2019 off road vs limited compare?

4

4runnerinbc

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Has any one compared the 4runner off road (non pro model) vs limited?

My use is backroad camping
City and highway driving also

On the limited:
I like the sound system better

Off road:
The shocks seem a lot stronger over rough pot holes
The diff lock will come in handy some day

I am guessing:
that the limited will be a bit quieter because of the tires, and more comfortable on long drives?
 
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4runnerinbc said:
Has any one compared the 4runner off road (non pro model) vs limited?

My use is backroad camping
City and highway driving also

On the limited:
I like the sound system better

Off road:
The shocks seem a lot stronger over rough pot holes
The diff lock will come in handy some day

I am guessing:
that the limited will be a bit quieter because of the tires, and more comfortable on long drives?
Click to expand...

I've had both. Swapped out the tires on the Limited immediately. Liked the leather, ventilated seats, and center diff on the Limited. Ended up in an Off Road because it was a bit easier to mod the way I wanted without dealing with XREAS, and all the chrome. You can't go wrong either way. Drive both and then pick the one you like.
 
msp said:
I've had both. Swapped out the tires on the Limited immediately. Liked the leather, ventilated seats, and center diff on the Limited. Ended up in an Off Road because it was a bit easier to mod the way I wanted without dealing with XREAS, and all the chrome. You can't go wrong either way. Drive both and then pick the one you like.
Click to expand...

I would appreciate an explanation in when and where we would use the centre diff?

Guess I am new to this...
 
When the center diff is locked you have 4WD, when unlocked you have AWD (all wheel drive). The difference is with 4WD 50% of the power goes to the front wheels and 50% to the rear. A unlocked center diff allows slippage between front and rear axles. so it not locked in at 50/50. AWD is good for on road and 4WD is good for off road.
 
Locking the center diff makes it equivalent to an SR5 when you have the SR5 in 4WD. 20" wheels on the Limited are not ideal for hard-core off-roading as you can only air them down so much. I think I read the approach angle (or maybe departure) on a Limited isn't as good as an SR5 as well.
 
I didn't see any note on Toyota's website about the locking centre diff, but its in the owner's manual.

The full-time 4wd on the Limited is nice to have when you are driving in inclement weather switching between pavement and slipperier conditions and locking the centre diff when its really bad or out on the trail.

The Limited is still capable for milder off-roading, just have to be a little more cautious with approach and departure angles b/c of the lower bumpers. For the handful of backroads and mild trails I've taken it on (and some ATV trails that I probably shouldn't have been on) and its been more than capable.

I'm 95% on the road and mainly bought the 4runner for towing a small travel trailer and having the body-on-frame construction for that purpose. We weren't actually specifically looking at the Limited, but got a pretty decent deal on a last year model, and really like the AWD, ventilated seats, sound system, keyless/push button start on the Limited.
 
4runnerinbc said:
good answers all, thanks...

I am in Canada and on Toyota Canada website has lots of details on the model differences

Build Your Toyota 4Runner - Toyota Canada

However I cannot see the words "centre diff"
Click to expand...

Im in Canada to. I have a limited. Its a torsen type center diff. Doesnt matter what the dealer says..its there.

Basically turn it on in mud, heavy snow, heavy rain or any other very low friction surface. Basically when its on and its not high slip conditions, the unit will bind and not like to turn on pavement.

The limited arguably is the better day to day vehicle from its 4wd system to its interior.

Ive take mine off road its fine. Not heavy off road yet, but it works. I ditched the 20 pizza cutters 2 days after delivery. Switched to 265/70 17s in BFG AT.
 
Locking rear differential was all I needed to know. If considering the OFF Road, drive the KDSS and non KDSS version. We went with the KDSS for improved road handling.
 
Toyota Canada site las a link to the 4runner owners manuals
In the main manual, pg 239 it refers to centre diff.

The service manager did not know this.

So confusion is over.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Another Canadian here, the Limited was the only choice when we were looking as the wife wanted leather heated/cooled seats, memory seating, and full time AWD, the Limited trim was the only way to get these things.

With the center diff locked, 4x4 is 4x4, same as the SR5 and other trims, save for the option to have the locking rear diff that some models can get. The real limitation is the 20" wheels/tires, and the lower front and rear bumper valences that the Limited trim gets. Limited also gets XREAS shocks, which are good on the road, but if you're lifting with anything but a spacer lift, you'll be scrapping the whole system and replacing with aftermarket...not the end of the world if you plan on lifting anyways, but something to consider.

With the center diff unlocked, you get full time AWD with the excellent Torsen center diff, the same unit used in 4th gen V8 4Runners, GX470's, and Audi Quattro systems. When there could be winter driving conditions 6 months of the year, AWD is great to have! If you lived in Texas, not as big a draw.
 
wcjeep said:
Locking rear differential was all I needed to know. If considering the OFF Road, drive the KDSS and non KDSS version. We went with the KDSS for improved road handling.
Click to expand...


This. I didn't drive a Limited, but I drove a TRDO with KDSS and one without it, and the KDSS sold me.
 
One thing to keep in mind, you do not want to lock the center diff unless you are off-road or you are in wet conditions where your wheels can slip. Driving it like that on dry pavement will cause it to bind.
 
We test drove both. The limited is too shiny and we even drove the Nightshade. We also drove Off Road Premium. We went with the Off Road, it has Leather seats, and sunroof and I think the Off Road looks better with the hood scoop. Y liked the way the Off Road drove it was a stiffer ride, my wife liked the Limited which was a smooth ride.
 
The dilemma

Well, when we looked at 4Runners, I had to remember that this was for the wife. I caught myself trying to get her to go with the TRD Off Road and she wasn't going for it. By the time we had accessorized the vehicle, it amounted to getting a limited. So, I mentioned that there was a build that would suit her without all the added stuff. She fell in love with a 2019 4Runner Limited. It currently sits in the garage.
 
I have a limited and I would get a trd off road if I were to do it again since I just don't think it's worth my time and money to modify the vehicle compared to having an SR5 or a Trd off road but I have already bought tires, suspension, and wheels, so it is too late for me to change my mind now.

The Xreas on the limited is a great system for highway and city drivings, however, they are priced at $3K at Toyota and once they are removed from the vehicle, they are only worth $30 and it is quite difficult to sell them.

Unless you never plan to replace the suspension and you are not into off-roading, the limited can be an excellent purchase for you.
 
Beware of Limited hidden feature

Just remember the Limited comes with a hidden feature. For some reason it ends up at the mall quite a bit.:bluejump:
 
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