Help narrowing down a 2.5 gen?

Sounds to me like you should go with a 3rd gen. I went with a 2017 because I knew I hated lane departure, Toyota's first attempt at radar cruise, that there was no way I was going to keep the stock head unit and I just cannot get comfortable with the 3.4TT. Seems like you're probably the opposite of me in most regards so I'd probably go with the 3rd gen in your shoes.

 

I think I need to drive a 3rd gen to really figure it out.. gonna go hunting for one today and try to test drive.

I have no problem re-doing the full stereo system to get what I want.. I did it on my 05. I think pricing also comes into play of course.. with a 2.5gen I can pay cash, a new '25 I'd likely have to finance about 1/3 of it.. but Toyota is doing 1.9% for 72mo which is pretty damn tempting!

 

OH MAN. So many things to ponder. My 2018 1794 has these features- and they work for me. They arent the most innovative, luxury or best in class solutions- but they are solid.
If you want/need/require seats that actually "cool", lane assist, and adaptive radar cruise control- then yea go look at a 3rd gen.

The seat ventilation was improved w/ a 3d printed vent adapter under the seat that was from Etsy. It routes the floor vent up to the seat to provide actual cooled air.
The radar cruise control is basic. and too conservative. It will actually brake hard to match the speed, instead of slowly anticipate the vehicle and gradually match the speed. so it feels jerky. It does go back up to speed when that vehicle is no longer in front of you. But yes, whole CC system stops working below 25-27mph.
The lane departure is just a warning. I drove several GMC/Chevy trucks and thought their lane assist was too much of a nanny device in everyday driving.
Stock stereo sounded okay to me- did you adjust the equalizer at all? I ended up putting in an aftermarket touchscreen to add wireless android auto.

Thanks for being open and honest about the situation. Sometimes you dont know til you try it- and ask- will this work for me?

 

My search so far was so focused on 1794 and Platinum 2020-2021's but after today's test drives I may open up my years to 2015+ and limited or higher.. as long as I get leather and dual zone climate (I hate fiddling with fan speed and temp knobs) I think I can upgrade the stereo myself to my liking. To be fair I didn't play with the equalizer on the test drive truck at all.

I need to price out the LED headlight and stereo upgrades and see what I need to budget that. The third gen is nice for sure.. just not sure it's $70K+ nice.

 

My stereo was almost $1900 through Crutchfield for a Pioneer w/ all the adapters, maestro RR, etc for a DIY install. Stock speakers still. Sound is good, but if you're a true audiophile you'll want to upgrade speakers, amp etc.

Headlights will be $800-1300 and up for something good (like OEM, Morimoto, etc). Alpharex are okay. I'd kill for keyless entry in the 2020+ models, so nice. Cannot fathom why my wifes 2015 highlander limited has better backup camera and keyless entry while my 2018 1794 doesn't...

3rd Gen 1794s are almost like a Lexus, and not a truck truck.

 

Are there any aftermarket solutions to convert a pre 2020 truck to push button start and keyless entry?

I think I was pretty close to your cost from Crutchfield for my full upgrade on my 05 from Crutchfield as well.. that was 2 amps, 2 subs, all speakers, and kenwood HU. Next time around though I think I want a much larger screen even if it means a floating unit.

I want to go OEM on the headlight upgrade.. so I'll budget $1k just for round numbers.. gonna go look at a '15 model today that would need it.

 

I am not aware of a way to convert to keyless. Maybe Casey @RainMan_PNW would know? It's probably complicated and expensive.

I'm running a Compustar remote start system that works well. Wife's Highlander has a 12voltsolutions remote kit that was affordable and STUPID easy to install, but very limited factory fob range.

 

I had a 2019 limited CM TRD OR for a few years. Have a 2000 AC TRD OR also. Sold the 2019 cause I really didn’t need two trucks. I don’t really miss the 2019 at all. Except maybe when towing.

 

Not that I know of using factory parts without a significant cost and changing it of a lot of electronics.

 

Maybe someone more knowledgeable (or that has one) can chime in: Did the 20-21 MY SR5 upgrade/convenience/whatever package get dual climate control? (I think I've seen some pics on here of it) or is just limited and up?

So, @carlsoncustoms addressing your other issues:
A: While the 2.5G has 100hp more, it also weighs considerably more too. The throttle was re-mapped/adjusted from the 2G models too. Nothing a Bullydog or just pushing the Tow/Haul button cant address for you.
B: Aftermarket cooled heated seats (katskinz, clazzio) will be better performing than the OEM (which to my understanding are very anemic when it comes to the cooling - Toyota flaw here)
C: Car stereo budget: Sky is the limit; Can swap some head units in the $600 range (dasaita / phoenix to name a few) all the way up to complete system upgrade which can be 5-10x as costly
D: I hate the radar cruise and the lane assist so I disable them.
E: OEM LED headlights are about a $500-600 upgrade including the harness if you can find a dealership with them in-stock on sale.

If Bells and whistles are your thing, it sounds like you'd be better off in a 3rd Gen (2025 just to remove yourself from the whole.... *ahem* 3rd gen "thing"). But yes, definitely test drive one.

 

2.5G weighs about 23% more than a FGT but has 50% more horsepower.

 

And heavier wheels tires, etc. More unsprung weight to get moving. 23% is more than I would have guessed. Guessing throttle mapping too- most of the 2G that also owned 2.5G guys attest to that anyway. I dont have experience with it.

 

Gotta link to that vent adapter?

 

Ok so I have updates... yesterday I drove all around the city looking at 2.5G's and a couple 3G's.

I actually found a pretty nice 2014 Limited with 105k on it. It had a nice color matched snug top canopy. During the test drive it had a bit of a vibration in the steering wheel and the brakes felt a little soft but overall not bad. Someone put a KN CAI on it and it was SO damn loud during a freeway onramp that I think I'd have to go back to a factory airbox. Also of note the dealer replaced one side catalytic converter, and it didn't look to be because it was stolen or anything. The coolant level in the overflow tank was below the low line...those two things are giving me pause.

I then test drove a '24 Hybrid Limited. Wow it was pretty nice. Problem is at the price and used car interest rates it doesn't make sense to go used, a new one at 1.99% makes more sense. But the second problem is there's only 2 '25's in the region that'd work for me in the configs I'd want.. a Platinum and a 1794.. which would be $80 to $85k OTD... and that just seems crazy for a pickup truck. The '14 was under $30k. I could pay cash for the '14.

I could easily make the payments on the new truck, and it would be nice and fancy, but it seems absolutely nuts to spend that much money on a depreciating asset. So I don't think I can pull the trigger on a 3rd gen mentally.

So now I'm back the search on a 2.5G and will just plan good upgrades accordingly.