I'm looking for a 4runner to replace my BMW 5 series. I had a 2003 SR5 previously. The things I really want are available in the SR5 with the Premium Package, but I wonder if I'm missing something not getting the Limited. Is the LTD worth the extra few grand or so? Any other considerations? I'm not an off-roader. Just need 4wd for the occasional Maryland Nor'easter or ski trip.
Choosing between SR5 and Limited
- Thread starter Ed Rooney
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rebelbowtie
New member
Coming from a 5 series you will probably want the Limited especially since you're a pavement pounder. I came from an A4 S-Line and have a pretty basic 4th gen SR5 and sure do miss that luxury.
Antman
Elite Member
I have the SR5 with Leather (Premium Package).
Only thing I wish I had is the Optitron Dash. You can't override the dimmer on the standard dash when the lights are on (I'm still trying to defeat that though...) and it drives me nuts whenever it rains during the day and I'm running my headlights.
Other than that I feel like I saved a boatload of cash and sacrificed very very little. Would do it again, same way.
Only thing I wish I had is the Optitron Dash. You can't override the dimmer on the standard dash when the lights are on (I'm still trying to defeat that though...) and it drives me nuts whenever it rains during the day and I'm running my headlights.
Other than that I feel like I saved a boatload of cash and sacrificed very very little. Would do it again, same way.
harper7
Senior Member
They definitely drive different. The Limited also has the full time 4x4 with the Torsen center diff which gives it a much more sure footed feel to go along with the X-Reas shocks and stiffer springs.Night and day in my opinion as the first 5th I drove was a SR5 and it was like a completely different vehicle then my Limited.
The 4th Gen 4x4's all had the Torsens.
Go test drive them back to back and you'll see.
I second this..
If you spend a lot of time on the highway and take on/off ramps often, the X-Reas is worth the extra cash. I'm imagining rt. 50 down by where you are. The full-time 4x4 also makes snow driving idiot proof. Whatever you get, hit the sand at AI!
zidaro
New member
if your going to keep it stock, the xreas is much better driving experience than the sr5 suspension.
If your going to lift your truck, a non issue.
The real deal-sealer is the full time 4x4 Torsen center diff. Great performance especially when the roads are icy/snowy. Hardly ever have to shift into 4x4, rails thru the turns as it is awd if your accelerating, paved or dirt.
If your going to lift your truck, a non issue.
The real deal-sealer is the full time 4x4 Torsen center diff. Great performance especially when the roads are icy/snowy. Hardly ever have to shift into 4x4, rails thru the turns as it is awd if your accelerating, paved or dirt.
Shogun
New member
I went through this myself about 3 months ago and ended up buying the LE.
Things I like about the LE.
1)
climate control. My wife can crank the heater and heated seats on her side while I can stay cool on mine.
2) Not having to fumble with keys to open a door or the back hatch or I can roll the window down and unlock everything with the little arrow buttons on the back hatch
3) I did what Harper said and drove the SR5 and the LE back to back. The ride on the LE was really nice. I drove the SR5 first. The sales guy also let me drive his 3rd Gen with 200k on it.
4) AWD
Things I don't like in no particular order
1) The skinny tires and chrome rims and all the chrome trim.
2) The worthless oem running boards that I couldn't get the sales guy to take off the deal.
3) The whole Entune nav system.
4) The inability to customize due to either XReas or the trim panels or something else in the way.
I almost think I would get the SR5 and pay $1k for leather heated seats upgrade and then get my own nav system if I had it to do over again.
nw_4Runner
New member
LE Nice-to-haves:
- Dual climate control
- XReas - really does work on winding roads, amazed how flat she stays
- Keyless entry (esp. when skiing and camping)
LE deciding factor (for me):
- Full-time four wheel drive
If the SR5 had an optional full-time system, even if not full-time four wheel drive, I'd have forgone the other LE nice-to-haves and pocketed the money.
RE: Nav - on any trim, the Entune and "upgraded" Nave are terrible in that you are locked out from SO many features. Coming from a BMW I assume you're used to accessing the system while driving. Definitely play around with it when test driving to see if it's of any use to you. If not, forego it and get an aftermarket.
Best of luck and let us know what you end up doing.
- Dual climate control
- XReas - really does work on winding roads, amazed how flat she stays
- Keyless entry (esp. when skiing and camping)
LE deciding factor (for me):
- Full-time four wheel drive
If the SR5 had an optional full-time system, even if not full-time four wheel drive, I'd have forgone the other LE nice-to-haves and pocketed the money.
RE: Nav - on any trim, the Entune and "upgraded" Nave are terrible in that you are locked out from SO many features. Coming from a BMW I assume you're used to accessing the system while driving. Definitely play around with it when test driving to see if it's of any use to you. If not, forego it and get an aftermarket.
Best of luck and let us know what you end up doing.
mikey's2010SR5
New member
I will put in my two cents. I LOVE MY SR5! But I wish I had a torsen center diff from the Limited. That is about the only change I would make.
:washing:
:washing:
crunchcity
New member
I really wish the Limited let you choose RWD only like the 4th gen's with Torsens.
I would probably have traded mine in already if that feature were available. I like RWD only when weather permits.
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Hellamatic
New member
I bought the Trail because wheeling was my perogative when buying a 4Runner. If I was buying it as a daily driver, I would've definitely gone with a Limited. The smart key technology is worth every penny - I borrowed my parents' Highlander for a weeklong road trip last year, and the convenience of the system is awesome. Everyone seems to love their X-REAS too.
Back to this. I'm the OP, and i never pulled the trigger on a 2013.
Same question, but now with the 2014's. last year I was leaning toward the sr5. Now leaning toward the limited. I'm not a softex fan. They even have roughly the same color as my old 2003 sr5 (stratosphere mica/nautical blue)
Same question, but now with the 2014's. last year I was leaning toward the sr5. Now leaning toward the limited. I'm not a softex fan. They even have roughly the same color as my old 2003 sr5 (stratosphere mica/nautical blue)
FloridaFeet
New member
Memory seats is big one for us and keyless entry is a plus. Also love the redwood seats but that's purely cosmetic.
A year.
I drove both before I posted the first time, and also posted my opinions.
My old 4th gen had it all - rwd for daily driving, 4wd for slick conditions, and 4x4 with locking diff for.....the rest.
At this moment I am leaning heavily toward the Limited.
Wife likes the green JGC Limited.
Bimmer-Bob
New member
I recently picked up a 2014 SR5 Premium. Also daily drive a BMW, and my SR5 doesn't feel like a downgrade by any means (consider though that I have a 1er vs your 5er). If I had gotten the cloth seats, or a pre-2014 SR5, I would probably feel differently (they feel cheap to me). I guess if you don't like SofTex it may be a no-go, but IMO synthetics really are the ideal seat material - much easier to keep clean than cloth, plus the look of leather with much better wear characteristics.
Anyway, my point is that I don't feel like I gave up too much luxury and saved a ton of money over getting the LE. Plus I much prefer the look of the 2014 SR5 vs the LE's chrome bumper & 20" wheels.
In terms of how they drive, I can't say, really. I guess full-time 4WD would be nice, but at the same time I find myself appreciating the platform's RWD. It feels familiar to me. XREAS and all that would probably be nice, but I drive my SR5 like a truck (conservatively) and don't really expect it to feel as buttoned down as my Bimmer. To me the drivetrain on the SR5 is much simpler, and should be more rugged and reliable in the long term.
Overall I feel like I got a lot of truck for less than $40k. I don't really think the LE is quite as good a deal, if that makes sense.
Anyway, my point is that I don't feel like I gave up too much luxury and saved a ton of money over getting the LE. Plus I much prefer the look of the 2014 SR5 vs the LE's chrome bumper & 20" wheels.
In terms of how they drive, I can't say, really. I guess full-time 4WD would be nice, but at the same time I find myself appreciating the platform's RWD. It feels familiar to me. XREAS and all that would probably be nice, but I drive my SR5 like a truck (conservatively) and don't really expect it to feel as buttoned down as my Bimmer. To me the drivetrain on the SR5 is much simpler, and should be more rugged and reliable in the long term.
Overall I feel like I got a lot of truck for less than $40k. I don't really think the LE is quite as good a deal, if that makes sense.
