For sure it does. Took a few months to get use to how much inferior the engine/transmission is. That SC V8 in the RR is a beast. Twice the cost of the 4Runner, but honestly felt like 3x the quality! Was my 4th, and never had a mechanical issue with any of them. But to take off-road and beat on was just not worth it. That and playing with the 4Runner is a lot more fun. Not to mention, I travel to one of our plants in upstate NY, and u look a little bit like a dbag showing up in that rig.
Is TRD PRO worth the cash?
- Thread starter Mvrocky
- Start date
For sure it does. Took a few months to get use to how much inferior the engine/transmission is. That SC V8 in the RR is a beast. Twice the cost of the 4Runner, but honestly felt like 3x the quality! Was my 4th, and never had a mechanical issue with any of them. But to take off-road and beat on was just not worth it. That and playing with the 4Runner is a lot more fun. Not to mention, I travel to one of our plants in upstate NY, and u look a little bit like a dbag showing up in that rig.
Redsoxx1918
New member
I did almost buy one. I was looking to trade my 2016 SR5 premium for a Cavalry Blue. Although I loved the color, I just couldn’t pull the trigger and pay MSRP. A sunroof is a must have for me as well, so I would have had to pony up another $1500 for a factory sunroof install. And I wasn’t crazy about letting someone cut a hole in the roof of a brand new $44,000 vehicle.
I ended up getting a 2018 Off Road premium. Comparing MSRP to MSRP, it was only a $3000 difference....$41K vs $44K for the PRO. But.....I was able to get the off road for $37K. So it was really a $7K difference plus whatever it would cost to install a sunroof. Yes, the resale is great, but it’s great on all the 4runners and when you factor in that you have to pay full MSRP, resale is no better than an off road premium.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Performance
I have had RR for years and my wife and daughter still drive Sports now, one is supercharged. I have had issues, minor. I had a 2002 4Runner that could not be killed. So when my son took my Nissan Titan, which is modified, I had looked at everything. The 4Runner won cause my older one was soooo reliable. I wanted a family hauler once again that could put up with college runs and travel sports. So I picked the 4Runner but I wish it still had the V8 option. The pick up especially lifted and bigger tires is a little disappointing.
I have had RR for years and my wife and daughter still drive Sports now, one is supercharged. I have had issues, minor. I had a 2002 4Runner that could not be killed. So when my son took my Nissan Titan, which is modified, I had looked at everything. The 4Runner won cause my older one was soooo reliable. I wanted a family hauler once again that could put up with college runs and travel sports. So I picked the 4Runner but I wish it still had the V8 option. The pick up especially lifted and bigger tires is a little disappointing.
aelarson
New member
I want to weigh in and hopefully steer some of the negative energy away! I bought my TRD Pro back in July and I didn't even really consider other trim levels, here's why:
1) Warranty. I wanted a lifted 4Runner and wanted to keep a warranty ( I have a lifetime power train that was included, and I purchases an unlimited time warranty for every other part). Granted, this is not heavily lifted, and all of us can agree that it should've been lifted by 2 more inches. However, I appreciate the stock stance for what it is, and I'll have to live with it because I am not losing those warranties. It's also plenty capable for the light off-roading that I do.
2) Aesthetics. Yes, you can go buy a TRD Off Road and buy all of the TRD parts afterwards for a little less cash, but I didn't want to fiddle with all of that. It came the way I liked it, no installing time for other parts, no ordering parts. Perfect.
3) Mindset. I am a person who likes having nice things (don't we all?). I know that in a year or two if I didn't have a Pro, I would be beating myself up for not buying it. This happened with my last car (BMW M235i), and I wish I would've ponied up the extra cash for the next trim level (BMW M2). I didn't want to make the same mistake again and beat myself up every time I saw a TRD Pro drive past.
4) Color. I cannot speak to this point too much, because I have a Barcelona Red TRD Pro. I REALLY wanted Cement after I first saw it at the Chicago auto show, but when it came time to buy, I couldn't justify paying $5K-$15K over MSRP. I can wrap the truck to any color of my liking 1-3 times for that kind of markup. But if you are lucky enough to snag a 1 year unique color at MSRP or a price of your liking, then this is a sell point for sure.
Overall, I love my Pro, and I am glad I went this route, even though I couldn't get my hands on the single year unique color. OP, I hope that perspective helps out a little bit!
In the end, does it really matter who has what trim level? Everyone has different financial backgrounds, different tastes in vehicles, and different opinions. Everyone here should just be happy that we all have a passion for a sweet SUV.
eace:
1) Warranty. I wanted a lifted 4Runner and wanted to keep a warranty ( I have a lifetime power train that was included, and I purchases an unlimited time warranty for every other part). Granted, this is not heavily lifted, and all of us can agree that it should've been lifted by 2 more inches. However, I appreciate the stock stance for what it is, and I'll have to live with it because I am not losing those warranties. It's also plenty capable for the light off-roading that I do.
2) Aesthetics. Yes, you can go buy a TRD Off Road and buy all of the TRD parts afterwards for a little less cash, but I didn't want to fiddle with all of that. It came the way I liked it, no installing time for other parts, no ordering parts. Perfect.
3) Mindset. I am a person who likes having nice things (don't we all?). I know that in a year or two if I didn't have a Pro, I would be beating myself up for not buying it. This happened with my last car (BMW M235i), and I wish I would've ponied up the extra cash for the next trim level (BMW M2). I didn't want to make the same mistake again and beat myself up every time I saw a TRD Pro drive past.
4) Color. I cannot speak to this point too much, because I have a Barcelona Red TRD Pro. I REALLY wanted Cement after I first saw it at the Chicago auto show, but when it came time to buy, I couldn't justify paying $5K-$15K over MSRP. I can wrap the truck to any color of my liking 1-3 times for that kind of markup. But if you are lucky enough to snag a 1 year unique color at MSRP or a price of your liking, then this is a sell point for sure.
Overall, I love my Pro, and I am glad I went this route, even though I couldn't get my hands on the single year unique color. OP, I hope that perspective helps out a little bit!
In the end, does it really matter who has what trim level? Everyone has different financial backgrounds, different tastes in vehicles, and different opinions. Everyone here should just be happy that we all have a passion for a sweet SUV.
eace:
Last edited:
michalik.piotr6837
New member
My two cents.... the rare/unique factor got me to buy the cement, plus the overall resale of any pro.
Just did a 2k round trip to cali and didn't see a single cement. only one sand colored one, no infernos or cavarly.
if you don't like and/or get one of the specialty colors its hard to tell if its a real pro at first glance with so many people swapping grils and wheels.
only turned it off at gas pumps, averaged 80, topping 100 at times... no issues, plenty of power with no armor or bigger tires. got compliments at gas stations.
just checked seattle/portland cl and found one blue at 52k and one used white one at 45k (more then i paid for my new one).
i vote, get a pro and be done with it. prices are nuts tho. all trim levels are awesome and i'm sure an off road is just as capable.
Just did a 2k round trip to cali and didn't see a single cement. only one sand colored one, no infernos or cavarly.
if you don't like and/or get one of the specialty colors its hard to tell if its a real pro at first glance with so many people swapping grils and wheels.
only turned it off at gas pumps, averaged 80, topping 100 at times... no issues, plenty of power with no armor or bigger tires. got compliments at gas stations.
just checked seattle/portland cl and found one blue at 52k and one used white one at 45k (more then i paid for my new one).
i vote, get a pro and be done with it. prices are nuts tho. all trim levels are awesome and i'm sure an off road is just as capable.
IslandJim
New member
So...looking at the online parts description again for the TRD Pro suspension...and now it says it gives only 1 inch lift in the front and no lift in the rear....wtf., thought the Pros had a 2 inch lift abouts.
Really only want to lift my 4Runner 2 - 2.5 inches and thought the TRD suspension would do it.
Definitely wouldn't buy a Pro then. Don't care about what the truck looks like as far as trim or color. The aluminum TRD skidplate is $270 and that is the only other item worthwhile to get in my opinion.
Not sure what the OP wants in his 4Runner, if he wants looks and a little better suspension get a Pro, for me I am going to save 8 grand by not trading in my OR and eventually adding on a modest lift to get what I want.
If the PROs have more than a 1 inch lift in the front let me know. The front springs and shocks may be a little better (Pros use same rear springs) its true. Would like a little firmer suspension in my OR. After installing my new HID low beams, am quite surprised how much my front end is bouncing around on every little bump. Thanks for all the informative posts.
Last edited:
That's correct. You're going to have to go aftermarket if you want to go any taller.
You could go with the Bilstein 6112/5160 combo and taller rear springs which is, from my understanding, essentially the same as the TRD set up just height adjustable.
I went from a 2016 RRS HSE (Supercharged V6 variant) and the difference was huge too.
4Runner is way roomier (especially cargo area) and is much more fun to throw around off-road than the RRS though.
CF_Machete
Senior Member
yup, you would just need rear coils with a 2 inch lift.
Weird.... my Trail does everything you describe "right out of the box." So happy I saved thousands by not buying a PRO. I put the savings into the stock market in 2016 and have so far made thousands.
Last edited:
So far you win the "most stupid post of the year" award. :thumb3:
ADK Explorer
New member
Sorry for the attack comment. I wasn’t feeling well and was in a crappy mood. (It’s amazing how easy it is to get pulled into a negative energy field. I have to remind myself, “Mind your thoughts Padawan.”)
Truth is I almost bought a used built up Trail. While my local dealer was trying to negotiate getting a Pro for me I saw a lifted, big tire Trail on their lot and asked how much they wanted for it but they told me that it was already sold. Knowing what I do now I would have bought a Trail and built it up but I'm not crying because I still have an awesome platform to improve upon once the warranty has expired and the OEM suspension gets tired.
There is no right way or wrong way to do this. If you want a good-looking capable vehicle without having to do any work on it and can afford it buy a Pro. If you like working on your trucks and have specific capabilities in mind then buy another trim and build it to suit your needs.
b407driver
New member
OK, that's the second time you've said somethings this thread that is 'true' from only your perspective, so I will now dive into this mess. With a TRD Pro, adding Toytec's spring seat spacer results in a virtually identical setup as the 6112's around the middle setting. That's now 2" in front, with TRD suspension, no new front shocks required, but admittedly some labor (which you'd have either way).
That is only partially true; that setup would be higher in the rear than a stock TRD Pro, which has the same rear springs (thus rear ride height) as the Trail/Off-Road. When people use the higher perch settings on the 6112s, they get into reverse rake and end up having to replace the springs or space it up for it to look right.
There is one very compelling reason to build a 'Pro' from a Trail/Off-Road: KDSS.
Not to send this thread down another tangential rabbit-hole, but it is true that some people prefer the ride afforded by KDSS suspension, especially on-road. I wanted the blackout look from the Pro on a KDSS-equipped vehicle, so Toyota built it for me. Despite some anecdotal assertions to the contrary, I love the TRD suspension's ride coupled with KDSS. It's effectively the same as Trail/TRDOR's with KDSS+6112s, but you don't hear people calling that a 'mis-matched' setup.
And yes, I do use my vehicle off-road, it's why I bought it.
.
.
.
Last edited:
Not trying to be rude, but I think we're saying the same thing? The guy I had responded to was referring the to lift height of a Pro vs. a Trail/Offroad.
Whether you went with the 6112s or the OEM TRD Pro front suspension with Toytec spacer you're still dealing with aftermarket parts in some regard. That could be a deal breaker for someone wanting to stick to only OEM parts.
Yes, which is why said with taller rear springs which you quoted, right?
Not looking to pick a fight but I'd hate to be misunderstood. If I am incorrect I apologize.
IslandJim
New member
That's okay Darrow, I understood you, and the information was helpful in helping me figure out that now I want to keep my Off Road and add an aftermarket suspension sometime down the road, instead of trading in a Pro. Probably looking at Kings and or Dobinsons. with the air bags in the rear springs for towing. Will have to start a build thread then.
Just curious if the OP decided to get a Pro or not.
Just curious if the OP decided to get a Pro or not.
Spendy for sure. I got mine a few weeks ago after waiting for about 2 months. Aesthetically I think it's pretty darn beautiful. I bought new through Carmax Laurel and price came in at $500 below MSRP, so somewhat equivalent to the more deeply discounted Limited models on their lot and only a few K above the Trail Premium models. I wanted a vehicle suitable for some occasional overland / OSV use and for dealing more effectively with winter snow in my area than our Outbacks. The Trail model would've been perfect and would have brought some additional creature comforts but I just loved the look of the trd pro and the fact that I'd not be inclined to mod it out was a big plus - I could just buy it and be done (I will not be adding a lift /285s/winch etc....I just don't have the need). I'll share that the sound system is awful...really awful, and upgrading is not like the old days... The halogen lights are a minor annoyance but I'm getting over it, The tech is fine honestly...I don't miss the safety tech, kinda like that I have to manually control the climate and generally really love the old school feel of the vehicle. Regardless, I'm quite happy with it and hopeful it'll last us 300k miles....My 9 year old is already asking if he can have it for HS
RedSR52018
New member
New car dealers say PRO's are a special car adding a $$$$ above MRSP. Can a plain SR5 be modified to have the same suspension?
phillyd2
Senior Member
Of course because it's the SAME truck. And the good news is that it can be modified to have a even better suspension and it would still cost you less.
