T4R newb here.

[AlexD T4R]

What's up T4R!

Just sold my BMW 330i as it is time to up-size the vehicle as my wife and I seem to be needing more space than having two sedans (330i and Lexus ES330)! We both love the styling of the 5th gen and I've done a lot of reading in magazines, online articles, and trolled here for a while before registering.

We are looking, at this point, to purchase a 2013 Mag. Gray LE.

Really what I wanted to get some insight is from the everyday driver of this truck (YOU!), the main differences between the SR5, SE and LE packages, etc.

I really hate to totally newb it up in here but from what I can tell a lot of guys just go after the SR5 and get the leather put in and what not. What's the general consensus on the LE? We really want the leather, heated seats, Nav, etc. Is it better to just get an LE with all this or go for the cheaper SR5 and add this stuff? Looks like we might be in the minority here too, because we like the limited wheels. I found that tires are expensive to replace, etc.

The mod bug will hit me as I never leave any of my cars stock (see bmw photo) and its nice to see all the build threads and available mods.

Thanks ahead of time for any info!

 

[Lolrax]

Welcome! I came from a 2007 Subaru Legacy GT, certainly no bimmer but a nice performance sedan that is quick and reasonably well appointed. There are a few key things that set the LE apart for me in terms of my choice:

1: X-Reas, this is a hydraulic system only available on the Limited that provides it with more on-road handling capabilities. I liked it a lot when I test drove the SR5 and the LE.

2. Full time AWD. I feel like its a more luxurious feeling ride with full time AWD. and I like not having to switch the drive mode unless I really have to.

3. Interior Appointments: Okay so people say the difference is Nav and Gauges (which are awesome) but also the color matching of the interior in the Limited is different. A lot of the panels in an SR5 are gray colored regardless of what interior you get, it really made the car feel a lot less upscale for me and I hated it.

4. Chrome touches, front and rear valences, etc. I just felt that the Limited looked more exclusive on the outside and did a nice job of bridging the gap between utility SUV and luxury SUV.

I don't regret my choice at all.

 

[AlexD T4R]

Welcome! I came from a 2007 Subaru Legacy GT, certainly no bimmer but a nice performance sedan that is quick and reasonably well appointed. There are a few key things that set the LE apart for me in terms of my choice:

1: X-Reas, this is a hydraulic system only available on the Limited that provides it with more on-road handling capabilities. I liked it a lot when I test drove the SR5 and the LE.

2. Full time AWD. I feel like its a more luxurious feeling ride with full time AWD. and I like not having to switch the drive mode unless I really have to.

3. Interior Appointments: Okay so people say the difference is Nav and Gauges (which are awesome) but also the color matching of the interior in the Limited is different. A lot of the panels in an SR5 are gray colored regardless of what interior you get, it really made the car feel a lot less upscale for me and I hated it.

4. Chrome touches, front and rear valences, etc. I just felt that the Limited looked more exclusive on the outside and did a nice job of bridging the gap between utility SUV and luxury SUV.

I don't regret my choice at all.

Thank you! these are all great points! I've noticed some of these myself, all the small touches and more are worth a little extra coin.

 

[Alex T4R]

Huh! I like your screen name. What was said before is exactly good points. Why don't you wait for 2014 or you don't like it.

 

[bimrunner]

For me it came down to full time 4wd, auto air and nicer gauges. The rest of it is pretty much gone from my 13 LE... once you are bitten, there is no cure.

 

[AlexD T4R]

Huh! I like your screen name. What was said before is exactly good points. Why don't you wait for 2014 or you don't like it.

Yeah I saw yours right after I registered... i typically always use AlexD then whatever... its a great name to have

Im just not sure how I feel about the 14... I may wait so the 2013s drop even more in price

For me it came down to full time 4wd, auto air and nicer gauges. The rest of it is pretty much gone from my 13 LE... once you are bitten, there is no cure.

lol thank you sir! I am the same way with modding... its gonna happen and when it does... it doesnt stop.

 

[Eagle]

For me it came down to full time 4wd, auto air and nicer gauges. The rest of it is pretty much gone from my 13 LE... once you are bitten, there is no cure.

I think that's an important consideration -- many of the features specific to the LE are ones that are frequently replaced or modified. XREAS is nice if keeping stock, but will likely be removed if go for new suspension or lift. The difference in cost between SR5 and LE may provide you with available funds for mods, should you wish to go that route.

That won't give you some of the interior appointments, but it's worth considering not just stock SR5 vs stock LE but also each trim as modified.

 

[AlexD T4R]

I think that's an important consideration -- many of the features specific to the LE are ones that are frequently replaced or modified. XREAS is nice if keeping stock, but will likely be removed if go for new suspension or lift. The difference in cost between SR5 and LE may provide you with available funds for mods, should you wish to go that route.

That won't give you some of the interior appointments, but it's worth considering not just stock SR5 vs stock LE but also each trim as modified.

Well my wife doesn't much care about mods and what not so the interior is what she will see/care about the most. As well as the chrome accents and what not.

I think we will go with the LE but yeah modding will have to wait a bit until we get the payment down and what not. Not a big deal.

Thanks for your help too!

 

[JayceeP]

Agree with Lolrax & others 100%. I came from a 2010 4dr Jeep Wrangler. No comparison. In addition to the points mentioned, I find the 4Runner quiet on the highway, even in wind, and cruises along effortlessly without too much road wander. Fuel economy is quite reasonable and I have full confidence in passing ability when on single lane highways. Plenty of power for my liking. My auto insurance also decreased about 15% .

Love my LE.

 

[AlexD T4R]

Agree with Lolrax & others 100%. I came from a 2010 4dr Jeep Wrangler. No comparison. In addition to the points mentioned, I find the 4Runner quiet on the highway, even in wind, and cruises along effortlessly without too much road wander. Fuel economy is quite reasonable and I have full confidence in passing ability when on single lane highways. Plenty of power for my liking. My auto insurance also decreased about 15% .

Love my LE.

More good points. We actually haven't really found another SUV that we would even consider over the 4Runner. We both love the styling. And the LE has the more upscale interior to please the lady's eye

 

[Bay33saw]

Honestly these ^^^^ are all good points, I would suggest you go test drive both and see how you feel about them.
Personally I think the LE is way better than the SR5 but that's just me.

 

[AlexD T4R]

Honestly these ^^^^ are all good points, I would suggest you go test drive both and see how you feel about them.
Personally I think the LE is way better than the SR5 but that's just me.

We actually have test driven all versions of it! I was just concerned because on this forum it seems an overwhelming number of SR5 guys but now i see the LE brothers and sisters coming out giving some love.

 

[Bay33saw]

I'm not sure if you will see anyone regretting buying a LE, there might be a few who have regretted not getting a Trail, but for me (Someone who is not a hard core off roader) I love everything about my LE and if I could change one thing I'd like air conditioned seats Oh and maybe a memory seat button for when my wife drives it.

 

[AlexD T4R]

I'm not sure if you will see anyone regretting buying a LE, there might be a few who have regretted not getting a Trail, but for me (Someone who is not a hard core off roader) I love everything about my LE and if I could change one thing I'd like air conditioned seats Oh and maybe a memory seat button for when my wife drives it.

Yeah we are not huge off-road people either though that may change with this purchase haha. But really we just need a truck for general hauling of dogs, stuff, jet skis, etc. Time to get out of having two cars. Yeah being in TX that would be nice to have the AC seats and memory as well. She is quite shorter than me and when I get in a vehicle she has been driving I pretty much eat the steering wheel and break my legs getting in. im 6'1'' and she is... well not that tall. haha

 

[JustinFro]

At this point, I'd wait and get the 2014. I have an LE, but I sure do envy those TE guys. I'd go with a white 2014 TE if I were you. More room for mods (extreme or subtle).

INTERIOR: Put on aftermarket seat heaters and leather. The Nav systems leave a lot to be desired. Your smart phone is a much better option for Nav.

 

[AlexD T4R]

At this point, I'd wait and get the 2014. I have an LE, but I sure do envy those TE guys. I'd go with a white 2014 TE if I were you. More room for mods (extreme or subtle).

INTERIOR: Put on aftermarket seat heaters and leather. The Nav systems leave a lot to be desired. Your smart phone is a much better option for Nav.

Something to think about. Although, I am not sold on the front end of the 2014. Its an attempt to look super tough but besides the headlights, I don't much care much for it over the current body style. Interesting point about the NAV.

 

[Bay33saw]

Yeah we are not huge off-road people either though that may change with this purchase haha. But really we just need a truck for general hauling of dogs, stuff, jet skis, etc. Time to get out of having two cars. Yeah being in TX that would be nice to have the AC seats and memory as well. She is quite shorter than me and when I get in a vehicle she has been driving I pretty much eat the steering wheel and break my legs getting in. im 6'1'' and she is... well not that tall. haha

Good luck with your purchase and when you get her post some pictures, Mag Gray and Shoreline Blue are great colors

 

[Antman]

Personally I think the LE is way better than the SR5 but that's just me.

:rockthrow:

HA! Just kidding. BUT- I got the SR5 with the leather interior and I'm very happy with that decision. Only "bling thing" that I would really like from the LE is the Optitron dash. I've pretty much changed everything else anyway.

Get one OP- you'll love it!

 

[AlexD T4R]

:rockthrow:

HA! Just kidding. BUT- I got the SR5 with the leather interior and I'm very happy with that decision. Only "bling thing" that I would really like from the LE is the Optitron dash. I've pretty much changed everything else anyway.

Get one OP- you'll love it!

Thank you sir! planning on it! Thanks for all your threads in the 5th gen section! enjoying all your mods. cup holders may be first

 

[scanny]

If I lived in hot climate like TX I would try to get light colored leather or no leather at all. Black leather seats are getting quite hot on the sun in my opinion, we don't get that many crazy hot days here, so it's not a big deal for me.
Oh and about cup holders - I suspect that when Antman drives long distance on gravel road he gets them full of fine dirt : )