Which 2017 Toyota 4Runner is Right for You?

Did you know that the 2017 Toyota 4Runner has two different types of trims? Sure, they can all tow, but ones specifically made for comfort while the other has accents that set it apart. This guide explains it all.

The 2017 Toyota 4Runner is an old-school, truck-like, mid-size SUV in a world where the car-like crossover is a lot more common. It’s great for off-roading, and it definitely makes a statement. But you have a lot of options about what kind of statement you want to make. This detailed guide explains what’s lacking and what’s included for each Toyota 4Runner.

SR5

The SR5 is the least expensive 4Runner, with a starting MSRP of $34,210. It has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that gets up to 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The default vehicle is a 4×2, but an AWD version is available. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It comes equipped with integrated fog lights, 17-inch wheels, aerodynamic windshield wipers, skid plates, and front and rear mudguards.

Drivers will immediately notice the well-appointed audio system. Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation includes eight speakers, a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, auxiliary audio jack, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and traffic and weather alerts for major metro areas. The 4Runner SR5 has a 40/20/40 split folding second seat, and an optional 50/50 split third-row seat. If you’re going to be reliably toting a lot of people, you might want to consider the extra seating, which bumps passenger capacity from 5 to 7.

Unfortunately, the 4Runner is one of the few models that doesn’t offer Toyota Safety Sense. Instead, it has a Star Safety System, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology.

SR5 Premium

The SR5 Premium raises the price to $36,040 and adds some notable features when compared to the base SR5. On the exterior, the SR5 Premium includes heated, power outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators.

The entertainment system also upgrades to include Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. This means that an additional system isn’t necessary to access navigation and HD radio is added in addition to the regular Entune features. Additionally, the seats are trimmed with SofTex, instead of fabric, if that’s your thing.

TRD Off-Road

The TRD Off-Road starts at $37,335 and is only available as a 4×4, giving drivers more control when they need it. The engine doesn’t change with the TRD, giving it similar fuel economy to the SR5 – 17/20 instead of 17/21. Even though the TRD Off-Road specializes in…well, going off road. That means that not every feature carries over from the SR5 Premium.

The exterior includes a TRD Off-Road badge, and the body has been reworked some for better ground clearance. The interior loses the Entune Premium Audio in exchange for more basic package from the regular old SR5. The better audio package is available at an added cost. You gain more than you lose, though. The TRD Off-Road has power front seats, a TRD shift knob, and TRD floor mats. More substantially, it has “Crawl Control,” designed to handle acceleration and braking on difficult terrain at low speeds, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

TRD Off-Road Premium

After the features removed from the TRD Off-Road, it might be worth it to upgrade to the TRD Off-Road Premium to get these features back. This trim has a starting MSRP of $39,295. Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation returns, as well as Entune App Suite. The heated and power-adjustable front seating reappears. The SofTex-trimmed seats also stage a comeback. If you want the go-anywhere versatility of the TRD Off-Road but the amenities of the SR5 Premium, this is where you want to look.

TRD Pro

The TRD Pro, like the other TRDs, only comes in four-wheel-drive. It has a starting MSRP of $42,200. It includes black accents styled after the ones in the TRD Off-Road Premium. On the inside, the TRD Pro uses Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, similar to the SR5 Premium.  It also has special, accented floor mats. But the big concerns are performance related – like the Bilstein shocks with TRD-tuned springs.

Limited

The Limited starts at $42,525 and brings back the two-wheel-drive option from the SR5s. The exterior slightly changes to include chrome accents on the door handles, but the biggest change is the inclusion of a sliding moonroof with shade.

In the cabin of the Limited, dual-zone automatic climate control is added as well as Entune Premium JBL Audio. This incorporates 15 JBL GreenEdge speakers in nine locations, including a subwoofer and amplifier.

Other improvements include leather seating rather than cloth, making the Limited the most luxurious 4Runner on the list as the TRD Pro lacks this feature. The Limited has a Smart Key System with Push Button Start and front and rear parking sonar added for extra convenience. All in all, the Limited is made for comfort and safety.

(All facts and figures from Toyota. Image via Facebook.)