Well my 2016 TEP finally showed up and I traded my 2011 for it. Initial impressions are that more than just a new front end went into the update. Softex is great, and the seats seem much more substantial and comfortable, new dash is a HUGE improvement, stupid orange interior lights are gone, vehicle seems much less "tin can like", its quieter, no brake pedal "squish", I can actually use the backup camera vs that useless thing in the mirror. ENTUNE is a bit of a disappointment, and the sound is not good from the unit. "Party Mode" was much better. I am very happy with the upgrade.
First stop, literally, was the tire shop. Dumped the Bridgestones and put a set of 265 BFG KO2 on. Didn't notice a difference in ride or handling but know I will be happy in the Tahoe snow and off road. One more thing, no more shimmy from the front end from 45-60 mph. Here is a pic

Looks great, looks just like mine, less the KOs. You will be very happy.

77

Very nice congrats

Nice TE! Those are the tires I want to get.

Love this part of your post. Party mode never sucks.

Good looking new rig! Nice tires!

I did the same thing. (2012 Trail to 2016 Trail).

I have the same sentiments!

Pros:
NO MORE SQUISHY SOUNDING Brake Pedal
No more tin can sounds when you slam the door
Overall a much quieter vehicle
New dash/gauges are nice
I like the Softex
Heated front seats
Projector headlights
Removable block heater cord/port
LED Taillights
Mirror turn signals
Puddle lamps
No more external antenna
The rear seats recline MUCH further
Gained two power ports outside the rear of the console (great for kids electronics)
Nav - growing to like it.
Etune - growing to like it.

Cons:
Fog lamps suck in comparison (lower output)
Lost the 120VAC in the console
Gained two power ports outside the rear of the console (the location will inevitably lead to the ports being stepped on and damaged)
I lost the sliding tray (I actually used it)
Lost the usb/power port in the glove box
lost the little storage compartment behind the rear seats

Pro's outweigh the Con's for me. The best part is it only cost me $6K to upgrade from a 2012 with 95k on the clock (had a totaled heated windshield too) to a brand new T4RT with a full warranty and with new Duratrac's and crossbars installed. Not bad for a four year old ride about to drop off of the manufacturer warranty.

Z

Agree , 2013 to 2016 big improvements all around. No more fender antenna ! That's worth the upgrade alone. Lol

Much less nosedive also. Shock spec must have changed.

You didn't have these on your '11?

No they were not a option on trail models untill 2014 only limited.

Maaaaaan. I want to trade my 2011 for a new TEP.

Me too, until I remember that the gauges are blue. Blue gauges can burn in the much to bright for night driving inferno of hell. I will have to wait and see what 6th gen has to offer....On the other hand, the Runner is almost paid off and if my SO were to find out that I was wanting to trade, she would strangle me. Most likely with the wiring from the blue gauges that I hate so much....Love mag grey tho!

Interesting because the blue/white gauges are one reason why I wanted a 2014+ 5th gen. The orange gauges are terrible.

I spend a lot of time driving at night. Blue is much more straining on the eyes, especially after longer periods of time. Its very distracting, so I prefer colors like orange or red. Keeps the eyes happy.

Im a fan of the amber dash on my 2011 but also wouldn't mind the blue/white. I don't drive much at night but in the winter its dark at 4:30pm so Im sure it would affect me somehow. Dimming them would probably help. My wife would kill me too but I may revisit this option after we move. Looking at getting into a new house here, shortly.