Trail Edition or TRD Pro..need advice!

[Xuberant]

Hello!

Was hoping to get some personal advice prior to making a purchase.

If I plan to do more "off road" like off the beaten path but not to the extreme of needing rock crawling features, would the trail edition 4x4 be sufficient enough?

I want the ability to be able to cross streams, rivers, uneven terrain(not large rocks/boulders) etc during my camping trips. There is about a 15-20k difference in price and from what I read, it seems the trail edition 4x4 has everything I need but seeing as I am new to 4runners, would really appreciate first hand experience from the 4runner family.

Thank you!

 

[lewdog998]

For clarification, please state the year models of each trim that you are considering.

 

[GCT4R]

Hello!

Was hoping to get some personal advice prior to making a purchase.

If I plan to do more "off road" like off the beaten path but not to the extreme of needing rock crawling features, would the trail edition 4x4 be sufficient enough?

I want the ability to be able to cross streams, rivers, uneven terrain(not large rocks/boulders) etc during my camping trips. There is about a 15-20k difference in price and from what I read, it seems the trail edition 4x4 has everything I need but seeing as I am new to 4runners, would really appreciate first hand experience from the 4runner family.

Thank you!

Pretty much all of the 4Runners are capable to do the things you stated that have 4WD. If you want to have additional 4WD features like Crawl Control and a rear e-locker, you could consider a TRD Off-road trim. Those features could assist you in case things get hairy off-road.

 

[Humble Leader]

honestly any of the 4runner trims can do what you are stating. the TRD pro will have more luxury tech features out of the box but and does have the upgraded skid plates, crawl control and MTS (I'm not sure if all model years of the trail have this too). one of the biggest benefits is the rear locker that the pro has. I believe the TRD pro does have upgraded suspension while the trail has the standard and can be equipped with KDSS. I believe these facts are correct but I have not researched them, I'm going from memory

as to whether the extra cost is worth it that's up to you. how often do you really see yourself needing the extra ground clearance, skid plates, rear locker, luxury tech features etc. they are for sure nice to haves but are not cheap. if it were up to me I'd buy a more used trd pro for the same $ that you'd be spending on a trail since it's more depreciated

 

[ahtoxa11]

honestly any of the 4runner trims can do what you are stating. the TRD pro will have more luxury tech features out of the box but and does have the upgraded skid plates, crawl control and MTS (I'm not sure if all model years of the trail have this too). one of the biggest benefits is the rear locker that the pro has. I believe the TRD pro does have upgraded suspension while the trail has the standard and can be equipped with KDSS. I believe these facts are correct but I have not researched them, I'm going from memory

as to whether the extra cost is worth it that's up to you. how often do you really see yourself needing the extra ground clearance, skid plates, rear locker, luxury tech features etc. they are for sure nice to haves but are not cheap. if it were up to me I'd buy a more used trd pro for the same $ that you'd be spending on a trail since it's more depreciated

Hey, I don't mean to jump down your throat here, but I need to point out some of the inaccuracies, because OP is looking for solid info. I, of course, could be wrong as well, so please correct me if I'm off anywhere.

As far as tech and luxury, the PROs don't differ that much from the TRD OR Premium trim -- the pleather and all that is available in other trims, including SR5 Premium. PRO has just one upgraded skid, and that's the front (engine) skid. The rest are all the same across the board. Crawl control and MTS is available on all with exception of SR5, so Trail/OR models get that. Same with rear locker - comes on the Trail/OR versions as well as the PRO (and I think Venture) SR5 is the one that doesn't have the locker as an option.

For the most part, the biggest difference with PRO vs the others is the upgraded OEM suspension. Better shocks with better valving, which gives you more control at higher speeds both on and off road. The PRO suspension is very good. The alium skid plate from the PRO can be bought for any trim for around $300 and installed very easily with no modifications needed.

In my opinion, PRO is awesome when left stock. You have a very capable rig with warranty and you don't have to deal with headaches of aftermarket parts in case something breaks -- just take to dealer and be done. If you are looking to modify, generally suspension is the first thing many people like to mod, so the PRO makes far less sense in this case, given the price premium you pay, ESPECIALLY in the current market where the markups on PROs are insane.

Save the 15-20 grand, buy the Trail/OR trims that have the rear locker and enjoy. This rig will be far more capable than you think and likely more capable than you are, and it will grow well with you as your skills grow. And if you want more out of it, you've got 15k left over in the bank to install mods that you may want later.

 

[lewdog998]

pretty much agree with all of the above....

Not sure what comes with and without, but I am definitely impressed with the multi terrain select feature of the my pro. The ability to crawl and not have to use momentum reduces the chance of breaking things. I have taken mine down on some pretty slick and narrow trails (with drop offs) and does not lose traction....tires help of course.

 

[Binoshnoop]

As far as tech and luxury, the PROs don't differ that much from the TRD OR Premium trim -- the pleather and all that is available in other trims, including SR5 Premium.

I know the Pro has dual climate control. Not sure if the SR5 premium or Trail premium have that as well? I thought they didn't?
It might not matter to certain people or the OP. Personally my wife and I used very different temperatures so this is a must have feature for me.

I don't know how much difference there is between these trims in terms of tech and lux, but I believe the Pro has everything the limited has except for ventilated seats and memory seats?

 

[Xuberant]

For clarification, please state the year models of each trim that you are considering.

Looking at models between 2019-2021

 

[Xuberant]

Hey, I don't mean to jump down your throat here, but I need to point out some of the inaccuracies, because OP is looking for solid info. I, of course, could be wrong as well, so please correct me if I'm off anywhere.

As far as tech and luxury, the PROs don't differ that much from the TRD OR Premium trim -- the pleather and all that is available in other trims, including SR5 Premium. PRO has just one upgraded skid, and that's the front (engine) skid. The rest are all the same across the board. Crawl control and MTS is available on all with exception of SR5, so Trail/OR models get that. Same with rear locker - comes on the Trail/OR versions as well as the PRO (and I think Venture) SR5 is the one that doesn't have the locker as an option.

For the most part, the biggest difference with PRO vs the others is the upgraded OEM suspension. Better shocks with better valving, which gives you more control at higher speeds both on and off road. The PRO suspension is very good. The alium skid plate from the PRO can be bought for any trim for around $300 and installed very easily with no modifications needed.

In my opinion, PRO is awesome when left stock. You have a very capable rig with warranty and you don't have to deal with headaches of aftermarket parts in case something breaks -- just take to dealer and be done. If you are looking to modify, generally suspension is the first thing many people like to mod, so the PRO makes far less sense in this case, given the price premium you pay, ESPECIALLY in the current market where the markups on PROs are insane.

Save the 15-20 grand, buy the Trail/OR trims that have the rear locker and enjoy. This rig will be far more capable than you think and likely more capable than you are, and it will grow well with you as your skills grow. And if you want more out of it, you've got 15k left over in the bank to install mods that you may want later.

Thank you for the info!

Very helpful!

 

[Xuberant]

I know the Pro has dual climate control. Not sure if the SR5 premium or Trail premium have that as well? I thought they didn't?
It might not matter to certain people or the OP. Personally my wife and I used very different temperatures so this is a must have feature for me.

I don't know how much difference there is between these trims in terms of tech and lux, but I believe the Pro has everything the limited has except for ventilated seats and memory seats?

I dont think the Trail has dual climate control but...she can always put a blanket over her if I need to run the AC cold. lol

 

[mcleanross]

Choose function is impressive

I very much agree with what you've said....

I'm not sure what comes with it and what doesn't, but the my pro's multi terrain choose function is impressive. The capacity to crawl without using momentum decreases the likelihood of breaking something. I've taken mine down some fairly slick and narrow terrain (with drop offs) and it hasn't lost traction....tires, of course, assist.

 

[meltdown]

OP, I think any 4X4 version of the 4Runner will handle what you are looking for. However, it should be noted that the current “Trail” model is not the same as the older Trail edition. At some point, Toyota decided to rename the Trail to Off-Road. This causes a lot of confusion in threads like this. The newer Trail versions seem to be an SR5 with a few cosmetic upgrades and doesn’t have Crawl Control, MTS, or a rear locker. The Pro and Off-road trims will have all of these. I have an older Trail edition and the only difference between it and the Pro back then was the upgraded suspension.

Again, I think any 4X4 trim level will do what you want. If you think you need the off-road features,like Crawl Control, MTS, and rear locker, look at the Off Road trim level.

 

[MN_Pat]

Had the same debate in 2019. Here's how I got there

SR5 - will do what your describing. Quite capable once you get rid of stock Dunlop highway tires.

Off Road - the most important thing here is the rear locking differential that is added. It gets more gizmos like MTS and Crawl control but the locker is the one that matters. Decide if this matters to you. It's also better to have it and not need then the reverse.

Pro - same as Off Road, has the locker, MTS, and Crawl Control. It does have upgraded suspension but you don't need that for anything you've described. That's a lot of extra money I couldn't justify since it had the same 4wd features as the O.R.

For me I have deep snow and the rear locker was a requirement, so I went Off Road. Wanted the Softex pleather seats so then it became the Off Road Premium. Good luck in your search

 

[Apogee.TRD]

In my opinion, the only reason to get a Pro is if you really wanted one of the Pro only colors.

I would have been fine with an SR5, but I wanted the piece of mind of having a manual shift transfer case with the Off Road.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

Does the TRD Pro have full-time 4WD? I thought that was available only in the Limited

...
I don't know how much difference there is between these trims in terms of tech and lux, but I believe the Pro has everything the limited has except for ventilated seats and memory seats?

 

[MIKE969]

Unless you want a special PRO color or money is no object, get the TRD OFF ROAD. I’d go for premium to get softex and smart key system (2020+). 2021s have LED headlights and fog lights which are FAR superior to the halogens of the 2020 and previous model years.

Here’s the breakdown of the trims:

Limited: not ideal for anything other than dirt roads as bumpers and side skirts are lower to the ground. Quite capable, just more susceptible to trail damage.

SR5/2021 Trail Edition: capable off road but does not have a rear locker or crawl control/Multi terrain Select (MTS).

Trail (2010-2016), TRD off road (2017-2021) and Venture (2020-2021): Has crawl, MTS and most importantly a rear locker. As others said, it shouldn’t be required 99% of the time for the type of off roading you described but if you do need it, it can be the difference between continuing and turning back. KDSS is available and is a good option if you don’t plan to lift more than 2”.

PRO: same features as off road, but with upgraded shocks/springs/wheels/tires out of the box. Special exclusive Colors. Holds its value best, but most expensive to purchase by far especially these days.

 

[slowdawg84]

In my opinion, the only reason to get a Pro is if you really wanted one of the Pro only colors.

I would have been fine with an SR5, but I wanted the piece of mind of having a manual shift transfer case with the Off Road.

Pretty much my exact thoughts that led me to picking up an ORP in March. I personally feel like the Pro and OR are the same aside from color and price.

 

[MN_Pat]

Limited: not ideal for anything other than dirt roads as bumpers and side skirts are lower to the ground. Quite capable, just more susceptible to trail damage.

I think there is one scenario in town where the Limited is superior to the others. When you have constant changes in traction from slippery to dry. Letting the vehicle auto-magically decide when to transfer power as opposed to manual shifting in and out, in and out, in and out of 2ed aka rear wheel drive.

Ex. Winter commute to work. Side streets need 4wd, main street maybe, maybe not, freeway needs 2wd, off free way back into 4wd.

If you don't live in snow country, disregard.

 

[Drobs]

Hello!

Was hoping to get some personal advice prior to making a purchase.

If I plan to do more "off road" like off the beaten path but not to the extreme of needing rock crawling features, would the trail edition 4x4 be sufficient enough?

I want the ability to be able to cross streams, rivers, uneven terrain(not large rocks/boulders) etc during my camping trips. There is about a 15-20k difference in price and from what I read, it seems the trail edition 4x4 has everything I need but seeing as I am new to 4runners, would really appreciate first hand experience from the 4runner family.

Thank you!

A 4x4 Off Road, Off Road Premium, or Venture would be my recommendation. I'm off road almost every weekend and use my locking rear differential all the time.

The current Trail model is a SR5, which doesn't have the locking rear differential.

You really want a locker for water crossings as there is the potential for hidden obstacles under the water. The rear locker allows me to slowly crawl over obstacles vs using momentum that can break things.

Jump to 15 minutes in this video of mine.
The Greer Family Wrangler Rubicon Takes on Glade Top Trail - YouTube

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ahead of me struggles in a rock climb. He has 2 things going against him. 1. He didn't have his lockers turned on. 2. The short wheel base. He made it over, it just wasn't pretty.

I had no problem going slow over that same section with my locking rear differential engaged and my longer wheelbase.

Edited to add. There is a $2k-$3k difference in price between the Trail and the Off Road. Get the Off Road.

 

[MIKE969]

I think there is one scenario in town where the Limited is superior to the others. When you have constant changes in traction from slippery to dry. Letting the vehicle auto-magically decide when to transfer power as opposed to manual shifting in and out, in and out, in and out of 2ed aka rear wheel drive.

Ex. Winter commute to work. Side streets need 4wd, main street maybe, maybe not, freeway needs 2wd, off free way back into 4wd.

If you don't live in snow country, disregard.

Absolutely true. I live in Canada and wish my TRDORP had the limited’s AWD setup but paired with the crawl/mts and rear locker TRDOR setup.