Limited vs Loading-up an SR5

[SgnDen]

Well, I've been lurking for way too long and my '00 T4R (175k) is just too tired for me these days. I've owned 4 4Runners and 5 LC's over the years (including 3 FJ40's doing heavy-duty back country stuff). These days (aka "old and fat"), I am looking more for the perfect blend of capability, looks, and comfort.

Here is my quandary (familiar?)...

My priorities in "features" beyond the basic platform (I do realize the limited is full time 4WD v part-time 4WD) are:

Nav
Backup sensor or camera
Leather
Sound system excellence

I am not up to date on the consensus around the X-Reas system so while it sounds great, not sure.

I will do some rare off-road (3x/year) and will probably tow a motorcycle trailer a couple of times a year long distances (3,500 lbs loaded) otherwise it's a daily driver and long distance cruiser over passes in all seasons.

Am I better-off getting a limited or trying to find an SR5 with this stuff (or adding them)?

Also - I do NOT like the wheels on the LTD. I'll post another question but curious what others have been replacing those with.

Any thoughts or sources to do the math (costs of the add-ons/options) would be great!

Thanks. Looking forward to finally pulling the trigger and joining the conversation.

Have Fun...

 

[Quentin]

I have a loaded up SR5. Personally, I think the sound system is solid (particularly for a stock, non-luxury system). The reviews for the Entune nav are mixed at best. The Limited apparently has a better nav system. I'm very happy with the SR5 leather and the backup camera works well (mine is mirror mounted as all were in the SR5 in '10).

What I wish I had from the Limited:
- All black interior (SR5 has gray on the IP and door uppers)
- Push button start/proximity unlock

 

[YotaGuy91]

SR5 & Limited difference

From what I can tell, there's no significant exterior changes.

With the Limited trim, you get:

• Full time 4wd
• XREAS suspension. There's a pretty noticeable difference. It's specifically designed for on road use. Unlike the Trails' KDSS.
• Keyless entry, pushbutton start, buttons on the hatch that slide the rear window up & down
• The interior trim in the limited has a black contrast (if you get the tan leather)
• Optitron gauges
• Dual zone climate controls
• Shoreline blue as an exterior color choice
• The 20" wheels that ride on bicycle tires
• The prestige of having the Limited badge on the side lol

With the SR5 trim:

• Part time 4wd
• Remote keyless entry, no pushbutton start
• The interior trim has a gray color as a contrast
• No optitron gauges; just regular ones
• Single zone climate control
• Salsa red pearl as an exterior color option
• Awesome 17" wheels with somewhat decent tires (unless they are the Dunflop AT's)
• SR5 badging

I think I got most of the differences between the two...not sure.

 

[M1911]

Get the Limited. You'll have a lot less lean in the corners, due to the XREAS. And when you go up in the mountains in the winter, if the road is changing from snow-covered, to wet, to dry and back, you don't have to worry about it because you are in fulltime 4WD.

I'm not a fan of 20" wheels on a truck that you may take offroad. But you can probably swap them with someone how owns an SR5 and make $500 or more in the process.

 

[Jeremy556]

Seems like you are more inclined towards the limited. It is a lot easier to get all of your wants, and trade the ghetto rims for SR5 or Trail wheels, than to piece together aftermarket stuff on an SR5.

 

[limamike]

Back of the napkin math tells me that you'd be better off purchasing an SR5 and upgrading to leather, nav, and sound system as aftermarket.

Aftermarket leather: $1,200 installed (without third row seating)
Aftermarket Nav (high end): $1,400 installed
Aftermarket High-end Speakers: $600? installed

If I'm not mistaken, the Limited does NOT come with backup sensors. The only real selling point it seems for you to go for a Limited would be the better suspension. The SR5 suspension is ****, and you'd be looking at a few more hundred dollars to upgrade the suspension.

If the items you listed are really only your concerns I'd say go with an SR5 and do the upgrades aftermarket. But, if you want stuff like push button ignition, cleaner gauges, dual climate, etc then go for the Limited.

 

[SgnDen]

Seems like you are more inclined towards the limited. It is a lot easier to get all of your wants, and trade the ghetto rims for SR5 or Trail wheels, than to piece together aftermarket stuff on an SR5.

Exactly. That's what I am thinking as well. This 20's really bug the he** out of me for sure.

 

[SgnDen]

Back of the napkin math tells me that you'd be better off purchasing an SR5 and upgrading to leather, nav, and sound system as aftermarket.

Aftermarket leather: $1,200 installed (without third row seating)
Aftermarket Nav (high end): $1,400 installed
Aftermarket High-end Speakers: $600? installed

If I'm not mistaken, the Limited does NOT come with backup sensors. The only real selling point it seems for you to go for a Limited would be the better suspension. The SR5 suspension is ****, and you'd be looking at a few more hundred dollars to upgrade the suspension.

If the items you listed are really only your concerns I'd say go with an SR5 and do the upgrades aftermarket. But, if you want stuff like push button ignition, cleaner gauges, dual climate, etc then go for the Limited.

Thanks for the math! Gives me more to think about for sure.

Can the SR5 suspension be tuned to be comparable to XREAS?

Funny, I started SO sure I wanted a Trail...but I realized that if I am really honest with myself there is no way I need the capabilities of the Trail...it was just for looks...and since I want to keep this thing for 12+ years I imagine I'll be sick of the "tough look" when I am walking up to it with my cane! ;^)

Time to break-out a quick spreadsheet I guess...

 

[brockeverly]

SR5 fully loaded and spend the extra on a lift and 285s!

 

[SgnDen]

SR5 fully loaded and spend the extra on a lift and 285s!

NO mater what I get, it'll get a modest lift and better/bigger tires + maybe rims. Hmmm...now I REALLY need to bust-out the spreadsheet and do the math.

Maybe it's worth looking at loading-up a Trail to get the KDSS (if it is good for on-road use as well)...I will search and read-up...I know this has been a big topic.

 

[harper7]

From what I can tell, there's no significant exterior changes.

With the Limited trim, you get:

• Full time 4wd
• XREAS suspension. There's a pretty noticeable difference. It's specifically designed for on road use. Unlike the Trails' KDSS.
• Keyless entry, pushbutton start, buttons on the hatch that slide the rear window up & down
• The interior trim in the limited has a black contrast (if you get the tan leather)
• Optitron gauges
• Dual zone climate controls
• Shoreline blue as an exterior color choice
• The 20" wheels that ride on bicycle tires
• The prestige of having the Limited badge on the side lol

With the SR5 trim:

• Part time 4wd
• Remote keyless entry, no pushbutton start
• The interior trim has a gray color as a contrast
• No optitron gauges; just regular ones
• Single zone climate control
• Salsa red pearl as an exterior color option
• Awesome 17" wheels with somewhat decent tires (unless they are the Dunflop AT's)
• SR5 badging

I think I got most of the differences between the two...not sure.

The best way is to be patient and go and test drive drive them...
research as your doing by asking questions here....
test drive drive them again....
then test drive drive them one last time.

Test driving is free and helps prevent future regrets!

As stated by M1911 the biggest difference is the Torsen center diff in the Limited and cannot ever be upgraded to in other models and the major reason I chose a Limited.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

If I were to do it again I would probably get a Limited and do everything that I have done to mine. The Torsen center is all I really want from the limited right now.

Suspension - Coilover
Stereo - I will be upgrading in the last stages of my build
Leather - Did not want it
Dual Climate Control - ehh no biggie for me
Optitron Gauges - I actually like the SR5's
Navigation - Did not want it
20" Wheels - did not want and I replaced the SR5's

So I got an SR5 anticipating a build.

 

[Stoff96367]

I went with the LE for:
Full time 4wd
XREAS suspension
Keyless entry
Pushbutton start
All Black interior and trim
Optitron gauges
Dual zone climate controls

 

[limamike]

Thanks for the math! Gives me more to think about for sure.

Can the SR5 suspension be tuned to be comparable to XREAS?

Funny, I started SO sure I wanted a Trail...but I realized that if I am really honest with myself there is no way I need the capabilities of the Trail...it was just for looks...and since I want to keep this thing for 12+ years I imagine I'll be sick of the "tough look" when I am walking up to it with my cane! ;^)

Time to break-out a quick spreadsheet I guess...

The SR5 suspension is sh*t and can't be tuned for anything. The only way you'll get performance out of it is by replacing it. That said, what you said here has implications:

NO mater what I get, it'll get a modest lift and better/bigger tires + maybe rims. Hmmm...now I REALLY need to bust-out the spreadsheet and do the math.

Maybe it's worth looking at loading-up a Trail to get the KDSS (if it is good for on-road use as well)...I will search and read-up...I know this has been a big topic.

If you plan on putting a lift on your truck you might as well forget about XREAS because you'll lose it if you put in a new suspension. Of course if you just put in a spacer lift that's another story. Both the Limited and Trail w/KDSS have better on-road performance than the SR5 - period. But, if you plan on doing any suspension upgrades you'll lose what Toyota gave you in XREAS.

So, if you only really care about "Nav, Backup sensor or camera, Leather, Sound system excellence" and good on-road performance you can get all that by purchasing an SR5 and doing the upgrades aftermarket for better quality stuff and less money - also note that only the SR5 has backup sensors AND a backup camera. However, if you want the upgraded interior (dual climate, gauges, etc) then I would say get the Limited.

At the end of the day you'll be paying close to the cost difference between a Limited and an SR5 if you do the upgrades yourself (assuming a good quality suspension upgrade, too). I just checked my spreadsheet, and for the features you say you're concerned about I forked-out $5,032.41 to upgrade them in my truck (speaker upgrade, custom leather install, Icon Stage 1 w/remote reservoirs and Light Racing UCAs [probably more than you need/want], leather steering wheel swap, and a planned AVIC-Z140 head unit). Assuming you take the 4Runner prices at sticker value of $31,100 for an SR5 and $38,600 for a Limited I'm still better on the price of a limited by a couple of grand for those features alone *and* I was able to get exactly what I wanted - not what Toyota gave me.

 

[scanny]

I don't think that anybody mentioned that SR5 is the only one trim which has backup camera and backup sensors. Initially I would have probably bought Limited mostly because of Torsen and autolights and then I would replace wheels and get rid of chrome. But if I to buy new T4R now, I would probably consider Trail more than other trims because of KDSS, rear locker and cloth seats.

 

[lezavw90]

I went with the Limited. Don't know if the Sr5 is the same as the sr5 up here but the differences are way more than what's been posted. Some of the differences may seem small and stupid when reading them on paper, but once I had those differences I don't think I'd ever buy a vehicle without it.

- Smart key! A must have.
- the Limited has exterior lights in the mirrors that shine down on the ground. As you approach With the smart key at night the lights, including interior lights turn on. For me packing kids,groceries, or a stormy night these 2 things for me are huge pluses.
-built In power inverter. Plugs in the console and in the back. It's not hugely powerful but it's big enough to plug a cooler into.

 

[SgnDen]

So, if you only really care about "Nav, Backup sensor or camera, Leather, Sound system excellence" and good on-road performance you can get all that by purchasing an SR5 and doing the upgrades aftermarket for better quality stuff and less money - also note that only the SR5 has backup sensors AND a backup camera. However, if you want the upgraded interior (dual climate, gauges, etc) then I would say get the Limited.

At the end of the day you'll be paying close to the cost difference between a Limited and an SR5 if you do the upgrades yourself (assuming a good quality suspension upgrade, too). I just checked my spreadsheet, and for the features you say you're concerned about I forked-out $5,032.41 to upgrade them in my truck (speaker upgrade, custom leather install, Icon Stage 1 w/remote reservoirs and Light Racing UCAs [probably more than you need/want], leather steering wheel swap, and a planned AVIC-Z140 head unit). Assuming you take the 4Runner prices at sticker value of $31,100 for an SR5 and $38,600 for a Limited I'm still better on the price of a limited by a couple of grand for those features alone *and* I was able to get exactly what I wanted - not what Toyota gave me.

Excellent input, thanks! Now my head is really stating to spin...crap.

I'm going to get it all down on paper then go drive ALL 3 models with an eye on exactly the things i care most about. Get more numbers, and go from there.

I really want to do this one right as I WILL keep this thing for a dozen+ years.

 

[Chrisinvermont]

If I'm not mistaken, the Limited does NOT come with backup sensors.

My non nav 2010 limited has the back up camera in the rear view mirror.

I went limited for dual climate, better suspension for my 95% on road driving, and full time all wheel drive. Easier for the wife if she has to drive it in the snow. You don't have to worry about putting it in and out of 4-wheel drive. The smart key was a bonus, didn't think I would like it as much as I do!

I had an overnight test drive with a limited with Nav and I thought the Nav sucked and didn't get one with it. It was off in down town Burlington, showing I was off by a couple of blocks most times. Since I use my phone with a navigon app it didn't make sense to spend extra money on something that sucked.

Finally, pleasantly surprised by the stereo. First vehicle where I haven't pulled the factory system to install an after market.

 

[4Run4YourLife]

I have a loaded up SR5. Personally, I think the sound system is solid (particularly for a stock, non-luxury system). The reviews for the Entune nav are mixed at best. The Limited apparently has a better nav system. I'm very happy with the SR5 leather and the backup camera works well (mine is mirror mounted as all were in the SR5 in '10).

What I wish I had from the Limited:
- All black interior (SR5 has gray on the IP and door uppers)
- Push button start/proximity unlock

I just want to comment on the above. In my experience the Entune NAV (actual navigation, not stereo) is much much better than the optional "upgraded" navigation system. I have experience with the optional Nav in an older Gx470 and a brand new Highlander. The Entune Nav is much more accurate.

I would agree with you if you are speaking about the "Stereo/Speaker" system though. The JBL will sound better than the stock speakers that come with the Entune.

 

[brockeverly]

I went with the Limited. Don't know if the Sr5 is the same as the sr5 up here but the differences are way more than what's been posted. Some of the differences may seem small and stupid when reading them on paper, but once I had those differences I don't think I'd ever buy a vehicle without it.

- Smart key! A must have.
- the Limited has exterior lights in the mirrors that shine down on the ground. As you approach With the smart key at night the lights, including interior lights turn on. For me packing kids,groceries, or a stormy night these 2 things for me are huge pluses.
-built In power inverter. Plugs in the console and in the back. It's not hugely powerful but it's big enough to plug a cooler into.

I have all of that minus the smart key on my fully loaded SR5