WHICH 2016 4RUNNER MODEL SHOULD I BUY? Pro or Limited?

Hi folks,
In the process of deciding on which 2016 4Runner model to purchase. Leaning towards the 4Runner TRD PRO however also considering the Limited Edition (however not liking the fake wood interior accent nor the silver exterior accents).

Really like the looks and suspension / off road capabilities of the Pro. However interested in getting your feedback insights re the PRO' on road performance. Currently very much enjoy my 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock 6 speed. Only issue I have is when traveling on freeways anywhere greater than 65 mph there is the annoying road noise (with the hard top) ..especially when road wind hits the non-aerodynamic windshield and body of the jeep.
Question I have is: What is the Pro' performance on road, e.g., freeway driving? Some recent reviews I read / watched on youtube say its built mainly for off road use / not on road driving. Unsure what this means...is it noise?, poor ride quality, bumpy, etc?

Or should I be leaning towards the Limited instead since other reviews state it is more intended for on road and will by far be a more comfortable on-road ride due to the larger 20" road tires and the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

Any insights are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

 

How about a Trail Premium.. My Trail Premium gets better gas mileage then my friends TRD PRO and it has KDSS.. Oh, and it's cheaper!

 

Thanks for the reply. How is the ride? and how much less expensive?

 

I would second that my trail is smooth when you want it and handles off road like a champ. Best of both worlds.

 

Appreciate if anyone who owns 4Runner Pro TRD could chime in on the on road comfort / ride quality. Thanks very much. Best, Chops.

 

I was leaning towards the PRO initially, but decided on the trail premium since I was going to swap out suspension anyway...plus it saved me some coin.
I second what everyone else says about the ride, nice and smooth.

 

Thanks....anyone w/ the Trail test the Pro on road for ride comfort?

 

My friends seems ok, but never really been on a "trip".. Mine is very comfortable.. Had about a 3 hour drive the day I got it.. My used one I got for 36,000.. It's a 2015, had 14K on it. Thing is in mint condition..

 

I usually just view these forums but felt you needed an answer from somebody with a TRD. Having lived with a Jeep TJ for 15 years I moved to the 4Runner for the space needed with a family. I miss no top and doors in nice weather however. I am surprised you considered the Wrangler if the wind noise is a concern. I am also surprised you were not flamed here for liking the Jeep. In my opinion, the TRD is a fine daily driver. Yes the KDSS on the TP handles better and controls roll much better but the TRD is by no means unpleasant. I know as I have driven each and went with the TRD. The AT tires and soft suspension of the TRD lend itself to the lower mileage and lesser handling--anybody who finds this unacceptable should not be buying one. If you are aggressive with the loud pedal then I suggest the Limited or Trail with KDSS. The Limited is certainly easier over the road and some of the amenities make it more "luxury" oriented though I think all the interior options on the Limited should be available on any of the models. I drive the TRD every day and really like it.
Now to be honest I do have some gripes: seats could be more comfortable (but I am getting on in years), sheet metal is incredibly weak (you will get dings in no time and the hood will vibrate--especially so in high wind), no sunroof in the TRD is absurd for the price (not sure what Toyota is thinking here but the TP takes care of that), and Toyota needs to offer all of the interior options available on the Limited in all models (I would have paid for the memory drivers seat, leather, and a better stereo).
Some will tell you to save your money and add after market pieces to the TP. I say get what you like. There seems to be a fair amount of scorn for getting a TRD over the other models even though the Limited is more "coin" and by the time you add KDSS to a TP it is near the TRD price range (not to mention all the after market add-ons people suggest). I think I saw a remark on one of these forums that suggested people who buy the TRD are uppity and bratty --or something ridiculous like that.
I really don't think you can go wrong with any wrong with any of the 4Runners as a driver---just be prepared to feed it.

 

Hi Dave,
Thanks very much for taking the time to write your comprehensive and informative reply. My biggest concern was buying the TRD then finding it wasn't comfortable for highway / on-road / long distance driving. I am recently retired and often spending my time traveling / towing my 1000 lb. 17' skiff to various destinations to fly fish for both fresh and salt water fish. Meaning, local waters, anywhere between, e.g., 30 to 60 minutes away from home and also traveling long distances, e.g., between 3 hours and up to 12 to 15, e.g., Upper Michigan, Canada, and a multi-day drive out west, e.g, rivers in Colorado ~ once per year. Off road capability is especially needed for getting into locations to gain access to remote bodies of water and camping facilities; e.g., rivers, streams, lakes, marshes, etc. not having ordinary paved roads, boat launches / parking areas. Appreciate if you could provide further detail re: your comment re: "lesser handling" and what your averaging for MPG. Still leaning towards the TRD Pro vs. the Limited (not keen on the fake wood accent, brite plastic exterior accents, all wheel drive) or Trail Premium w/ KDSS (unless it would be better for long distance traveling). Thanks again and appreciate any further insights re: my intended use of the Pro.
Best,
Chops

 

I felt the kdss made the steering feel tighter and the suspension more in control. If going with the Trail it would be a nice option to have. This is what I meant by the pro having lesser handling. However I also think the nittos on the Pro are part of the problem. I did not feel it affected the ride either way in terms of harshness--I think they all rode nicely. The seats seemed softer in the leather trim. The street rubber and 20s on the limited on the other hand actually seemed rougher to me. Anybody with original rubber on the Trail would probably get negligible mileage gains. No matter the package you go with mileage is not something to factor in--these are thirsty vehicles. Though I suspect better than your jeep. I get around 17/18 mpg and I am easy on the throttle. I'm not a fan of the limited exterior and the trim you mentioned. If you look through these forums you will see many off-road though usually with some mods. I think the pro would fit your needs but so would the others. I think with towing any of them would benefit from a rear suspension mod like air bags but that is just my opinion. I have a 6x8 utility trailer that I use and it will sag some depending on the load but I don't tow all that often so it doesn't bother me. Again get the one you really like best.

 

Thanks again for the reply. Based on your inputs appears Pro will be the way to go for me.

 

Wow, I have been in the exact same boat as you...Trail Premium, TRD or Limited. Same exact concerns as you regarding the Limited...I call it "wood crap" and it just looks too "street". Therefore decision between the TP and TRD and I really liked the front grill of the TRD and black wheels is what I would go with anyway. So, boiled down to TRD having 1.5" lift, more acceptable wheels / tires and the TRD specific grill it seemed to me I would be spending less than TP with mods BUT the TRD is about $3K more but quick spreadsheet for lift / wheels / tires I was hitting the 6-7K range very quickly. I am not looking to build anything aggressive; just a capable vehicle with good street manners as I often find myself wondering down the road less traveled.

Also, our youngest is 12 and we like to buy their first car about 4 years before they get it...the 4Runner is what Bella and I agreed on since I drive the first 4 years and she gets it when turning 16. She did not care which model but agreed the TRD grill was better than TP and we both agreed on the color.

I am a bit confused on the HomeLink as the brochure states TRD also adds HomeLink over TP but I have no confirmation and HomeLink seems so basic all models should have it.

I had no idea the TRD models were such limited production numbers and such high demand though. Went to largest dealer in our state and they next two in grey are already sold. So we put down our deposit and should have the one showing up in July!

Also, above it appears to be said the TRD does not have the KDSS but according to the Toyota site KDSS is standard on the TRD? Am I missing something?

 

Congratulations....KDSS is not available w/ Pro. What color did you select?

 

Ha, you are right...when I was looking at the standard equipment on KDSS I was looking at the row above not below! LOL!

We selected the grey...magnetic or something like that is the name.

 

Yep...confusing web site.

 

2016 Toyota 4Runner TRD-Pro Review: The FJ40 of the 21st Century

• Justin Lloyd-Miller

• May 25, 2016

http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/2016-toyota-4runner-trd-pro-review.html/?a=viewall

 

You might like this comparison also...
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/toyota/toyota-4runner-trd-pro-vs-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-ar165630.html

 

According to the article by Jutin-Lloyd-Miller:
"If you’re in the market for a 4Runner, buy the TRD-Pro if you know you’ll use it for its intended purpose. If you like it for the “TOYOTA” badge and the high ride height, but it’ll spend most of its life in mall parking lots, don’t bother. But don’t test drive the TRD-Pro first — it’ll make your decision that much harder."

?Safe to say the reference isnt towards on-road ride quality (still good / comfortable) but rather saying PRO buyer is spending extra money for off-road features and capabilities that would go unused?

 

I would agree...that is what the article is saying. Don't pay for features you will not use...BUT, the larger tires and taller ride height have to affect MPG and on road manners (cornering, braking, accelerating, etc.)...but to what degree I could not tell you. Possibly quite minuscule b/c it is not that much of a difference over stock and I would assume .5-1 MPG less.

We test drove a Limited and a TRD and there was some difference with how "stiff" the suspensions felt but I really could not tell that much of a difference to affect my purchase decision for a daily driver.

 

Thanks for the reply. Very good to know. Just want to make sure I dont buy another noisey Jeep like ride for long distance driving, (even with hard top - wind makes loads of noise when it hits directly againgst the windshield).

 

Yea, the link above where they compare the TRD and Sahara talks about the Jeeps wind noise and compares it to the TRD cabin...I think that article is right up your alley. I assume you are not in a position where you can go and test drive?

Does anyone get on this forum? Does not seem like a lot of people...maybe a much smaller 4Runner crowd.

 

I was lucky the day I went to the dealership to look at the 4RUNNERS a guy that had put down a deposit on a TRD that came in change his mind and got a Tundra. I test drove the TP and the TRD ended up with the TRD. I had a Tacoma TRD Sport which I had put a lift, rims and tires and spent crazy cash on those mods. I knew I wanted the TRD grill and rims and I would put a lift also so it didn't make sense to purchase the TP over the TRD. KDSS and a sunroof weren't a deal breaker for me and I'm happy with my TRD, both are good vehicle you can't go wrong either way!

 

I bought my 16 TRD Pro about a month ago. Ive taken it on one road trip so far, and numerous times off road. I have to say I've never been more impressed with a vehicle in my life. On road it is so smooth. its quiet, handles well, and plenty of engine to climb the steepest of roads even loaded down with my trailer and quads (about 2000 pounds). Im averaging about 21 MPG right now. Off Road.. Off road is wow. You get those shocks dialed in right and this thing chews up and spits out everything you put in front of it. And all the bells and whistles the TRD Pro comes with makes me feel bad for having such vanity. A very impressive machine. The only thing I foresee swapping on it is the Nitto tires with some BFG AT KO2's. Thats just preference though.

 

Thanks for the comment re: on road smoothness, quiet and handling. As described above I travel far distances / various destinations to fly fish in remote locations. Hence the need for a comfortable on-road ride and great off road abilities.

 

TRD PRO is the only way to go. I have one and the ride is smooth and comfortable.

 

Thanks very much for the post.

 

I am very impatiently awaiting the arrival of my trd pro , I almost bought a limited because I wanted the jbl audio but I'm not a big fan of full time 4x4 , with the extra wear on parts and tires .
If they made a limited with a part time transfer case it might be tempting.