4th gen SR5 to 5th gen Limited or?

scootermcrad said:

FANTASTIC response! I appreciate that feedback. That really makes me feel a lot better about the 3rd row. All it would probably ever get used for is kids, and/or dogs if someone is already sitting in the rear seat. We definitely assumed a roof top carrier of some kind would be in order.

Does the 3rd row seat actually come out, or is it bolted in solid? How about cargo room with the 3rd row folded down?

One thing I have always loved about my 4Runners is the amount of stuff I can shove into the back! I've moved across this country a couple times and have put everything from large welders and engine blocks in the back, to luggage and dog crates. They have never let me down.

Click to expand...

Here is a picture of our back fully loaded with the dog for a road trip (third row folded down). I have never had issues with space. The third row folds into the floor (you lose about 1cu ft of storage over the non-third row, but I haven't had a situation where I've felt I didn't have plenty of room.

I also forgot to mention the 3rd row is a 50/50 split, so you can have one person sitting in the 3rd row and the other half folded down for luggage, dog crate, etc.

scootermcrad said:

WHEELS! Lets talk about that for a minute. I'm definitely interested to hear about how Toyota handles "wheel deals". Do they resist?

Click to expand...

My comments re wheels are strictly a matter of my taste. I don't care for the skinny-ness of them on an otherwise hunky vehicle. Many are fine with them.

"Wheel deals" is not a Toyota issue, they don't care. Lots of LE owners (on here) put a 17" wheel on. My comments meant IF I bought an LE, I'd want the wheel/tire swap over done with the purchase (dealer) strictly for my convenience.

scootermcrad said:

I feel like I could live with the stock wheels though. My wife likes the stock LE 20" wheels, so at the end of the day, this discussion probably doesn't matter.

Click to expand...

Yup. End of story.

We have both a 4th gen (SR5) and a 5th Gen (LE).

Our 5th Gen rides SOOOO much better than the old 4th gen. Although it has less pep around town. Interior room feels like more with one exception, roof height when loading the little man in his car seat. This is mainly due to the drop in the ceiling for the sun roof. Pretty much our only complaint, otherwise it's been a great family car, road trip car, and family camping/light trail car.

Funny story about the stock 20'' wheels, we were heading to an NFL game and the parking lot attendant was a character, we drive up and he sees our wheels and apparently thinks a) we're ballers b) they're large aftermarket wheels. He was like "ohhhhhh look at this ride!, pimpin'!"

scootermcrad said:

FANTASTIC response! I appreciate that feedback. That really makes me feel a lot better about the 3rd row. All it would probably ever get used for is kids, and/or dogs if someone is already sitting in the rear seat. We definitely assumed a roof top carrier of some kind would be in order.

Does the 3rd row seat actually come out, or is it bolted in solid? How about cargo room with the 3rd row folded down?

One thing I have always loved about my 4Runners is the amount of stuff I can shove into the back! I've moved across this country a couple times and have put everything from large welders and engine blocks in the back, to luggage and dog crates. They have never let me down.

Click to expand...

The 3rd row is bolted in solid, some here have removed it. Honestly you would never know its there when its down, it folds completely flat. It does make the rear deck height a bit higher since the seats do have to go somewhere. I really like having them since they fold away so nicely. Access to the 3rd row could be a little better, but then again if you can't get to them through the available access you probably won't be too comfortable back there. Sometimes for my kids its easier to to leave the center seat in the second row folded down hand have them go between the seats.

I agree with the post above, if you are going to be traveling or need room for anything bulky get and overhead storage. I can only fit about one row of groceries behind the 3rd row when its up. I don't think we could travel anywhere that required luggage without an overhead storage, I have 3 young kids who are all in car seats so we've tried out all combos. 2 are in booster seats now so they can use the 3rd row. The young one needs to go on the drivers side rear if we want to use the passenger side that folds forward to gain access to the 3rd row. I'm not crazy about this as the middle is my first choice for her or the passenger side 2nd row.

Gecko said:

I think the Limited is great for your needs, based on what you've outlined.

One defining factor for me is the JBL Sound System. The audio system in the SR5, SR5 Premium, Trail and Trail Premium is terrible and there is NO option to upgrade to JBL. I also do not like bothering with aftermarket installations, head units, speakers, etc, so a good OEM system is important to me.

JBL system is really great, in my opinion.

However, audio might not be a big deal for you

Click to expand...

I'm with you! I would prefer to just have a nice factory stereo than do aftermarket installs. I did that for years in many cars including my first 3rd gen and I feel it actually ruined the value of the vehicle. I've also always been a fan of JBL, so it seems like a good fit. It's not a high priority, but my wife if partially hearing impaired (15% in one ear and a cochlear implant in the other) so for her to listen to music the road noise must be low and the quality of the system must be decent. So it's definitely a good selling point.

Cymon said:

I also forgot to mention the 3rd row is a 50/50 split, so you can have one person sitting in the 3rd row and the other half folded down for luggage, dog crate, etc.

Click to expand...

Awesome on both of your responses! I didn't realize they were that low profile. GREAT!

philsey said:

My comments re wheels are strictly a matter of my taste. I don't care for the skinny-ness of them on an otherwise hunky vehicle. Many are fine with them.

"Wheel deals" is not a Toyota issue, they don't care. Lots of LE owners (on here) put a 17" wheel on. My comments meant IF I bought an LE, I'd want the wheel/tire swap over done with the purchase (dealer) strictly for my convenience.

Click to expand...

I'm with you! I would prefer to do a deal at the time of purchase and be done with it. I will check on this when inquiring with the vultures- I MEAN sales people.

ColoT4R said:

We have both a 4th gen (SR5) and a 5th Gen (LE).

Our 5th Gen rides SOOOO much better than the old 4th gen. Although it has less pep around town. Interior room feels like more with one exception, roof height when loading the little man in his car seat. This is mainly due to the drop in the ceiling for the sun roof. Pretty much our only complaint, otherwise it's been a great family car, road trip car, and family camping/light trail car.

Funny story about the stock 20'' wheels, we were heading to an NFL game and the parking lot attendant was a character, we drive up and he sees our wheels and apparently thinks a) we're ballers b) they're large aftermarket wheels. He was like "ohhhhhh look at this ride!, pimpin'!"

Click to expand...

BWAHAHAHA! Hilarious story! And thank you for the response. :cheers:

EEEliminator said:

The 3rd row is bolted in solid, some here have removed it. Honestly you would never know its there when its down, it folds completely flat. It does make the rear deck height a bit higher since the seats do have to go somewhere. I really like having them since they fold away so nicely. Access to the 3rd row could be a little better, but then again if you can't get to them through the available access you probably won't be too comfortable back there. Sometimes for my kids its easier to to leave the center seat in the second row folded down hand have them go between the seats.

I agree with the post above, if you are going to be traveling or need room for anything bulky get and overhead storage. I can only fit about one row of groceries behind the 3rd row when its up. I don't think we could travel anywhere that required luggage without an overhead storage, I have 3 young kids who are all in car seats so we've tried out all combos. 2 are in booster seats now so they can use the 3rd row. The young one needs to go on the drivers side rear if we want to use the passenger side that folds forward to gain access to the 3rd row. I'm not crazy about this as the middle is my first choice for her or the passenger side 2nd row.

Click to expand...

Again! This is REALLY great info. These were things we were talking about and wondering. THANK YOU!

scootermcrad said:

It will get used by both of us pretty equally, at the end of the day. I tend to be the main driver on road trips, however. HAHA!

WHEELS! Lets talk about that for a minute. I'm definitely interested to hear about how Toyota handles "wheel deals". Do they resist? I'm 50/50 on the wheels. I sort of feel like they're fitting with the way the LE is trimmed out, however, I do have concerns about how practical they are without getting a larger tire size on there, and that probably opens a whole nother can of worms. My experience with factory provided tires has not been great. Usually toast at 30K, not the most attractive, and certainly for mild-mannered driving.

I feel like if I kept the stock 20" wheels, I would at least have to look for a different tire when the OEM's are mileaged out. But, I had also thought, I wonder what those wheels would look like black (we know the vehicle will be black). Maybe powdercoat the wheels at some point. I feel like I could live with the stock wheels though. My wife likes the stock LE 20" wheels, so at the end of the day, this discussion probably doesn't matter. HAHA!

Click to expand...

If your wife and you like completely different seat settings you will like the memory seats on the Limited. Your old 4th gen had auto temp. The only way to get it on a 5th gen is a Limited. Do you like auto lights? Then Limited only.
If you use the 3rd row seats then there is very little storage left behind them when up and the floor sets higher when they are down. The Limited rides stiffer than an SR5 but handles corners and has minimal nose dive with the xreas suspension. Read through the brochures to make sure you are getting the other features the Limited has that you desire. If you want to be able to run in 4 wheel drive like you do on your 4th gen on the road without shifting in and out of 4x4 when you get to dry pavement then you will want the Limited. The others are part time 4x4.

03_4x4Runner said:

If your wife and you like completely different seat settings you will like the memory seats on the Limited. Your old 4th gen had auto temp. The only way to get it on a 5th gen is a Limited. Do you like auto lights? Then Limited only.
If you use the 3rd row seats then there is very little storage left behind them when up and the floor sets higher when they are down. The Limited rides stiffer than an SR5 but handles corners and has minimal nose dive with the xreas suspension. Read through the brochures to make sure you are getting the other features the Limited has that you desire. If you want to be able to run in 4 wheel drive like you do on your 4th gen on the road without shifting in and out of 4x4 when you get to dry pavement then you will want the Limited. The others are part time 4x4.

Click to expand...

Thanks!

Do you find that full time 4WD is killer on economy, or does it still have the same basic ratings? Is there any selectability with the 4WD, or is it just on and that's what you get?

How quiet are these things inside? I'm assuming they must be pretty quiet from road noise. Any complaints and/or comparisons?

My 5th Gen LE is IMO very quiet on the highway, certainly more so than our 4th Gen. I have been pleased with how quiet it is.

There is no selectibility with the 4wd, it's full-time, or low range.

IMO though it's worth the 1mpg, especially with black ice or ice in the shadows in the winter.

I still get 18.7 mpg mixed with my 14' LE.

scootermcrad said:

Thanks!

Do you find that full time 4WD is killer on economy, or does it still have the same basic ratings? Is there any selectability with the 4WD, or is it just on and that's what you get?

How quiet are these things inside? I'm assuming they must be pretty quiet from road noise. Any complaints and/or comparisons?

Click to expand...

Do you have 4x4 in your 4th gen? Do you have a V8 or V6? If you have the V8 it will be the same except it will always have the center dif locked in low range. On the 4th gen you can lock or unlock the center dif in low or high. If you have the V6 4th gen you can run 2 wheel drive, 4x4 low or high range center dif locked or unlocked. The 5th gen Limited you have 4 high unlocked for normal use, 4 high locked if needed of road or low range locked. I would say my 5th gen Limited is slightly noisier than my old 4th gen but I had the very smooth running V8. If you could somehow drive blindfolded and you were driving a 4th gen and a 5th gen down the road without knowing which one you were in you it would be hard to tell the difference. The new gages and electronics is much better in the 5th gen. I would suggest doing a search for this info. It has been discussed many times in the past. Do not even get me started on the lack of a hamburger tray in the 5th gen (this is for 1engineer).

03_4x4Runner said:

Do you have 4x4 in your 4th gen? Do you have a V8 or V6? If you have the V8 it will be the same except it will always have the center dif locked in low range. On the 4th gen you can lock or unlock the center dif in low or high. If you have the V6 4th gen you can run 2 wheel drive, 4x4 low or high range center dif locked or unlocked. The 5th gen Limited you have 4 high unlocked for normal use, 4 high locked if needed of road or low range locked. I would say my 5th gen Limited is slightly noisier than my old 4th gen but I had the very smooth running V8. If you could somehow drive blindfolded and you were driving a 4th gen and a 5th gen down the road without knowing which one you were in you it would be hard to tell the difference. The new gages and electronics is much better in the 5th gen. I would suggest doing a search for this info. It has been discussed many times in the past. Do not even get me started on the lack of a hamburger tray in the 5th gen (this is for 1engineer).

Click to expand...

Great info! Thank you!

My 4th Gen SR5 is fairly bare bones and pretty noisy, I think. It is a V6 and I really miss having 4WD. When I bought my SR5 I just couldn't swing the V8 and 4WD package and always regretted not just waiting. I'm ready to have 4WD and creature comforts again. I'm definitely sick of staring at my orange 4th gen gauges and burned out climate control display. Glad to see a nice looking gauge set and proper LED lighting in the 5th gen.

Anyone have a 5th generation Limited without the 3rd row. We could not find one when we bought ours, and would love more space.

Thanks for all the responses, everyone! REALLY helpful! I think we're going to start getting our ducks in a row and go check out the LE's.

I think my feeling at this point is that the only thing I would address might be the wheels and/or tires. I don't mind the 20" wheels too much, but I certainly agree that they are a bit narrow looking and could certainly use something a little more on-par for tires. That's always stuff I can upgrade later, but I'll talk with the dealer about, none the less. Looking through some of the other threads here, it seems that there have been some great solutions for tires.

Thanks!

It sounds like you've pretty much made up your mind about getting the LE, but I wanted to fill in a couple of gaps that I didn't see responses to. I went from a 2004 SR5 V6 to a 2014 LE and had a lot of the same questions but here's what I can tell you from my own experience.

Brakes - way better on the 5th gen, almost too sensitive. There are times when I first got the LE that I was applying the "normal" amount of pressure in the same stopping place around town for my SR5 and the ABS would kick in! That being said, I think they're lasting much longer. I've put a little over 32K on it and still don't need a change.

Towing - I towed a trailed moving from Atlanta to Vegas in the SR5 and towed a similar trailer from Vegas to Chicago in the LE. I felt that the LE needed to find the right gear more than the SR5 did. I'm not an expert but I'm just attributing that to the differences in transmissions. There weren't any issues getting over the Rockies in either case.

Gas mileage - with the part time vs. full time 4WD, there wasn't any noticeable difference in my gas mileage when I was living in Vegas travelling the same route. That being said, the SR5 didn't seem to lose any efficiency either during the 7 years I drove it around Vegas before I switched to the LE

Miscellaneous - love the leather, sunroof, memory seats, smart key, heated/vented seats , dual climate control, etc that the LE has over the SR5. Not that I had anything to compare it to, but now that I'm no longer a post grad looking for the most basic, stock version of the car I want, it's nice to see how the other half lives. I personally think the leather is great and I'll put it up against my friend's BMW/Audi/MB and I haven't had any issues yet. I'll be honest though, I do miss all the compartments that the SR5 had in the cargo area, the fold down "sandwich tray" for the center arm rest, and the much larger glove compartment! The little hooks in the cargo area where I'd hang grocery bags is what probably what I miss most - no, my sandwich tray. I wish I had that damn thing back!

Hope that helps!

Tleahcim said:

my sandwich tray. I wish I had that damn thing back!

Click to expand...

I miss the sandwich tray! That thing was awesome!

Friedom said:

I miss the sandwich tray! That thing was awesome!

Click to expand...

That trash bag holder at the rear of the center console was also useful.

Even though my 2005 was a Sport Edition and not a Limited, I thought it had a very premium feel. It was all the little things -- the auto-latching hatch, the auto-cranking ignition, soft-touch dash and door panels (way before it was the "leading indicator" of quality for almost every auto reviewer).

That being said, I don't miss the sandwich tray -- less temptation to eat in it.