Offering TRD colors dilutes exclusiveness

Interesting observations and opinions. As mentioned I have owned various TRD pros in both the FJ and 4 Runner. The color of the year was always exciting and the exclusive aspect kept the TRD more unique if choosing the limited colors.

I think they are watering down the TRD line up with additional models not only within the 4 runner line up but also on trucks like the sequoia, plus allowing colors to bleed into the Trail model.

Toyota seemed to more or less keep the TRD more exclusive which i preferred and I personally like the TRD performance over other models. I feel a bit ripped off at this point paying over 50k for a truck I once bought for under 40k.

While the upgrades are long overdue and nice, they aren’t mind blowing. I think my days of owning a TRD might not make sense anymore but let’s see what is to come

 

I really couldn't care less about the Pro package (or TT version of the FJ Cruiser), or the exclusive colors for each. Those versions always seemed to be just a fraction above other versions available, and several fractions below what I wanted in a truck. The exclusive colors weren't a selling point to me, especially after the dealers added on their markup on the Pro/TT version. So, I have a 2019 that is better built than a Pro, in a color I like better than the exclusive Pro colors, and I paid much less than the Pro. I'm a happy camper. That may change if they ever offer a Runner in mustard yellow though.

 

When you're saying TRD, do you mean PRO?

The TRD off-road trims have been around longer than the PRO, so that's nothing new.

What IS weird to me is offering a TRD PRO trim on the RAV-4. how long before we see a Sienna TRD PRO?

As far as the colors, they are still exclusive on the years they are released.

This thread really illustrates that the PRO is (or, at least has been in the past) more of an appearance package than anything else. I wonder if people would be this upset if they began offering Fox 2.0's on the off-road and SR5?

 

I asked once and got told that it is possible but very expensive and labor intensive.

 

Is the joke? You can’t water down water, and TRD = water.

Toyota literally rebadged a Chevy Cavalier and sold it as a Toyota Cavalier, and then they put out a limited production TRD version which was the same thing but with a wing and body kit.

TRD as a whole is a joke, it always has been, it always will be.

 

Alternative take, offering cool colors on the rest of the line up makes the 4runner more appealing overall

 

When was this?

I'm pretty familiar with Toyota and Chevrolet's collaborations (80's Nova/Corolla, Prism/Corolla, etc), but never heard of that.

EDIT: I see. Japanese market. Failure.

I guess I learned something today.

Toyota did make upgrades to the Cavalier, even though it was produced by GM. They did it as a favor to GM, but it didn't meet the standards if Japanese buyers.

 

I do agree that some of the models have been pretty cheesy. But, the off-road includes some real upgrades. I guess the "off-road" title carries more weight than the "TRD" badge.

 

It does have some nice upgrades, I absolutely agree, it was perfectly fine as the “Trail”. They didn’t change anything about the vehicle when it was renamed to include TRD. They didn’t add anything to the Trail that could even be confused for having the slightest relation to anything “Racing Development” to warrant it becoming a “TRD” model. They did it because the TRD tax is real and it’s an easy money grab.

 

But bros, the new Trail comes with a matching cooler!!!!

AND IT SAYS "TOYOTA" ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In all seriousness, if exclusivity is what you're after in a vehicle, I think you bought the wrong one.

 

I sort of agree. But, the off-road is only $2090 more than an SR5. The locker and crawl modes justify the difference in price, IMO. It's not really a "money grab" if the price comes with actual upgrades.

 

Completely agree that’s worth $2090. No doubt about it.

 

Not from base SR5 to Off Road, from original Trail to TRD Offroad.

Again it’s a fine vehicle, they just didn’t do anything to the Trail to justify the name change associating it with Toyota Racing Development.

 

Oh, yeah. I agree they're the same trim. I don't see anything wrong with the TRD badge, though.

The "off-road" package on the Tacoma has had TRD badging from the beginning. I don't really understand why the trail didn't. Maybe it would have made more sense if the Trail had been badged as TRD off-road all along.

It's not like the price jumped when they swapped the "Trail" out for the "off-road."

The only "TRD tax" I really see is with the Pro trims. Although, the newer versions are adding more value for the markup.

 

I don't understand the "exclusiveness" argument. After all, these are functional working trucks, not bling jewelry.

The more flexibility we can have for color choice as well as basic configuration (such as the Off Road if that's where you like or need to go) the better. Adding suspension is something a lot of us like to do, rather than buy as a package.

Not being able to have KDSS on a PRO invalidates to me the argument that the PRO is the ultimate in terms of functionality.

 

For the love of god.....it's a Toyota.

Comparison is the death of joy. Enjoy your truck.

 

I can’t take this bickering anymore!! Time to sell. LOL!!

 

I remember hearing somebody sum up Toyota as “If the color beige built cars” lol

 

Describing yourself as a 'serial TRD owner', in this case is a bit misleading. I'm thinking you mean serial PRO owner. The distinction is important, as some may not know if you are referring to the PRO, or the TRD Off Road. Also, some like to refer to the PRO as an ORP, which is also confusing, as ORP usually refers to the Off Road Premium...not that this has anything to do with your dismay over PRO colors subsequently being offered on lesser models, however, just thought I would mention it...

Who knows...considering the Toyota downgrade of the Trail name, maybe the PRO will be a glitzed up SR5 with a fancier roof rack and some stickers in a couple of years.

 

Lol!

 

I didn't read all of the posts.

But assuming this is about PRO owners being butt hurt they are not special anymore? Just because of color.

 

They also offer the Pro in White, Black, and Grey. That doesn't seem very exclusive.

 

I think the 2019 Pro owners are safe. I doubt Toyota is going to release that Voodoo Blue to the lower class trims.
It looks nice, I just wouldn't want to own a vehicle in that color.

 

Too late not so safe.

https://www.servco.com/news/industr...y-with-special-edition-toyota-lexus-vehicles/

You will see tons down here in Hawaii.

 

That article is from 2019. Are there 2020 and 2021 Voodoo Blue 4Runners driving around Hawaii?

 

No it was a one year thing.

But you do see them rolling around.

 

Jeeez. I bet we are all fun at parties.

 

And I’m sitting here wishing they offered the TRD Off Road in army green and cement. They’d sell an absolute boatload of them. I’m wondering if this will happen next year, on the final run of the 5th gen.

Toyota’s priority is shareholder compensation, as it should be. It’s not complicated. So, I’d imagine that’s what drives these marketing decisions.

This conversation reminds me of when they started putting the TRD Toyota racing development stickers on the bed sides of the Tacoma’s. Toyota made *millions* with those five cent stickers (and a few extra parts). A very successful marketing campaign. And it’s still working today. Genius? Nope. Smart? Yep.

 

I'd have to jump on the cement boat.

 

+1. I saw a cement Pro at a dealership shortly after buying my Tacoma in 2017 and really liked it! That was one of the first times I started wondering why I went from 4runner to Tacoma.