SR5 Premium or Basic TRD Off Road???

I don’t think you could go wrong with either of these trims

 

I think it really depends on what you are going to do with it, if you are planning on taking it offroad often or are planning on taking it on challenging terrain then I would go with the Base Off-Road, but if you are planning on using this as a daily driver then I would go for more interior goodies in the SR5 Premium.

 

Maybe true, but I bet those looking for a factory rear locker will be make them more motivated buyers because of that feature.

Of course, none of that will matter if the frame is rusted out or if the locker doesnt work anymore.

In the end, if you want resale value when buying a used 4runner, the condition of body and frame will be the most important thing. Unless the market stays like it is, then people will probably buy anything.

 

No sunroof here. With the tailgate window rolled down, and the rear door windows rolled down a few inches, it makes a really nice open but soft airflow (with no exhaust stink). The secret is cracking another window open (or the sunroof).

 

Yes! I sometimes drive with the rear window down when the weather is nice as well. It seems to help if you open the front windows first. You find that perfect balance and get a great breeze in there.

 

Agreed. Even though the manual shifter still relies on the ADD actuator, it’s much easier and cheaper to replace that, than it is to replace the actuator on the transfer case. The ADD actuator is within the reach of a DIY fix. As far as I understand, replacing the transfer case actuator requires the transfer case to be split to do it properly.

 

Yep that is what I did (as you know @Thatbassguy). No point in the “extras” if you do not plan on wheeling. However, if you do plan on wheeling don’t rely on Toyota engineering as they will charge a nice premium for those features and there are better options with 3rd party. Granted if you want your warranty stay with Toyota and pay the premium. I opted to ditch warranty for premium parts.

ARB Front and Rear locker with full skid and aftermarket suspension and still less than TRD pro for that stuff. Who needs MTS when all the wheels are going??? The other stuff I have starts adding things up quickly and while not a requirement you have a lot of options.

Oh and yeah SR5 Premium all the way. No stock TRD Pro will touch a SR5 that has been built. Anyways that is my 2 cents.

Enjoy the journey that we have all been on. Just get out there and have fun.

 

Man... I have learn so much about rear locker differential here than any other place, lol. I stumble upon this video and how easy it is to swap it over to a better option. Now I understand as to why so many people buy an SR5 to upgrade parts for way better options and cost efficient than what a TRD can offer etc.

https://youtu.be/ncZQrBjQ8SU

 

I’d say you would be happy with either one. Buying used I’d just look for the best deal that suits you.

 

Yup. MTS and Crawl Control, are cool features, and can be handy in some situations. But, the rear locker is the only thing that's ever gotten me out of a pickle. I'd trade MTS and Crawl for being triple locked any day.

 

The Toyota e-locker is a valuable factory option. Some people will never use it but it was an option I wanted on both my G1 Tacoma and G5 4runner. Yes you can add after market lockers but not something I was interested in for my needs.

My 20 year old G1 Tacoma still works great and the locker has kept me from getting stuck many times. Toyota resale value is crazy. Out of curiosity I looked what is being asked for my Tacoma and it's nuts.

One more point on resale is typically you do not gain anything with modifications. Yes sometimes the right buyer will love what you did and pay a premium. Usually stock will have the most interested buyers. Just my opinion I am sure others will disagree.

 

I am in Sun Valley ID and I use the heated seats daily in the winter, where are you located?

 

Are the heated seats just the lumbar (back) area or also the seat bottom?

 

Its the entire seat back and bottom.

 

Nice! I’m getting an ORP next week with heated seats and I’m looking forward to that feature.

 

I recently added the front seat risers per other users positive feedback. Big improvement in ride comfort especially on longer drives.

 

I went with the SR5 Premium in December because I wasn't a fan of the TRD stuff they put on and I was planning on lifting it and setting it up with parts I wanted so it just didn't make sense wasting the money on parts I would have to try selling in our local FB marketplace group. I do plan on adding a rear locker but for now it's nice that it has A-Trac if I need it. I can say the heated seats and steering wheel are the freakin' bomb! Not sure if they were offered features for the time frame the OP is looking at since he is looking used.

 

For me it would be a TRD for the wife to drive a SR5 premium.
Depends on what you want features or off road capabilities

 

Does the ORP have a heated steering wheel as a standard feature ? The heated seats are standard on ORP.

 

Im in Austin Texas and I use the heated seats like half the year, so for me the comforts are worth it more to me than the off-road goodies

 

In the 2023 model year it comes standard

 

Looks like an optional feature for USA models. Not sure about Canada if its standard or optional as USA models.

 

I wonder if is possible to swap over a heated steering wheel/switch to a non-equip 4R? Thats a nice feature to have for sure?

 

Yes that would be nice! My wife’s van has that feature and on cold mornings I wish I had it.

 

Only options mine had listed were the sunroof and floor mats but mine came with the heated steering wheel (and I'm in the US)

 

mainerunr, I hope you are correct. My ORP (arriving next Friday) does not have a heated steering wheel listed as an option but the Toyota spec sheet says it an option on ORP? Would be nice if it’s there anyway? I’ll find out in a week.

 

What matting is the Puppy standing on back there?

 

It is a rubber truck bed mat that I purchased from Amazon and cut to fit. I ordered it about two feet long so i have a piece laying on top that i pull out to cover the bumper when the dogs jump in.

 

I just picked up our sr5 premium. I would have loved an off road but no third row option. Not that we'll use the back seats much but at least there's an option for extra passengers...unlike the outback we came from.

As far a premium vs base I'm really happy we have the faux leather and big nav/entertainment screen. Makes it feel like you got a little luxury for your money.
Heated seats and steering wheel is a nice touch.