Chrome Trim designed to force you to Up Buy?

Long long ago Chrome was a premium product used on the premium trim vehicles...

However since the late 90's I've noticed on the 3rd Gen 4Runner, 2nd Gen Tacoma, and all Tundras that it seems like Chrome Grills, Bumpers, Mirrors and Trim are found on the lower trim models.

Body match only happens on the premium Sport, TRD Pro and Platinum models.

It seems like owners spend hundreds to change our chrome grills, mirror caps, door handles and paint bumpers. I've never seen someone go backwards to add the chrome Trim.

Theory: Chrome paint is used because it's cheaper than sequencing production for body batch. Toyota knows it looks like crap and wants to upcharge consumers to get the higher trim.

 

I like Chrome

 

Paint is shiny. Chrome was a way to make the non-painted metal parts shiny too. Also added some jewelry like bling to cars. The chrome plating on metal is more durable than paint on metal, so it’s a good option for forward facing parts of the truck, like the grille and bumper. It’s lost its luster with most buyers however and I suspect your theory is correct. Chrome is now the standard and paint is the upsell.

 

I definitely recommend you trade your truck in order to get rid of that crappy chrome. The chrome is an embarrassment, and look at all the money you'll save. Do it!!

 

I don't think it is that simple. Toyota is just weird. The lower priced SR5 and Limited packages get color matched when you add TRD-OR but the higher Platinum and 1794 models w/ TRD-OR don't. The Capstone and Pro are not progressions if you are looking for both styling AND functionality (IMO). The Capstone will give you more luxury but there is no TRD option while TRD-PRO is giving you more functionality but less luxury... Technical-camo seats, interior, and exterior accents are pretty niche. I'm sure there are reasons behind it all, I'm just not so sure it's about upselling.

The Limited Edition 1794 should NOT be limited. It's the one model I'd not have to do a single thing to.