SR5 vs Trail

T

telockey

New member
Hey all,

I have been looking/waiting for a Trail for weeks and am need of a new truck sooner rather than later. Living in Colorado I do a fair amount of offroading/snow traveling in some gnarly places. I'm about to give up and buy an SR5, lift it, lock it, and add sliders and a winch. My question is whether I am giving up some other off road capability the Trail has that I am not aware of? I understand the Trail's bumpers are cut a bit for additional clearance - but is there anything i am overlooking?

Thanks in advance!
 
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I've done a search... reviewed some threads - haven't really seen an answer to my question. I guess I must have missed it? Other responses would be appreciated. (edit) I guess i should be more specific - my fault. Other than cosmetics, kdss, rear locker, electronic controls for different terrain and cut bumpers for better clearance - am I missing anything? Since, if I purchase the SR5, I will lift and lock it most of the benefits of the trail seem to evaporate. I am just trying to tap into the wealth of knowledge here to make sure I haven't missed others off road pros of the trail. Thanks!
 
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In short....based on what you said (and your current knowledge of the differences) given your plans it basically leaves the CRAWL Control system.
 
Welcome to the forum!

I won't try to convince you one way or another, they are both great! I was in the same position 6 months ago, and went with the SR5, here's why:

- aesthetically, the Can SR5 has a similar trim package to the TE which I like, and lacks the fake hood scoop that I personally dislike.
- I really wanted leather, and while I could have added it later, getting it stock was appealing
-I planned to put on a lift kit, so the inferior (read "softer") suspension wasn't as big of a concern
-The additional traction control options (multi-mode A-Trac, crawl control, etc) weren't that appealing
-Cheaper...~2000$ I think

Advantages that TE has that I think are substantive:

-KDSS
-Rear locker
-Optitron

IMHO in Canada the TE offers fewer advantages than in the US, d/t the trim package. If I was buying in the US I might tend towards the TE simply to avoid the off roading unfriendly body moulding.

heres some threads for you to read through for other info
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/104130-sr5-upgrade-trail-edition.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/106404-need-help-regarding-sr5-te.html
 
Both are great off road. Get the sr5, throw some tires and a locker on it. The big thing is KDSS I guess, but nothing a modded suspension cannot overcome.

For the te look, there is great thread on here where someone got the te kit and put it in their 4r, the thread even has the part numbers that are needed.
 
Aren't the lower bumper pieces unpainted on the TE like the small fender flares are which I prefer to handle scuffs with foreign objects better. I like the SR5 but when I upgrade to a 5th gen it will be a TE period since it's the closest semblance to my Highlander and I will definelty get use from the off road gizmos for sure.
 
Thanks guys. You helped me make up my mind. Because I spend so much time in the mountains wheeling - I want a trail - but can't find one. Unless any of you know where I can buy a new 2011/12 grey trail (or want to sell yours) i'm going to have buy a SR5 and modify. I need the truck asap. Can't wait to get out and meet some of you Colorado boys on the trails!
 
4FL said:
For the te look, there is great thread on here where someone got the te kit and put it in their 4r, the thread even has the part numbers that are needed.
Click to expand...

It depends on your budget too. The TE trim conversion is big $$$. Also keep in mind there's not much available for aftermarket 5th gen. rear bumpers.

If you get the SR5, you'll spend a ton of time and money trying to correct all the SR5's cosmetic and practical faults before you even start to mod. I personally think it would be worth your trouble and cheaper in the long run to just buy non-KDSS TE as your foundation.
 
I say be patient and get exactly what you want since you're spending a chunk of change and you need to be happy with what you buy and not wish you waited for what you really wanted. I sold my '97 a year after I bought it since I came across my present '99 which is what I wanted for a long time and it had to be locked which my '97 wasn't.
 
I hear you both. Unfortunately, patience is a virtue - I appear to lack. Just kidding. Due to rapidly expanding family we need to move quickly from our presently owned extremely small car to a SUV. It's incredibly unfortunate toyota offers, but does not sufficiently stock its vehicles. I would empathize with Toyota if it were due to the earthquake and tsunami but research indicates these were problems prior to that incident. /rant
 
Colorado gets more trails than anywhere. Wait a few weeks and get what you want, or you'll spend thousands of dollars or years regretting not getting the one you want.

I have been waiting and checking inventories for a couple months and still had to go 750 miles to get my TE. I only drove an SR5 before, but the KDSS is more than worth any cost of entry.
 
Thanks for the responses. Based upon your suggestions I changed up the way I was going about looking for the vehicle. I found one within a day. It was located about 6 hours away and the dealer drove it to my house. Now that's service! Let the mods and exploring begin!
 
telockey said:
Thanks for the responses. Based upon your suggestions I changed up the way I was going about looking for the vehicle. I found one within a day. It was located about 6 hours away and the dealer drove it to my house. Now that's service! Let the mods and exploring begin!
Click to expand...
So what did you get?

I was on my way back from picking up mine in my last post, I have already changed wheels, tires, floor mats, sliders on order, may change tires again, and seriously thinking about internal winch and full skids.
 
I found a black 2011 trail. First on list is front window tint and remote start with control on the fob for lift gate window. Anyone do this?

Then will be lift, sliders, hidden winch and possibly cb (but probably not). My buddies and I use handhelds with 30 mile range. Good enough for what we do. I already have a yakima load warrior with extension that has attached hi-lift jack, shovel, ax, ski rack and bike rack. I'm not sure if i'm going to leave it on full-time or only when i hit the backcountry for extended trips.
 
telockey said:
I found a black 2011 trail. First on list is front window tint and remote start with control on the fob for lift gate window. Anyone do this?

Then will be lift, sliders, hidden winch and possibly cb (but probably not). My buddies and I use handhelds with 30 mile range. Good enough for what we do. I already have a yakima load warrior with extension that has attached hi-lift jack, shovel, ax, ski rack and bike rack. I'm not sure if i'm going to leave it on full-time or only when i hit the backcountry for extended trips.
Click to expand...

welcome to the club!
 
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