So...do I go TRD Pro, 1794 or new SR5

Seems one difference between a TRD Pro and SR5 conversion is resale value. While you will likely recoup all the TRD value in a Pro when selling, I don’t believe the same would be true for an SR5...but it might sell faster than a “standard” SR5. Of course, if you never plan to sell your truck then that won’t matter!

 

You can get the Upgrade Package on an SR5 to get the bigger tank and centre console with shifter.

 

Also, if buying new and expecting to keep a truck for many years, it might make sense to wait and see what the new generation Tundras have to offer...

 

Yup! I saw that too, but unfortunately, around my area, there were no SW w/ the upgrade package. So I opted for the column shifter which is nice, because the center console shifter would've given me less arm resting space.

 

I would like a column shifter and, in hindsight, front bench would have been a little better for us but there was no way I was going with the small fuel tank and all trucks in Canada come with the Upgrade Package.

 

I have 2 Costco's on my way to and from work, so gassing up ain't so bad!

 

So here's my .02. In 08 I bought a SR5 double cab Tacoma and built it the way I wanted it, lift, wheels, tires,interior, etc. In 17 I bought a SR5 Crewmax TRD Offroad Tundra. I thought, " I'm going to buy what I want and not build it a piece at a time due to the time it takes to build it myself and managing family, work, hobbies and whatever. I like my Tundra but I felt more in tune with my Taco if that makes sense. So 3 1/2 yrs later I'm in the market for a new Tundra and I think I'm going to go with the trail edition. Almost chrome free and the black rims already on it. So I can upgrade to what I want when I want.

 

Yeah, I was thinking more of when I'm eventually towing a travel trailer in the mountains.

 

Check out the SX package. Totally chrome free and has black rims and should be quite a bit cheaper

 

Yeah, I've never seem a column shifter on a Tundra up here and we were never given the option.

 

Here’s another vote for SR5 with SX package, unless you like chrome. It will be much cheaper than most Tundras, and comes with black rims, and exterior de-badged and de-chromed. Then spend the money you saved to mod it how you want it.

 

I'll help spend Shamrock's money. I previously had a 2018 SR5 that I did a bunch of mods on including suspension, wheels/tires, dechromed bumpers, new grille and surround, etc.

Now driving a '20 Pro. Definitely like the upgraded HVAC, Smart Key, Apple Car Play. The biggest improvements from the SR5 to the Pro though, are the suspension and leather interior.

 

I own a 2018 CM 1794 , I feel like if this is going to be the last truck you buy get exactly what you want. I have been more than impressed with the 1794. But to each there own. I wanted all the options and the 1794 delivered.

 

A lot of folks here gave great advice and reasons to go for one vs another. I think the bottom line is: get the trim/package that has the features you want that cannot be easily added aftermarket, THEN add those mods (suspension, tires, wheels, exhaust, etc) that can easily be changed afterwards.

 

Thanks for the input so far - appreciate it.

The majority seem to be "go the SR5 route" - which i understand and probably lean towards.

I will say this regarding the TRD Pro...to start to put it simply - I really like the looks of this truck. Its the "lotto winner" kind of thing I've thought about...ok, not lotto winner...but if the day comes that I find myself with the $$ kinda thing.

That said - I don't quite understand the hype/marketing on this truck...I continously read comments on its "off road ability". To me - off road typically rewards small and lighter weight - not raw power. Mention off road vehicle and most people would say "Jeep" - say off road truck and its TACOMA - not Tundra that comes to mind.

The Pro has off road suspension - but half ton trucks belong primarily on paved roads or at least on logging roads...not buried in mud the majority of the time - at least in my opinion. Again - no road = better lower weight/smaller size - maneuverability over blasting your way through.

On top of that - its pretty generously spec d inside the cab ..not a bad thing, but just not something I think of as being off road oriented. To me it feels like a 1794 with less old west interior - and an off road suspension kit. Not a bad thing - but not something I'd feel makes the ideal off roader either.

So let me revise my question...

"Removing cost from the equation - which grade Tundra would you go with and why"

Obviously we are comparing types of apples vs apples and oranges...each will haul as much, have same engine, ect...just which creature comforts do you enjoy most and what are all hype and not really used. Thanks in advance.

 

I think creation comforts are very much a personal thing bud. Doesn't hurt to ask of course.

The reason I bought a tundra is I wanna get out of bed in 20 years and put the key in the same ignition I do today and hear the roar of reliability. Everything else is just icing on the cake

 

Easiest thing to do is look up each model and compare the features and pick what features you feel are worth paying for. For myself I picked the tundra for reliability and resale value for the just in case I need or want to sell. I also wanted the interior package of the 1794 , IMO and many others that have rode in the truck the interior is the best Toyota has to offer but obviously people have there own opinion. It also comes with many upgrades such as heated and cooled seats, LED headlights and fog lights, parking sensors, power folding mirrors,etc which are very nice features if they are important to your quality of you driving experience.

 

You only live once (I think) so pamper yourself and get everything you want and maybe a few things you may not think you need...you may find you need these one day. If it’s a long time investment and you’re only driving it 5k mikes a year, you want to be happy every one of those miles with no regrets.
If you don’t take a lot of joy in doing upgrades yourself then buy the Tundra with most options you like/need already installed. If you enjoy mods, buy a Tundra with options that are not really feasible to add yourself then mod/add those you want. Best of luck. Good news is you have a lot of options with Tundras.

 

Agree - features can very much be personal preference - just like ride quality. Of course if enough people say its a big plus. .its something worth checking into

Reliability - I'll be honest, I haven't owned ANY vehicle made in the past 20+ years that I felt was "unreliable" - granted I don't by econo cars - but in general unless your buying things that sold for <15k new base msrp - most new stuff is decent at worst.

I will probably wait a few months on this purchase for a couple reasons. First the obvious- the 2022 changeover....very likely its going to be a big one. While on the surface none of the changes are things that excite me (not a fan of turbos or air suspension for example) - that doesn't mean that it won't effect negotiation power on 2021s or used stock.

Secondly, just don't want to rush - right now makers are doing a nice job of creating an "urge" to buy - COVID parts shortages, less new on hand, wait list....some of its legit - actually most of it is....of course that doesn't stop opportunistic sales people from hyping this worse than a Reddit poster pushing his latest stock tips...traditionally Feb/March are slow months sales wise in autos. You might think thats a good time to buy...but here's why it sometimes isn't. Most sales goals are unrealistic - on purpose. Dealers always incentivize salespeople to go just above what they did last month. A slow month - they have no chance of beating a good month....but let the comparison soften up a bit and its easy to blow the number away after a few slow months - and handily beating the number means higher bonuses.

Finally, May-June starts the normal vacation season...kids out of school, family trips = more pressing need for cash than new cars. Of course how 2021 plays out is anyone's guess. Last year no one predicted the demand for outdoors activities/products. It might change this year so that trucks are in demand - not slacking.

 

My vote would be SR5 and use the money to upgrade the things you want. That's what I did and it's turning out pretty well. If I were to do it again I wouldn't have wasted the money on the TRD off road package since I have basically changed out everything the kit came with.

 

Now it sounds like you're almost trying to get people to vote Pro. If you want the Pro, just get a Pro. But if you wait a few months, then you're going to have to decide if you want this gen or the next. And if the next flops, you're going to have an even harder time finding a truck when people are racing out to get the last of the long-running 2nd gen Tundras. Dealers already can't keep them on the lot.

Me personally, I am just not that guy. $10-15k more for basically an appearance package does not compute in my brain. I had the funds and the encouragement from my wife to get whatever I wanted. I chose an SR5 so I could build it the way I want it. And yes for me, that included buying the somewhat expensive TRD Fox kit from the Pro.

I removed the suspension. Kept the wheels, decals, and dual climate. I don't remember what else the TRD OR package comes with, but my wife and I enjoy wildly different temperatures, so that has been a major bonus. I'm glad I did it almost for that alone.

 

I bought a 18 crewmax limited 4x4. Wished I had went with the platinum. Softer seats, a lot less chrome & ventilated seats. I'm thinking of trading my limited for a 21 platinum. Like most have said, get what you want, so hopefully you won't have any regrets.

 

SR5 TRD model DC with 6.5' bed. If you aren't using the truck much why spend all that money for a trucks un-necessary creature comforts(Limited trim & above) for 5k miles a year?
Having a bigger bed for the old Home Depot run you'll find is much better than the 5.5' bed crew max

 

Only thing I will add is if you are serious about buying new, I would not dilly dally. With the current factory slowdown due to the computer chip shortage as well as COVID impacts, Tundras are in extremely short supply. If you are not picky about what you want, waiting will not hurt, you will find one. If you want a particular color or trim, I would be going to your dealer and have them start working it. Incentives in my area were just reduced to $1,000 from $2,000 due to extreme lack of inventory. My local dealer has two new and two used currently. They are a large dealer and normally have 20-25 Tundras and Tacoma’s. I did not see the first Tacoma on the lot. I have a Platinum that is scheduled to arrive end of the month, delayed 3 weeks due to chip shortage. My salesperson, which is a friend, says most are sold before they hit the lot. Not sure when they will shut down to retool the factory for the 2022.

 

With that logic, why buy a nice Tundra at all? There are plenty of cheap old beaters out there that will work nicely to haul trash to the dump on Saturdays

 

I have a 2016 Pro and wish I would have gotten a Platinum.

 

Base SR5 I want the 6 seater, but if someone was buying for me "so not my money" give me the platinum. I like the look of the trd pro minus the 2nd hood scoop. But if I'm spending 55k plus I'd have rather bought a raptor. Although all the base 2020 raptors are sold out now so there more in the mid 60s now.

 

I like the Raptors too and looked hard before I bought my Tundra. I never could find one in a reasonable price range, even used high mileage...especially with the V6 ecoboost. As for the Tundras, I liked the 1794 and Platinums. I didn't want to spend more for new and found several low mileage Tundras that checked all my boxes (except fuel economy) for much less $$ than the Raptor. Still, they are near the top on my cool truck list.

 

Used prices are high for sure, but that is where the market is no matter which truck you pick. Remember on a new purchase you will loose up to 10k in equity as soon as you drive it off the lot. If it were me i would be picking the options i want most color, interior trim. I would buy one off a 1 year lease as these are gone through after returned. I would know what the actual value is per the odometer. I Like the TRD but i would be definitely putting on a lift so like stated in earlier post if the badges matter then get a pro. I would only get the pro because i like the grill and pro accessories. The suspension wouldnt matter because i would be changing all of it. Unless you like to work on it yourself its easier to go forward rather than backwards.
Go big or go home.

 

Here’s my .02 for what it’s worth if anything at all. I was trying to get the most for my money at the same saving as much money as I could because I needed to get out of a brand new 5th gen 4Runner that was a lemon. I currently own a SR5 Offroad and I am extremely happy.

However if I was in a better financial position at the time I would DEFINITELY went with the PRO. I have lifted many Toyota trucks and frankly I am tired of trying to find ANY mechanic that has any clue of lifting (NY/NJ state) a Toyota. And I have grown extremely tired of dealing with all the little nuisances that come with lifting or leveling. Additionally, it always came at the cost of comfort on the road which is where I spend 99.9999 percent of my time.

I want a stock (suspension) truck these days because its simple. And coming almost leveled from the factory is a home run in my opinion. Hence why I would go with the PRO.
Aftermarket shocks are awesome when used according, to offroad. But Toyota has to find a happy medium between off-roading and daily driving. And the reality is is that most aftermarket companies are geared more towards off-road or HD use.

Turn key or push a button and drive away...