Edit: I did it ! — Pull trigger? 2019 SR5 4x4

Hello - I am very close to getting a tundra. I had thought it would be a limited or at a minimum TRD OR. But I have a great opportunity with a low miles 2019 SR5 4x4 (it does not have TR package). It feels fairly basic and checks my boxes.

I am learning it gives me most options to build out and upgrade to what I actually want and will fit me best. Other than the leather seats and lux electronics - can I reasonably upgrade this SR5 to be as competent off road as a TRD would be? Very little % of driving will be 4x4 but we do have snow on the ground and live in the mountains. I like to get out.

obviously this truck won’t have the rear differential locker . So my question is - it worth building this one out over time when $$ allows. Or hold out on a TRD limited etc

 

None of the 2nd or 2.5 gen Tundras have rear lockers from the factory. The A-trac (that tries to simulate a locker to some degree) is standard on all 4wd models. So the TRD off-road really just includes skid plates, and off-road wheels. You can add those to an SR5 easily enough.

 

No locker in any of these trucks from the factory. that didn't come until the 3rd gen. Just get the SR5 if it's a decent deal. Everything else can be upgraded.

 

Adam,
An SR5 4x4 should check all the boxes, according your explained needs. Good set of A/T will get you where you need to go and you can easily upgrade the suspension later for a reasonable cost that will be much better than the TRD OR optioned truck. Also, you get to choose all your upgrades instead of investing in the stock, less superior, options.

Good luck with your find. I had the choice when I bought mine between a Platinum and SR5, I went with the SR5 so I could do the same as what you're describing.

 

+1. The SR5 is the best value for the dollar because you can build it how you want.

 

Thanks - all makes sense. Just waiting on an inspection and detail. Hopefully it all works out.

 

The funny thing when people say lockers. I have never had or felt the need for a locker on my tundra. Unless you're doing some hard core stuff isn't even necessary.

 

Don’t let the sticker fool you, all 2.5 Tundra are the same.
Only difference between them are the lights, body color trims, interior leather, suspension and rims.
And they all fit to some extent. You could buy as much or as little as you like later on.

 

Like a Jeep without the Jeep problems.

 

Yup. As mentioned earlier:

All 2.5 gen Tundras have an open differential at both ends. Our traction control is simply done by some clever automatic braking. If you’d like more traction, a Powertrax Grip-Pro LSD is probably the most common addition to the rear.

TRD Off-Road package is nothing but different wheels, bedside stickers, and different cheap shocks. It was about a $270 “upgrade” package when I bought my 2018 new. The TRD Off-Road package, at that time, did not come with a different skid plate. Same black thin sheetmetal splash guard.

If I remember correctly, the SR5 might not have the big gas tank, but I’m not 100% sure. Thought it may have been a high trim level item on CM trucks.

if you like the interior and creature comforts of the SR5, absolutely go for it! Functionally, it’s the same as my Platinum. Use that money you’re going to save and buy some real shocks! Pick the wheels you really like, and choose your tires. It’s gonna be a great trick no matter how you outfit it.

 

TRD off-road isn’t any more capable Offroad vs an SR5. 4x4 and driver mod play more of a role. It’s really an apples to apples comparison between the two. TRD off-road is just a super basic upgrade on shocks and everything else is just an appearance package. Even so, the shocks are nothing to write home about. Take the SR5 and mod it to your liking.

 

What gas tank size does it have. 26.4 or 38? Stick with SR5..upgrade to your liking and save in the process...it's fun, do it!

 

SR5 have bigger gas tank, it’s in Convenience Package.

 

Not all Toyota 4wd come with A-trac. Base model Tundra SR’s have a “traction control” on/ off button but not the A-trac button. Some models have both the traction control button and A-trac button. Traction control only helps the vehicle to go straight on slippery surfaces but does not really help to get unstuck.

 

I think there are exceptions to this. My 2018 SR5 has the front bench seat and column shifter, but still has the small fuel tank. It's never caused me any real trouble, but it sure would be nice to have the larger tank when I'm towing @ 7mpg and looking for fuel every 2 hours.

To answer OP's other question: That truck can be as capable as you want it to be. Even in stock form you're going to be able to go almost anywhere. Upgrades really just make it so you can get to those hard to reach places easier, faster, and looking better

 

My 2018 TRD Off-Road Package (OF) listed at $2,790.00 and included the LED headlights as part of it.

The 38 gallon tank was included in the SR5 Upgrade Package (SP) listed at $1,220.00.

Dan

 

I think I got them packages mix up…lol. like Dan said it’s on the SR5 upgrade.
Cause I got the SR5 with the bigger fuel tank, BSM, parking warning.

 

TRD OR package on my 2020 1794 was $155

 

The 2.5 Gen Tundra configurations are bewildering and difficult to understand. My basic configuration (before the Upgrade Packages) defined it as "SR5 Double Cab" but needed the "SR5 Upgrade Package" to have the 38 gallon tank replace the 26 gallon tank (as well as many other items).

LED headlights were included in the TRD Off-Road package but only for SR5 models, standard on Limited and 1794 Edition Models.

Base MSRP on mine was $34,100.00 but rose to $41,420.00 with the addition of all of the "Upgrade Packages" (DS, EE, OF, SP, SZ and BL). We settled on $40,000 (they had a hard wall on that and would not go into the $39k range).

I'm just tickled I got what I got.

Dan

 

Yeah, not all SR5s are the same. If it doesn’t have the SR5 Upgrade package, it’ll have a bench seat, column shifter, and the small fuel tank.

In hindsight, I wish I had gone that route. I’d love to have a 6 seater Tundra. A few people have tried to swap to the column shift, but no one has successfully done it.

My SR5:
SR5 Upgrade package: front buckets, 38 gal tank, not sure what else, probably auto dimming mirror…
TRD Off Road package: LED headlights, front engine “splash guard”, fuel tank skid, Bilstein 4600 shocks, dual zone climate, TRD OR black and silver 5-spoke wheels

Easiest way to tell if an SR5 has the SR5 upgrade package is if it has bucket seats. If an SR5 has bucket seats, it has the 38 gallon tank, too. Front bench seat SR5s are rare as hen’s teeth.

 

Go config the new one, its 10k more but dealers over here still doing 5k mark up…

 

I'll have to remember this when it comes time to sell my truck. Rare means more expensive, right?!

 

All helpful info - the SR5 I am looking at has the bench seat w/ column shifter and the smaller gas tank. I think it will serve me and family just fine - and it’s the right platform for me to upgrade from. Will share more if/when deal goes through. Inspection scheduled for Thursday…

 

love my 14’ SR5. Got a great deal on it about about a year ago. Installed a start x remote starter, 19’ TRD Pro headlights along with iHacker harness, bam, truck looks/ runs high spec. I also wrapped the roof satin black, trd pro grill, running boards, 18” steels w K02’s. Truck drives like a dream. I believe this truck is an SR5 Limited, 20” stock wheels. Basic truck, less stuff to break I love it .

 

Oof small gas tank means no 10 ply tires for your gonna be sweet ride…lol

 

‘21 limited here I also don’t have the ATRAC button (I do have 4x4).

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/traction-control-everything-you-want-to-know.21697/

ATRAC is standard on 4WD Tundras, and there's no need to engage it via any button.

 

Well I did it. Very happy with this truck. I didn’t seek out the color but I like it. 45k light duty
miles.

Ready for new tires. I want to go as big as I can w/ stock suspension and no rubbing - Any suggestions? Looking for: Good snow traction, mostly light 4x4 and primarily highway driving...

I hope we have it for a long time. Thanks for your insights and I’m sure I’ll be back.

 

Congrats…FYI most of the bigger A/T tire are 10 ply, you’ll see a 2-3mpg drop. Only a hand full that are SL.
I got 275/78R18, it look alright for stock height, some other put 285/70R18 without problem, but it’s all depends on rim offset.

 

2015 bench seat colum shift, traction control button, gets around great in snow bf Goodrich all terrain tires, erie pa , snow n ice capital