Tundra TSS and TRD [Differences and Similarities: 2024]

The Tundra stands out as an outstanding example of solid engineering and versatile design in the world of Toyota trucks.

It is a popular full-size pickup truck that offers a variety of trim levels and packages. Two of its popular packages are TSS and TDR.

But many potential buyers always have confusion between the two packages and wonder what’s the difference between them and which is better.

The main difference between the Tundra TSS and TRD packages is that the TSS is just an appearance package, while the TRD package is a performance- and off-road-capable package.

In this article, I have discussed the Tundra TSS and Tundra TRD packages, the key differences between them, and helped you choose the right one for you.

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What is Tundra TSS Package

The Toyota Tundra TSS off-road package is an appearance package that is designed to give the Tundra a more rugged and off-road-ready look.

The Tundra TSS stands for “Toyota Sports Series.”

It is available on the SR and SR5 trim levels and includes the following features:

20-inch milled black alloy wheels
TSS off-road bed decals
The exhaust tip is made of stainless steel
Graphite or black oval step tubes
All-weather carpet floor liners
20-inch graphite or black all-terrain tires
Matte black badge overlays

However, it is essential to note that the TSS off-road package does not include any mechanical upgrades that would improve the truck’s off-road performance.

It is purely an appearance package. Some people add the Tundra TSS off-road package to their truck because they like the aggressive look it gives the vehicle.

Others also choose it because they want all-terrain tires, which can provide traction in light off-road conditions.

What is Tundra TRD Off Road Package

The Toyota Tundra TRD off-road package is a performance and off-road capability upgrade package. The Tundra 1794 Edition, Limited, and SR5 trim levels all come with the package.

The Tundra TRD off-road package comes with the following features:

Bilstein monotube dampers
A unique TRD grille
TRD 18-inch wheels (20-inch on Limited and 1794)
Mudguards
Skid plates
Multi-terrain select
A red-colored engine ignition button
A leather-wrapped shifter
Crawl Control
Downhill assist control
A locking rear differential

This package makes the Tundra more capable of handling off-road terrain and conditions.

The Bilstein monotube dampers provide better control and articulation on rough surfaces, while the skid plates and mudguards protect the truck from damage.

Downhill assist control and the locking rear differential help the truck maintain traction in challenging conditions, and the locking rear differential helps it descend steep hills.

Therefore, it is a great choice for buyers who want a Tundra truck that is both capable and stylish.

Tundra TSS and TRD [6 Key Differences and Similarities]

The Toyota Tundra TSS and TRD off-road packages have 6 key differences, including appearance, performance, off-road capability, interior, safety features, and price.

1. Appearance

Tundra TSS and TRD off-road packages have the following key differences in terms of appearance:

The Tundra TSS off-road package has 18- or 20-inch wheels, while the Tundra TRD off-road package has 18-inch wheels.
The Tundra TSS has oval step tubes, while the Tundra TRD has mudguards but no oval step tubes.
The Tundra TSS has a black grille with milled accents, while the Tundra TRD has a black grille with a black mesh insert.
The Tundra TSS does not have a hood scoop, while the Tundra TRD comes with a hood scoop.
The Tundra TSS has TSS off-road bed decals, while the Tundra TRD has TRD bed decals.
The Tundra TSS has a matte black shift knob, while the Tundra TRD has a TRD shift knob.

The following table summarizes the key differences between Tundra TSS and TRD’s appearance:

Feature	Tundra TSS	Tundra TRD
Wheels	18- or 20-inch black or graphite alloy wheels with milled accents	18-inch black alloy wheels with TRD badging
Tires	Black or graphite all-terrain tires	All-train tires
Step tubes	Oval step tubes are available	Not available
Mudguards	Not available	Available
Hood scoop	Not available	Available
Bed decals	TSS off-road bed decals	TRD bed decals
Shift knob	Matte black shift knob	TRD shift knob

2. Performance

In terms of performance, the Tundra TSS and Tundra TRD have some noticeable differences.

The Tundra TRD off-road package includes:

Lifter suspension with Bilstein shocks
Engine tuning for improved torque and low-end power
TRD exhaust system for improved airflow and performance
Skid plates for better protection

The Tundra TSS off-road package includes:

Standard Suspension
Standard engine tuning
Standard exhaust system
Basic or optional skid plates

The Tundra TRD’s lifted suspension with Bilstein shocks provides a more comfortable ride on rough roads and improves the truck’s off-road capability, which is not present in the Tundra TSS.

The Tundra TRD engine tuning for improved torque and low-end power makes the truck more responsive and capable of handling challenging off-road conditions.

But the Tundra TSS comes with standard engine tuning.

The Tundra TRD exhaust system improved airflow and performance more than the Tundra TSS exhaust system.

The Tundra TSS has minimal or optional skid plates that offer basic undercarriage protection.

In contrast, the Tundra TRD has more robust skid plates that shield important components from potential damage during off-roading.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two packages in terms of performance:

Feature	Tundra TSS	Tundra TRD
Suspension	Standard	Lifted with Bilstein shocks
Engine Tuning	Standard	Improved torque and low-end power
Exhaust System	Standard	Improved TRD exhaust system
Skid Plates	Basic or optional	Robust, offering superior protection

3. Off-road Capability

The Toyota Tundra TSS is an appearance package, and it does not include any mechanical upgrades that would improve the truck’s off-road capability.

On the other hand, the Tundra TRD includes a number of mechanical upgrades that improve the truck’s off-road capability, including:

A lifted suspension with Bilstein shocks
Skid plates to protect the undercarriage
Tow hooks
All-terrain tires

Regarding off-road capability, the Tundra TRD is the superior choice.

It has a higher ground clearance, better approach and departure angles, and more skid plates.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two packages in terms of off-road capability:

Feature	Tundra TSS	Tundra TRD
Ground Clearance	9.3 to 9.5 inches	10.4 to 10.5 inches
Approach angle	25 to 26.0 degrees	26.2 to 27 degrees
Departure angle	24.5 degrees	24.2 degrees
Skid plates	Available	Available
Tow hooks	Not available	Available

4. Interior

The interior of Tundra TSS and TRD is almost identical.

The main difference between the two packages is the TRD stitching on the seats and the steering wheel in the TRD off-road package.

The TRD Pro package also adds red stitching to the shift knob, unique floor mats, and a TRD Pro headliner.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two packages in terms of interiors:

Feature	Tundra TSS	Tundra TRD
Seats	Standard cloth seats	Standard cloth seats with TRD stitching
Infotainment system	Standard 8-inch touchscreen	Standard 8-inch touchscreen with TRD off-road app
Sound system	JBL	JBL
Optional audio system	JBL Premium Audio	JBL Premium Audio
TRD gauge cluster	Not available	Available
Leather seats	Optional	Optional
Heated and ventilated front seats	Available	Available
Moonroof	Available	Available
TRD Pro package	Not available	Available

5. Safety and Driving-Assistance Features

The Toyota Tundra TSS has advanced Toyota safety features but does not include any additional safety features specifically for off-road driving.

On the other hand, the Tundra TRD off-road package includes the following safety features for off-road driving:

Electronic Locking Read Differential: This system locks the rear differential to improve traction in low-traction conditions.
Crawl Control: This system allows the vehicle to move forward at a very low speed without the driver having to use the accelerator pedal. This is helpful when navigating difficult off-road terrain.
Multi-Terrain Select: This system helps the driver select a driving mode that is optimized for the specific terrain conditions.
Underbody Protection: Skid plates and other underbody protection prevent rocks and other obstacles from damaging the vehicle.

6. Price

The Tundra TSS off-road package is an appearance package, and it is currently priced at approximately $4,100.

In contrast, the Tundra TRD is a performance and off-road package available in two variants: the basic and premium off-road packages.

The basic off-road package starts at $1,820, while the premium package ranges in price from $4,105 to $10,300, depending on the options selected.

Key differences between the Tundra TSS off-road and the Tundra TRD off-road package in terms of pricing:

Package	Starting Price
Tundra TSS Off-Road	$4,100
Tundra TRD Off-Road	$1,820
Tundra TRD Off-Road (Premium)	$4,105 to $10,300

Which One is Right for You, Tundra TSS or TRD

The Tundra TSS off-road package is an appearance package with no mechanical upgrades that would improve the truck’s off-road capability.

The Tundra TRD off-road package is a performance- and off-road-capable package.

So, the TSS off-road package is a good option if you are looking for a Tundra with a more aggressive look and all-terrain tires.

However, if you need a truck capable of handling serious off-roading and high performance, the TRD off-road package is the better choice.

Regarding pricing, if you are on a budget, the Tundra TSS is the more affordable option.

In contrast, the TRD is better for its off-road capability if you can afford it.

Ultimately, you can decide which pack is right for you based on your needs and budget.

I recommend talking to a Toyota dealer if you still have any doubts or confusion.

They will help you choose the right package based on your needs and budget.

Final Thoughts

The Toyota Tundra TSS and Tundra TRD packages are great options, but they offer different things.

The TSS package is a good choice for drivers who want a Tundra with a more aggressive look and all-terrain tires.

In contrast, the TRD package is a better choice for drivers who need a truck capable of handling serious off-roading.

Their price range is also different due to the performance differences. The Tundra TRD premium off-road package is more expensive than the Tundra TSS off-road package.

So, based on your needs and budget, you can select one.

To learn more about Toyota Tundra, check out the following articles:

Tundra TSS and TRD [Differences and Similarities: 2024]

What is Tundra TSS Package

What is Tundra TRD Off Road Package