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

[proimion]

My vote: Trail or Trail Premium with KDSS.

I don't know why people say KDSS is primarily an off-road benefit. I think you'll appreciate it more on road. Keeps the vehicle from swaying like a boat at higher speeds. And you can' t get it any other way, unlike ALL of the Pro features.

I really like having Crawl, MTS, and rear locker. I'm also a gadget guy, so those features really appeal to me. I've used them more than I thought I would (I camp nearly every month of the year). It is a very fun and capable vehicle to take on moderately technical trails--even with stock suspension.

As for snow, I drive a lot in ski country and also have an AWD vehicle. I found it a short learning curve. 4Hi has done quite well, even in mixed conditions on highways. Having to shift in/out of 4Hi I think has kept me more engaged and focused on the road conditions. It is more fun, too.

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

SR5 100% Otherwise you are just throwing money away on stuff you will never use. According to the Toyota website, the MSRP difference from a TRD Pro to an SR5 is about $8000 (Less for a Trail). This does not even include the fact that you can get a SR5 lower than MSRP, while many Pro's are selling above MSRP. Over $8k difference is a lot of gas, or a few high class hookers. It's also worth mentioning that the 6th gen will be out soon, and there is a possibility that it is better than the 5th gen. Its your money, so spend how ever you want, but after the new car feel wares off you may regret having spent that much extra for things you don't need.

 

[LandCruiser]

There are only two 4runner models, the selectable four-wheel-drive ones and the Limited.

The SR5, Trail, and Pro are essentially variations of the same thing.

I'm purposely failing to acknowledge the 2WD versions even exist, because those are the work of the devil.

 

[Cymon]

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

Ditto! :hatsoff:

 

[GearJunkie88]

I bought the SR5P over the trail for a few reasons. I didn't like those silver plastic parts on the front and rear bumpers (I think they're called valences). I also wasn't a fan of the monochromatic all black interior and liked the two-tone silver/black in the SR5P. I REALLY like the hood scoop. Had one on my 4th gen 4Runner sport and admired it all 8 years I had it. I basically gave the sport to my dad. He knew how much I liked the scoop so he bought me a hood for xmas. It cost about $400. He rebuilds classic cars as a hobby and is an excellent painter, so that saved on cost. I can't imagine how much it would cost if I had to pay someone to paint it. I also REALLY like the TRDP grill. For about $600 and 25 minutes of install time, I now have that grill.

Anyway you slice it, the 4Runner is a great truck. All trim levels will do what you want. Get the one that makes your heart race when you look at it and enjoy the ride for many years to come.

 

[Jetboy]

One thing that's often overlooked:

The MIDDLE row of a 3 row 4runner is different from a 2 row 4runner. The seats fold in a different way. The folded deck height of a 2 row 4runner is about 6-8 inches lower than that of a folded deck of a 3 row 4runner. That makes a fairly significant difference in interior volume. Additionally the 3 row folded condition is not flat. Depending on what you want to do with it that may or may not matter. I use mine like a single cab truck with a topper, the rear seats are almost always folded down for more cargo space. For me the 2 row works a lot better. For some people the 3 row would probably be a "must have".

The 2nd row of seats are pretty darn good though. Very few will complain about riding in them. They have a ton of room for 2 passenger and they recline.

Changing is not as easy as just buying a 3rd row. The entire interior from the back of the driver's seat would need to be replaced to make the swap. You'd be better off to just sell it and buy a different one if you wanted whatever model you don't have. So make sure you get the right one for you.

 

[Quentin]

As far as I know, the TRD Pro suspension won't go on a KDSS equipped 4Runner. That said, I think the nicer suspension on the Pro improves the ride considerably even if it does roll a little more in the turns than the KDSS trucks.

The TRD Pro skid plate will not fit on a KDSS equipped 4Runner unless you like cutting -- several of us have done this mod.

I ultimately ended up in a Trail Premium w/ KDSS because I wanted the moonroof, all black interior, the exterior looks, and flatter cornering. The TRD Pro doesn't have the moonroof and the SR5 doesn't have the all black interior and exterior bling. Neither offer the tighter handling of the KDSS. The Pro is definitely the sexiest of the 3 trims. It was just a moonroof from being perfect.


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[mcarey86]

As far as I know, the TRD Pro suspension won't go on a KDSS equipped 4Runner. That said, I think the nicer suspension on the Pro improves the ride considerably even if it does roll a little more in the turns than the KDSS trucks.

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I am pretty sure they will work. I actually think a user on here had the dealership even do it. That said, I'm pretty sure he is currently having some pretty aggressive lean issues now.

 

[LandCruiser]

As far as I know, the TRD Pro suspension won't go on a KDSS equipped 4Runner. That said, I think the nicer suspension on the Pro improves the ride considerably even if it does roll a little more in the turns than the KDSS trucks.

The TRD Pro skid plate will not fit on a KDSS equipped 4Runner unless you like cutting -- several of us have done this mod.

I ultimately ended up in a Trail Premium w/ KDSS because I wanted the moonroof, all black interior, the exterior looks, and flatter cornering. The TRD Pro doesn't have the moonroof and the SR5 doesn't have the all black interior and exterior bling. Neither offer the tighter handling of the KDSS. The Pro is definitely the sexiest of the 3 trims. It was just a moonroof from being perfect.


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Canuckistan TRDP has KDSS.

 

[willie2323]

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

Kinda surprising but as I understand all the talk, 4L is by default open diff. You must engage ATRAC (or what ever else you desire in Trail or Pro).
Here is a good explanation link from the FJ forum that I believe is applicable to the 4Runner as well. Notice the comments for 4WD Lo.

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...s/64014-vsc-trac-abs-diff-lock-explained.html

cheers,
willie

 

[4RunnerCandidate]

I was in your same position for the past couple weeks. First, it was the SR5 with third row. Then I saw the Trail and liked the black interior trim better than the silver interior trim...also loved the hood scoop and the black seats.

Option 1: Buy the SR5 so we can have two extra seats we may use once or twice a year.

Option 2: Buy the Trail, which has better looking wheels, cool looking hood scoop, and a better looking interior (All a matter of personal preference). Plus, there's the locking rear differential.

I decided on Option 2 and should be picking up my Trail tomorrow or Saturday. Since I plan to keep this 4Runner for 15+ years, I figured I would get more enjoyment out of the Trail. I may use 3rd row seats once or twice a year, but I'll see the interior, hood scoop, etc. every day.

Now, in regards to KDSS, I was on the fence and ultimately decided against it. I didn't test drive a T4R with KDSS, so I don't know what I'm missing; I'm sure I'll be just fine without it. Plus, I won't need to worry about it breaking and costing $1-2K to fix. It also saves a bit on the purchase price.

 

[Quentin]

Canuckistan TRDP has KDSS.

Has anyone actually taken delivery of a Canada Pro? I've heard moonroof for it, too. We absolutely know that the Pro skid plate doesn't fit with KDSS unless you cut the plate and remove two sizable brackets. A TMS employee I know has mentioned compatibility issues with the Bilsteins and KDSS.

Edit: [MENTION=48776]dekeman[/MENTION] posted the first Pro in Canada. No KDSS per the skid plate not being cut out in the pic below. Can you confirm Dekeman? Ironically, that same thread has a Trail Premium with KDSS converted to Pro and he has the Pro suspension on it. I asked him to verify if he had any issues. [MENTION=145911]Toybaru[/MENTION] is the user.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/2571273-post242.html

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[Storm Runner]

I am lucky in that money is not really an issue for any trim level of this car.

This answers all of your questions. A the end of the day, you're driving it, you have to look at it every day, and you're making the payments. Buy what you want, not what people think you should buy.

 

[ForeRunnerSi]

I was kind of in the same boat a few months back when I was looking, except my budget was limiting me mostly to the preface lifted 5th gens. I basically wanted a family/vacation hauler that was good in the snow. I know there are plenty of models on the market that do this better and are more economical but I'm a 4Runner fan boy.

Anyways I like the Limiteds due to the Full-Time 4WD but want the expensive XREAS. I really wanted a Trail due to the off-road cred and the hood scoop. But the last 3 vehicles I've owned have had leather steering wheels and I refuse to back to a plastic one, plus I want heated seat for the long trips. Also there a quite a few complaints about the glare off the hood scoop. Needless to say, I ended up with a loaded SR5 due to the lack of leather option in the preface lifted 5th gens Trail.

Though if it was money wasn't a factor, I'd buy a Super White Trail Premium. As far as I know, most of the TRD Pro specific cosmetic parts are available for purchase. I don't mind the basic suspension but then again I haven't driven one with the KDSS. I'd more inclined to have the cheaper option though. For the little that I've read, KDSS availability seems to be the driving factor more than anything.

 

[ToyoDriver]

Is there a reason Toyota doesn't sell the Trail/TRD with 7 seats?

That's the only reason I have an SR5

 

[LandCruiser]

Is there a reason Toyota doesn't sell the Trail/TRD with 7 seats?

That's the only reason I have an SR5

Market research.

I run mine with the back row folded down.

It's essentially been a two passenger vehicle its entire life.

 

[ToyoDriver]

Market research.

I run mine with the back row folded down.

It's essentially been a two passenger vehicle its entire life.

I find that surprising. I think quite a few people would want the 7 seat option with the offroad features the Trail has. What does removing the 2 rear seats offer?

 

[LandCruiser]

I find that surprising. I think quite a few people would want the 7 seat option with the offroad features the Trail has. What does removing the 2 rear seats offer?

The three row 4runner has a different floor design , and with all the seats folded down has substantially less cargo space then with the two row option.

 

[Quentin]

I find that surprising. I think quite a few people would want the 7 seat option with the offroad features the Trail has. What does removing the 2 rear seats offer?

Cargo Space: the load floor is 3~6" taller on the 3rd row model versus the sliding tray or non-sliding tray 2 row models. I have neither the sliding tray or the 3rd row for max cargo space.
Cost: cheaper to build without the 3rd row and helps keep the cost down a little on the Trail edition. Then you have the whole logistics thing where offering 3rd row makes yet another interior to offer for the 4Runner where they offer it with and without the tray already. One could argue that they would have been better off scrapping the tray all together and just offering 2 row and 3 row models to improve the logistics, though.

 

[sandcrawler]

Market research.

I run mine with the back row folded down.

It's essentially been a two passenger vehicle its entire life.

same here. on the rare occasion that i bring the back row upright (to clean) they look absolutely brand new. i removed that flip-up cargo-stopper thingy on my sliding tray so my cargo area is perfectly flat. and a large, thick moving blanket ably contains all the flotsam and jetsam that floats around back there.

i'm the rare bird who loves my cargo tray. it combines the best features of the 2nd Gen's tailgate with the convenience and overhead protection of a liftgate — win-win.