limited cost more and then you have to spend more to get rid of the heinous 20" wheels that DONT belong on a damn SUV. If you want to really upgrade the suspension you just end up ripping out the xreas that you paid for.... personally if your lifestyle calls for a limited I would look into a GX instead.... if you want a true SUV get an SR5 and hook it up with all the money saved and have enough leftover after all that for beer. besides the 2014 limited looks like Nelly on wheels
Choosing between SR5 and Limited
- Thread starter Ed Rooney
- Start date
JayceeP
New member
Coming from a 5-series I would have to assume you'd want the little things such as: auto temp controls/dual climate zone, larger NAV/touch screen, upgraded sound system, sportier suspension, etc. Unless you plan on doing lots of mods, the Limited may be more suited to you. I bought an SUV/4Runner because I like bigger vehicles and have been fond of the look of the 4Runner... not to mention it's reputation for quality and reliability. I have no use for it's off-road abilities but really like that I have it at my disposal.
As suggested, get lots of seat time to avoid buyer's remorse.
As suggested, get lots of seat time to avoid buyer's remorse.
I use my SR5 for a 7 minute commute to the train station where i take a train for a longer commute downtown so its a pampered 4runner lols.my days of roughing and raising hell are totally over.
the reason i got the SR5 2WD was to save on long-term maintenance since this does not have XREAS , KDSS and 4WD.(less moving parts, lesser maintenance - at least thats the theory). if your planning to trade in the Limited after 5 years or so then the additional moving parts should still be working(I hope) so the above maintenance concern is irrelevant.
the only remorse I feel so far is maybe I should have gotten the Trail simply because of that fake hood scoop so its really a cosmetic thing. didnt pay attention before buying that there is such a thing as a runner hood scoop(honest)
as for handling, i treat it like a land barge. no high-speed driving specially on freeway exits or turns, although theres several inexpensive suggestions to improve handling mentioned in this forum like bilstein shocks, etc
as far as seats, if you dont like the color, etc, later on, one can buy the okole or coverking seatcovers for a snug fit which is like making your seat wear lulemon yoga pants that ladies like to wear.
the reason i got the SR5 2WD was to save on long-term maintenance since this does not have XREAS , KDSS and 4WD.(less moving parts, lesser maintenance - at least thats the theory). if your planning to trade in the Limited after 5 years or so then the additional moving parts should still be working(I hope) so the above maintenance concern is irrelevant.
the only remorse I feel so far is maybe I should have gotten the Trail simply because of that fake hood scoop so its really a cosmetic thing. didnt pay attention before buying that there is such a thing as a runner hood scoop(honest)
as for handling, i treat it like a land barge. no high-speed driving specially on freeway exits or turns, although theres several inexpensive suggestions to improve handling mentioned in this forum like bilstein shocks, etc
as far as seats, if you dont like the color, etc, later on, one can buy the okole or coverking seatcovers for a snug fit which is like making your seat wear lulemon yoga pants that ladies like to wear.
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NoDak
Senior Member
the biggest issues i had between the SR5/TE and LE was the options.
1. LE only - full time 4wd (our road conditions are constantly changing from clear, snow then ice at stops signs or even the city/highway)
2. LE - heated seats (can get these on SR5 premium and TE premium, cant live w/o them now in my very cold climate)
3. LE only - memory seats (i can never re find that perfect setup unless i have memory seats)
4. LE only - smart key system (dont know how i actually lived w/o this)
5. LE only - center differential lock
6. LE only - parking sonar (surprisingly i actually like this for parking inside the garage since i have a rather short length garage, i would love this on the warden's tacoma which is 209in long compared to the 4runner 189in, and she has even less room to wiggle with in our garage)
7. LE only - automatic running boards (i personally dont care for this $1500 option currently, but for those that have elderly, little kids or have a hard time getting in, its a better option than the traditional boards since they go lower and stick out farther than the R6 or KH versions)
1. LE only - full time 4wd (our road conditions are constantly changing from clear, snow then ice at stops signs or even the city/highway)
2. LE - heated seats (can get these on SR5 premium and TE premium, cant live w/o them now in my very cold climate)
3. LE only - memory seats (i can never re find that perfect setup unless i have memory seats)
4. LE only - smart key system (dont know how i actually lived w/o this)
5. LE only - center differential lock
6. LE only - parking sonar (surprisingly i actually like this for parking inside the garage since i have a rather short length garage, i would love this on the warden's tacoma which is 209in long compared to the 4runner 189in, and she has even less room to wiggle with in our garage)
7. LE only - automatic running boards (i personally dont care for this $1500 option currently, but for those that have elderly, little kids or have a hard time getting in, its a better option than the traditional boards since they go lower and stick out farther than the R6 or KH versions)
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Those are all good points. I like ft 4wd as my evening commute includes about 20 miles of back roads that can be in bad condition for days after a snow.
Heated seats are also a must have. My BMW has the heated steering wheel, which is awesome. I wish Toyota would do one. Maybe there's a kit.
Ditto for memory seats. I used to have a sore back for days after someone else drove my 4th gen.
Can also do without running boards.
As I said before, wife likes the Jeep GC. I also think it looks great, but I am fearful of reliability.
Heated seats are also a must have. My BMW has the heated steering wheel, which is awesome. I wish Toyota would do one. Maybe there's a kit.
Ditto for memory seats. I used to have a sore back for days after someone else drove my 4th gen.
Can also do without running boards.
As I said before, wife likes the Jeep GC. I also think it looks great, but I am fearful of reliability.
I have this in my SR5
NoDak
Senior Member
another option you could look into :gasp: the new 2014 hyundai santa fe sport (1st/2nd row only) or the 2014 santa fe (has 3rd row seating) or a highlander.
it just depends on your needs and since your not going to offroad you would get more features/amenitities than with the 4runner (if your trying to make the "warden/one who must be obeyed" happy.
only reason i mentioned the santa fe is cause they revamped that line completely for 2014 and hyundai's factory warranty is pretty dam good.
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/assurance/america-best-warranty.aspx#8
*Original owner only.
it just depends on your needs and since your not going to offroad you would get more features/amenitities than with the 4runner (if your trying to make the "warden/one who must be obeyed" happy.
only reason i mentioned the santa fe is cause they revamped that line completely for 2014 and hyundai's factory warranty is pretty dam good.
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/assurance/america-best-warranty.aspx#8
*Original owner only.
ryn996
New member
Do a search on uconnect problems with the new system in the 2014 JGCs and 2013-14 Ram trucks. Lots of software issues. I was looking at the 2014 JGC, but decided against it based in the reviews of the uconnect system and some problems with the new 8 speed transmission from owners. All the auto magazines love them though. For reliability and resale it is hard to beat a 4Runner.
Good pick. I have an LE. Coming from anything German - LE is the best pick IMO. Good luck with it, any questions about mats, accessories, tires etc - ask.
nevans2005
New member
Congrats on your choice. I love the Limited. Wish it had wider wheels but it is what it is...a great truck.
Americas High Five
New member
FYI - A guy is selling Limited wheels in the classifieds he claims are 20X8, appear to be OEM replicas for $600 a set...came across them this morning.
jason56414
New member
For the $ difference and the option difference it was an easy limited choice for me.last year. Plus the resale/trade in seem a lot.better with limited vs any sr5
DigableKid
New member
I'm happy with my LE and full time 4x4. I like the way my gauges and dash look. The buttons are huge - I don't feel like I'm twisting a nipple when I turn the volume up on the stereo. The climate control buttons are easy to find, even when not looking. The additional gizmos are really cool, too, especially keyless entry and smart key. The puddle lights greet me when I'm close. SOS, although no longer active, gave me piece of mind.
Also, my dealer told me last month that he could guarantee me $30k trade-in value, which is a victory in itself.
In retrospect, I should've got a trail because I plan to go all in with outdoor and off-road activities. However, I have no regrets.
Best to you and your new rig.
Also, my dealer told me last month that he could guarantee me $30k trade-in value, which is a victory in itself.
In retrospect, I should've got a trail because I plan to go all in with outdoor and off-road activities. However, I have no regrets.
Best to you and your new rig.
I am actually in the process of trying to decide between a SR5, Trail or the premium edition of both of those. The Limited didn't even hit my radar as I just don't like the way it looks. Now I feel like I might need to reconsider and maybe test drive it. I feel it is out of my price range of what I am WILLING to pay for gadgets. Just hate all the chrome and all time 4WD.
I tested a TE and it was pretty sweet but once again, limited off road driving so I think a SR5 Premium might have all the goodies I need for a significant less amount.
Someone mentioned resale value. The SR5/TE really much lower? I mean it obviously would be due to the almost 10k difference from a SR5 to a Limited. But in the grand scheme of things, it seems the value would be equal to the cost for either model, unless my autotrader is showing different value in my area then in others?!
I tested a TE and it was pretty sweet but once again, limited off road driving so I think a SR5 Premium might have all the goodies I need for a significant less amount.
Someone mentioned resale value. The SR5/TE really much lower? I mean it obviously would be due to the almost 10k difference from a SR5 to a Limited. But in the grand scheme of things, it seems the value would be equal to the cost for either model, unless my autotrader is showing different value in my area then in others?!
nevans2005
New member
Thanks for the heads up.
