Overall question: Would it be wiser/more cost effective to get a base sr5 and modify or to get the Trail Edition? (Looking more specifically at used 2010-2011's)

I've seen a lot of threads covering the differences between an SR5 and the Trail Edition, but I haven't found any really covering this topic, but feel free to correct me if I missed one.

So I'm debating between getting a used TE or getting a cheaper used SR5 with lower mileage and modding it. I'm mainly after a rear locker, but the other features of the TE (KDSS, crawl control, multi terrain select, the infamous hood scoop, differrent interior etc.) seem like they may be nice to have as well. I'm currently looking at the 2010-2011 range due to cost. So I have a few questions.

1. What do you guys recommend as far as getting a TE with a factory locker vs adding an aftermarket ARB air locker or similar to and sr5? (With cost in mind). How do the reliability, durability, and functionality of these systems compare? Is there any specific reason one is better than another or any concerns I should be aware of? Also I've heard with the TE you can only lock it in 4lo under 7mph, is this correct? Also which route would end up being cheaper, or is the price gap between 2010-2011 sr5's and TE's even enough anymore to make this question applicable?

2. How actually useful vs gimmicky are craw control and multi-terrain select?

3. How much should I value the option of KDSS in the TE? It's not something I would want to pay for new, but on used TE's it doesn't seem to change the cost much.

4. Can you turn off all the traction control, VSC, A-trac etc. in the base sr5 models? (I believe you can in the TE, is that correct?)

5. How much of a concern should the mileage be? I may be able to afford an sr5 with lower mileage (or possibly a newer sr5) compared to what I can afford with the TE, but in either case the mileage would probably end up being fairly high anyways...

6. Will the TE hold a greater resale value or does that not really matter when I'm already buying something fairly old?

Overall thoughts are welcome, is there anything else I'm missing or should be aware of? Is there anything specific to these years (2010-2011) that I should be aware of?

Thank you guys so much for all your help, opinions, and advice!

Depends on you… you seem to know the differences well enough.

I have no problem modding vehicles, but I also find value in just getting what I need/want out of the box. It's nice not having to deal with the hassle after the fact, even if it means spending a little more.

If you are making heavy modifications which may require a re-gear, or suspension systems that may not support KDSS like LT, then the answer becomes a lot clearer. Getting a locker installed during the re-gear is pretty much just the cost of parts, but it's still a pretty expensive venture (budget 5k for front and rear lockers & re-gear). ARB air locker quality is more about the install than anything else. Find a reputable shop and buy the parts from them. If there ever a problem, it's on them to fix.

I have two 4Runners, neither have craw control and multi-terrain select… Does not seem like something that would change my life because I am already doing that I want to do, and going where I want to go without it. That said, if I had it, I wouldn’t complain, unless it broke.

For those that own SR5's, they would say get one and modify it. For those with Trail's, they will tell you get a trail.

If you want any more of a lift than 3", KDSS is not for you. I like it because of the road manners on the highway (less lean in turns) and for the additional articulation off-road. Remember as well, a SR5 has A-TRAC so it's not like old school 4x4s where opposite wheels off the ground you would be dead in the water. It's not as good as lockers (Trail) but better than nothing at all. Crawl control may be a gimmic to some, but I have read and heard of people getting stuck in sand or mud and without it wouldn't have been able to get out of it.

Regarding adding a locker, consider getting an Eaton electric locker rather than an air locker. Go to 11:24 for air locker description, electric is after that in the below YouTube video.

YouTube

TO OP:

Here my take on it:

When it came time to upgrade from 4th to 5th gen I was specifically looking for TE (2010-13) model.

Primary reasons:
1) Option to have KDSS… not going into details as that subject was discussed here to death… in short: difference in road manner between 4Runner with KDSS and without was too substantial for me to ignore

2) Rear locker- I am not using the 4runner as a rock crawler, but based on my needs (type of use), I was in situations more than once when having a locker would allow me to crawl over an obstacle in a lot more graceful way and with less stress on the truck… less chances to break something

3) Unique look -IMHO best looking 5th gen

4) 2010-13 TE has black plastic trim is more practical in long run and especially if you use the truck off road, black trim is a lot more resilient and forgiving when it comes to scratches from small brush, mud, small rocks and just from everyday use on the field

5) Cargo Sliding tray in TE- I wanted to have a flat cargo area (second row is folded) so I can sleep in the truck during my hunting trips

6) TE also comes with better quality seats, better dash and audio system
Sure you can mod SR5 and converted to TE (some people have done it here), but you will spend a lot more $ then the difference between the price of used TE vs. SR5… and if you ever decide to sell it I would say most if not all $ spend will not be recoverable… as now you still have SR5 that was “modded” and only specific buyer will appreciate it.

And IMHO: ARB locker will not be as reliable as Toyota stock e-locker….

I am not sure what you meant by “I've heard with the TE you can only lock it in 4lo under 7mph” as 4lo has to be engaged while the truck is not moving… and that is the case on SR5, TE and I believe on LE models….

My $0.2.

I think he just meant the rear locker, not 4lo

@OP - multi terrain select and crawl control can be added to an SR5, there are threads on the forum about it. KDSS and the factory rear locker would be the selling points for the Trail. With how capable ATRAC is I don't think I'll ever need the rear locker for where I plan to take the truck, but Trail was a must because of the KDSS and the on-road handling it brings.

I would pick a 2010-13 TE over a 2014+ SR5 every single day and twice on Sundays. To most it is the best looking 4Runner in recent years. I have owned a SR5P, a Limited 4x4, and now a TRD Pro, the TE/Trail/TRD OR are all basically the same as a Pro less a few styling differences. The terrain select came in handy on the beach once and I love having an electric locker. All of that said, any SR5 can be made into the same vehicle with aftermarket mods, but like most I would prefer to have the factory locker over an ARB or Eaton. If you can find a clean lower mile TE then jump on it but if not don't hesitate to mod a SR5.

If you want a locker, I think it's worth it to get the TE. You're probably looking at a grand for an ARB, plus install.

KDSS is great for road manners. I don't think I would pay extra for it on a vehicle from 10'-12' though - it is expensive to repair.

I find Crawl control and MTS to be gimmicky. A-TRAC is great though.

Outside of that, the vehicles are mechanically the same.

I had a 2011 SR5 and loved the styling and snow capabilities. Great vehicle. I traded it off on a new 2018 ORP because of the Multi-Terrain, Crawl and KDSS. Mostly for the KDSS. These were more wants than needs but I do occasionally run into incredibly rough terrain and snow/ice conditions.

The KDSS has been discussed ad nauseam but for me it is a killer system. Others hate it though, and as already said, lifts are limited to 3”.

My 2 cents

Cheers and good luck!


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I would get the SR-5, put an ARB in it and lift it with Bilsteins or similar which will take the dive and roll out of it without the mess that is KDSS.

Does anyone make a manual quick disconnect for the regular sway bar? That would change the conversion for me away from KDSS.

I have a 2013 so I may be biased.

The traction control without Multi/Terrain is a pain at times, it drops engine power, often when you don't want it to.

I use the M/T in 4H and 4L most of the time. It gives traction control without the power drop.

ATRAC is good but only available in 4L. I think of M/T as a variable ATRAC with different degrees of wheel spin available. I have made good use of it on rough trails and sand in 4H and 4L.

Built in locker, one simple switch is very convenient. I used it all day on a recent snow trail trip.

KDSS - I ordered mine without to save $1,750. It gives about 2 inches extra articulation and I was not sure it was worth it plus I did not want the complexity.

After all that "pro Trail" stuff IMO either 4Runner model will do very well for most people most of the time.

I had a 2005 4th Gen for 13 years and I installed an ARB air locker because I had reached the limits of ATRAC. ATRAC needs a minimum amount of wheel spin to work whereas a locker can work at any RPM. I had numerous issues getting the ARB to work right. Once it was sorted out you still had to consider replacing the internal O-rings as well as the messy problem of it pushing axle oil up the airline.

For my 2018 TRD/OP I just had to have an E-locker which has a nice OEM warranty. When they are brand new it's a tiny bit finicky to get engaged but as the hub splines wear it smooths out.

No KDSS for me as any future repairs are super expensive and I really didn't care about on-road handling improvement. I honestly have not used the M/T too much but plan to keep experimenting with it.

I'm biased towards the '10'13 Trails. I think a factory locker is worth it if you actually think you'll use it. If you go SR5 I'd think Harrop E-Locker as opposed to ARB. As far as KDSS goes that topic is beat to death. I have it and like it but that makes no difference. Only way to decide on KDSS is test drive with and without. As far as lifting goes very few lift above 2.5-3" so I wouldn't worry about KDSS getting in the way of lift height unless you're planning on spending buckets of cash on a long travel set up

Alright I'll check that out, haven't looked into electric lockers much before , thanks so much for the info!

Btw, why do you recommend and elocker over an air locker?

Sorry I didn't make this clearer, I was referring to the rear locker. I think I've heard that it automatically disengages if you go over 7 mph, but now that I think about it I'm not sure if it was 4lo or the locker that disengages then...