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Interested in Intel on 2018 4runner models....which is best

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by creekstone12, Jan 18, 2018.

  1. Jan 18, 2018 at 9:57 AM
    #1
    creekstone12

    creekstone12 [OP] New Member

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    I'm looking at a 2018 4 runner and I'm looking for input on which is best overall. I have driven all except the pro and feel the sr5 drives best but I know the limited has full time 4wd which might be better in inclement weather. Also wondering if the off road is best since it has a rear limited slip diff. Just things like that. I'm not an expert and thought maybe someone could help.

    thank you
     
  2. Jan 18, 2018 at 10:21 AM
    #2
    JBTRD

    JBTRD As usual, saying something stupid

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    Hello, welcome to the site. They should all drive the same there is really no diffrence between the models, the pro may be a little diffrent based on the shocks. As the full time 4wd what kind of weather are you dealing with, if a lot of snow and ice, then yes it will be a help, as for the limited slip diff, what kind of offraoding are you planning on?
     
    Backslider likes this.
  3. Jan 18, 2018 at 10:34 AM
    #3
    creekstone12

    creekstone12 [OP] New Member

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    Live in Pennsylvania. Don't off road often but sometimes, moderate terrain.
     
  4. Jan 18, 2018 at 12:11 PM
    #4
    SnowroxKT

    SnowroxKT New Member

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    Okay, back up here. The Limited has a different transmission that is really more an AWD system. Great feature.

    The Offroad model doesn't have a limited slip rear differential, it has an electronic locking differential. Big difference.

    The best model for me was TRD Offroad. If I didn't have a budget and didn't offroad I would get the limited for the extra doodads and the transmission. If you only drive on dry roads the transmission difference shouldn't be noticeable.
     
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  5. Jan 18, 2018 at 6:20 PM
    #5
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    Kitsap County, WA
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    Easy choice, TRD Pro

    20170903_141713.jpg

    Joking aside, what do you want? Is leather, moonroof, offroad features, 4WD/AWD, heated/cooled seats, dual zone climate, 3rd row, ect. important features to you? Thats really all that separates all the models. Besides that and some cosmetic differences, all the trims are pretty much the same.
     
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  6. Jan 22, 2018 at 9:03 AM
    #6
    nordwulf

    nordwulf New Member

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    KDSS is available on the Offroad only. I have it on my 2017 OR and really like how it drives. I can't compare to non-KDSS 4Runners but imagine there will be a lot more body roll without.

    I don't care for the silver interior trim in the SR5 and Limited and really like the dark CF in my TRD OR.
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2018
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  7. Jan 22, 2018 at 9:11 AM
    #7
    brochacho

    brochacho New Member

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    Really??
     
  8. Jan 22, 2018 at 8:16 PM
    #8
    Riding Dirty

    Riding Dirty Sinner; saved by grace

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    Is plasti-dip a mod?!
    Test drive a limited model too, many people like all the extras and the awd system. If you only do light off-roading, the limited is plenty capable. Go with what you like best, any model will be plenty to do what you are looking to use it for.
     
  9. Jan 23, 2018 at 4:51 AM
    #9
    billnourse

    billnourse New Member

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    I like the TRD Off Road as I spend a lot of time in the Southern Colorado Rockies doing photography. I even have mine lifted with a winch, but if your only off roading is forest roads and the like, any one of the models will serve you well.

    I know the all wheel drive system on the Limited is great, but I'm old school enough to want to put mine in 4wd myself. The SR5 Premium might be a good choice for you. It has a lot of extras though not to the extent of the Limited and you felt that it drove the best.

    Bill
     
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  10. Jan 23, 2018 at 8:02 AM
    #10
    AsianAnts

    AsianAnts New Member

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    Too many to list.
    Im eyeballing the trd offfoad premiums.
     
  11. Jan 24, 2018 at 11:29 AM
    #11
    SnowroxKT

    SnowroxKT New Member

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    Yes. It has a center diff. No other model does.
     
  12. Jan 24, 2018 at 3:21 PM
    #12
    PAULJJR2000

    PAULJJR2000 New Member

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    285/70R17 TOYO OPEN COUNTRY AT2'S, 17' RACE LINE IGNITION WHEELS, Toytec 3in front Spacer/leveling lift + 1.5 spacer in rear.
    First off, here's some advice from a limited owner. The Limited doesn't have a different transmission, it has the same 5 speed automatic as the rest of them do (crazy no one has caught this in this thread). It does have a different differential setup than the other models! It is the only model available with full-time 4WD (basically all-wheel drive), but it also has a Torsen limited-slip center differential (a very good thing). It can, however, be put in 4 High and 4 Low just like the others, and has ATRAC. It is VERY Very good offroad, we put a small lift on ours to fit bigger tires because i take it off road, a lot! The Ford Raptor has the same AWD Torsen limited-slip center differential as the limited. The Limited also has a different suspension than the other models. I think the suspension is the biggest difference between the models, Limited, vs Pro, vs Off Road (some have KDSS), vs SR5. I have been pleasantly surprised by the Xreas suspension in the limited, but I would usually like what comes on the Pro, or better yet I'd probably get an Offroad premium with KDSS and add a lift of my choosing (probably an icon or similar), but we like the amenities of the limited model (smart key system with push-button start, auto A/C, heated and cooled seats, and the JBL premium sound system which is WAY better than the other stereos and only on the limited). Mine is a 2014 so they may have added a few of the features mentioned but I'm not versed on everything the 2018's have to offer. Any model will be great! Good luck!
     
  13. Jan 24, 2018 at 3:26 PM
    #13
    fixer5000

    fixer5000 the logical one

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    im a relatively new limited owner and i love this thing a lot!! as mentioned you can put better tires on it. i got michelins on the 20 inch wheels. they stick like glue. the x reas suspension is great too!! no issues from me so far.
     
  14. Jan 24, 2018 at 5:25 PM
    #14
    brochacho

    brochacho New Member

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    I did. Guess nobody caught my sarcasm.
     
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  15. Mar 12, 2019 at 6:54 AM
    #15
    sfoffroad

    sfoffroad New Member

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    I just came across this, when I searched the forum for "Torsen" ... Actually, the Ford Raptor has a different differential setup. The Raptor has a Torsen differential to handle traction on the front two wheels. Then, it also has a separate locking rear differential, the one the Limited does not have, and which is most often viewed as the holy grail differential by "professional" off-roaders, such as shown in one of the many "Fast Lane Truck" (FLT) videos. But here is an engineer explaining the Ford Raptor's differentials setup.
     
  16. Mar 12, 2019 at 7:19 AM
    #16
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Best TRD PRO color ever made IMO. They offer that color on the normal Tacoma, wish they did on the 4.
     
  17. Mar 12, 2019 at 9:05 AM
    #17
    sfoffroad

    sfoffroad New Member

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    PAULJJR2000, I recently came across your posts about the 4Runner Limited having the same Torsen differential as the Ford Raptor, when I searched the forum for "Torsen" ... Actually, the Ford Raptor has a different differential setup. The Raptor has a Torsen differential to handle traction on the front two wheels. Then, it also has a separate locking rear differential, the one the Limited does not have, and which is most often viewed as the holy grail differential by "professional" off-roaders, such as shown in one of the many "Fast Lane Truck" (FLT) videos. But here is an engineer explaining the Ford Raptor's differentials setup.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeVUt7AdbLI
     
  18. Mar 12, 2019 at 9:50 AM
    #18
    hordboy

    hordboy New Member

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    I debated whether to get an OR or SR5. I ended up with the SR5 because I just didn't see myself needing all the OR features. So I saved $2500 or whatever, that I can spend on useful mods. I'm never going to go rock crawling or up some crazy trail, gravel fire roads in the mountains at worst. I've taken front wheel drive cars through some sketchy stuff in Colorado and Idaho, so I think my SR5 will do just fine.
     
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  19. Mar 12, 2019 at 10:03 AM
    #19
    sfoffroad

    sfoffroad New Member

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    I lived and offroaded (as well as making numerous drives up I-70 and through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Vail, etc) in Colorado, for many years. You're right. Many sedans with snow tires (especially studded) did fine, since the highway was almost always plowed right away.
     

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