My wife and I live in Newfoundland Canada. We are not into heavy off-road activity but we both like the feel of a truck. For the past 10 years we've been driving a 2002 Xterra. It has 245,000 Kms, so it's time for a new vehicle even though the Xterra still works fine. We will probably keep that for any really 'dirty' work that needs done. Neither of us likes the new Xterras, nor are we fans of the Pathfinder. We test drove a 2012 4Runner Limited today. We both like it but we don't need 3 rows of seats and we would prefer a cloth interior to leather. We do want a moon roof, which eliminates the Standard model of 4Runner. It seems that to get a moon roof with cloth seats we have to go to the Trail Edition. I occasionally tow a 3,000lb utility trailer. That's the limit of our towing. Both of us actually like the photos of the Trail Edition's exterior trim better than the Limited. Since we don't off-road, would it be silly for us to get a Trail Edition? We do have lots of snow in the winter and are often on the highway in serious snow conditions. In that regard, is the optional all-wheel drive setting on the Limited better than just putting the Trail in 4 high? In our 2002 Xterra we use 4 high in those conditions. We can not engage 4 wheel drive at speed in our Xterra unless the hubs are already locked in from a stopped position. Once at speed, you can then shift in and out of 4 high at will since the hubs were always locked at that point. To unlock the hubs, we have to back up. How does this work on the 2012 4Runner Trail and Limited? Can 4 high be engaged at speed? Is there any longer such a thing as needing to unlock the hubs? We'd welcome feedback on the idea of getting a Trail versus a Limited for our situation. TIA Mardon
Trail Edition For Street Use ?
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jca21
New member
4hi can be engaged up to 80km/h i believe.
the 4runners dont have manual hubs so no need to get out and lock/unlock them.
for what its worth i personally think you and your wife would be better off with a limited.
a suggestion regardless of whether you get a trail or a limited would be to get a nice set of snow tires; something like the nokian hakapalita 5s
if my wife was to drive the vehicle as well as myself i'd prefer the limited. awd piece of mind.
the 4runners dont have manual hubs so no need to get out and lock/unlock them.
for what its worth i personally think you and your wife would be better off with a limited.
a suggestion regardless of whether you get a trail or a limited would be to get a nice set of snow tires; something like the nokian hakapalita 5s
if my wife was to drive the vehicle as well as myself i'd prefer the limited. awd piece of mind.
Mick1
New member
Based on the post, I think they would be happy with the Trail. The shift to 4x4 in their current vehicle is WAY more complicated than shifting to 4x4 in the Trail.
Also, you keep your vehicles a long time and if you like the style of the Trail more than the Limited, then the Trail should be your go to.
It is call a trail edition, but it really is not a hard-core off road, trail-only vehicle in any way. In fact the KDSS probably makes it handle better on road than SR5 models.
Only problem will likely be finding one to buy and have a dealer sell it to you at a reasonable price.
Also, just to confirm it can be shifted into, and out of, 4H at any speed up to 55 mph.
Also, you keep your vehicles a long time and if you like the style of the Trail more than the Limited, then the Trail should be your go to.
It is call a trail edition, but it really is not a hard-core off road, trail-only vehicle in any way. In fact the KDSS probably makes it handle better on road than SR5 models.
Only problem will likely be finding one to buy and have a dealer sell it to you at a reasonable price.
Also, just to confirm it can be shifted into, and out of, 4H at any speed up to 55 mph.
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Intruder
New member
Considering some of the snow and other miserable winter weather you guys are known to get out there I think the rear locker on a TE might come in handy. And since it seems that half the population of your province is currently out here it may only be a matter of time before you are too and you can come on some trails with us 
characterzero
New member
TE on the street...
The ride of the TE on the street is great- it does ride like a truck, but the suspension under corner loads stiffens on the outside and prevents body roll (if you get the KDSS - which I think is standard on the Trail Edition in Canada).
That being said, I am sure they're all capable both on and off road, so go with the styling and features you like. I think the Trail Edition is far from sparse, as a matter of fact it is worlds ahead of my 05 frontier in terms of the cooling system, fit/feel/finish of the interior and the like.
Oh, and FWIW, I bought mine sight-unseen. I'd driven the SR5 and liked it, but like the TE better for handling - it really is that big a difference.
The ride of the TE on the street is great- it does ride like a truck, but the suspension under corner loads stiffens on the outside and prevents body roll (if you get the KDSS - which I think is standard on the Trail Edition in Canada).
That being said, I am sure they're all capable both on and off road, so go with the styling and features you like. I think the Trail Edition is far from sparse, as a matter of fact it is worlds ahead of my 05 frontier in terms of the cooling system, fit/feel/finish of the interior and the like.
Oh, and FWIW, I bought mine sight-unseen. I'd driven the SR5 and liked it, but like the TE better for handling - it really is that big a difference.
scanny
Senior Member
If you like Trail Edition - go for it! Comparing to Limited you'll loose dual air conditioning full time 4x4 and and autolights. But you'll get KDSS, rear locker, 17" wheels, better aproach/departure angles and crawl control. KDSS should be good for road driving too, rear locker - you might need it in snow, crawl control you'll probably never use but who knows.
As it's already said you can engade 4hi anytime on speed below 80km/h, and there is no speed limit driving in 4hi. As all part time 4x4 4hi shouldn't be engaged on dry pavement and you'll need drive minimum 16 km in 4hi every month to lubricate transfer case.
Always wanted to make a trip to Newfoundland by the way from what I heard it's a beautiful place.
As it's already said you can engade 4hi anytime on speed below 80km/h, and there is no speed limit driving in 4hi. As all part time 4x4 4hi shouldn't be engaged on dry pavement and you'll need drive minimum 16 km in 4hi every month to lubricate transfer case.
Always wanted to make a trip to Newfoundland by the way from what I heard it's a beautiful place.
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Socco
New member
Both of us actually like the photos of the Trail Edition's exterior trim better than the Limited. Since we don't off-road, would it be silly for us to get a Trail Edition?
My wife hates Chrome on trucks and we both preferred the looks of the Trail over the Limited. I've taken my Trail off road two times in as many years. I don't think its silly.
In that regard, is the optional all-wheel drive setting on the Limited better than just putting the Trail in 4 high?
With Auto-Disconnecting-Differential as a standard on all the 4runners, you can shift in/out of 4 high at speeds of up to 60k (I think. Its faster than I've ever tried it anyways) If you're used to driving around in 4 High, why change?
My wife hates Chrome on trucks and we both preferred the looks of the Trail over the Limited. I've taken my Trail off road two times in as many years. I don't think its silly.
In that regard, is the optional all-wheel drive setting on the Limited better than just putting the Trail in 4 high?
With Auto-Disconnecting-Differential as a standard on all the 4runners, you can shift in/out of 4 high at speeds of up to 60k (I think. Its faster than I've ever tried it anyways) If you're used to driving around in 4 High, why change?
UtahSooner
New member
For what it's worth, after driving a 2002 3rd Gen Sport Edition for 8 years I thought long and hard about going with a Limited when I decided to make the jump to the 5th Gen. The leather, heated seats were the main selling point for me on the Limited -- Utah winters aren't as cold as you guys have up there in Canada but we do get pretty cold at times (tho not this year...). At first I was going to get the Nav and upgraded stereo as well, but then I realized that the sub in the rear was going to take up the storage compartment that I would use WAY more than the extra bass...
After test driving both the Trail and Limited a few times, I couldn't get used to not having a hood scoop (poor reason by itself I'll admit) and kept going back and forth on which one to buy. I finally realized that even though I won't be doing any serious off-roading anytime soon (at least until she isn't my only daily driver), the more "utilitarian" features of the Trail Edition suited my style better and, like you and your wife, I liked the exterior of the Trail Ed better than the Limited. I didn't have any need for 3rd row seating but at first I didn't care for the sliding tray in the Trail. I quickly changed my tune after having to load some big boxes for work (and the handles on the tray make perfect hand holds for doing IT band stretches after mountain bike rides).
2 years after pulling the trigger on the Trail, I couldn't be happier and the "on the fly" 4HI engagement/disengagement definitely takes care of snowy road situations. On highway the KDSS system and beefier sway-bar (compared to the Limited/SR5) is solid -- I'm not a slow driver, regularly pushing 80-85 up the I-80 canyon to Park City in the summer. I also drive around town for a living (field sales) and the overall on-highway/city driving performance is solid.
I don't think you'll go wrong either way, but the "needs" statements in your OP are strikingly similar to where I was 2 years ago... (minus the manual locking hubs of course)
Just my $0.02. Happy decision making!
After test driving both the Trail and Limited a few times, I couldn't get used to not having a hood scoop (poor reason by itself I'll admit) and kept going back and forth on which one to buy. I finally realized that even though I won't be doing any serious off-roading anytime soon (at least until she isn't my only daily driver), the more "utilitarian" features of the Trail Edition suited my style better and, like you and your wife, I liked the exterior of the Trail Ed better than the Limited. I didn't have any need for 3rd row seating but at first I didn't care for the sliding tray in the Trail. I quickly changed my tune after having to load some big boxes for work (and the handles on the tray make perfect hand holds for doing IT band stretches after mountain bike rides).
2 years after pulling the trigger on the Trail, I couldn't be happier and the "on the fly" 4HI engagement/disengagement definitely takes care of snowy road situations. On highway the KDSS system and beefier sway-bar (compared to the Limited/SR5) is solid -- I'm not a slow driver, regularly pushing 80-85 up the I-80 canyon to Park City in the summer. I also drive around town for a living (field sales) and the overall on-highway/city driving performance is solid.
I don't think you'll go wrong either way, but the "needs" statements in your OP are strikingly similar to where I was 2 years ago... (minus the manual locking hubs of course)
Just my $0.02. Happy decision making!
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Hey Mardon,
I have been driving my TE around NL since 2010 and love it. No trouble switching it into 4Hi around 50-60km/h (can't remember exactly what is in the manual but it is around there). When ever there is a stain of snow on the ground I put mine in 4Hi and go. The cloth seats in the TE are excellent. Easy to keep clean. It's something very small but one of the things I REALLY like with the TE over the SR5 is the optitron display. The SR5 has that orange color to it while the optitron is more of a white display. I will admit that I have some regret with not getting the limited as I initially did want leather and do like the Nav and other options you get with the limited however I do love my TE. Stick on a nice set of Duratracs and you have one mean looking machine. There are a bunch of options with the TE that you may never use but every once in a while, with enough snow, you will find yourself turning some knobs to get that little bit of extra go.
If you need any more info just shoot me a PM.
I have been driving my TE around NL since 2010 and love it. No trouble switching it into 4Hi around 50-60km/h (can't remember exactly what is in the manual but it is around there). When ever there is a stain of snow on the ground I put mine in 4Hi and go. The cloth seats in the TE are excellent. Easy to keep clean. It's something very small but one of the things I REALLY like with the TE over the SR5 is the optitron display. The SR5 has that orange color to it while the optitron is more of a white display. I will admit that I have some regret with not getting the limited as I initially did want leather and do like the Nav and other options you get with the limited however I do love my TE. Stick on a nice set of Duratracs and you have one mean looking machine. There are a bunch of options with the TE that you may never use but every once in a while, with enough snow, you will find yourself turning some knobs to get that little bit of extra go.
If you need any more info just shoot me a PM.
Mick1
New member
Actually the comments about the optitron display reminded me about mine.
I HATE IT. :bash:
It makes me sick, like vertigo, to look at it. I normally have to close one eye to focus on the odometer. I have gotten somewhat used to it now after 10 months, but it is a horrible display. The weird circle-3d effect makes it difficult to focus on the digital vs analog around the edge.
Similar to you, I test drove an SR5 and decided to buy a Trail. Drove several hours to go buy the Trail and did not like the display, but didn't think it would be a big deal. Overall not happy with it, but whatever...
I HATE IT. :bash:
It makes me sick, like vertigo, to look at it. I normally have to close one eye to focus on the odometer. I have gotten somewhat used to it now after 10 months, but it is a horrible display. The weird circle-3d effect makes it difficult to focus on the digital vs analog around the edge.
Similar to you, I test drove an SR5 and decided to buy a Trail. Drove several hours to go buy the Trail and did not like the display, but didn't think it would be a big deal. Overall not happy with it, but whatever...
I guess like anything it is all user preference. I find the orange display is always too bright for nights. With the Optitron you can turn it down but still see it clearly... Big fan of it.
PracticalFJ
New member
+1, big fan of the Optitron
scanny
Senior Member
SR5 orange display can be dimmed too. Actually I quite like it, not sure if I wanted to pay money for Optiron. But if choice is between Limited and Trail it's irrelevant because they both have Optiron.
It's just SR5 which doesn't have Optiron but it has parking sonar in addition to rear view camera.
-JD-
New member
For a bit of perspective, I bought the TE but now wish I had gone with the LE. I miss having the comfort and convenience features like auto climate control, heated leather, the passive entry system. While I do like the looks of the trail and the locking diff I feel like I would have been better off getting a limited because those things can be changed for less cost after the fact than some of the more useful electronics you get on the limited.
I do LOVE the KDSS though and its something I probably would miss...
I do LOVE the KDSS though and its something I probably would miss...
rocket67
New member
I've had my TE for a few months now and living in St.John's I figured the TE is the way to go. Half of our roads are rougher then the trails around here anyways. Prefer the look of the TE. KDSS is very cool and helps you feel planted, didn't want AWD either. Can make the seats heated if i wanted later etc .. go with the trail but what will matter most is a GOOD tire. These come with GARBAGE tires so I went with stock size Duratrac in load C
