First-Time Overlanding Vehicle Recommendations SR5 or TRD Off-Road

[Kupala MidSummer]

First-Time Overlanding Vehicle Recommendations​

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some guidance on choosing my first overlanding vehicle. Here's my situation:

Background:

• 35-year-old woman, complete beginner to off-roading
• Currently driving a Toyota Corolla
• Zero solo off-road experience
• Planning trips to Alaska and exploring the Moab area extensively

What I'm Looking For:

• Overlanding capability only – no interest in technical rock crawling
• Something reliable and beginner-friendly
• Suitable for long-distance adventure travel

I'd really appreciate any model recommendations from the community. What would you suggest for someone just starting out in overlanding with these destinations in mind?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[kophoto4x4]

If you are going to be hitting trails that are more than a fire road I would highly suggest getting the off-road. Even if you dont use all the features on it all the time, you'll eventually need them especially if you're adventuring alone. There have been multiple times that a rear locker has saved me while out on my own. If you arent going a ton then an sr5 is fine just make sure it has 4WD. If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading and plan on keeping the car for a long time then I would go higher off-road trim for sure. If you can afford it then I would even get the Off-road premium as you might regret not having leather seats and a bigger screen. Those options can and most likely will be available to install after the fact I know the seats you can for sure.

 

[Kupala MidSummer]

If you are going to be hitting trails that are more than a fire road I would highly suggest getting the off-road. Even if you dont use all the features on it all the time, you'll eventually need them especially if you're adventuring alone. There have been multiple times that a rear locker has saved me while out on my own. If you arent going a ton then an sr5 is fine just make sure it has 4WD. If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading and plan on keeping the car for a long time then I would go higher off-road trim for sure. If you can afford it then I would even get the Off-road premium as you might regret not having leather seats and a bigger screen. Those options can and most likely will be available to install after the fact I know the seats you can for sure.

I really appreciate the advice! Planning to keep this one for the long haul, so that helps justify the investment. $60k is steep for a car - definitely the most I've ever considered spending.

The $9k jump from TRD Off-Road to Premium has me going back and forth. That screen really impressed me during yesterday's test drive, but nine grand buys a lot of gas and maintenance. I'm already planning to follow Automotive Press guidelines with 5K oil changes and turbo replacement at 150K miles.

It's basically my practical side battling my adventure side. I love getting outdoors and exploring, which makes those Premium features tempting. But I've been wrestling with this decision for six months now, and that frugal voice keeps asking if the base Off-Road wouldn't serve me just as well.

Has anyone here made a similar choice they ended up regretting either way?

 

[kophoto4x4]

I mean if you're in your car a ton everyday like me then I would say bite the bullet and go for premium because it is really nice at the end of the day if you're keeping the car for a long time. I have seen a few posts of people regretting not getting the premium version but like I said only if you can afford it then go for it but if its really not in the budget then it is not super necessary. It is quite expensive for sure but hey I look at it as an investment at least I am able to write it off as a business expense so im a little biased haha.

 

[Kingjamse]

First-Time Overlanding Vehicle Recommendations​

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some guidance on choosing my first overlanding vehicle. Here's my situation:

Background:

• 35-year-old woman, complete beginner to off-roading
• Currently driving a Toyota Corolla
• Zero solo off-road experience
• Planning trips to Alaska and exploring the Moab area extensively

What I'm Looking For:

• Overlanding capability only – no interest in technical rock crawling
• Something reliable and beginner-friendly
• Suitable for long-distance adventure travel

I'd really appreciate any model recommendations from the community. What would you suggest for someone just starting out in overlanding with these destinations in mind?

Thanks in advance for your help!

I have the Hybrid TDR Off-Road 4x4.
I had initially intended on getting the SR5, however having offroad capability was a huge factor for me.
I am a conservative 4x4 user and mainly use if for extra traction on dirt roads, which admittedly I do not get onto often enough.
My plan is to have the vehicle for 10 years, so I wanted reliability and flexibility. Toyota won the reliability factor.
I have had 2 other 4x4 before this Toyota, and I absolutely loved them, being able to go anywhere with confidence is a game changer when it comes to planning vacations and road trips. My last vehicle was a SUV, competent, but no 4x4 capability, and I hated not being able to jump into the car and go into the mountains for the weekend. Suddenly I had limitations on where I could wonder off to.
Another consideration is the resale value. Toyota have an excellent reputation for their resale value, adding the 4x4 ability and you guarantee a good resale price.

Hopefully you find the right match for yourself, and you get to have many adventures in your new car.
I have previously belonged to an offroad club (not the crazy risk your vehicle type of club) and found it really helpful. Learning from experienced off-roaders / overlanders is a valuable learning tool.

 

[rockyweasel]

The $9k jump from TRD Off-Road to Premium has me going back and forth.

Are you possibly comparing the base Off-Road to the Hybrid Premium? The Premium should "only" be a $6k jump over the base Off-Road with the same engine.

That said, I went with the OR Premium for overlanding because I wanted the panoramic camera and terrain monitoring cameras so I can see what's around me without getting out.

 

[Kingjamse]

Are you possibly comparing the base Off-Road to the Hybrid Premium? The Premium should "only" be a $6k jump over the base Off-Road with the same engine.

That said, I went with the OR Premium for overlanding because I wanted the panoramic camera and terrain monitoring cameras so I can see what's around me without getting out.

No, mine is an Off-Road Hybrid, it is not the Premium. They seem to have so many variables in their build that this can get very confusing.
My Off-Road Hybrid does not have the panoramic camera and terrain monitoring cameras.

 

[DangItsDen]

First-Time Overlanding Vehicle Recommendations​

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some guidance on choosing my first overlanding vehicle. Here's my situation:

Background:

• 35-year-old woman, complete beginner to off-roading
• Currently driving a Toyota Corolla
• Zero solo off-road experience
• Planning trips to Alaska and exploring the Moab area extensively

What I'm Looking For:

• Overlanding capability only – no interest in technical rock crawling
• Something reliable and beginner-friendly
• Suitable for long-distance adventure travel

I'd really appreciate any model recommendations from the community. What would you suggest for someone just starting out in overlanding with these destinations in mind?

Thanks in advance for your help!

I would go Off-road at least, and premium if you plan to keep it for a long time. I bought my 2015 Trail Edition (TRD off-road before that name was around) new with cloth and the basic infotainment. I still own it 10 years later. I regretted not getting the premium... for like 10 years. So when I went to buy my 6th gen (my wife's but we share it), I went for the premium and its miles ahead of the off-road for a daily driver. In Texas the ventilated seats are amazing, and I love the infotainment.

There is a middle option where you get the off-road now, then get katzkin leather seats later, and maybe even swap the infotainment screen at some point.

 

[Kupala MidSummer]

I have the Hybrid TDR Off-Road 4x4.
I had initially intended on getting the SR5, however having offroad capability was a huge factor for me.
I am a conservative 4x4 user and mainly use if for extra traction on dirt roads, which admittedly I do not get onto often enough.
My plan is to have the vehicle for 10 years, so I wanted reliability and flexibility. Toyota won the reliability factor.
I have had 2 other 4x4 before this Toyota, and I absolutely loved them, being able to go anywhere with confidence is a game changer when it comes to planning vacations and road trips. My last vehicle was a SUV, competent, but no 4x4 capability, and I hated not being able to jump into the car and go into the mountains for the weekend. Suddenly I had limitations on where I could wonder off to.
Another consideration is the resale value. Toyota have an excellent reputation for their resale value, adding the 4x4 ability and you guarantee a good resale price.

Hopefully you find the right match for yourself, and you get to have many adventures in your new car.
I have previously belonged to an offroad club (not the crazy risk your vehicle type of club) and found it really helpful. Learning from experienced off-roaders / overlanders is a valuable learning tool.

Thank you so much for the advice. I ended up getting the TRD Off-Road Premium. I am in Colorado. Do you know of any good Overlanding groups in that area? I definitely need to get trained up.

 

[Kupala MidSummer]

Are you possibly comparing the base Off-Road to the Hybrid Premium? The Premium should "only" be a $6k jump over the base Off-Road with the same engine.

That said, I went with the OR Premium for overlanding because I wanted the panoramic camera and terrain monitoring cameras so I can see what's around me without getting out.

I ended up getting the TRD Off-Road Premium. It seemed like the best value. Thank you for the advice.

 

[Kupala MidSummer]

I purchased the Off-Road Premium Gas model with tow package. I chose this model for the off-roading tools (4-wheel drive, rear locker, multi-terrain select, and crawl control features. Also for the Tech (Larger screen, panoramic cameras, power lift-gate, integrated brake controller/straight path assist for plug & play towing, heated seats/steering wheel, ventilated seats, and digital rearview mirror, etc.)...these are great comforts for daily driving and when the wife and I road trip/tow a camper. With overlanding in mind, I imagine your first mods will likely be some type of suspension adjustment, new wheels/tires, and underbody protection (skid plates/rock rails), so these are things to consider as they are costly. Many folks might choose to use the $9K you mentioned for those upgrades vs. spending it on the premium features.

Regarding powertrain...I didn't choose the hybrid because I was able to hear a constant, high pitched electrical sound coming from underneath the center console area (most likely from the dc to dc inverter) and it was too annoying. That, and the loss of cargo space and higher cargo platform from the batteries wasn't my cup of tea. But if you can't hear the sound, and you don't mind losing some cargo space...the extra power of the hybrid powertrain is said to make off-roading a bit more controlled/smooth since you have so much available hp/torque...especially if you've got lots of gear. A drawback is less load capacity due to the weight of the batteries. For me the ORP was worth the extra $$...especially since I wasn't going to do a bunch of big mods right away. If you don't care about the extra tech features, a standard Off-Road with the hybrid powertrain might be good compromise. Good luck with your choice and all your adventures ahead!

I ended up getting the TRD Off-Road Premium yesterday. Thank you for the advice.

 

[Kupala MidSummer]

Hello,

I just wanted to update everyone. As of last night I am the proud owner of a TRD Off-Road Premium in Heritage Blue.
If anyone has any suggestions on an Overlanding group near Denver Co I would love to know.

 

[DangItsDen]

Hello,

I just wanted to update everyone. As of last night I am the proud owner of a TRD Off-Road Premium in Heritage Blue.
If anyone has any suggestions on an Overlanding group near Denver Co I would love to know.

View attachment 2861

Nice choice Welcome to the gang

 

[Kupala MidSummer]

Nice choice Welcome to the gang

Thank you Happy to be here!

 

[Kupala MidSummer]

Also, I just found out the the skid plates are plastic. Any advice on the skid plates I should get?

 

[rockyweasel]

Has anyone cut into the Off Road front skid plate? Toyota marketing says it's "composite", so I'm wondering if it's maybe fiberglass reinforced. That would make it more durable than what you find under most cars.

 

[mtbtone]

Yeah, it’s unfortunate that on an off-road premium they don’t give you the good skids. I just installed the OEM front TRD aluminum skid and the OEM rear diff skid (which only comes in steel). I chose to install only those two because I’m not doing serious rock crawling or frequent overlanding…just the occasional adventure that may include a moderate 4x4 trail…nothing extreme. So for $800 and 40lbs of additional weight I feel like I have sufficient protection for my driving needs. If I was overlanding frequently or rock crawling, I would choose full skids (front, transmission, and rear) and would go with the steel trailhunter version. You can also check out other brands like RCI. I believe a full kit will run around $1K, give or take. The front skid was a very easy install, and the rear diff was a bit more involved since you need to carefully install clamps near the brake lines, but still doable as a self-install if you feel confident enough. Hope this helps!