Difference Between TRD & SR5

Like many other pickup trucks on the market, the Toyota Tundra has a variety of model options to provide a truck for every need. Two popular models are the SR5 and TRD Off-road. If you are considering buying or trading in your Toyota Tundra, you might be wondering what are the main difference between SR5 and TRD. We have researched both models to get the appropriate answer for you.

What is the difference between TRD and SR5 ?

First we will discuss about the TRD package. When it comes to Toyota models and the trims offered by Toyota, there’s no shortage of variety. With all the different qualities and features, the Toyota is perfect for every lifestyle, from the humble commuter driver to the off-road weekend adventurer. This is where TRD comes into play. While looking through some Toyota trucks and SUVs, you may have noticed that some of them have a badge or a sticker depicting the acronym TRD. What does it mean? This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Toyota TRD.

What does TRD stands for ?

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, a subsidiary of Toyota that supports the people interests in racing around the world. However, it also has a performance tuning division that makes accessories and products that enhance the performance of Toyota’s street cars. When it comes to the TRD badge on trucks and SUVs, it’s mostly about off-road capabilities. The most important difference is in the suspension, but TRD affects other areas as well, such as brakes, exhaust, styling and more, depending on the class and model.

There comes 3 TRD classes that cover different off-road performance and capabilities. Not every TRD model offers every class, for example the Sequoia only offers the TRD Sport trim. Tacoma is the only model that offers all 3 grades of TRD. The grades are:

1. TRD Sport

It is an appearance package only with no extra off-road options other than non-TRD trims. The package includes sports suspension, 17″ alloy wheels, TRD graphics, Integrated wide angle fog lights, and a bucket on the hood(Non working).

2. TRD Off-Road

It Includes additional off-road features like Custom off-road suspension tuned by TRD, 16″ alloy wheels, Bilstein shock absorbers, Electronic rear differential lock, Larger entry angle (from 29 degrees to 32 degrees), Crawl Control (off-road cruise control), Inclinometer with roll/pitch displays, Location selection, Wide angle fog lights, and Off-Road TRD Graphics.

3. TRD Pro

The complete off-road package plus comfort and convenience. The package updates include Fox Internal Bypass Springs and Reservoir Rear Shocks, Custom TRD off-road suspension with 1″ lift, Exhaust TRD Pro Cat-back, Black 16″ TRD Pro alloy wheels, entry angle 35 degrees, Thicker front skid plate, TRD Pro leather shifter, TRD Pro graphics on floor mats and black leather seats, Power sunroof, Toyota front grille inspired by heritage, dual-zone automatic climate control and driver assistance features are available.

TRD Pro Series trim models are available for Tundra CrewMax and Double Cab, 4Runners, as well as Tacoma Access Cab and Double Cab. Each model may have slightly different features included in the package, but each 4WD TRD Pro Series vehicle includes Bilstein high performance off-road shock absorbers, Front springs with TRD tuning, Toyota front grille inspired by heritage, Floor mats with TRD graphics and shift knobs, and Black alloy wheels. Other available TRD Pro Series accessories include performance exhaust system, TRD Pro front skid plates, air filters, performance air intake system and more. Call or visit your local Toyota dealer for more information.

Want to know more about Tundra Suspensions ? Please check out our article on Icon Suspensions Tundra

What is SR5?

What does SR5 stands for Toyota ?

SR5 stands for Sport Rally 5 speed. SR5 stands for Sport, R for the RE (EFI) engine family, and 5 for the 5-speed transmission. Somewhat correct with the above answer, though not entirely accurate. SR5 usually denotes a specific Toyota trim level with additional options. sporty look, stiffer suspension and a wide range of options. Toyota sells its SR5 as an “add-on package”. It features power exterior mirrors on crew cab models and fog lights on 2011 V-6 models.

On the basis of these elements we have brought the following key differences between SR5 and TRD packages.

Functions of SR5:

TRD Off-road offers features that are a step above what is available on the SR5. While the SR-5 includes a sliding rear window with a skid plate, the TRD includes a sliding rear window with the same skid plate.

In addition, the SR5’s day/night rearview mirror is eclipsed by the TRD’s auto-dimming rearview mirror.

SR5 Dimensions:

There are slight size differences between the SR5 and TRD Off-road. The TRD is slightly wider at 75.2 inches compared to the SR5’s 74.4 inches. While it doesn’t seem like a big difference, the TRD’s rear seats are significantly more spacious than the SR5’s rear seats. The TRD offers almost five inches of hip room, three more inches of headroom, eight more inches of legroom and two more inches of shoulder room, for a total of another 18 inches of room. Both models are the same length, but the TRD bed is five feet long and the SR5 bed is six feet long. While the TRD provides more room for passengers, the SR5 offers more cargo space.

Does the TRD Off-Road sit higher than the SR5?

According to Toyota, both the TRD Off-road and the SR5 are 70.6 inches tall. However, many Tundra owners consider the TRD to be slightly taller than the SR5. Differences in tire size and upgraded dampers and TRD suspension system could explain the difference in height.

Weight and capacity:

TRD and SR5 weigh the same, but their towing capacity is slightly different. The SR5 has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with a payload of 1,085 pounds. On the other hand, the TRD can handle a higher payload of 1,395 pounds but can only tow up to 670 pounds. You can choose the model that best suits your needs by deciding if you use your truck more for hauling or towing. If you mainly haul cargo, you will benefit from the higher TRD payload. If you use your truck for towing more often, the SR5’s higher towing capacity will serve you better.

Feature Availability:

The TRD includes some standard features that aren’t even offered as an option on the SR5. For example, the TRD includes rear child locks and a smart key system. Potential buyers also have a choice to add a multi-terrain monitor in the TRD, which is unavailable on the SR5. While the SR5 includes remote keyless entry, which is not available with the TRD.

Seating:

You can also consider the capacity of each model if you are using your truck to travel with family or friends. The SR5 seats four, while the TRD seats five.

Available packages:

In addition to the standard features offered by each model, packages are available for the SR5 and TRD that include additional features depending on your needs. These packages are a cost-effective way to add extra features to your vehicle without having to pay for each extra feature individually.

SR5 appearance package

Toyota only offers an appearance package for the SR5, which includes 16-inch dark gray alloy wheels and colored fenders. Standard SR5 wheels are 16″ steel.

The premium audio and navigation package includes a three-year trial of Premium Audio and Dynamic Navigation, a one-year trial of Destination Assist, and a 10-year trial of Service Connect. It also includes remote connection.

TRD off-road safety and performance packages

More on Tundra TSS vs. TRD here.

TRD Off-Road Entertainment Packages

The technology package offers parking sonar and a blind spot monitor, which also includes rear cross traffic alert. The LED headlight package includes LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights. As the name suggests, TRD Off-road performs well in rough terrain. Unsurprisingly, an off-road package is on offer to make adventures more enjoyable and safer. The Premium Off-Road Package includes leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, automatic headlights, a sunroof and a JBL premium audio system so you can drive in style. To ensure your safety while off-road, the kit also includes: yearly trial version of Remote Connect, three-year trial version for dynamic navigation, one year Destination Assist trial, and a 10-year trial for Service Connect.

If you choose to purchase the Premium Off-Road Package, the Premium Audio and Navigation Package is optional.

Price:

The TRD Off-road starts at $34,000, up $6,000 from the SR5’s $28,000 starting price. If you’re having a hard time deciding if it’s worth the extra cost, consider what features you need for everyday use. The SR5 is a simple yet reliable truck that has everything you need for safe and comfortable everyday driving. TRD Off-Road is for those who like to take their truck on extreme off-road adventures. If you regularly ride off-road, the safety features offered by TRD may be worth the higher price.

Can a Tundra be SR5 and TRD?

The Toyota Tundra is a worthy upgrade for Toyota’s iconic full-size pickup. The Tundra is designed to seriously enhance your rides with massive towing and cargo capacity, impressive performance and a host of exceptional exterior and interior features. The Tundra is available in six trim levels that include SR, SR5, Limited, 1794 Edition, Platinum, and TRD Pro. The SR5 is an affordable trim level filled with high-quality features and powerful performance.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 with standard 4×2 double cab configuration and 6.5-foot bed has a starting MSRP of $35,715. It’s a great mid-range choice between the base SR trim and more expensive higher-end trims like the Limited and Platinum versions. The standard engine is a 5.7-liter V8 that offers Leander drivers an impressive 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the cab and bodywork you choose for your Tundra SR5, you can upgrade to all-wheel drive, which is the perfect choice for those drivers who want to drive their truck off-road or over rough terrain. It also comes with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, the SR5 has an estimated 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway for a combined mileage of 15 mpg. The SR5 seats 6 passengers in standard configuration and has a load capacity of 1660 lbs. It can tow 10,200 pounds and comes with the Toyota Tow Package Tow Hitch Receiver.

What is difference between TRD and SR5 Tundra?

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck with some serious off-road ability. It also offers impressive hauling and towing capabilities. The Tundra is available in a variety of body styles and configurations. All models can accommodate up to six people. Toyota Tundra will be available in six different trim levels and two special editions. There are many options to customize the Tundra to suit your specific needs. This makes the Tundra an excellent work truck. It’s also a good daily driver that can haul random loads, tow a trailer, or even go on an off-road adventure. With so many options, it can be hard to decide which version of Tundra to pick. We take a look at both trim levels and how they fit together.

The all-new Tundra SR5 offers an impressive array of state-of-the-art technologies ranging from safety attributes to media choices. You’ll find an 8-inch touchscreen stereo including not only Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM and a rearview camera. If you’re more interested in security tech, the Tundra SR5 has plenty. The 2020 Toyota Tundra includes Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of safety and security features consisting of a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. Front and rear parking assistance sonar, blind spot monitor (with rear cross traffic alert) and an anti-theft system are offered as upgrades. Despite the workhorse layout, the new Tundra SR5 is filled with valuable technology.

When you consider the all-new Toyota Tundra SR5 with 18-inch steel wheels and halogen headlights (with LED accents), you can tell this pickup is business. You can even make it more truck-like with alternatives like a skid plate, front tow hooks, LED headlights and fog lights, and heated side mirrors with built-in blind-spot mirrors. Climb inside and you’ll find an austere cabin with 6-person benches, power windows, power locks, opening rear window and auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and HomeLink®.

On the other hand the Tundra TRD is based on the Limited trim, up from the previous generation SR5. This brings more affordable technology and comfortable SofTex seating surfaces. We found the interior comfortable, enjoyed the new 14-inch infotainment screen, and didn’t find the TRD Pro’s bold red accents overwhelming. The cabin is quiet on the highway, and everything we needed was within easy reach from the driver’s seat. If we had claims, there would be two. First, artificial engine noise. We’ve heard it, and Toyota has confirmed it. Limited trims and up use “amplified” engine noise, which is transmitted through the speakers. We also used the SR5 trim and would love to turn off the “false” engine noise as it’s not needed. Finally, and this is something to probably experience, the shape of the new windshield makes it hard to see what’s above the truck when you’re the first car at a traffic light. The windshield is lowered in such a way at the top center that it becomes a problem to see traffic lights. Driving the current-generation 2020 Tundra has confirmed that this is indeed a product of a new body style. This may be a personal preference, but we found it worthy of a mention.

Finally if off-road travel is your hobby and the truck is your means of exploration, then the Toyota Tundra TRD could be the perfect truck for you. It is comfortable and quiet as well as extremely powerful and off-road capable. This truck has proven to be a true jack-of-all-trades and we can’t wait to spend more time behind the wheel exploring all of our favorite backcountry spots.