New 4Runner Purchase Questions

[Big Murth]

Looking at either a very late model Limited, or a brand new Trail or SR5---I've owned numerous 4Runners since 91, and I need a vehicle I can put clients in occasionally---but will get me to and through the backwoods, mountains & deserts of the Mountain Southwest.

Considering 2011-2013 Limited w/low mileage because it's loaded with creature comforts, and if I can find a pristine one? My concern is that it's AWD, but has some new type of way to provide low-range traction---however I'm concerned about a fancy-schmancy system that might be prone to failure and huge repair costs, if required. Whadda 'ya think?

Brand new Trail vs. SR5? Aren't both 4WD systems essentially identical except Trail has rear locker or limited slip? I'd like to get as much off-road capability as possible, stock---but I understand that you can equip up an SR5 with more options than the Trail---but the Trail has better off-road platform, i.e., skid-plating, rear-end, etc. (Although I hate that hood-scoop).

Any thoughts or suggestions to share? Thanks in advance for your response(s).:beer:

Happy Easter!

 

[1engineer]

The LE is Full Time 4WD NOT AWD. Read the link in my signature for a detailed look at the differences between drive systems. You will have no worries with either. You might want to google KDSS as that is available only on the TE model.

BTW the hood scoop adds 56.34 hp...
Happy Easter to you too!

 

[Swarty]

Looking at either a very late model Limited, or a brand new Trail or SR5---I've owned numerous 4Runners since 91, and I need a vehicle I can put clients in occasionally---but will get me to and through the backwoods, mountains & deserts of the Mountain Southwest.



Considering 2011-2013 Limited w/low mileage because it's loaded with creature comforts, and if I can find a pristine one? My concern is that it's AWD, but has some new type of way to provide low-range traction---however I'm concerned about a fancy-schmancy system that might be prone to failure and huge repair costs, if required. Whadda 'ya think?



Brand new Trail vs. SR5? Aren't both 4WD systems essentially identical except Trail has rear locker or limited slip? I'd like to get as much off-road capability as possible, stock---but I understand that you can equip up an SR5 with more options than the Trail---but the Trail has better off-road platform, i.e., skid-plating, rear-end, etc. (Although I hate that hood-scoop).



Any thoughts or suggestions to share? Thanks in advance for your response(s).:beer:



Happy Easter!

You can get more options just not more worthwhile options on the sr5 vs trail. Just my bias though. I've no regrets on my trail edition and I don't want or need expensive sensors in my bumper.

 

[3wbdriver]

BTW the hood scoop adds 56.34 hp...
Happy Easter to you too!

I believe it's closer to 57 if you add a cold air box.

I'm in my first 4Runner, although I have wanted one since they first began building them. I opted for a 2014 Trail edition over an SR5 because the Trail seemed better equipped for off road. The Limited never even entered the equation for me, But that's just me.

 

[Big Murth]

Looking at either a very late model Limited, or a brand new Trail or SR5---I've owned numerous 4Runners since 91, and I need a vehicle I can put clients in occasionally---but will get me to and through the backwoods, mountains & deserts of the Mountain Southwest.

Considering 2011-2013 Limited w/low mileage because it's loaded with creature comforts, and if I can find a pristine one? My concern is that it's AWD, but has some new type of way to provide low-range traction---however I'm concerned about a fancy-schmancy system that might be prone to failure and huge repair costs, if required. Whadda 'ya think?

Brand new Trail vs. SR5? Aren't both 4WD systems essentially identical except Trail has rear locker or limited slip? I'd like to get as much off-road capability as possible, stock---but I understand that you can equip up an SR5 with more options than the Trail---but the Trail has better off-road platform, i.e., skid-plating, rear-end, etc. (Although I hate that hood-scoop).

Any thoughts or suggestions to share? Thanks in advance for your response(s).:beer:

Happy Easter!

Thanks for the response & info---are you kidding about the scoop and HP enhancements? Maybe I like the Trail after all;-)....if Trail, do you think the KDSS is worth the extra almost $2K?
Thanks,
Steve (Big Murth)

 

[Big Murth]

New 4R

You can get more options just not more worthwhile options on the sr5 vs trail. Just my bias though. I've no regrets on my trail edition and I don't want or need expensive sensors in my bumper.

Thanks for the response & info---are you kidding about the scoop and HP enhancements? Maybe I like the Trail after all;-)....if Trail, do you think the KDSS is worth the extra almost $2K?
Thanks,
Steve (Big Murth)

 

[sclarge]

Thanks for the response & info---are you kidding about the scoop and HP enhancements? Maybe I like the Trail after all;-)....if Trail, do you think the KDSS is worth the extra almost $2K?
Thanks,
Steve (Big Murth)

You will probably get many opinions on this. Here is mine: Purely regarding the resale….yes it is worth the extra cost. It is also a pretty neat system and difficult to find in some regions. I drove from Texas to Tennessee to find mine.

 

[Swarty]

Kdss

Thanks for the response & info---are you kidding about the scoop and HP enhancements? Maybe I like the Trail after all;-)....if Trail, do you think the KDSS is worth the extra almost $2K?
Thanks,
Steve (Big Murth)

Yeah, on road the KDSS gives better cornering and off road it lets you get a little more flex. It's not too many upgrades that increase both the on and off road capability.

 

[Bay33saw]

Go with the LE...it's worth the money and you know you can't get better.......plus the keyless entry is priceless.....and the no front scoop option saves you 24.88 MPG over a longer trip with less drag.

 

[Maz]

yes it is worth the extra cost. It is also a pretty neat system and difficult to find in some regions. I drove from Texas to Tennessee to find mine.

Second on the KDSS, absolutely worth the cost and turns the Trail into both a wonderful handing machine on road, and stable plus off roader at the same time. I drove from Southern California to Northern California for mine, which depending on where in Texas may have been as far as sclarge....;^)

 

[scott78945]

I for one and torn about the KDSS as well. I am finding it VERY hard to find a Trail Premium w/ KDSS in NY. I have to travel 6 hrs or so to find one in Maryland or Massachusetts if I want it in the specific color. I have never driven one with it so can anyone comment, is it like the X-reas? I LOVED my X-reas in my 05 Runner...too bad I had the Limited front end or I would be sold on that one.

 

[Ghost.]

The LE is Full Time 4WD NOT AWD. Read the link in my signature for a detailed look at the differences between drive systems. You will have no worries with either. You might want to google KDSS as that is available only on the TE model.

BTW the hood scoop adds 56.34 hp...
Happy Easter to you too!

Go with the LE...it's worth the money and you know you can't get better.......plus the keyless entry is priceless.....and the no front scoop option savse you 24.88 MPG over a longer trip with less drag.

You sirs win the internets for the day.

MOAR SCEWP!
I'm pretty sure once you upgrade to the SCEWP you can smoke saleens, only added drawback is loosing 3.0634% degrees before you roll because of how the weight raises your center of gravity

 

[1engineer]

I have had the privlege of owning a '11 with normal suspension, driving a '11 LE with XREAS and now owning a '12 TE with KDSS.
Here are my observations:
On Road
XREAS and KDSS felt similar on curves. I would bet if my TE had 20" low profile tires like the LE had it would be a tad better. As it is the handling is same same negating the sidewall flex of the 17" tires.
While the SR5 handled just fine there was more body roll in turns and nosedive on braking than either the TE with KDSS or the LE with XREAS.
Off Road
I did not take the LE off road as I was just testing it. I have taken the SR5 and the TE off road numerous times. While I like the locker on the TE and all the gadgets I honestly have never used them. The KDSS on the TE will give you a bit more flex due to it being able to take the sway bars out of the equation. The SR5 whent everywhere I wanted to go too. I do not rock crawl like they do out west a lot but for dirt, mud, ruts and "normal" (not MOAB lol) rocks both the TE and the SR5 did just fine.

What does this all mean?
The KDSS is well worth it IF you are not going to modify your suspension extensively. If you are, it would probably be much cheaper to buy the SR5 and go from there. The LE is quite different because it has a different drive train with full time four wheel drive. Many here have bought the LE, taken off the XREAS and installed a different suspension just to get the full time four wheel drive.

Bottom line:
All three models, with proper tires, will be able to take you places your nerve and sanity will not. All three are extremely capable right off the lot, even with stock tires.
Many here modify theirs for a specific type of off roading and others mod theirs for looks.
I hope this helps in your decision.
BTW I own a TE with KDSS primarily because it gives me great on road handling with a factory warranty.

 

[bimrunner]

Not much to add aside from the obvious. There isn't one that is hands down the best of the three options. It all depends on what is important to you and what type of off-roading you do. Some things are just for looks and some are gimmicky (ahem, scoop... But maybe I am jealous of the 3.5 0-60 acceleration) and some are practical. There are good reasons to buy any of the tree options. However, if you have to pick one and what maximum performance off-road off the lot, the trail with kdss would be my pick. If you want a slightly more luxurious (although far from a luxury vehicle) the LE would be my pick. If I hadn't wanted the auto air, keyless entry and full time 4wd, I would have gotten the sr5 and saved some pennies for more mods! Pretty sure you will be happy with whichever 4x4 version you pick.