Wife Dilemma, SR5 or TRAL/PRO?

[Biznitch15]

Hey guys, I'm coming over from WallyWorld(TW). So this is the Dilemma.

The Wife wants the SR5 Because she wants the third row Seats. I want the Trail or the PRO. I know what you're going to ask "do you really need the Third row?"
Actually, 95% of the time, NO. The other 5% YES. Its the 5% that makes me want to swing her way too. We're a family of 5. The third row would be useful when my little Brother (12yrs old) wants to come along for camping trips(making 6 passengers), But the PRO or the trail won't let that happen.

The real question is, Do i lose much with the SR5 versus the Trail/PRO? The only thing i can think of is the E-Locker? My Taco doesn't have one, so i wouldn't miss having one because we haven't needed it. Are there other features i might be missing that are important? (no KDSS)

 

[bimrunner]

Hey guys, I'm coming over from WallyWorld(TW). So this is the Dilemma.

The Wife wants the SR5 Because she wants the third row Seats. I want the Trail or the PRO. I know what you're going to ask "do you really need the Third row?"
Actually, 95% of the time, NO. The other 5% YES. Its the 5% that makes me want to swing her way too. We're a family of 5. The third row would be useful when my little Brother (12yrs old) wants to come along for camping trips(making 6 passengers), But the PRO or the trail won't let that happen.

The real question is, Do i lose much with the SR5 versus the Trail/PRO? The only thing i can think of is the E-Locker? My Taco doesn't have one, so i wouldn't miss having one because we haven't needed it. Are there other features i might be missing that are important? (no KDSS)

Depends on what you value. I have a LE and use the 3rd row probably 5%-10% of the time. Even when we camp we take two rigs because we are spoiled and have a trailer and we don't all fit into the tow rig. That being said. I personally would argue that you aren't missing anything except some color choices, e-locker and crawl control. I found ways around all those things, but I think I may have modded mine a little bit more than I originally planned... I don't regret my decision. If you want, you can make the SR5 look identical to either. The paint, e-locker and crawl are the things you cannot add. I say they are minor. Keep the wife happy.imp:

 

[Engineer]

New wife?

Kidding aside, no you are not loosing anything by being in an SR5 at a lower base costs then the Trail or Pro. You can not get KDSS in the Pro, and it sounds like that isn't a deal breaker for you. My 2cents

*Get the SR5, keep the wife happy. Its much easier (IMHO) to upgrade a SR5 then to try and add 3rd row to a Trail/Pro

Drive it for a while, as you use it upgrade to your hearts desire. If you are going off road I would buy an air compressor to be able to air down your tires (well air them back up) and then more aggressive tires for peace of mind (also selling tires when still new gets the most cash out of them)

 

[KingPrat]

SR5 and Trail have the same exact approach/departure angles (33/26), ground clearance (9.6) and 4wd settings (2Hi 4Hi 4Lo).

E-Locker and CRAWL control on the Trail, (not available on SR5) and the 4wd selector is mechanical vs the dial in the SR5.


Once you hit 2014 MY the Trail isn't that much different than the SR5 in terms of trim/looks, save the blacked out rear valence and hood scoop.

If you need the 3rd row, then go SR5 IMO. That 5% of the time will turn into big "I told you so's" down the line...

 

[jhebert9]

Third Row Seat

I read somewhere on the forum that someone wanted a third seat in a Trail and another reader suggested a conversion kit. I don't know anything about that, but you may try a search on the forum for a conversion. If you do a of off-roading I would definitely recommend the Trail. The KDSS is awsome.

 

[JWaldz]

Buying new or used? If you want a little more luxury you can go with an SR5 Premium. Interior might be a little more suited for a family. I'm only coming up on 2 years of marriage but that's long enough to know to keep the wife happy as much as possible lol!

 

[n2advnture]

...I'm only coming up on 2 years of marriage but that's long enough to know to keep the wife happy as much as possible lol!

Listen to this wise man, he speaks the truth

(I've been married 21 years)

 

[Simpleman74]

I got the 3rd row cause the wife wanted it.... used it twice, got laid both times.... get the SR5

 

[JWaldz]

I got the 3rd row cause the wife wanted it.... used it twice, got laid both times.... get the SR5

But did you get laid on the 3rd row??? Thats the big question... :lmao:

 

[philsey]

...... That 5% of the time will turn into big "I told you so's" down the line...

This. Period.

 

[Biznitch15]

Im in this relationship too. LOL

What about the SR5 4wheel drive selector Vs the Manual Shift knob on the TRAIL/PRO?

 

[RyanEJ25]

I was with you a few months ago. I wanted the TRD Pro for CRAWL control and the locker but I use the 3rd row here and there. Its nice when I go out with friends and pile them in my car so they dont drink and drive and when Im driving around with family (least favorites go in the back lol). Im happy with the SR5 Premium and having only been out wheeling a few times I dont really miss Crawl or the Locker but those are my needs since I also have dedicated off road toys so I dont want to beat the 4Runner too much.

 

[Simpleman74]

But did you get laid on the 3rd row??? Thats the big question... :lmao:

have you been back there? physical impossible! lol

 

[Biznitch15]

I was with you a few months ago. I wanted the TRD Pro for CRAWL control and the locker but I use the 3rd row here and there. Its nice when I go out with friends and pile them in my car so they dont drink and drive and when Im driving around with family (least favorites go in the back lol). Im happy with the SR5 Premium and having only been out wheeling a few times I dont really miss Crawl or the Locker but those are my needs since I also have dedicated off road toys so I dont want to beat the 4Runner too much.

I feel you, I have a lifted 13 Tacoma that is my off-road toy. I just wanted something as capable as the Taco. But i am stubborn, I;ll take a good look at the SR5P. Here's a another thing. I also not in a Super Rush to buy A 4runner. I can wait if the 18's will be totally redesigned. (cross my fingers) But i totally love the current models except for power and MPG.

 

[Brandonium]

If 5% carries enough weight that it can sway the other 95% then perhaps you should swap those percentage values around to reflect their true value. :hello:

Hey guys, I'm coming over from WallyWorld(TW). So this is the Dilemma.

The Wife wants the SR5 Because she wants the third row Seats. I want the Trail or the PRO. I know what you're going to ask "do you really need the Third row?"
Actually, 95% of the time, NO. The other 5% YES. Its the 5% that makes me want to swing her way too. We're a family of 5. The third row would be useful when my little Brother (12yrs old) wants to come along for camping trips(making 6 passengers), But the PRO or the trail won't let that happen.

The real question is, Do i lose much with the SR5 versus the Trail/PRO? The only thing i can think of is the E-Locker? My Taco doesn't have one, so i wouldn't miss having one because we haven't needed it. Are there other features i might be missing that are important? (no KDSS)

 

[Seattle206]

Get SR5 so she can use it as the wifey/mommy/grocery mobile. When she lets you take it out for a short adventure just add ARB lockers. She wouldn't even know it.

 

[Engineer]

Im in this relationship too. LOL

What about the SR5 4wheel drive selector Vs the Manual Shift knob on the TRAIL/PRO?

It's the same family of transfer case and the internals are the same (same ratio, same strength, same case size etc.) only difference is one has an electric actuator bolted to it and the other doesn't. Both systems still have an electric actuator on the front axle disconnect (ADD)

I do love my lever though.....

 

[Cymon]

Same boat...Got SR5 Premium w/3rd row. Despite what others say, I have actually used it and find it really convenient the 10% of the time when necessary. I also have not gone anywhere yet that some decent off road driving knowledge and A-trac couldn't get me into or out of (even with stock tires).

 

[mikedege]

me2 Got the SR5 for the 3rd row. And we use it all the time. Some of the trails I have already been on prove to me how capable this SR5 is!!! FYI... I am a 2 time FJ cruiser owner, and this 4runner(even SR5) is an extremely capable vehicle.

Enjoy!!!
Mike

 

[4FL]

If you will need the third row, then get it.

In the grand scheme of things, the Trail, Pro, and SR5 are identical with minor differences.

Of course you cannot add KDSS for example, but you can mod it to give near or just as good road performance. You can get the grill, lift, tires to make it a Pro if you want.