Now that I’ve had my Trail Edition for a little while it’s time to pick some nits.
Seat comfort is poor for a vehicle in this price range. Improved lumbar support, adjustable side bolsters, adjustable thigh support, top quality cloth (stain resistant, breathable, etc). They at least could do it as an upgrade option. I would have paid over $1K extra for quality seats for both driver and passenger seats (I paid $800 in ’93 for similar on my Explorer).
Leather wrap steering wheel. The stock one is too slippery
The rear view mirror is too dark in daylight. It’s almost like instead of day/night mirror it’s a night/blacker than a politicians heart mirror.
Visibility out rear could be wider for improved safety. Just dump the useless trim on the sides of the rear window and it would be much better
A couple of items where Toyota dropped that ball for both PR and profit. This type of vehicle is going to get modified (duh) so why make it harder? Join the club and make a couple of bucks at the same time. Such as…
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A little better layout of the engine compartment would have allowed them to offer a second battery as an option. Either in front of the air box or by moving the fuse box back a few inches and putting two batteries on the drivers side. Toyota missed a possible profit option.
Along a similar line, an option for a high output alternator would be a good sell since people like to modify stereos, off-road lighting, winches, fridge, etc. They put in an inverter, they should have extra power and battery capacity for it..
A little extra clearance in the wheel wells would make larger tires easier to add, Toyota could have made it easier (good PR plan) and saved a couple $$$ by having a little less metal/plastic.