Currently looking to replace my 2000 T4R with a Gen 5. Looking at these two. I know the ORPremium has some additional stuff, a locker for one. But I'm wondering if there is a difference in the suspension between the two?

Any other thoughts on this comparison would be appreciated.

Suspension is the same unless the ORP has KDSS then there are differences. I would say stay away from KDSS as it makes lifting more complicated. I would go with a ORP non KDSS together the locker and extras of the premium package.

I don't see KDSS on the specs but I will check on that.

Might not be listed. Best to look for the KDSS sway bar.

I think you should also consider how it’s going to be used to see if it’s really worth the difference between OR and SR5.

I had a 2016 Trail (not premium) with the locker and KDSS, and found I never used the locker on trails I explored (easy to mid level). I was looking for a new 2023 OR without KDSS, but went ahead with the SR5 as I never needed a locker and savings would help pay for the Dobinson or Bilstein lift I plan on installing. I didn’t want KDSS either as I plan on keeping this 4Runner for a while, and it’s a bit easier for me to install the lift myself.

I replaced an ‘02 Tacoma TRD with an ‘18 SR5. I used to do a lot of off roading and used the locker regularly. Now I am a senior and don’t do a lot of serious off roading. I do live on a gravel road in an isolated region where dirt and gravel roads outnumber paved ones; also with snow and ice for months. I gave my grandson the Tacoma. In hunting season, my main upland game route it is mostly class 3 and 4 trails and I kept the locker engaged on the entire route. But my SR5 runs the route handily with the ATRAC engaged. I have no regrets buying my 4Runner.

That said, if you want the locker, I think the TRD Premium is the best value of the 4Runner lineup. Other than the KDSS suspension and e-locker, all models share the same hardware and specs.

I’d go ORP.

Better to have and not need than need and not have.


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Depends as others have said on what you are needing/looking for. I didn't need 3rd row, and wanted the heated softex. Love my ORP to death

ORP is definitely the best bang for the buck. I wouldn't be unhappy in an SR5, but you definitely get what you pay for for only a couple grand more. Nicer wheels, hood scoop, locker, TRD badged softex, 4x4 shifter, etc. Better resale value too. I'd rather hardly use the locker than to not have it when I needed it.

+1 here with one personal caveat. The fake hood scoop never made much sense to me. My truck has it, I don't mind it per-se but why not make it a real one? My son has a 2023 Taco with kinda a double-hump thing going on with the hood which makes even less sense to me.

Another vote for ORP. The interior, heated seats, and functional bits make it the one to own, especially if considering keeping it long term.

Don't underestimate the joy of a heated steering wheel (standard now on ORP) in winter either. I heart mine, now that the windows are frosted each morning.

Word. I love this feature on my 2023 ORP. I don't love the position of the button though, near the engine stop/start button. I am curious if the engine would turn off at speed if I accidentally push the stop/start button instead of the steering wheel heater button.

I have a 18' SR5 Premium and a 19' TRD OR Premium and as far as interior aesthetics there is very little difference (minus 4wd operations). Same heated seats, sunroof, lighting on side mirrors etc. But I will agree with other members that I would rather have options that I rarely use but know they are available when I need them.

...and while I buy vehicles and drive them until they fall apart, the ORP would probably hold resale value a bit better than the SR5 because of those desirable off-road features.