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Toyota tacoma: trail edition vs trd sport – the ultimate comparison for adventurers and off-road enthusiasts

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Trail Edition gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the TRD Sport gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
  • The Trail Edition is the better choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle challenging off-road terrain, while the TRD Sport is the better choice for those who want a vehicle that is more focused on on-road performance.
  • In addition to the key differences outlined above, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between the Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition and TRD Sport.

The Toyota Tacoma has long been a popular choice for adventure-seekers and off-road enthusiasts. With its rugged construction and impressive capabilities, the Tacoma is a versatile vehicle that can handle any terrain. Two of the most popular trim levels for the Tacoma are the Trail Edition and the TRD Sport. Both trims offer unique features and benefits, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition vs. TRD Sport, highlighting their key features, performance capabilities, and pricing.

Off-Road Prowess: Trail Edition vs. TRD Sport

The Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition is designed for serious off-roading. It comes standard with a locking rear differential, crawl control, and multi-terrain select. These features give the Trail Edition the ability to tackle challenging trails and obstacles with ease. The TRD Sport, on the other hand, is more focused on on-road performance. It features a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes, which provide a more responsive and engaging driving experience on paved roads.

Exterior Features: Trail Edition vs. TRD Sport

The Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition and TRD Sport have distinct exterior designs. The Trail Edition features a blacked-out grille, black overfenders, and unique 16-inch alloy wheels. It also comes with a Yakima roof rack and a bed-mounted toolbox, which provide additional storage and functionality for off-road adventures. The TRD Sport, on the other hand, has a more aggressive exterior with a color-matched grille, TRD Sport badging, and 17-inch alloy wheels. It also features a hood scoop and a rear spoiler, which give it a sporty appearance.

Interior Features: Trail Edition vs. TRD Sport

The Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition and TRD Sport have different interior configurations. The Trail Edition features a durable and functional interior with water-resistant seats and rubber floor mats. It also comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system. The TRD Sport, on the other hand, has a more upscale interior with leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also features a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a JBL premium audio system.

Performance and Fuel Economy: Trail Edition vs. TRD Sport

The Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition and TRD Sport come with different engine options. The Trail Edition is powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The TRD Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. As for fuel economy, the Trail Edition has a slightly better rating than the TRD Sport. The Trail Edition gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the TRD Sport gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Pricing and Value: Trail Edition vs. TRD Sport

The Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition is priced slightly higher than the TRD Sport. The Trail Edition starts at $36,550, while the TRD Sport starts at $34,770. However, the Trail Edition comes with a more comprehensive list of off-road features, which may be worth the extra cost for those who plan on using their Tacoma for serious off-roading.

Which One Is Right for You?

The Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition and TRD Sport are both excellent choices for different types of drivers. The Trail Edition is the better choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle challenging off-road terrain, while the TRD Sport is the better choice for those who want a vehicle that is more focused on on-road performance. Ultimately, the best way to decide which trim is right for you is to test drive both of them and see which one you prefer.

Additional Considerations: Trail Edition vs. TRD Sport

In addition to the key differences outlined above, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between the Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition and TRD Sport. These include:

  • Towing capacity: The Trail Edition has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, while the TRD Sport has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds.
  • Payload capacity: The Trail Edition has a maximum payload capacity of 1,155 pounds, while the TRD Sport has a maximum payload capacity of 1,175 pounds.
  • Ground clearance: The Trail Edition has a ground clearance of 9.4 inches, while the TRD Sport has a ground clearance of 9.6 inches.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which trim level is better for off-roading, the Trail Edition or the TRD Sport?
A: The Trail Edition is better for off-roading because it comes with a locking rear differential, crawl control, and multi-terrain select.

Q: Which trim level has a more powerful engine, the Trail Edition or the TRD Sport?
A: The TRD Sport has a more powerful engine than the Trail Edition. The TRD Sport comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, while the Trail Edition comes with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which trim level has a better fuel economy, the Trail Edition or the TRD Sport?
A: The Trail Edition has a slightly better fuel economy than the TRD Sport. The Trail Edition gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the TRD Sport gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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