Does anyone have any recent experience purchasing a 4WD Toyota Tacoma TRD? I am thinking of getting a Tacoma access cab, but I’m confused about the different TRD packages available for the 4WD models.
In particular the differences between the TRD Sport Package, the TRD Rugged Train Package, and the TRD Off-Road Package. I don’t plan on doing an serious off roading, but I will be traversing unimproved roads and going through mud and small streams.
Which package makes the most sense for someone like me? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
That should be the Rugged Trail package… not Rugged Train
TRD. Pronounced ‘turd’, innit? 
My husband has the Tacoma 4x4 TRD Off Road Package and it has served us well in all applications off-road. Of course we primarily off-road in the desert (Some of it gets pretty crazy and hair-raising- for me anyway)
The 4x4 system in the trucks look like they are identical except that the outside/inside of the truck has a different look/styling or features. The Rugged trail and Sport packages get you spiffier floor mats and more chromed bits. Although, the limited-slip differential on the Sport Package versus the locking rear differential on the Off Road Package, might be more beneficial to you, depending on how you plan to drive it.
For off-road applications your tire type is important too. Don’t pay for upgraded tires at the dealership- they are a rip-off. Buy from a tire dealer like Discount Tire* or some such if you want specialized tires. But, the Tacomas come with decent all terrain tires. use them until they wear out or they fail you in some way, or if you just want really sweet off road tires.
*They sell name brand tires like BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Dunlop etc that are new and they have a fantastic satisfaction/warranty policy.
I was Tacoma shopping recently. I drove a double-cab with and without the “sports” package, and basically it seemed to be tighter shocks and some style difference in and out. It handled better than the regular, non-TRD Tacoma, but the difference didn’t knock me over by any means. Overall I was fairly bummed about the handling, especially the brakes (which were somewhat less mooshy on the TRD, but not amazingly so).
I agree, the packages available for the Tacoma, and also some other Toyota vehicles, are byzantine, and it kind of put me off the brand a bit. Even the sales-droid had trouble answering some basic questions about the different options.