4Runner Comparisons

[RedX]

So I feel a little stupid asking this, but for some reason, the compare tool on the Toyota website does not seem to want to work for me and I am attempting to compare vehicles.
I have been looking at the different options for my next rig, and have almost settled on one. I am looking at either the Tacoma or 4Runner, now hold on a minute, before you start thinking "Oh great another truck to SUV comparison, use the search bar you a**hole" I am not looking for such answers. I am interested in both a truck and SUV, but I will end up purchasing them both, eventually, but for now I am interested in comparing 4Runner trims.
I am trying to figure out the difference between the Trail Premium edition and the TRD Pro. When looking at each on the website, they seem to be pretty much the same other than maybe some badging. I could be totally wrong here though. Also according to the website they seem to be about the same price, or at least within $1000 of each other. Granted I am not taking into account any BS dealer markup.

Thank you in advance for your feedback.
~Red

 

[Konkordmusk]

The Trail Premium comes with the KDSS suspension system, whereas the TRDPro does not, but it does have reservoir shocks (I think.)
The TRDPro also does not have a sunroof, but it does come in more color options that are not otherwise available.

 

[hayde89]

T4r.org

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/186247-5th-gen-features-models-differences.html

I would head over to the above link to get all the details needed. I am currently a Trail Premium owner. I can at least break down the TRD Pro and Trail edition and Trail Premium for you. Both trail models have the option for KDSS which is amazing. I would test drive a KDSS and Non KDSS back to back to see the difference. The trail premium comes with a sunroof, the fake leather and a couple other creature comforts. The TRD PRO is a trail edition with upgrade suspension 1 inch lift, TRD Pro badges, TRD skid plate, No sunroof, TRD Wheels, Nitto Grapplers, and is available in two normal colors and one special color only available on the TRD PRO. Hope that helps. For more details head on over to T4r from that link. Good luck

 

[Vettepilot427]

The Trail Premium and the TRD Pro models can be a little tough to find, especially here in the South. You may have better luck out West with the Trail/Trail Premium. I've been very pleased with my TRD Pro and I'm glad that I waited (I ordered mine) instead of buying a Trail Premium that my dealer located. The TRD Pro suspension is dialed in for a factory suspension, oversized Bilstein shocks (remote reservoir rear) and Eibach springs in the front. Very good ride overall, regardless of the road surface. According to TRD Pro engineers, the larger shocks allowed them to use a softer spring (compared to stock), so the daily driving ride quality is very good, unlike a lot of aftermarket suspension systems. The Nitto Trail Grapplers are a good tire also. A little dated and noisy (for an all-terrain), but still competent for reasonable off-road use and very good on-road handling and ride (I got better gas mileage with the stock Nittos than with my current BFGoodrich KO2's in the stock size).

TRD Pro also adds a TRD shifter knob and floormats, but the biggest difference in the package is the suspension and wheels and tires vs. the other Trail models. The oversized TRD Pro skidplate that comes with the package may or may not be functionally worthwhile, you can see it clearly and you may not like the looks of it. TRD Pro also has Pro-specific front grille area and TRD Pro emblems. The rear bumper may also be TRD Pro specific, but I'm not 100% sure.

The only issue is, it will be very difficult to find a dealer that has a TRD Pro and a Trail edition that you can test drive back-to-back. I drove a Limited and then ordered the TRD Pro.

TRD Pro package is also a good value IMHO. I couldn't add a comparable aftermarket suspension, wheels, and tires for the same price as the TRD Pro upgrade.

Here's a couple of suspension pics. The truck is completely stock except for the K9 Roof Rack.

 

[camodog]

Red-

What is the sole purpose of the 4Runner? If you are not going to modify the 4R at all then I would suggest the TRD. If you are going to make modifications to the suspension etc I would get the Trail Premium. (Just make sure you enjoy the lower headroom of the sunroof)

 

[bigdave75]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/186247-5th-gen-features-models-differences.html

I would head over to the above link to get all the details needed. I am currently a Trail Premium owner. I can at least break down the TRD Pro and Trail edition and Trail Premium for you. Both trail models have the option for KDSS which is amazing. I would test drive a KDSS and Non KDSS back to back to see the difference. The trail premium comes with a sunroof, the fake leather and a couple other creature comforts. The TRD PRO is a trail edition with upgrade suspension 1 inch lift, TRD Pro badges, TRD skid plate, No sunroof, TRD Wheels, Nitto Grapplers, and is available in two normal colors and one special color only available on the TRD PRO. Hope that helps. For more details head on over to T4r from that link. Good luck

There is all the information you will ever need on Toyota's at this site!

 

[jpachard]

I went through the same debate and ended up with the Trail Premium with KDSS since it makes a big difference if you plan on mounting a roof top tent. As far as the suspension goes, I was able to pick up the TRD Pro suspension from someone who had pulled it off their truck in order to upgrade(not sure why you would lift these trucks so much, they are super capable in stock form). The TRD Pro is definitely a little softer in front, the rear springs on the Trail Premium and Pro are identical but I got just the lift I wanted in front(`1"). If you do end up with a trail premuim and go the pro front shock route, you will need to raise the spring perch on the LH shock to the second position up in order to eliminate teh KDSS lean. Other than that, the truck rides great and I'm super happy with the premium plus I was able to get mine for ~4K off sticker wheras the pro's don't have any wiggle room in price, at least where I live.

Best of luck, they are fantastic trucks!

 

[RedX]

Thank you all for the input, I have a feeling I am going to go for the trail premium, it has more options for dickering the price down, and I wouldn't have to wait for it to be ordered. Now just to decide on getting the kdss it not. More forum searching to be done.


“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” –Henry David Thoreau
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[camodog]

I chose the kdss option and would never go back.
I never plan to turn my truck into a jacked up monster rock crawler though.
Drive them both and see which one is best for you.
+1 for kdss. It is our daily driver after all.

 

[RedX]

I have heard there are some issues with suspension upgrades with the kdss, if I put a lift in it would be minimal, maybe 2", I don't ever plan on doing anything crazier than most average trails. If I want to get back into anything extreme I figure my 72 blazer would be a good base for a rock crawler build.
I guess it would be possible there are kits that integrate with kdss, I just have not looked into it that far. Thinking more along the lines of recovery and protection to start then worry about the further upgrades after the important things are taken care of.


“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” –Henry David Thoreau
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jpachard]

I have heard there are some issues with suspension upgrades with the kdss, if I put a lift in it would be minimal, maybe 2", I don't ever plan on doing anything crazier than most average trails. If I want to get back into anything extreme I figure my 72 blazer would be a good base for a rock crawler build.
I guess it would be possible there are kits that integrate with kdss, I just have not looked into it that far. Thinking more along the lines of recovery and protection to start then worry about the further upgrades after the important things are taken care of.


“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” –Henry David Thoreau
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, for a 2" lift there will be no issue with KDSS. If you go more than 3" then yes but lifting above that height opens up a myriad of other issues that are non KDSS related anyway. Frankly, these trucks with the CRAWL control, are so capable as is. If your desire is to lift beyond 3" you bought the wrong truck, IMO.

 

[jpachard]

I have heard there are some issues with suspension upgrades with the kdss, if I put a lift in it would be minimal, maybe 2", I don't ever plan on doing anything crazier than most average trails. If I want to get back into anything extreme I figure my 72 blazer would be a good base for a rock crawler build.
I guess it would be possible there are kits that integrate with kdss, I just have not looked into it that far. Thinking more along the lines of recovery and protection to start then worry about the further upgrades after the important things are taken care of.


“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” –Henry David Thoreau
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, for a 2" lift there will be no issue with KDSS. If you go more than 3" then yes but lifting above that height opens up a myriad of other issues that are non KDSS related anyway. Frankly, these trucks with the CRAWL control, are so capable as is. If your desire is to lift beyond 3" you bought the wrong truck, IMO.