Which 4Runner?

[win9x23]

Looking at buying a 2011 or maybe 2012) 4Runner for my wife. I like the Trail but we took a ride in a Limited (no Trails with KDSS/Nav within 200 miles of here) and my wife really likes it. Nice and high, very comfortable, really roomy, great seating position. But I want something really good in the snow and to a lesser extent off road. The Limited comes only with 20" tires and I looked on Tire Rack and there are no "All Terrain" or anything close available in that size. Just High Performance road tires or snow tires. My experience with SUV's is that a good AT tire makes a world of difference in snow or off road compared to any highway tire. So I'm wondering why I'm paying all this money for all the truck/off road features when I'll be riding around on highway tires?

Am I right?

BTW how are the seats in the Trail? Better than the SR5 seats? How do they compare to the Limited Seats?

Thanks!

 

[Sells]

The Limited has all wheel drive so it will do good in the snow, as for the wheel thing why not just get a whole different set of wheels and tires for the winter/off roading, just an idea I know another guy who does that. As for the seats, I have a trail with cloth seats, they might not be as comfortable as the leather but, I have taken many road trips and they are pretty good in my opinion.

 

[vastyle]

The limited and SR5 are all wheels drive aren't they?

 

[Jtraskell]

The limited and SR5 are all wheels drive aren't they?

No, only the Limited is an "All Wheel" drive. SR5 is a normal "part time" 4 wheel drive.

 

[Barry694]

Limited/SR5

The SR5 is part time 4WD. Which means you have to manually shift into 4 hi when traveling under 50 mph and you should not run on dry roads if any turns are to be made. Should really only be used when the wheels are slipping, but when needed in snow or off road they will generally get you where you need to go with little problem.

 

[Alt Freak]

Since it's for your wife I would go for the Limited. It will be nice and comfortable, and be fulltime 4WD for the snow.

 

[ShaggyTDawg]

I just got a 2011 trail. I test drove an SR5 and will say the seats are a bit stiffer in the trail. The fabric is water resistant, so it isn't as soft and padded feeling as the SR5.

Can't remember how I liked the limited seats. But the wife would probably appreciate the heated seats.

Overall I'd say get the limited as it's easier to use in all non-off road conditions and will be more comfortable for the wife.

Trail is a boy's toy for sure. Lots of buttons that shouldn't be touched unless you know what you're doing. Someone who doesn't understand a part time 4x4 could have trouble when it's needed.

Good luck on your purchase!

 

[scanny]

So I'm wondering why I'm paying all this money for all the truck/off road features when I'll be riding around on highway tires?
Thanks!

If I bought Limited I would replace wheels with wheels of Trail or SR5 and would get AT tires.

 

[Qjake]

If you're not gonna be doing alot of off road then i would go with the limited. I'm a mall crawler too and chose the limited and am really liking it!!

There are lots of choices for an A/T tire for the Limited just not in the factory size of 245/60r20. You can start by looking HERE. Also try using the search function although its a bit iffy on this forum :ybrick:

I too was unimpressed with the factory tires and had these put on just yesterday, they are Nitto Crosstek's in 275/55r20 the ride is nice and the look even nicer.

Best of luck with whatever you choose! :bigok:

:roadkill:

 

[Gasdoc]

I have a Limited and had the same concerns about the 20in rims. I ended up trading someone for their SR5 rims. In my opinion the SR5 rims look much better and ride smoother as well.

If you end up getting the limited just post on this website that you want to trade rims and you should be rid of them in about a week. There are always guys here that want to trade for the 20s.

The Limited has many features that the SR5 and trail do not: Full time 4WD, dual control AC, keyless entry, push button start, much better stereo system. I really enjoy my rig, especially once I dumped the pimp rims. You can't go wrong with the Limited.