Please help me decide SR5 vs Trail. Also, Q about 4WD use.

[Kem]

Hi guys

So the time is approaching - I'm getting me a brand spanking new 5th gen in a couple months. Having trouble deciding which model I want. I think the limited is hideous so that is out, and then (realistically) it is Trail vs SR5.

My vehicle will be used as a daily commuter, and to get me through the snow during the winter. I have no intent of doing any serious off roading. Naturally, the SR5 seems like the way to go since all the rock crawling features with the Trail will likely never be used. I have been reading around here though, and people are quite fond of KDSS, but I'm having trouble understanding. Ill just list my questions:

1) KDSS - I am under the impression this only engages when wheels lose contact with the ground/slip, but many are saying Trail is worth it strictly for this. Perhaps they are referring to the offroad setting? Does this have any bearing on daily ride quality on highways/roads?


2) I LOVE the look of the trail with that hood scoop. I want it...Bad. I am lucky in that money is not really an issue for any trim level of this car. I was considering just buying the scoop aftermarket. On the other hand, nothing works/feels like it would straight off the factory line, and I'm sure it wont be cheap anyway (I do not have the technical know-how to install it myself, and so I'd have to pay out for someone to do it). If I intend to keep this car for 10-15 years, should I just go for the Trail? And that being said... See Question 3

3) Building off of appearances...I could go all out and get a TRD Pro. Again, most of its features are wasteful, but my god it looks gorgeous, and I get a lot of joy from having a sexy looking car. Reviews I have been watching state ride quality is better on the TRD Pro, which is something I would appreciate. On the other hand, like the Trail, there will be many unnecessary features that I am paying for and would never use. Thoughts?

4) Last question. Coming from the full time 4WD 4th gen, and having another vehicle with automatic engagement of 4WD, I've never bothered REALLY learning about when to engage 4WD. If I pick up this car, I would have to be better educated on this. I've been watching videos, but I am still having trouble deciding when it is appropriate to hit the 4HI switch and when not to if I am driving in icy/snowy conditions. So much of what I read is "NEVER USE 4HI ON HIGHWAYS, ONLY IN ROCKY/MUDDY TERRAIN". Well... What about snow? There would be areas where the snow is super high, and areas where the pavement and my tires will have contact. How does one manage this system in that kind of driving condition?


Thanks guys, sorry for the long text. Just providing some context!

 

[Yukon4Runner]

Too long to read...if you have the money, buy a trail.

 

[Jetboy]

Kdss is pretty simple really. It's always working. At higher speeds it provides a large diameter sway bar that is fixed in position. At low speeds the sway bar is hydraulically linked front to back and they move together in opposing motion. It does not make the sway bar softer. It moves its location so that it continues to provide the same level of body stabilization while letting the tires travel further than they could with a similarly stiff sway bar. It's mostly an on-road feature IMO. But it's kinda expensive, and not everyone loves it. I personally do love it. I think you should test drive them back to back. It's a significant difference.

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NLF6n3nMwww" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


You can use 4hi anytime you want. You cannot break it with stock tires on the highway. It will bind on tight turns on dry pavement. The rotational speed difference front/rear on a typical highway turn is less than 1% and you will never notice. Only in slow speeds on dry roads will you notice a difference. If it's snowy - you can use 4hi whenever you wish. I generally do not use 4hi unless it's really slippery because I don't need it.

 

[1engineer]

Answers in RED:

Hi guys

So the time is approaching - I'm getting me a brand spanking new 5th gen in a couple months. Having trouble deciding which model I want. I think the limited is hideous so that is out, and then (realistically) it is Trail vs SR5.

My vehicle will be used as a daily commuter, and to get me through the snow during the winter. I have no intent of doing any serious off roading. Naturally, the SR5 seems like the way to go since all the rock crawling features with the Trail will likely never be used. I have been reading around here though, and people are quite fond of KDSS, but I'm having trouble understanding. Ill just list my questions:

1) KDSS - I am under the impression this only engages when wheels lose contact with the ground/slip, but many are saying Trail is worth it strictly for this. Perhaps they are referring to the offroad setting? Does this have any bearing on daily ride quality on highways/roads?
KDSS is a passive system. It engages above 12 mph to offer a firmer control on the highway. Less body roll on turns. Below 12 mph it relaxes its fulcrum on the sway bars and allows for easier wheel articulation off road. If you go more than 12 mph off road then KDSS is on again.

2) I LOVE the look of the trail with that hood scoop. I want it...Bad. I am lucky in that money is not really an issue for any trim level of this car. I was considering just buying the scoop aftermarket. On the other hand, nothing works/feels like it would straight off the factory line, and I'm sure it wont be cheap anyway (I do not have the technical know-how to install it myself, and so I'd have to pay out for someone to do it). If I intend to keep this car for 10-15 years, should I just go for the Trail? And that being said... See Question 3

Your call.

3) Building off of appearances...I could go all out and get a TRD Pro. Again, most of its features are wasteful, but my god it looks gorgeous, and I get a lot of joy from having a sexy looking car. Reviews I have been watching state ride quality is better on the TRD Pro, which is something I would appreciate. On the other hand, like the Trail, there will be many unnecessary features that I am paying for and would never use. Thoughts?

We are not you. Your call.

4) Last question. Coming from the full time 4WD 4th gen, and having another vehicle with automatic engagement of 4WD, I've never bothered REALLY learning about when to engage 4WD. If I pick up this car, I would have to be better educated on this. I've been watching videos, but I am still having trouble deciding when it is appropriate to hit the 4HI switch and when not to if I am driving in icy/snowy conditions. So much of what I read is "NEVER USE 4HI ON HIGHWAYS, ONLY IN ROCKY/MUDDY TERRAIN". Well... What about snow? There would be areas where the snow is super high, and areas where the pavement and my tires will have contact. How does one manage this system in that kind of driving condition?

Read this: 4WD or AWD? Know the Difference ? Gear Patrol and then this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/62699-4runner-snow.html


Thanks guys, sorry for the long text. Just providing some context!

 

[shrub1]

OP if money isn't an issue and your heart longs for the Pro, get it. That longing will not dissipate and perhaps the resale will be greater than other trim levels.

 

[bofa]

Sorry you blew my mind in the 1st paragraph. The Limited is hideous but the SR5 is doable? This guy agrees

Just messing with you. If i were to buy the ugly sister, Id go Trail Premium.

 

[Muskrat14]

Hey, who's to say that you never go off roading? Once you venture off road and have all that fun, you'll want to back again and again and again. He the trail or TRD Pro, in my opinion.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Hammer25]

i have a trail with kdss i love it wouldn't pick anything less. if money isn't an issue and you want more comfort and leather interior buy trail premium.

 

[trailstandardoffroad]

I say go with a trail/trd offroad and get the trd grill.

If you feel your ego will appreciate the trd pro then definitely go that route.

I went with a trail with kdss. Didn't really care if I got one with or without it. But I do feel it make a big difference in body roll. I think best thing for you to do is rent a sr5 and if you can rent a trail with kdss and see which you like best. My dealer has a on sight rental program.

 

[5ontheFloor]

You seem like me. I went with the Trail because money was an issue and could not get PRO otherwise I would have. I love my Trail so I'm prejudiced that way

 

[Engineer]

The answers below didn't take the 1st round, you have gotten more very similar replies already but I will go ahead and post other wise it was wasted typing.

Hi guys

So the time is approaching - I'm getting me a brand spanking new 5th gen in a couple months. Having trouble deciding which model I want. I think the limited is hideous so that is out, and then (realistically) it is Trail vs SR5.

My vehicle will be used as a daily commuter, and to get me through the snow during the winter. I have no intent of doing any serious off roading. Naturally, the SR5 seems like the way to go since all the rock crawling features with the Trail will likely never be used. I have been reading around here though, and people are quite fond of KDSS, but I'm having trouble understanding. Ill just list my questions:

1) KDSS - I am under the impression this only engages when wheels lose contact with the ground/slip, but many are saying Trail is worth it strictly for this. Perhaps they are referring to the off-road setting? Does this have any bearing on daily ride quality on highways/roads? The KDSS system is sold as an Off Road oriented option, imho it is more of an ON road feature. It allows Toyota to install a very thick sway bar on the 4runner which would normally dramatically limit the wheel droop when used in off road situations. Having the KDSS systems allows for that thick bar without a reduction in off road performance. The thicker sway bar , in my mind, was noticeable while driving under normal conditions and roads (highway off and on ramps etc). Only downsides, costs, must be removed to go Long Travel and potential increased maintenance in the future (minor concern In my mind)


2) I LOVE the look of the trail with that hood scoop. I want it...Bad. I am lucky in that money is not really an issue for any trim level of this car. I was considering just buying the scoop aftermarket. On the other hand, nothing works/feels like it would straight off the factory line, and I'm sure it won't be cheap anyway (I do not have the technical know-how to install it myself, and so I'd have to pay out for someone to do it). If I intend to keep this car for 10-15 years, should I just go for the Trail? And that being said... See Question 3
You can go that route but as you mentioned I bet it would be 1000-1500 installed.

3) Building off of appearances...I could go all out and get a TRD Pro. Again, most of its features are wasteful, but my god it looks gorgeous, and I get a lot of joy from having a sexy looking car. Reviews I have been watching state ride quality is better on the TRD Pro, which is something I would appreciate. On the other hand, like the Trail, there will be many unnecessary features that I am paying for and would never use. Thoughts? You can get the same appearance as a pro for ~6-800 in plastic parts for the grill and valences, then the wheels are up to you if you like them, suspension is nothing special if you are paying MSRP or over for the Pro it is not a great value, it does come in colors that only that trim have, if you must have one of those

4) Last question. Coming from the full time 4WD 4th gen, and having another vehicle with automatic engagement of 4WD, I've never bothered REALLY learning about when to engage 4WD. If I pick up this car, I would have to be better educated on this. I've been watching videos, but I am still having trouble deciding when it is appropriate to hit the 4HI switch and when not to if I am driving in icy/snowy conditions. So much of what I read is "NEVER USE 4HI ON HIGHWAYS, ONLY IN ROCKY/MUDDY TERRAIN". Well... What about snow? There would be areas where the snow is super high, and areas where the pavement and my tires will have contact. How does one manage this system in that kind of driving condition? You engage it and learn to use it, I use it on snow covered city roads and highways, on wet roads and highways and even on DRY roads and highways....you get pretty good at knowing what types of conditions and roads will causing binding. If it binds you get some wheel hop and chatter but the truck will not explode so my best recommendation is just to use it. Edit: To clarify, I use it on dry roads to get some lubrication not just for the hell of it


Thanks guys, sorry for the long text. Just providing some context!

Personally I think the black interior trim of the Trail or Pro really makes a difference over the SR5 or limited. If I was you (and I basically did this) buy a trail, buy the TRD grill, plastic dip the front and rear valence till you get bumpers or just enjoy as is. Get a suspension at a better price and keep your trail wheels or upgrade to whatever your preference is

 

[calcrc]

Hi guys

So the time is approaching - I'm getting me a brand spanking new 5th gen in a couple months. Having trouble deciding which model I want. I think the limited is hideous so that is out, and then (realistically) it is Trail vs SR5.

My vehicle will be used as a daily commuter, and to get me through the snow during the winter. I have no intent of doing any serious off roading. Naturally, the SR5 seems like the way to go since all the rock crawling features with the Trail will likely never be used. I have been reading around here though, and people are quite fond of KDSS, but I'm having trouble understanding. Ill just list my questions:

1) KDSS - I am under the impression this only engages when wheels lose contact with the ground/slip, but many are saying Trail is worth it strictly for this. Perhaps they are referring to the offroad setting? Does this have any bearing on daily ride quality on highways/roads?


2) I LOVE the look of the trail with that hood scoop. I want it...Bad. I am lucky in that money is not really an issue for any trim level of this car. I was considering just buying the scoop aftermarket. On the other hand, nothing works/feels like it would straight off the factory line, and I'm sure it wont be cheap anyway (I do not have the technical know-how to install it myself, and so I'd have to pay out for someone to do it). If I intend to keep this car for 10-15 years, should I just go for the Trail? And that being said... See Question 3

3) Building off of appearances...I could go all out and get a TRD Pro. Again, most of its features are wasteful, but my god it looks gorgeous, and I get a lot of joy from having a sexy looking car. Reviews I have been watching state ride quality is better on the TRD Pro, which is something I would appreciate. On the other hand, like the Trail, there will be many unnecessary features that I am paying for and would never use. Thoughts?

4) Last question. Coming from the full time 4WD 4th gen, and having another vehicle with automatic engagement of 4WD, I've never bothered REALLY learning about when to engage 4WD. If I pick up this car, I would have to be better educated on this. I've been watching videos, but I am still having trouble deciding when it is appropriate to hit the 4HI switch and when not to if I am driving in icy/snowy conditions. So much of what I read is "NEVER USE 4HI ON HIGHWAYS, ONLY IN ROCKY/MUDDY TERRAIN". Well... What about snow? There would be areas where the snow is super high, and areas where the pavement and my tires will have contact. How does one manage this system in that kind of driving condition?


Thanks guys, sorry for the long text. Just providing some context!

hmmm you said coming from a 4th gen Runner.............. Get a Trail and add whatever you want after.... as far as the *engage the 4 wheel drive* lol...... lol..... get a Trail it has a 4x4 shifter not a KNOB.....

also if money is not a issue, get some 285/70r17 tires...... and if you plan on getting KO's2 get 305/65r/17 305/65R17 |Winter Tires, BFGoodrich Tires

IT HAS THE SAME ASPECT RATIO compared to good ol' Goodyear Duratracs 285/70r17.... I had to learn the hard way....

cuz KO's2 at 285/70r17 SUCK BALLLLLLZ ! lol you lose 1/2 an inch per tire .... so if you like width you will lose. KO's are AWESOME tires but the engineers messed up their calculations on the way !


And last if you need *help* with choosing a color after you chose your trim PM me ! hehe

 

[jhonn236]

So I had the same dilemma not too long ago and ended up with a Trail Premium with KDSS. To this day, I love it and don't regret.

Things that made me go with TP over TRD Pro and SR5:

- KDSS, obviously.
- Sunroof/moon roof whatever
- Interior leather-type
- Black accents
- Hood

Like you, mine is 95% a commuter but I have gone off-roading. Nothing too crazy though. In my opinion KDSS does make a difference both on-road and off-road. I test drove a non-KDSS and it was stiffer driving & handling.

TRD Pro vs TP:

- TRDP has beefier suspension. Can be bought and install on TP

- TP has KDSS. As far as I know, you CANNOT install KDSS and if you can, it would be way too expensive

- TRDP has skid-plate. Easy install on the TP.

- TRDP has "nicer" wheels. Whatever

- TRDP says TRDP on the seats. Whatever

My $0.02

 

[Beaumont67]

4Runner TRD Pro 4dr 4x4
Model details: https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-4runner-2016/

I'd get the TP or TRD Pro - gotta love the Pro grill & factory hood scoop on both.
- your planning on keeping the new SUV, for 10-15 years...so treat yourself & skip the SR5 base

All my Chev. trucks and Gen3 4Runner have a Hi & Low transfer case, they drive fine in 4x4-Hi at Hwy. speed....when needed.

 

[Kem]

Hey thank you very much for all of the tips guys.

So what I'm hearing for the most part is TP + KDSS is a solid choice for ride quality, so it may justify putting out the extra few bucks for it. TRDP tempting, but I think the only additional pleasure I would get out of that model is the 'TOYOTA' grille, rather than the symbol. I will talk to my dealer soon then and get some pricing and details for the TP.

As for this 4WD dilemma - I read through the two suggested links. Correct me if I am wrong: Snow with lack of constant/episodic tire to asphalt contact: Keeping in 4Hi provided not a lot of tight turns. My tires/caution will be the biggest factor in the winter rather than the drive mode.

Additionally, about the TRAC/VSC systems... Just to confirm, unless manually disengaged, these will constantly be monitoring my vehicle and jump in to try and correct the issue when I screw up, regardless of 4Hi vs 4Low vs 2Hi, correct?

Thanks again guys! Big help

 

[1engineer]

Hey thank you very much for all of the tips guys.

So what I'm hearing for the most part is TP + KDSS is a solid choice for ride quality, so it may justify putting out the extra few bucks for it. TRDP tempting, but I think the only additional pleasure I would get out of that model is the 'TOYOTA' grille, rather than the symbol. I will talk to my dealer soon then and get some pricing and details for the TP.

As for this 4WD dilemma - I read through the two suggested links. Correct me if I am wrong: Snow with lack of constant/episodic tire to asphalt contact: Keeping in 4Hi provided not a lot of tight turns. My tires/caution will be the biggest factor in the winter rather than the drive mode.

Additionally, about the TRAC/VSC systems... Just to confirm, unless manually disengaged, these will constantly be monitoring my vehicle and jump in to try and correct the issue when I screw up, regardless of 4Hi vs 4Low vs 2Hi, correct?

Thanks again guys! Big help

Yep you got it. It's tough to screw up with VSC on. Good luck!

 

[Cymon]

If you don't want/need a 3rd row get a trail. Better to have and not need then to not have and want!

Edit: TEST DRIVE! Like lots!

 

[Lindenwood]

Keep in mind, 4WD will not make snow driving any safer -- it won't help you stop or turn more securely. It only helps you push through very-thick or very-slick stuff better.

I bought the TRDP mostly because my wife was in love with the quicksand color (though, it certainly is my favorite color and gets as many looks as a red Porsche). From a pure performance perspective, I would have probably gone with a TrailP and spent the extra couple thousand on some wheels / tires and a mid-level suspension upgrade.

I have owned two turbo MR2s, and still think the TRDP performs admirably in turns, despite its lack of KDSS. I originally wanted a trail with KDSS, because it is indeed noticable if you are driving relatively aggressively and looking for it. But, I probably wouldnt have bothered with KDSS if I were buying a Trail today (though, partially because Id be upgrading the suspension anyways).

All that said, honestly, an SR5P will probably do everything you want, and you can spend the extra $5-6k on some nice wheels and other aesthetic upgrades and call it good.

 

[mikedege]

If you don't want/need a 3rd row get a trail. Better to have and not need then to not have and want!

Edit: TEST DRIVE! Like lots!

Exactly the reason I chose the SR5 over the trail. I had to have 3rd row seating, this was my #1 decision maker for me. And lemme tell you, best decision I ever made. We use the 3rd row very often, I dont know what I would do w/o it. On another note, I have done some pretty hardcore trails/hill climbing in my SR5, and have yet to have any issues. Even stock it is a very capable vehicle.

Good luck,
Mike

 

[-dustin]

If the SR5 Premium would've had all black Softex, I would've gotten an SR5 Premium instead of my Trail Premium.

The money saved on an SR5 would get you the suspension you want. Maybe wheels and tires, too.

The scoop isn't noticed after a while, till it's the middle of the afternoon and the glare off it annoys the shit out of you. The CC and MTS is a nice feature, but I don't see myself utilizing them any time soon. Hell, my last 4x4 had manual locking hubs.