SR5 AWD Prem. vs. TRD Offroad Prem.?

[Quentin]

Pretty sure the SR5 Premium has always been Softex material. Only trim to have leather is Limited AFAIK.

Unless I'm missing something from the '10-'13 5th gens, but it doesn't make sense to do (SR5) Leather -> (TRD) Softex -> (Limited) Leather from a production cost persepective.


In terms of the OPs question, for me it was pure personal preference. Wanted the hood scoop and silver trim on the front. Everything else is basically the same, powertrain wise.

See the vehicle you want and go get it. You can't go wrong with either. Who cares if you never use the rear diff lock!?

The '10-'13 models had leather in the SR5 and waterproof cloth in the Trail Edition. In '14, the SR5 and Trail Edition became more similar and all switched to Softex. I had a '10 with leather and currently have a '16 Trail Edition with Softex. I prefer the Softex. The leather on the SR5 had different grades depending if it was a high wear area or not. Some pieces were really hard and others were soft. I didn't care for it.

 

[rightyouareken]

I prefer manual transfer case. No electronic solenoid s to worry about exercising. Bonus was the rear locker.

Off-road model.

You still have a electronic solenoid in the front diff though.

 

[wcjeep]

You still have a electronic solenoid in the front diff though.

I have not heard of anyone on this board having problems with the front diff solenoid. I did read a variety of threads of people not exercising the electtonic transfer case then having problems with solenoid packs. Manual transfer case is very definitive.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

I have not heard of anyone on this board having problems with the front diff solenoid. I did read a variety of threads of people not exercising the electtonic transfer case then having problems with solenoid packs. Manual transfer case is very definitive.

I think he means to say that the Manual level, like the knob system, still relies on electronic components so not entirely more reliable. Still, if the solenoid failed, at least you'd still have 3WD with the manual..or so I think lol

 

[greyfin10]

imo, bottom line, if you want to save money, the upgrades on the TRD are not things you can't live without.

Thank you all for your responses... this was very helpful. And in fact, I don't need any of these features... but they are real and substantive, and that was what I was looking for the answer to. I don't so much mind paying for something I "might" never use. I do mind paying for phantom functionality. So much of differential pricing is about trying to craft the feature pyramid to force you to as high a price as possible. I know the game, and yet here I am looking at one of the higher priced models; at least I can tell myself I'm getting something for my foolishness

Thanks again for the helpful feedback. I'll add some pictures when the new baby arrives.