SR5 vs. Trail Edition TE

[e60ral]

Just to point out, the SR5 is available with a manual T-case. Most seem to have the knob but the sticks do exist.

what year was that available?

also, the front axle disconnect is still electronic on both so no need to obsess about knob vs stick

 

[MeefZah]

what year was that available?

also, the front axle disconnect is still electronic on both so no need to obsess about knob vs stick

It absolutely was available in 2012, have a buddy with one.

I would assume it was / is available on all 5th gens, can't say with 100% certainty on that though. Edit, 2010 - 2013 only.

The transfer case on lever models is not electronically actuated, the lever is a true manual mechanism. On the knob version the T-case is electronically actuated. But yes, the pass "hub" / axle disconnect / ADD is electronically disconnected.

 

[e60ral]

that's my point, you still have an electronic actuator so its not really worth worrying about too much

 

[budguy207]

Glad you enjoy it. Just giving opinion. I think some of my opinions are helpful.

Sorry you don't see it that way. Everything that comes out of my mouth won't make everyone happy.. Not here to pump sunshine.... I know a lot of young folks are not used to being told things without a trophy and a pat on the back, but my comments are tame compared to most of what you will see here.

I've used crawl control way more than a handful of times...

I see this forum as a place to share knowledge and experience, not worried about offending anyone. And I really don't think I use any harsh tones at all.


BTW, where do I hate on every single feature. Here was my first response in this thread. Where is the hate.

Wfo9, you have an awesome rig, but your anti trail/TRDP/KDSS posts are obvious to everyone but you. It's ok to argue that an sr5 is the better value rig, but please don't tell the OP that it's got the same capability. Kdss/locker/MTS etc all add function, sure you can argue that because of the crappie tires stock for stock they are the same, swap those tires for something decent though, and tell me that stock SR5 and stock trail premium with KDSS and locker perform the same on the rocks... it simply isn't true. BTW, you still get a trophy and pat on the back for effort, don't need a trail edition for those.

 

[Vinsil]

I do agree with wfo9 in the fact the crawl control and mts are a bit gimmicky. While they do add function and make it "easier" for a novice to look more rock star on the trails, experience will trump them.

But, locker is king as he pointed out and I like my kdss as I was railing corners on my way home today watching my lifted buddies without sways at all slowing way down!

I might regret it some on installing my lift but I do like it.


My trail impressed the crap out of me today in the snow (4'+) and just ignored the beeps and crap when I was doing a full throttle assault pulling my buddy backwards. I told my wife that was the Jeep recovery alarm and we all got a kick out of it. :thumb:


But I will guess I use my truck more than most and a person just has to decide in the end...is it worth it? BTW! No cralw control or mts used today..nor will I ever use it most likely. BUT been wheeling for 20+ years as well. I want to control my vehicle!

 

[delloro]

OP, have you decided?

Maybe what is and isn't available in stock will make your choice for you.

I wanted the Transfer Case knob and the locker, but not enough to live with a black interior. I think they are too hot and show dirt too easily, but that's my opinion.

I wanted the TC knob instead of the dial so badly I looked into replacing it. Then I found out that the ADD is still electronic, so I would only be halfway manual, still half electronic. So I just forgot about that and it does not bother me. Too much. Maybe a little....

I can install an electronic locker for well under $2K, whenever I need to. I will wait until I actually find myself needing one before I spring for one though.

Either one will be fine.

 

[Vinsil]

Good point. Used my locker with 1000 miles on the odo.


I like the feeling of the t-case lever, even though it doesn't matter in the end. Old school!olice:

 

[5ontheFloor]

I'm gonna chime in here guys. I personally have wheeled with wfo9, and even though it was only once, he definitely has a lot of experience and know how when it comes to off roading. We went in a group to an off road park and there were 4 5th gens in the the group; 2 limiteds my Trail and his SR5. His rig is really BA in person, and the coolest thing was that we were able to keep up with him pretty much all day.
With the exception of a few lines that we could not follow him on, (was it Jodys Revenge where all the Jeeps were climbing?) our mostly stock 5th gens proved extremely capable.
If anything, my inexperience was the biggest factor when I ran into trouble, but he would always point out what he has said here, ATRAC and locker was what helped me out of the tight spots more than anything.
I don't see his opinions as hate, as I have heard him state his opinions in person. His SR5, with his mods, and experience was more capable than my Trail and I can see the value in paying less for a used SR5 and modding the truck to suit your needs.
All that being said, I have only used MTS to try it out, not out of necessity, while the CRAWL control did not get used at all that day we wheeled. I love my Trail, but I don't think I really need all the additional features after seeing what our 4runners are capable of. If I had to do it over again I'd still get the TE because of my vanity. I love the scoop, rims, and the stick for 4wd. I did not like the TEP but that's me, and almost went with a Pro but decided against it last minute. I don't think I would mod my rig like wfo9, but what I learned was a moderate lift would help me in some situations that came up that day at the off road park.
As far as OP goes, that deal does sound killer, but I am a Trail fan so you know what I would vote for.

 

[wfo9]

Wfo9, you have an awesome rig, but your anti trail/TRDP/KDSS posts are obvious to everyone but you. It's ok to argue that an sr5 is the better value rig, but please don't tell the OP that it's got the same capability. Kdss/locker/MTS etc all add function, sure you can argue that because of the crappie tires stock for stock they are the same, swap those tires for something decent though, and tell me that stock SR5 and stock trail premium with KDSS and locker perform the same on the rocks... it simply isn't true. BTW, you still get a trophy and pat on the back for effort, don't need a trail edition for those.

My anti trai;/kdss/trdp posts? WTF.

I think those with a little experience can see my points without getting all puffed up about it.

I've been a critic of KDSS and pointed out a few reasons not to get it, but I have also said it is a great option for most people who want a well balanced on/offroad rig. I only point out the real flaws it has (yes it has some). These are from direct first hand experience working on and driving it. I don't make shit up. Everything has pros and cons. You guys just want to think you somehow outsmarted the rest of the world LOL

Congratulations on the purchase of your t4r trail... good overall choice, but news flash "it's not all that special". Nor is my truck. They are just basic trucks/SUVs....that are pretty much the same thing on the inside. If you want to make it more capable off-road.. easy spend some money.. but you will also be giving up some things at the same time. But I bet you are one of those guys who can get those tires that are incredible off-road and still get better than stock MPG... I'm sure your research will yield the right choice. Good Luck.

And here is your trophy for buying a traill.:trophy:

 

[Vinsil]

Everything in life..is a compromise!

Finding balance is key. The 1000 miles my Runner has seen since new....about 20 has been wheeling. Now think about that....2% off-road and I feel I'm more the exception than the rule...do you start to build and give up mileage, noise, ride and wear on your truck for less than 2% better off-road ability? We are not talking about off-road toys, had those and my Runner is not one right now. :suspicious:

 

[wfo9]

I'm gonna chime in here guys. I personally have wheeled with wfo9, and even though it was only once, he definitely has a lot of experience and know how when it comes to off roading. We went in a group to an off road park and there were 4 5th gens in the the group; 2 limiteds my Trail and his SR5. His rig is really BA in person, and the coolest thing was that we were able to keep up with him pretty much all day.
With the exception of a few lines that we could not follow him on, (was it Jodys Revenge where all the Jeeps were climbing?) our mostly stock 5th gens proved extremely capable.
If anything, my inexperience was the biggest factor when I ran into trouble, but he would always point out what he has said here, ATRAC and locker was what helped me out of the tight spots more than anything.
I don't see his opinions as hate, as I have heard him state his opinions in person. His SR5, with his mods, and experience was more capable than my Trail and I can see the value in paying less for a used SR5 and modding the truck to suit your needs.
All that being said, I have only used MTS to try it out, not out of necessity, while the CRAWL control did not get used at all that day we wheeled. I love my Trail, but I don't think I really need all the additional features after seeing what our 4runners are capable of. If I had to do it over again I'd still get the TE because of my vanity. I love the scoop, rims, and the stick for 4wd. I did not like the TEP but that's me, and almost went with a Pro but decided against it last minute. I don't think I would mod my rig like wfo9, but what I learned was a moderate lift would help me in some situations that came up that day at the off road park.
As far as OP goes, that deal does sound killer, but I am a Trail fan so you know what I would vote for.

Thanks for the support.. And it brings up a point. That day was actually all very moderate stuff.. I did not want you guys to hurt anything your first time out... But if you remember, the Limiteds had no trouble doing the same stuff. The guy with the super minimal lift up front did fantastic and he had none of the trail features. But it was all pretty easy stuff, but also more than what 90% of 4runners will ever see. There are so many trails on the road that just don't get used for what they could do.....

If I was buying a new one tomorrow.. I would get a trail for sure, but my truck is more of a toy anyway and I got a hell of a deal on it used... It will probably eventually have a solid axle under it after I figure out the electronics.

And just since people were asking on this thread....
All SR5s had the manual T-Case lever up until 2013. And it is possible to add crawl and MTS on a SR5. Not sure why anyone would, but there is thread on here about how to do it. Think it was pretty cheap and easy.

 

[Throwback]

If the e-locker was only available on the TRD Pro I don't think as many of us would've bought the Trail. I don't know that I've actually heard anyone say they bought a TE for the MTS and CC. Everyone is just hot on the locker, manual TC shifter, and potentially KDSS.

When I bought mine it was Certified Preowned and there was a similar mileage and similarly priced SR5 next to it. The TE was obviously a bit more expensive but the things that won it over for me were, in order of importance:

1) Exclusiveness of the TE resulting in possibly better resale opportunity
2) Rear Locker
3) KDSS
4) Manual Transfer Case Shifter
5) What I was told were "water resistant cloth seats" (different from SR5?)
6) Aesthetics - wheels/scoop


If I was buying new and had access to all different trim levels I might've gone a different route.

I've seen a couple white SR5 Ps with tan softex interior and white letter out BFGs and that would probably be my choice if I were to trade in today.

 

[007Tacoma]

don't you hate it when we say "IMO"? Isn't it all IMO?

Reasons I bought a Trail Edition Premium:

1) E-Locker right off the lot.

There were several occasions the the E-Locker on my 2003 SE 4WD saved my butt. I am NOT an avid off-roader, but I go places that do require "above normal capability" multiple times every year.​

2) SR5 didn't draw me in.

I love 4Runners, Tacomas, and FJs. Just the right size for my family without being a pain to handle in almost any situation. All the 4Runners look good to me. That being said, the SR5 had things I didn't want while the Trail did.​

3) Trail Premium Looks.

Without knowing any of the specs, the Trail Edition Premium LOOKED like my old SE 4WD - just better (IMO)!​

4) The T-Case Lever.

Sorry, I know the electronic knobs work just fine. My SE 4WD had zero issues off-road and on over 200,000 miles with just the click of that knob. That being said, I missed the old school feel of my Scout II minus all the headaches of owning another Scout II.​

Even after all of that, I still don't look down on the SR5s. They are just as capable as my TEP. They just have different options. For that matter, I have seen a stock 2WD SR5 4Runner do some things that you won't catch me doing in my TEP - ever. The 4Runner is a great platform to start with. We all chose different versions of the same platform for different reasons: price, capability, luxury, fuel economy(?), price, family needs, personal needs, dog needs, price, direction of the better half, going against the direction of the lesser half, price, and peer pressure. ...and maybe price. I am not here to bash anyone or any truck. You have your opinion, and I have mine. My opinion is that I am glad that you all have 4Runners. The more that are out there, the better the chance that Toyota will keep making them. This pleases me greatly.

Congrats on the 4Runner. Now, Let's Go Places...

 

[007Tacoma]

That day was actually all very moderate stuff.. I did not want you guys to hurt anything your first time out... But if you remember, the Limiteds had no trouble doing the same stuff. The guy with the super minimal lift up front did fantastic and he had none of the trail features. But it was all pretty easy stuff, but also more than what 90% of 4runners will ever see. There are so many trails on the road that just don't get used for what they could do.....

I am so sorry I missed that day. Work had me tied up while my 4Runner's interior was in pieces for some accessory installs. I didn't get it all put back together until almost 1AM that Monday morning. Hopefully 2017 will have some time for me to join you guys.

 

[Brandonium]

Buy what you can afford or what you want. People who paid less for an SR5 will defend that purchase. People who paid more for a Trail will also defend that purchase. Truth is, some things you can add to an SR5 and some things you cannot and vice versa.

It's easy to take a lesser equipped variant of anything and improve upon it but you'll never make it exactly what the next step up would be. I for one like having a factory locker, factory wired with factory switches and not something that's hacked. I'm not a fan of vehicles where previous owners have been digging in the electrical system. I've owned a lot of vintage cars and every single one has had a previous owner who thought their mods were well done but they were hack jobs. I like having KDSS (and could care less if people like it or hate it). I also like having crawl control, terrain select, softex seats but hey, I am a picky owner so If I want what I want then something lesser or different will not suffice.

And of course I will defend my Trail purchase. I paid for those options not available on an SR5, plain and simple. :drama:

 

[Jetboy]

I've yet to have a similar sr5 to compare. I did spend a weekend in Moab with an 100 series Land Cruiser with ARB lockers that did not work. So it had to rely on a-trac. They are relatively similar in weight, size, and suspension. The trails we did together were not super hardcore, but on the areas where an open diff would have meant being stuck, atrac worked every time. It wasn't as smooth or easy as it is with a rear locker, but the 100 with atrac had no major difficulty with traction. Just a little more jerky motion.

My general thoughts are this:

I bought the Trail because of KDSS. If KDSS was available on a limited - I'd be driving a limited.

You can add aftermarket lockers.

If you want an ultimate offroad version, start with the base model sr5. Trail is the best out of the box off road. But if you're going to more extensive modifications, you'll loose most of what you paid for in the Trail model anyway, so why spend $ on stuff you're going to toss in the recycle bin?

Crawl control is very useful for newer drivers. It is not as good as an experienced driver, but if I put my wife behind the wheel, crawl is fantastic. Point and shoot. It also is useful for long days rock crawling. Just for trail fatigue. If you have a 100 foot rock garden at a park, not much need. If you're going to spend 6 hours on a technical trail, it's nice to take a break. Just like cruise on the highway for road trips, crawl is unnecessary, but if you have it - you'll use it.

A-TRAC on the sr5 will offer about 90% of what locking diffs will. Locking diffs are also nice for trail fatigue. They make obstacles easier and take less effort or thought to get through. On the harder trails waiting for atrac to work every 10 seconds wears on you after a while. Lockers just make the obstacles easier so over the course of a day it adds up.

If you're going to the more hardcore trails - you'll want front and rear lockers. They're standard equipment on any serious offroader. Traction control is no substitute for real lockers at the limit. It's basic physics. Traction control cannot physically match the ultimate traction because they rely on slip and that means kinetic friction. Snow and ice is where real lockers shine over traction control probably more than anywhere else. But it get get reasonably close in many circumstances. With a stock tire size and body, you'll be into body damage in most cases before you need real lockers. If that's not the function you intend to use for, you may not need the rear locker to start with.

good luck with whatever you choose. It's hard to wrong either way. The differences are not huge in capability.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

I have a '13 SR5 4X4 - stock except for E rated TOYO MTs. If I had it to do over again I would buy the exact same vehicle in a minute.

The lever vs the knob: I spent a week in Utah driving my cousins' '10 SR5 which has the lever - I could find absolutely no advantage to the lever over the knob. In fact , my previous Land Rovers had the lever shifters no advantage.

Crawl Control and MTS: Fluff - No need for it at all - If you pick the right gear in low range you're good to go.

A Rear Locker: For years I've been leading every kind of 4X4 you can name out in the boonies (Toyotas, Jeeps, Chevies, Dodges, Fords, Land Rovers) some with rear lockers and some without. With A-TRAC (Land Rover has been calling it 4ETC for almost twenty years) you really can go anywhere that the locker will go without snapping axles.

KDSS: I really don't care if you can go around a corner at 65 mph on pavement. I bought it for going around corners at 5mph on dirt, rocks and sand.

A Hood scoop: BFD - My old Subaru had a hood scoop bless it's little heart - So do Camaros, Mustangs, GTOs, AMXs, Road Runners, etc - - at least some of those are functional.

THIS IS NOT A HATE REPLY - It's just that I'm of the old school, "If it works then leave it alone".

BTW: I don't know why Toyota even has a switch on the A-Trac in 4LOW; I keep it on all the time.

Now if Toyota in their wisdom would only put some real steel bumpers on both ends instead of all the plastic - - - -:der:

 

[e60ral]

has atrac caused any problems for you in sand tracks? i found it a little too aggressive in powder sand (but i only played with it a little bit, i usually just leave it in sand)

 

[sn0wrunner]

I would like to have gotten a trail, but they only came with dark interiors. What's up with that?

If only I had black labs instead of yellow...

 

[Vinsil]

I'm going to invite my neighbor for a snow wheeling trip next weekend. He has a sr5 with the same tires as me (265) so I can see for myself if atrac works as good as a real locker in deep snow (see my pics in the snow thread, 4' of snow and pushing it halfway up my grill).

I did not turn off the locker and use atrac. Honestly, I knew what the locker offers but never had used atrac before so....didn't want to get stuck? Haha...