and side-step bars.
Get Inside the Tacoma TRD Pro Series.
Tacoma TRD Pro is constructed in North America and designed to withstand the most difficult terrain that Canada can throw at you. It was inspired by Toyota Racing Development’s 35-year history of success in extreme off-road racing.
- Cargo Box, 5 feet
- 4×4
- five-person double cab
- V6 engine with 278 horsepower
TRD Pro Highlights
- Available with a Midnight Black Metallic, Super White, or Voodoo Blue exterior.
- Black Alloy Wheels, 16″
- TRD Pro Leather Seats in Black
- Shift Knob TRD
- LED fog lights from Rigid Industries with a black chrome exhaust tip
- Power Rear Sliding Window and Moonroof
- Fox Shock Absorbers, as well as
- Front grille with a heritage “Toyota” logo and desert air intake
- TRD Skid Plate with Red Logo, Locking Rear Differential Crawl Control (AT Only), and
- Front and rear leaf springs with TRD tuning