Limited or SR5

[msp]

I purchased my first 4Runner in October 2015. I was also trying to decide between the Limited and SR5P. I live in Michigan and plenty of snow and ice here, so I was leaning towards the Limited only because of the AWD. However, I had an Xterra, so I knew the SR5 4x4 system would be fine.

I test drove both back-to-back and was concerned about the 20" tires on the Limited, but the dealer was willing to change with the SR5 I was also testing. As I was getting out of the Limited, the automatic floorboards came out (similar to when I opened the door to get in). That was the point that I decided there was no way I could own that Limited.

I bought a Super White 16 SR5P and it is amazing in the snow. I immediately switched the tires to Michelin LTX MS2. I got caught in a big storm in Wisconsin a while back - it's a tank. Yes, you have to be mindful of being on the dry pavement, but it's not a huge thing, at least I don't think so. In the end, it was less about the cost of the Limited and more about all the fancy stuff that came with it. I liked the AWD - didn't like the 20" tires, vented seats were okay (I liked the leather), wood trim was old and odd looking, I don't like auto climate control all that much, but when those floor boards came out, that was it - no sale. If it didn't have that option, I still think I would have ended up with the SR5P all things considered, but the boards made it feel very very fancy to me. I'm not knocking anyone who likes the fancy stuff - it's cool no doubt - just not my kind of SUV is all.

Power running boards are optional on the Limited. I didn't want them because my vehicle isn't lifted, currently, and I have no trust in them working consistently in the winter in Minnesota. I can't even keep ice out of the wheel wells....

 

[DMBseekup]

Yes indeed - I think it was a $1500 option if memory serves. They had other Limited on the lot, but not in a color I liked. I was on the fence with the Limited....and almost ready to decide....when the boards came out and I thought - that's it - too fancy.

I would start a new thread about my new purchase, but I just signed up today and they say I can't. I've not done any mods to my SR5 yet (other than new tires), but tonight I ordered a black out kit (will look nice off the Super White) and soon (when it gets warmer) I will order Nfab nerf steps. They look easy to install - I hope anyway.

 

[bltkmt]

I have an 2010 Limited and love it except for the skinny wheels.

 

[Magnetic4R]

I'm happy with my choice, Limited inside and SR5 outside. =)

 

[lionchops]

I'm glad I have a limited.

 

[Dark Lord]

Yes indeed - I think it was a $1500 option if memory serves. They had other Limited on the lot, but not in a color I liked. I was on the fence with the Limited....and almost ready to decide....when the boards came out and I thought - that's it - too fancy.

I would start a new thread about my new purchase, but I just signed up today and they say I can't. I've not done any mods to my SR5 yet (other than new tires), but tonight I ordered a black out kit (will look nice off the Super White) and soon (when it gets warmer) I will order Nfab nerf steps. They look easy to install - I hope anyway.

I had the dealer take the running boards off my Limited that came in fresh off the boat, and subtract the cost.

 

[Quentin]

I had the dealer take the running boards off my Limited that came in fresh off the boat, and subtract the cost.

Can't do that with the auto retracting boards.

 

[darrylj]

I live in a snowy part of Michigan, and with the base SR5 I opted for separate rims with dedicated snow tires during winter. My old ancient 2WD vehicle with snow tires was surprisingly capable in snow. Add to that the Toyota traction control (which all the T4R models have) and you're ready for most anything you'll encounter on winter pavement.

I only use the 4WD in winter on plowed gravel and unplowed pavement. And with snow tires, even that may not be necessary but I need to get my 10 miles per month in of 4WD driving to avoid angering the user manual.

And as a bonus, you get to avoid all that chrome on the Limted. What has been seen cannot be unseen:

 

[drzew]

I have a2015 sr5p and love it. I have had many 4x4s and tires are #1 usually the driver is #2. The basic 4x4 with good tires will go almost everywhere. Bad driving will bury any 4x4. Like the others said to much bling and I don't like 20 in rims with low profile tires. They are both great suv's get out and enjoy.

 

[Xerex]

Since that animation is out-of-date regarding specific Toyota models, I'll clarify:

The SR5 and Limited each have 3 driving modes, and 2 of them are identical.

Day-to-day:
Rear-wheel-drive on SR5 (called "H2")
AWD with limited-slip center differential on the Limited (called "H4F")

Off-road at speed:
4x4 with locked center differential (called "H4L" on the Limited and "H4" on the SR5 but they are the same thing)

Off-road crawl:
4x4 with locked center differential and low gearing (called "L4L" on the Limited and "L4" on the SR5 but they are the same thing)

Sorry to revive an old thread. Im also new to 4runners and to 4x4. I have a 2014 4runner sr5 with part time 4x4. So basically when i switch to h4, the center diff locks and power is put on the front and rear wheels 50-50 turning all at the same time?

 

[kenwilliams0803]

Sorry to revive an old thread. Im also new to 4runners and to 4x4. I have a 2014 4runner sr5 with part time 4x4. So basically when i switch to h4, the center diff locks and power is put on the front and rear wheels 50-50 turning all at the same time?

Correct. Which is why you don't want to do any tight turns in 4WD unless you are on a somewhat slippery surface. On dry pavement the tires will hop and chirp and you will feel it in the steering wheel because you are putting the drivetrain through stress it should not go through.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[TheDozer]

I went limited for the creature comforts, 2015. Since then I have. Ditched the XREAS suspension to go KING, ditched the 20" wheels for 17" w/ 275s, removed the side skirts and added sliders, and added a roof rack. Well worth it. :rockon:

 

[Toffees]

Trail, hands down the best!!!

What's the difference between Trail and Sr5*? Just the plastic trim, KDSS (if installed), and crawl control? Not that I've driven one, but KDSS seems like the only important difference; comparing LE to SR5 then XREAS should likewise get some support as a useful system.

In the end, they're all much closer to each other than it's made out here sometimes...

*Oh, the rear locker too.

 

[Toffees]

Oh I completely understand that. I just opted for the Icon because based on the reviews I read on it was that ride differences were somewhat negligible.

Or keep the XREAS and run 275s without lift? Just a thought

 

[THOR4R]

I'd say if you have to ask it probably doesn't matter. I'd consider the full time if you drive in adverse weather on road regularly. You don't want to engage the part time 4WD drive on dry road surfaces its pretty much off road only.

I'm guessing you like the leather so you're looking at the SR5 Premium? I personally prefer cloth seats so I went with the SR5, seem to be the minority on this forum for that though... I would've liked a leather wrapped steering wheel though.

I went SR5 for the same reason. No thanks on the leather.

I was disappointed that the dealer couldn't retrofit an E-locker into the SR5 tho. At least, that's what they told me.

But I put a lift kit on it and will be installing air lockers front and rear. I like the idea of the air locker for one reason only. You can buy an ARB compressor that can double as a pump to fill up your tires.

I would have liked to put a Truetrac on my SR5, but Eaton seems to be dragging their feet on this. Just like how Magnuson is dragging their feet on the 5th gen supercharger.