My Dilema: which model?

[Paul06Sport]

I had a 2006 Sport that I traded in 3 years ago because I really wanted the new Avalon for some reason. I drove SUVs for the prior 17 years, and that has caught up with me. I hate being down low, so I'm coming back to the 4Runner. The problem is, which model to get?

My '06 had the X-REAS suspension, and I drove it pretty hard, because I could. I know that only the Limited has that suspension now, so I'm wondering which way to go. I hate all the chrome on the Limited, so I'm leaning towards an SR5 Premium.

I drove a base SR5 today, having already driven the Limited a few months ago, and I'm not sure about the suspension. I'm a 98% pavement guy, though I wouldn't mind exploring off-road a little (nothing crazy).

For on-road handling, will I be OK with SR5 premium, or should I be considering a Trail Premium with KDSS? I'd go for the TRD Pro, but when I asked my sales guy, he told me sticker price on that one (pretty sure I can get the others at invoice price).

 

[77Bronc]

I had a 2006 Sport that I traded in 3 years ago because I really wanted the new Avalon for some reason. I drove SUVs for the prior 17 years, and that has caught up with me. I hate being down low, so I'm coming back to the 4Runner. The problem is, which model to get?

My '06 had the X-REAS suspension, and I drove it pretty hard, because I could. I know that only the Limited has that suspension now, so I'm wondering which way to go. I hate all the chrome on the Limited, so I'm leaning towards an SR5 Premium.

I drove a base SR5 today, having already driven the Limited a few months ago, and I'm not sure about the suspension. I'm a 98% pavement guy, though I wouldn't mind exploring off-road a little (nothing crazy).

For on-road handling, will I be OK with SR5 premium, or should I be considering a Trail Premium with KDSS? I'd go for the TRD Pro, but when I asked my sales guy, he told me sticker price on that one (pretty sure I can get the others at invoice price).

I am no means a 4Runner expert, but have been driving a truck/SUV, all 4WDs for more than 35 years and my 2015 TP is by far one of the best I have ever owned. I do not have KDSS, but it does have all of the bells and whistles needed to do the task.

So, I vote for the TP, I like the manual T/C lever, that is why I chose the TP over the SR5. I would never consider a Limited, as I do not want full time 4WD.

The absolute best 4WD I have ever owned was my 1982 Bronco, LS front and rear, BW T18 transmission with granny first gear. This truck was a tank.

My wife and I love Reginas Pizza in Little Italy


77

 

[Bad_Influence]

Most members on this forum tend to agree that the Trail w/kdss gives you the best on-road and off-road manners. Another thing is resale, if you think you might want to unload your 4runner sooner than later I believe the trails hold their value pretty well and the few extra bucks you might pay for one will pay for itself in a trade in.

 

[1engineer]

Just test drive man. Pick what you like.

 

[mizzouxc]

They're all good and since you're a 98% pavement guy I think the sr5 premium would fit you well. I don't do any obstacles, just fire roads and gravel trails and my model is great.

 

[vjack]

I had a similar thought process a few months ago. I think the Limited's trim makes it the worst-looking of the bunch. (I also think the little bit of fake wood trim inside is stupid.) But when comparing it to the SR5 I thought the Limited handled much better on-road, and I *really* wanted the full-time 4WD that is only available in the Limited. (In my opinion a full-time system is best for slippery winter conditions.) I didn't really consider the Trail since my needs don't require a dedicated rear locker. I think A-TRAC will probably be enough to get me out if I am stuck in the snow.

In the end I decided that features were more important than looks and I got a Limited. I've been really happy with it so far. In addition to the "big deal" features I already mentioned there are a bunch of little luxury improvements that weren't a big part of my decision but that I am very happy about now: push-to-start, parking sensors, upgraded speakers, heated and COOLED seats, automatic headlights, etc.

 

[Diesel_Dog]

It sounds like the SR5 premium would likely fit your needs well. Use the money saved fro the trail or limited to buy some tires, lights or a steak dinner.

 

[acer0611]

If the only thing you don't like from the limited is all the chrome then do what most people on this forum do and plasti dip it. It definitely gives makes the limited look more aggressive.

 

[white_trail]

Most members on this forum tend to agree that the Trail w/kdss gives you the best on-road and off-road manners. Another thing is resale, if you think you might want to unload your 4runner sooner than later I believe the trails hold their value pretty well and the few extra bucks you might pay for one will pay for itself in a trade in.

:thumb3::thumb3::thumb3::thumb3:

 

[stinaores]

I don't do any obstacles, just fire roads and gravel trails and my model is great.

 

[e60ral]

test drive a KDSS and non-KDSS back to back, the handling is very different and you won't need an extended test drive to notice the difference.

IMO the KDSS is the clear winner, but maybe your handling opinions are different from mine

 

[jwkilgore]

I don't do any obstacles, just fire roads and gravel trails and my model is great.

Just to throw another option out there and not to ruffle feathers, but have you considered the Highlander? Based purely on what you've said here you should test drive one at a minimum. It'll have much better on-road handling than the 4Runner and is available in AWD. No 4Low, but you shouldn't need that on fire roads and gravel trails.

Honestly, the 4Runner doesn't handle that great on road. XREAS helps, and KDSS helps more, but there are trade offs (too much chrome comes with the Limited; Trails are much more rare and expensive). I love my SR5 and she suits my needs perfectly, but I have different needs than you.

 

[blackie2]

Unless you really want a sunroof and the simulated leather interior on an SR5 Premium, save $3,000 and just get an SR5. There's a lot of modification you can do with $3,000.

 

[Seattle206]

+1 on the Highlander.

Went with my mom to test drive a '16 XLE V6 and I will admit that thing is pretty damn sweet. All the comfort features are very nicely done in terms of fit and finish and the ergos are better than the T4R IMO. The V6 is very smooth and much quicker than the 4Runner. After we test drove the Highlander I hopped back in my SR5 and it felt like a clumsy, underpowered and outdated slushbox. No 4Runner trim can touch a Highlander in terms of handling and on-road performance. Before I purchased my 4Runner I would borrow my mom's previous gen Highlander for camping trips, going on forest roads, coastal beaches and never had a problem getting around. Just know it can't or wont keep up with BOF 4x4's when the trail gets gnarly.

 

[OC4X4]

Test drive and get whats in your budget. Decide on what is most important for you. I personally like the TEP Trim and love the KDSS

 

[Blitzkrieg]

They can take my TE/KDSS from me when they pry my cold, dead fingers from her steering wheel.

Edit: And oh yeah, guarantee you will not buy an TE for invoice. Not happening.

 

[roaringplains]

Which model?

I drove a '12 Limited for 3+ years and thought it drove smooth and buttery.
Traded it in for a '16 TEP with KDSS and was amazed how nice the new truck drives on the road (it's only a week old, too scared to take it off road yet. Maybe next week). Smooth, composed and quiet with minimal body lean even in tight corners. Plus it has a hood scoop.

 

[renau001]

Another vote for trail w/ kdss. Simply nothing I don't like about how my vehicle stands, feels and drives. It's what I was looking for. We also own an '08 highlander. Not a great comparison to a brand new one. But if the 4Runner stance and feel is what you're looking for, I doubt the highlander would satisfy it. The highlander is an "easier" drive. But it sits low and drives like a car. And I feel no more confident handling-wise in the highlander than with my kdss. In fact, I drive the 4Runner a little sportier, probably just because I paid good money for the fancy suspension system. Also, not a great comparison due to my location; but I was able to get a tep kdss for 2.5% under invoice before ttl.

But definitely test drive back-to-back if at all possible, whatever you're considering. If for nothing else, than to eliminate regret.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

...
But definitely test drive back-to-back if at all possible, whatever you're considering. If for nothing else, than to eliminate regret.

I agree 100%.

You can get a million opinions but in the end, it's what YOU like.

I do strongly recommend you test drive a TE/KDSS if you can find a dealer that will let you. Here, they are mostly spoken for before getting off the boat so not happening.

 

[e60ral]

They can take my TE/KDSS from me when they pry my cold, dead fingers from her steering wheel.

Edit: And oh yeah, guarantee you will not buy an TE for invoice. Not happening.

you're just getting hit with the CO tax, it's not that bad everywhere else