Noob trying to decide on a model

[sanitylost]

I've recently begun searching for a new car that will better fit my outdoor lifestyle (camping, snowboarding, and rock climbing). Reliability, a lot of space, and the ability to comfortably drive off concrete are critical. I also decided to get something that would allow me to start going off-roading, something I've always wanted to get into. I will be coming in as a 100% noob, knowing absolutely nothing. To add, I also know very little about cars.

Looking at various trucks/SUVs I landed on the 4Runner, it fits the bill and is reliable. Mostly, I really love how they look, particularly the PRO and Trailhunter models, especially the unique colors they come in. Doing my research I've come to understand the SR5 or ORP would be more than enough to fit my needs, I know I'll likely never use the bells and whistles on the more expensive models. The problem is I don't get as much enjoyment from the affordable ones, I really love the look of the Pro/Trailhunter. Thats one of the biggest sales to me for this car and money is not an issue.

Whats the best option between the PRO and Trailhunter to fit my needs? Alternatively, if I instead went with the SR5/ORP, would it be possible to upgrade their various bits to look like the PRO/Trialhunter both in color and body? Would that even be worth the initial savings?

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[AJ123]

I went with the TRD ORP and it's set to arrive by the end of the month! Get a TRD ORP and build your build to be even greater than the PRO.

 

[Glutton4Toyota]

I had two TRD ORP in the 5th gen, I think it's a great choice for what you want to have it for and it holds its value well. The Softex is durable and ORP trim gets you a good assortment of features. Non-hybrid would be a smart choice, no need for the hybrid imo.

 

[shine]

I'm looking for a Trailhunter for a couple of reasons, not sure if they are important to you.

1) The Trailhunter and TRD Pro have features not available nor easily upgradable on the less expensive trims. This includes the disconnectable front sway bar and more soft touch interior bits. I also happen to like the interior color of the Trailhunter better.

2) If I was getting an Off Road Premium I would still be upgrading the wheels and tires, adding skid plates, rock sliders, a roof rack, improved suspension, and a compressor. I'd skip the snorkel... By the time I'm done with all these upgrades I would likely have spent more than the cost of the Trailhunter and I still wouldn't have the unique items listed in the first bullet above.

After all this is said, finding an Trailhunter in the Everest color without a bunch of port and dealer add-ons that I don't want is hard. I've been seriously looking for the last two months, and I'm starting to doubt I'll find one before the end of the year.

 

[Nodak]

1. the price diff between the models you are looking at is pretty huge, around 10-15k differential depending on FIO/PIO addon's

i mean you are looking at a 70k+ vehicle in the TRD Pro and TH vs say a ORP that is around 10-15k less and its even worse on a SR5, you can get a SR5 around 45k if you really want to skimp

but the best part of a SR5, its pretty bare and you can built them up to be a dam good off road beast if you want to spend your money correctly on the correct off road bits vs buying a tamed TRD Pro/TH mainstream turn key turn solution.

it just depends how much effort and money you want to dish out, up front or over time (SR5)

on the TRD Pro and TH, you may have to rip some stuff out to get there where you want to be depending on the level you want to upgrade to, thats where going the SR5 route is cheaper

its just a matter of effort on your part and how far down the rabbit hole you want to go

 

[MikeD]

I'm really enjoying my TRD ORP (hybrid). But with all the mods I've made I would have been better going with the Pro or T-Hunter. I didn't think I'd suddenly be so into off-roading but it happened... so now I'm looking for rock rails and integrated compressor - both things that are included on the T-Hunter.
OTOH, I (and wife and daughter) really like the Heritage Blue - not available in the Pro or T-hunter this year. If you think you might, like me turn into an off-roading fanatic, the observations from Shine above are spot on.
What I really want now is all the T-hunter features (rock rails, full steel skids, old man emu's, etc. - except snorkel) with the Pro black accents (wheels, etc.) in Heritage Blue. Was thinking I'd be keeping this car virtually the rest of my life (had my 2003 Sequoia for almost 23 years and I'm 63:>) but my daughter will be in the market for a 4Runner in a few years so maybe I hand it down and by then Toyota has my perfectly appointed Trailhunter...

 

[fur_runner]

The difference is the snorkel, do you really want one? If you do, you need to buy a TH. But look at all the threads on here of ppl complaining about it

The roof rack, suspension, and grill are all available post sale. The snorkel requires a different quarter panel, so just make up your mind on that one thing, and let it guide your decision

 

[6thGen1419]

My opinion, save some money and get the Off Road ... unless you think you'll need sway bar disconnect or adjustable shocks, since ORP doesn't have those. You can always add beefier skid plates to the ORP if you want.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Well for me personally I went with the TRD off road orp non-hybrid. I particularly like that model because it offers you the option between the two drivetrains.

The other high end models are very nice but significantly more which put financing and taxes over the top for me was not realistic.

With my 5th gen once the shocks and struts get a little use on them I switched them to a Bilstein leveling kit and increased the aspect ratio on the tires. I will most likely do the same for the 6th gen.

My focus has always been on drivetrain usability first before I accessorize the hell out of it.
Just my two cents

 

[bakutheleo]

I got the ORP hybrid, very happy with it. After reading comments about the snorkel, I'd avoid that model outright--don't need it (just replace the air intake filter a little more often if you really get that much dust). The sway bar disconnect might be nice, but for me not critical. I do not want to go hard-core rock crawling, just get off the beaten path. The ORP (or Pro) are more than capable for that. Mine came with the aux switches (which I happened to want). I have ditch lights to install, but that is about it for now.

 

[Everybodyduck]

I've recently begun searching for a new car that will better fit my outdoor lifestyle (camping, snowboarding, and rock climbing). Reliability, a lot of space, and the ability to comfortably drive off concrete are critical. I also decided to get something that would allow me to start going off-roading, something I've always wanted to get into. I will be coming in as a 100% noob, knowing absolutely nothing. To add, I also know very little about cars.

Looking at various trucks/SUVs I landed on the 4Runner, it fits the bill and is reliable. Mostly, I really love how they look, particularly the PRO and Trailhunter models, especially the unique colors they come in. Doing my research I've come to understand the SR5 or ORP would be more than enough to fit my needs, I know I'll likely never use the bells and whistles on the more expensive models. The problem is I don't get as much enjoyment from the affordable ones, I really love the look of the Pro/Trailhunter. Thats one of the biggest sales to me for this car and money is not an issue.

Whats the best option between the PRO and Trailhunter to fit my needs? Alternatively, if I instead went with the SR5/ORP, would it be possible to upgrade their various bits to look like the PRO/Trialhunter both in color and body? Would that even be worth the initial savings?

There are different features that only certain trims have. For example, one of the reasons I went with the Platinum trim is the all-time 4WD that is not available in the Pro or TH. I want 4WD on wet roads, something a 2WD can't give, and a Pro or TH in 4WD can't accommodate.

All trims are capable of going off-road; the question is how off-road you want to go. All things considered, you might find the ORP to be your sweet spot.

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