I'm a NB to this forum, I have participated in years with a VW forum for the sedan I have had and I really look forward to the expert advise and insight I will get from this forum (and hopefully contriubte).

I've finally got support for replacing our sedan and minivan with a TR4. I'm thinking used if I can find what I want.

My question is regarding e-lock capability and 3rd row seats.
Looks like e lock is on trail edition only and that edition doesn't have 3rd row seats. So if I'd like to have both, what options are available?

Do I get a SR5 V6 with the 3rd row seat and install my own e lock, or can I get the trail edition and add a 3rd row seat?

I don't do serious off roading, but would like capability for heavy snow and some steep hills that will be tricky in the winter. (really steep driveway in the hills of PA - just moved and have a cabin in Maine).

Any advice would be appreciated. Not affraid to wrench a bit on cars.

best bet, easier to buy a locker than a 3rd row seating setup and making it work

SR5 driven for a year, e-lock if you have to have it.

cool thanks.
Trying to research the trail versus SR5. Anything else specation about the 4x4 function to be aware of such as the traction control features? If I plan to install an e locker on the SR5 would any of the featurs of the Trail version matter to traction performance?

What I'm getting at is I think I can negotiate out the 3rd row seating with the better half if needed, but want to understand the trade offs.

I second this.

What VW did you use to have? I still own a 98 VW GTi VR6 that I was making a track car but it has been shelved to a corner of my garage for the past 3 years. LOL

If you are in snow country, would a Limited with full time 4wd be better?
Not sure, but a locker may cause side slip on snow/ice.
I have not been able to try my TE locker on ice here in Southern Cal.

Not for your application. Get an SR5 or Limited with the third row and put true snows (studded or non-studded) depending on preference) on it. If you go SR5, you can take the money you'd spend on the Trail and put it into another set of wheels and tires, and then run a summer set and winter set. True snow tires will be a bigger aid in snow traction for you than a locking diff. If you still feel like you need a locker at that point (doubtful), then put an ARB in the rear. (This doesn't apply if you what to do serious wheeling in it, then the locker would be comparatively more useful.)

My .02 from working at ski areas in the Tahoe region for 10+ years and driving in some of the worst snow conditions imaginable.

I don't know how much your wife will be driving 4r, but is you going to be sharing 4r equally and you can afford limited, I would get limited. it is 4wd all the time and do not have to worry about switching the nub and if the road is appropriate for use of 4x4. Where in PA are you, I live on the boarder of NE PA and Buck County and I wish for a lot of snow every winter so I can see how my truck handles, but never enough. Good luck with a purchase.

Full-time 4WD is now on my permanent must-have list for any new car. You get so much more control and traction.

The locker is only available in 4-Low, which you do not want to be in for snow. I believe the locker is a non-issue unless you are using this to its full potential off-road.

'96 Passat TDI. I'm on 267,000 miles and feel it is time to move on. Love the TDI engine. Have had 3 of them but looking for a SUV now. Getting rid of the TDI and the minivan for a T4R.

Thanks for all the advice.

Sounds like a SR5 or if I want some bells and whistles the Limited may be the way to go, and like was said, a good set of tires potentially two.

I'm in Landenberg, PA right on the DE border. Dont' get a ton of snow but the tiny roads are terrible when we do get it.

Given my relative simple use and not a ton of preferences, is Gen 5 better than Gen 4 if I want to save few bucks? Is cargo space smaller in the Gen 4?

I don't think that winter driving requires e-locker unless maybe you're going offroad in the winter. For the past 3 years I drive SR5 I once used 4lo in winter driving on unplowed country road and ATRAC was more then sufficient. Locker is a good thing of course and if I recall correctly ARB rear locker costs about $1500 but I would install it specifically for winter. In my opinion It's better to invest in winter tires. I found SR5 copletely sufficient for Canadian winters but TE is really nice - folks say that KDSS is really worth the money and LE has full time 4x4 which is nice thing either, so you got some choice to make : )

I have a '12 TE with the e-locker and would NOT try to add it to an SR5 or LTD!!! The stock e-locker is controlled through ECUs that aren't on the SR5 and would also require changing the rear diff housing along with the internals. Way to much work and cost.

If I was going to add locking diffs to front, rear or both I would go with ARB air lockers. This also has the added benefit of giving you an air compressor for airing up after the day on the trails is done.

nice. I had a 96 Passat TDI - ran it to 330,000 miles. two years ago I sold it for $1,000 and got a 2006 Jetta TDI. Jetta just rolled over 200,000. As long as I'm driving 100 miles a day I'll have a TDI to compliment my 4x4.

Good luck on your purchase, you'll love the 4Runner.