Third Row Seats in Trail/TRD Pro

[mattgold]

I wish I didn't even have to ask this... but since I last had my 3rd gen; one kid is here and another is on the way.

I really want to get into a 2015 4Runner and love the look of the Trail/TRD Pro front bumper/hood. Problem is, only SR5 and Limited are "offered" with the third row seating. I'm not 100% against swapping the bumper, hood and wheels - BUT - I'd much rather to try to find a way to add the third row seating to the model I want.

So here's the meat and potatoes... It *says* third row seats are only available on SR5 and Limited models - but I'm not sure if they say that because the necessary provisions aren't there (doesn't seem likely) OR if it's because they don't have third row seats with the matching fabric (more likely).

Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

-M

 

[cjacob316]

I wish I didn't even have to ask this... but since I last had my 3rd gen; one kid is here and another is on the way.

I really want to get into a 2015 4Runner and love the look of the Trail/TRD Pro front bumper/hood. Problem is, only SR5 and Limited are "offered" with the third row seating. I'm not 100% against swapping the bumper, hood and wheels - BUT - I'd much rather to try to find a way to add the third row seating to the model I want.

So here's the meat and potatoes... It *says* third row seats are only available on SR5 and Limited models - but I'm not sure if they say that because the necessary provisions aren't there (doesn't seem likely) OR if it's because they don't have third row seats with the matching fabric (more likely).

Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

-M

It's just not available on the trail models. Any of the models built without the third row won't have all the safety features of the one's built with it (ie. airbags), but members here have added third row to 4runners without them. The rear area isn't an afterthought after the vehicle is built like you seem to be asking.

 

[mattgold]

It's just not available on the trail models. Any of the models built without the third row won't have all the safety features of the one's built with it (ie. airbags), but members here have added third row to 4runners without them. The rear area isn't an afterthought after the vehicle is built like you seem to be asking.

I get the fact that they aren't "available"... but if you take Toyota's word for it, TRD wheels are "Not available" for Limiteds - but we all know you can swap 'em out. That said, I understand this will be much more complex then unbolting wheels.

I'm trying to weight if it's a better (more economical, "cleaner", etc) option to start with a SR5/Limited and swap bumper, hood, etc or start with a Trail/TRD Pro and fit the rear seats.

Do you have any links handy to people that HAVE fitted third row seats to 4Runners without them? I've searched for "third row" and "3rd row" without good results.

Thanks again!

 

[Ducmonsta]

It sounds like you want the look of the Trail. You haven't mentioned the need for the rear locker or other Trail capabilities.

Buy the SR5 and replace the hood.

 

[d_clark]

I get the fact that they aren't "available"... but if you take Toyota's word for it, TRD wheels are "Not available" for Limiteds - but we all know you can swap 'em out. That said, I understand this will be much more complex then unbolting wheels.

I'm trying to weight if it's a better (more economical, "cleaner", etc) option to start with a SR5/Limited and swap bumper, hood, etc or start with a Trail/TRD Pro and fit the rear seats.

Do you have any links handy to people that HAVE fitted third row seats to 4Runners without them? I've searched for "third row" and "3rd row" without good results.

Thanks again!

Here is one,
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/193735-demello-2015-build.html

 

[mattgold]

It sounds like you want the look of the Trail. You haven't mentioned the need for the rear locker or other Trail capabilities.

Buy the SR5 and replace the hood.

Ya got me. :bolt:

Only reason I'd consider the "Trail" goodies is for resale value down the line. If I'm honest with myself - they'd get used sparingly at best... The car will be driven mostly by the wife - and I really just want the look of the Trail.

...although you can make the argument the "normal" roads up here in SE Michigan (potholes, potholes everywhere) are rougher then most trails people see recreationally.

Here is one,
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/193735-demello-2015-build.html

Awesome. Thanks. I will pour over it.

 

[cjacob316]

Third row seats aren't something they just bolt on at the end of the line, it's decided on before the vehicle is made because there are things that need to be added during the build process. Trails are not built with third row, it have nothing to do with matching fabric or "taking Toyota's word for it" because you can't have 3rd row seats added to an SR5 by Toyota either. You can add them yourself with some modifications, just like you have to mod the SR5 bumper to clip on the valences, but is either direction economical? No.

If it were me, I'd rather the added safety of the vehicle that was built to have 3rd row, not to mention the middle seats are different to accommodate the use of the 3rd row.

 

[mattgold]

Third row seats aren't something they just bolt on at the end of the line, it's decided on before the vehicle is made because there are things that need to be added during the build process. Trails are not built with third row, it have nothing to do with matching fabric or "taking Toyota's word for it" because you can't have 3rd row seats added to an SR5 by Toyota either. You can add them yourself with some modifications, just like you have to mod the SR5 bumper to clip on the valences, but is either direction economical? No.

If it were me, I'd rather the added safety of the vehicle that was built to have 3rd row, not to mention the middle seats are different to accommodate the use of the 3rd row.

Yeah - that link d clark provided to DeMello's build thread is really great.

Maybe it'll end up being a SR5 Premium with a few bucks thrown at aesthetics... :shrug:

 

[Ducmonsta]

Yeah - that link d clark provided to DeMello's build thread is really great.

Maybe it'll end up being a SR5 Premium with a few bucks thrown at aesthetics... :shrug:

That sounds like the way to go. I bought an LE specifically for the dual zone climate control and smart key system (among the 3rd row and leather, which I know are available on the SR5). If the TE had the dual zone and smart key, I would be in one.

And don't feel bad about wanting something because of how it looks. That's why 99% of us mod things.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Hey at least the OP is honest! I want it for looks, the honesty is refreshing:thumb:

 

[cjacob316]

Hey at least the OP is honest! I want it for looks, the honesty is refreshing:thumb:

It was the manual 4wd shifter for me, less chrome helps.

 

[mattgold]

Just so I don't lose ALL clout... I had a 3rd Gen T4R that I LOVED and here is my FJ:

Problem is - car seat hardly fits. The 4Runner will be mainly for the wife and I wouldn't mind taking it up north - but I can't risk breaking anything when the kids need to get to school the next day. :wacko:

 

[cjacob316]

Have you looked at one with 3rd row? I considered it, but once I actually took a look at one I did not like it. I couldn't imagine having anyone climbing into that rear seat, and I hated the way they folded up. Not that you will feel the same as I did, but it's something to at least go look at.

 

[mattgold]

Have you looked at one with 3rd row? I considered it, but once I actually took a look at one I did not like it. I couldn't imagine having anyone climbing into that rear seat, and I hated the way they folded up. Not that you will feel the same as I did, but it's something to at least go look at.

Have not. Planning on going this week.

But third row - whatever vehicle I end up in - is a must (wife's rules). I was originally looking at the Highlander because it was closer to the size of my 3rd Gen T4R - but I like the new 4Runner better and think I'll appreciate the additional size as the brood grows.

 

[mattgold]

So the more I think about it... the more I'm "ok" with the idea of an SR5 Premium with Trail/TRD Pro bits. However, I don't wanna give up this fight just yet. In DeMello's 2015 build he had to cut some interior plastics and mentioned swapping the second row seats would have been the way to go.

Say, I want to do this swap as cleanly as possible. If I could get away with NOT cutting the rear plastics and swapping the second row seats as well - that would be ideal.

So, here's my question: how far back can I go to pull a set of third row seats (and accompanying pieces)? Am I stuck at 2014+? Or can I go back to 2010? To boil the question down even further: did the 2014+ 5th Gen have any changes to the second row back as far as interior is concerned?

TIA.

 

[K9trainer]

Seem to me 2 kids would fit fine in the second seat row and all the stuff you take with kids in the back of the truck.

 

[4Surfin]

the 3rd row seat is great. THe only down fall is it sucks losing cargo space (But hey thats what a roof rack is for). They are not meant for adults, but my 10 an d11 year old will ride back there without any issues. I rarely use them but when I need them I have them and am thankful that I do.

 

[Speedy Gomez]

I wish I didn't even have to ask this... but since I last had my 3rd gen; one kid is here and another is on the way.

I really want to get into a 2015 4Runner and love the look of the Trail/TRD Pro front bumper/hood. Problem is, only SR5 and Limited are "offered" with the third row seating. I'm not 100% against swapping the bumper, hood and wheels - BUT - I'd much rather to try to find a way to add the third row seating to the model I want.

So here's the meat and potatoes... It *says* third row seats are only available on SR5 and Limited models - but I'm not sure if they say that because the necessary provisions aren't there (doesn't seem likely) OR if it's because they don't have third row seats with the matching fabric (more likely).

Anyone have any input?

Thanks!

-M

Get the Trail, you will not get disappointed. TRD Pro, you will just get ripped off at the dealership. Wait... TRD Pro WHO!

 

[Jhalko]

So the more I think about it... the more I'm "ok" with the idea of an SR5 Premium with Trail/TRD Pro bits. However, I don't wanna give up this fight just yet. In DeMello's 2015 build he had to cut some interior plastics and mentioned swapping the second row seats would have been the way to go.
TIA.

Man I hear what you are saying, I would have gotten a Trail if I could get third row with it as well. Get the SR5, start basic and build up, I went the other way with my LE and while it was right for my situation and timing, given the changes in features offered, I would probably start with an SR5 and build up if I were buying today.

 

[jicko]

Offroad capability wise, SR5 vs Trail, there are some differences, but as [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] puts it, it will get you to the same places. Resale wise, probably similar, as long as you get the 4x4.

Adding 3rd row seats is a PITA. Can be done, but going to cost you way too much. If 3rd row seat is a must for your wife, go get the SR5P (P is much nicer).

Hood replacement is likely to be cheaper and easier, if the fake hole is "your need".

Go with SR5P with 3rd row and upgrade as your like it. That will be your best bet. That's the route I took. I still had my 270kmi 3gen too.