So, the bad news is my 2016 SR5 was totalled last week (rear ended on the 4th... dude was on his phone and missed stopped traffic). The good news is that I'm going to be buying a new 4Runner, and I've been considering going upmarket a bit, but not sure how far.

Both prime candidates are 2021 "Premium" models; one is an SR5 AWD and the other is a TRD Offroad Premium. Looking at them from the information posted online (I wish they had a comparison matrix), the main thing I can tell is that there are cosmetic upgrades on the TRD Offroad version. It does look a tad better, but I don't think a 3K premium on a slight appearance upgrade is worth it. Are there magical plums hidden in that TRD Offroad Package that might be worth the premium?

I know this is an opinion question... and I think I've decided on the cheaper option, but there's always that doubt. I regretted not ponying up for AWD last time, so I'm trying to make sure I avoid those regrets this time.

Has some neat features for offroad but up to you if they are useful. See below-->

2018 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels w/ Configurations & Comparison.

Also, the limited is the only trim that is "AWD" while the SR5/Offroad/Pro are part-time 4WD with no center diff.

the trd offroad should have all the offroad goodies: crawl control, locking rear diff., multi-terrain mode and may also come with kdss.

I think everything else is cosmetic(The SR5 has the dial instead of the lever to select 4wd, wheels, front and rear bumpers, hood scoop)

Interior trim upgrade. Off roading components. Switches overhead for said components and the lever down below. Hood scoop. Wheels. It looks a ton better and it has off roading components you want.

Go with off-road premium everything from a pro except the fox suspension and about $5k cheaper too just add your own suspension choice and off-road happy
Mike

That is exactly what we did!

Me too I added a BP51 suspension victory 4x4 aluminum blitz bumper w/ warn vr12 winch 1552 rims w/ wildpeaks and other knickknacks and I am just over the $5k difference with labor and my truck is uniquely mine
Mike

SR5 Premium:
Less expensive
You can get different interior colors
No fake hood scoop
“Chrome” trim instead of that ugly black trim people seem to like at this time.
Since you are in Florida you probably wont be doing any rock crawling

BTW Off Road Premium and SR5 Premium have part time 4WD. AWD is a Limited feature.

Used to anyway the SR5 Premium had real leather and was mentioned comes in different colors while the TRD Off-Road Premium comes in black "leatherette". I have the leatherette and I actually like it. Keeps spills from soaking in and less maintenance. Negative is it can get hot and sweaty in the summer. I think also you can get a 3rd road seat in the SR5 Premium but you better be 4 years old or less or a midget, it is small.

Biggest upgrade for the TRD-Off Road is the locking rear differential. Unless you are doing some really tough off-roading you will probably never need it. Not sure if the SR5 has the option of a sliding rear cargo tray but I like mine. It's an option in the Off-Road. TRD wheels and AT tires is an option also on the TRD Off-Road, I don't think it is an option for the SR5 but I am not 100% sure.

I'm going to go slightly different and say go with the TRD Off Road, and not the Off Road Premium. When I was shopping I was debating between the two trims, and opted for the regular Off Road.

For around a 2k difference, I added my own leather seat covers for $500, and I didn't really care about the homelink and a better Entune system. I think the premium might have the side window blinkers, but didn't really factor in my decision. With the savings, you can add some sliders, or tint the windows, or upgrade your tires, etc.

My 2 cents.

If you don't need a rear locker, then go with the SR5 Premium. The rest of the advantages are either negligible (crawl control) or cosmetic (wheels, hood scoop).

I second this... I did NOT like how the "softex" felt (imo cheap)

Although I took the savings and bought 5100's and BFG Ko2's

What seat covers did you go with?

Pretty sure the SR5 Premium has always been Softex material. Only trim to have leather is Limited AFAIK.

Unless I'm missing something from the '10-'13 5th gens, but it doesn't make sense to do (SR5) Leather -> (TRD) Softex -> (Limited) Leather from a production cost persepective.


In terms of the OPs question, for me it was pure personal preference. Wanted the hood scoop and silver trim on the front. Everything else is basically the same, powertrain wise.

See the vehicle you want and go get it. You can't go wrong with either. Who cares if you never use the rear diff lock!?

Something to consider is generally higher spec cars carry more resale value later. And having the rear locker/MTS/crawl control is probably going to be the biggest benefit in resale down the road. People buying a 10 year old 4Runner when you're done with it will almost for sure want the offroady features.