Differences between 5 seats and 7 seats?

[nad]

I am currently in the process of deciding which 4runner to buy. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting a limited. Does anyone know the exact differences between the 5 seater and 7 seater?

I see on the Canadian brochure that the 5 seat version does not come with front and rear clearance sonar sensors for some reason??

Also I would assume the 5 seat version is lighter?

Does anyone have pictures of the differences of the interior between the two?

Thanks

 

[tamerunner]

The ability to haul two more people....:hiding: I have the 7 seater, tbh it is really going to be only for small people and only for short trips. When the seats are up there is 0 storage in the cargo area. The weight is only about 75-100 lbs I think. As for the sonar I cannot help, because I am not a canuk, but that doesn't make sense.

 

[nad]

The package options in canada are really poor compared to the US, we get screwed out of all the cool stuff. Cant get the auto running boards, also cant add on the cargo tray, which I would much rather have over the two rear seats.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

For many, the 7 seater is a waste. The dealer who sold it to my wife pitched it as an 8 seater. As stated above, only very small people will fit in this area and not for too long. If I had small dogs, that's where they would go.

 

[Americas High Five]

... also cant add on the cargo tray, which I would much rather have over the two rear seats.

You wont be missing much. IMO for many the cargo tray isnt practical for everyday use. I can count on one hand how many times I have actually "used" my cargo tray..

If I had a choice I'd forgo the third-row and cargo tray..

 

[Eagle]

I have the seven-seat / third-row. Most opinions are that the rear seat is usable only for small children and short distances. I think the rear seats are more useful than that.

I am 6'4" and 250 pounds and I've ridden in the back of mine several times for 30-60 minute trips without any problem. It's not exactly roomy and spacious, but it will absolutely seat two adults in limited circumstances. If you're regularly carrying 6 adult passengers, it won't be the best option for you. I only use mine for the occasional time that I need to haul a group around and would rather get close and friendly rather than take a second vehicle.

There is very little cargo room behind the third row when it is up.

 

[nad]

You wont be missing much. IMO for many the cargo tray isnt practical for everyday use. I can count on one hand how many times I have actually "used" my cargo tray..

If I had a choice I'd forgo the third-row and cargo tray..

I was just thinking if the back was loaded up with luggage etc it would be nice to be able to pull the tray out to access it easier. Not to mention I've discovered if you have the cargo tray you get a secret little hidden compartment in the floor behind the second row of seats.

 

[nad]

It also appears that the 5 seater has a larger fold down arm rest/cup holders in the rear being that the seats dont have to slide forward to allow people to get in the back.

Does anyone know if the 5 seat version has the sliding and tilting ability in the back seats?

 

[GabrielM]

It also appears that the 5 seater has a larger fold down arm rest/cup holders in the rear being that the seats dont have to slide forward to allow people to get in the back.

Does anyone know if the 5 seat version has the sliding and tilting ability in the back seats?

Only tilting, no sliding ability. I do love the tray, but I rather not having one. Things fall behind when loading and tray is out and you have to manage to get them without unloading everything. I do love the hiding compartment but I rather put a small box in the back instead.

 

[Americas High Five]

I was just thinking if the back was loaded up with luggage etc it would be nice to be able to pull the tray out to access it easier. Not to mention I've discovered if you have the cargo tray you get a secret little hidden compartment in the floor behind the second row of seats.

I think that was Toyota's intent of the tray and I shared that same sentiment but realized in order to be able to slide out the tray your luggage/cargo needs to fit on the tray with little to no overhang. And others have also said, once you pull the tray out with cargo on it things tend to fall behind it into the tracks. To be honest it gets used more to change my son's diapers then anything else :doh:

 

[Stifler]

im no rocket scientist but I am gonna guess 2 seats

 

[nad]

im no rocket scientist but I am gonna guess 2 seats

Obviously.. Smartass.

I'm looking for pros and con's of both.

 

[Stifler]

Obviously.. Smartass.

I'm looking for pros and con's of both.

7 seat
Pro: 2 more seats

Con: less cargo, more weight

5 seat
Pro: More cargo, less weight

Con: 2 less seats

 

[classic72]

It is a 7 seater if we are talking a husband and wife hauling their kids and their kids friends. We do this all the time and it is a big help and a big hit with the kiddos and keeps from having to take a second car (while getting 8mpg better average than a Suburban).

If you are dealing with primarily adults it's usefulness is less, but, in my opinion, I would rather have the option to carry two more adults with the third row in an emergency situation (another truck is down out in the desert, etc.) rather than the cargo tray. Getting six adults off a trail safely. If it's adults it can hold six... but I wouldn't do long roadtrips with adults in the third row.

When not using the rear seats keep them folded down and you can haul just as much.

 

[Jesse1983]

im no rocket scientist but I am gonna guess 2 seats

beat me two it

 

[Stifler]

beat me two it

 

[1engineer]

7 seat
Pro: 2 more seats

Con: less cargo, more weight

5 seat
Pro: More cargo, less weight

Con: 2 less seats

As an engineer I must concur with your clever and compelling reasoning and brilliant hypothesis to conclusion! Bravo!

 

[Stifler]

As an engineer I must concur with your clever and compelling reasoning and brilliant hypothesis to conclusion! Bravo!

I knew if anyone was going to appreciate my thorough and analytical reply it would be you!

 

[KVA]

I have the limited and it is useful for "me". Can totally get 6 foot+ folks back there without issue too...just move the front and middle seats up. You can strategically get better seating that way too across that whole row of three seats.

For storage, when I need more, I have a Yakima Skybox. Works really well.

I don't notice the weight gain of the rear seats, but then again I have an aftermarket bumper that weighs a lot and the significantly upgraded suspension to deal with it all.

To each his own.

 

[nad]

Well Im joining the dark side. Put a down payment on a 2015 limited today. Earliest I will have it is Sept, latest Nov. Trading in my Tacoma.|

I decided to go with the 7 seats even though I will never use them, I figured it would help if I ever need to sell it.

Going to miss the turning radius of my tacoma, I could pull U turns like a little civic with that thing.