how much of an upgrade with a new TRD Pro be vs. a 2012 Trail with KDSS and BFG A/T?

Not counting the new car factor...

Mechanically, they are pretty much the same with the TRD Pro having Fox shocks, a bunch of safety features, and a better interior where as the Trail doesn’t but has the option for KDSS. The same could also be said with the Off-Road (including Premium), which you can easily swap out to high performance shocks. I think the biggest pro and con is KDSS…it really depends what you’re looking for and looking to do with the vehicle.

If you’re looking to heavily modify the vehicle then I think it makes sense to look into the Trail or Off Road but if you’re going to leave it as is for the most part then maybe the TRD Pro. Unless you want the “special” color but I’d argue Shoreline or Salsa Trails are more unique and rare

Shocks. That's about it. You can do better with off the shelf replacement shocks.

Unless you get a specialty color, I don't think it would be worth it. IMO those early trails are the best 4runners ever built. I think you'd miss it if you got rid of it.

Keep the Trail. Lot more money and you will get same ride if not softer without KDSS on Pro. You can upgrade to Fox 2.0 and keep KDSS which is a killer combination if you ask me.

Pros for the Pro:
Better gauges with better info screen
Infotainment unit has much bigger screen and better head unit electronics
Better looking front fascia
Better shocks
Auto, Dual Zone Climate control
Remote Start/Remote Connect
Blind spot monitor
Full 360' view camera system
All LED exterior lights
Softex seats
More 4x4 Gizmos
Better warranty

Pros for the Trail:
Cheaper
KDSS, which I love on our TRD Off Road Premium and cannot be added to a Pro. Drive them both to tell if that's important to you. If not, get the Pro!

There is no difference in 4x4 gizmos. Both come with rear locker, multi terrain select, and crawl control. Save your money and keep the Trail.


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Sorry, I didn't know they had the extra 4x4 controls back in 2012.

2010 actually


And I know I’m biased but I think the 10-13 Trails look better than +14 face lifts

Of course it's obviously up to the OP and his budget, but I think a 2023 Pro has a lot more to offer if he's going to keep it for a while than a 13 year old Trail.

I think everyone agrees it comes down to what the OP plans to do with the vehicle. There isn’t really a right or wrong answer…just subjective

I upgraded from 2010 SR5 to 2022 Trd Offroad. I got new fancy dashboard, push start button, big screen rear and front cameras with panoramic view (sort of grainy, but useable), auto lights, auto high beams, bunch of electronic assists like bling spot check, collision detection and adaptive cruise control. A little better radio and built-in GPS and 110v outlet in the trunk. 2022 4Runner can be accessed from the Internet via Toyota app and record your driving habits and GPS locations, but rumors are that it can be turned off by calling Toyota or pulling a fuse. I got remote start from app and from keyfob as well. That's all I can remember.

From all that new stuff I found really useful new cameras panoramic view - it helps parking between white lines. And cameras of course are better than my old rear camera in rear window, but not really useable offroad due to bad resolution. Well, sort of useful but not for much. For other stuff - I can live without it.


With SR5 I didn't get KDSS and rear locker, but you have it in 2012 Trail. I didn't go for TRD Pro mostly because it has roof rack not compatible with carrying canoe and sound system eliminates some space in the trunk. I think TRD PRo doesn't have KDSS, I found that KDSS is nice - it feels a little firmer on road, but I was fine without KDSS. I didn't see much difference offroad, maybe just didn't get in a spot when it really matters though.

Thank you for all the replies.

The newness factor is appealing and a few of the new tech will be helpful. Just trying to see the value proposition in terms of $$.

While not a lot, I will be looking at some $$ in maintenance in the next few years and the trade in value/used car value may be about as high as it's going to get.

I just looked at the old girl and noticed it's leaning more prominently than I remember. (Edit: it's .5" higher on Drivers side rear, and .25" higher on DF.) I hope the KDSS isn't going out! (Any advice here would be welcome!)

I am leaning towards TRD Pro with blackout package and doing an aftermarket 2.5" lift. I'm also leaning towards doing this if I keep my 2012 Trail as well.

I have a 2011 Trail, ~125,000 miles, KDSS, Bilstein shocks, Dobinson 1-inch lift front springs and everything else is stock. Checked for lean moments ago with fuel 3/4's full. Rear is equal and right front is +1/8-th inch. Other times, lean is as much as 3/8-ths inch. I stand on the running board, grab the roof rack and begin with a vigorous rocking side to side 6-8 times, then tapering off to a slight rocking while stepping off the running board and that has reduced lean. If the KDSS cylinders and lines are not leaking oil, then your KDSS should be fine.

For the price im seeing old trails go for these days, iv been debating on keeping mine, can pretty much get what i paid for it 10 years ago