How to Choose Your Next 2019 Toyota 4Runner: Compare All Trims

The Toyota 4Runner is a vehicle like no other. This sporty and rugged SUV has been transporting families both on the road and off since 1984, with no plans for slowing down in sight.

Over the last thirty plus years, 4Runner has built a strong reputation for long-term quality and reliability. Additionally, it holds its value very well over the course of a decade or more. In fact, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner made the Top 5 list for kbb.com’s 2019 Best Resale Values. On a side note, Toyota Tacoma was #1 overall and Tundra was #3. Now that is a formidable lineup, Toyota.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner is configured in seven different grade, or trim, levels. Buyers will be deciding between SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Limited Nightshade and TRD Pro. This might ordinarily make the research process challenging. Allow me to make it easier to choose the right one for you.

SR5 is the entry level, but anything is hardly entry level about it

First off, all 2019 4Runner grade levels utilize the same 4.0-Liter V6 engine with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence that delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. torque. This works in conjunction with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

When you drive an SR5, you will find this to be well-equipped for a base level. It is almost not fair to classify it as entry level. This comes standard with 17-inch silver alloy wheels and integrated fog lights on the exterior.

Inside, drivers will be comfortable with sport fabric seats and an 8-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and backup camera with projected path indicators.

With multimedia, all 4Runner levels have a 6.1-inch touch-screen display with at least Entune Audio Plus, which features standard SiriusXM and HD radio.

SR5 Premium adds solid upgrades to SR5

The SR5 Premium level builds upon the foundation that SR5 started. Most shoppers will choose the Premium upgrade due to standard SofTex synthetic leather heated seats, 4-way power passenger seats and Entune Premium Audio with navigation.

Also appealing in the 2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium is standard outside mirror turn signal indicators, Homelink for garage door programming and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Comparison of All 7 Trim Levels of 2019 4Runner

Drive TRD Off-Road right off the road…it’s encouraged

The 2019 TRD Off-Road is equipped with many features designed to assist you with more challenging terrain. Multi-terrain select and crawl control help guide you in low-traction situations. One feature demanded for by loyalists is locking rear differential, and 4Runner owners will be pleased this feature is standard, along with active traction control and hill start assist.

You will be driving around in 17-inch black and silver alloy wheels and with “TRD Off-Road” badging both inside and out.

Stay with TRD Off-Road or upgrade to TRD Off-Road Premium?

TRD Off-Road Premium buyers will enjoy upgraded Softex-trimmed heated front seats with 8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power passenger seat. The seat headrests will display “TRD” in red lettering. Navigation enthusiasts can take advantage of Entune Premium Audio with integrated navigation as well.

Look for heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators on the Premium. When you are walking by a 4Runner, look for the turn signal indicator and that is your tip-off that it is a Premium (same with SR5 vs. SR5 Premium).

Another upgraded feature on the Off-Road Premium is an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink garage door systems.

2019 Toyota 4Runner Limited = Luxury

The first thing you will notice on the Limited that is different from 4Runner’s lower grade levels is the abundance of bright chrome accent trims along the front grille, the sides, and the rear bumper. Also, Limited features 20-inch alloy wheels with black accents.

For safety, both front and rear parking sonar helps you detect when you are approaching obstacles in your path.

One of my favorite aspects of the Limited is the upgraded JBL premium sound. This concert-like system features 15 speakers all perfectly placed, including amplifier and subwoofer.

Also, look for leather-trimmed heated and ventilated (cooled) seats, including power seats for both driver and passenger, including the driver memory seat with 2 settings. Limited is one of two trim levels that utilize smart key push button start with auto-unlock front door handles on both sides.

2019 4Runner Limited Nightshade

If Limited equals luxury, then its black-themed Nightshade alternative equals both sporty and classy all wrapped up in one.

Imagine the Nightshade to be the equal to Limited, but with black accents surrounding the interior and exterior. Instead of silver chrome, the Nightshade offers black chrome accents.

Nightshade has 20-inch black alloy wheels, along with black exterior accents including front and rear bumper spoilers, outer door handles, rocker panels, roof rails, mirrors, window moldings, garnishes and exhaust tip.

Interior features include black steering wheel, shift knob, inner door grips and center console panel.

The TRD Pro

Like the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro offers enthusiasts multi-terrain select, crawl control, locking rear differential, active traction control and hill start assist. Factory Nitto Grappler all-terrain tires give you the best of both worlds – tough off-roading traction but also smooth ride for city streets and along the highway. Combine that with TRD 17-inch unique matte black alloy wheels with red TRD lettering, and you have a tough looking and performing combination.

TRD Pro’s suspension consists of oversized TRD Fox high-performance shocks, with remote reservoirs on the rear shocks, and TRD-tuned springs.

Exterior highlights are LED fog lights, “TOYOTA” front grille, black “TRD Pro” badging and standard roof rack that is rated for 110 pounds of weight stored on top.

The 2019 4Runner TRD Pro is available in black graphite interior with your choice of Super White, Voodoo Blue and Midnight Black Metallic exterior colors. Army Green has already been announced as the 2020 Toyota Tacoma exclusive color. I wonder if 4Runner TRD Pro might have Army Green in its future as well. Time will tell.

Buyers hoping for luxury in addition to performance should appreciate upgraded Softex-trimmed heated front seats with 8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power passenger seat. The seat headrests will display “TRD” red lettering proudly.

Drivers needing GPS can take advantage of Entune Premium Audio, which includes HD radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition commands and integrated navigation. Also standard is JBL premium sound, for the music lover in all of us.

2019 Toyota 4Runner Pricing Differences

Most 2019 Toyota 4Runner trim levels are offered in both 4x2 or 4x4. SR5 4x2 factory MSRP is $35,310 and increases to $37,185 for 4x4. SR5 Premium 4x2 cost is $37,140 and $39,015 for 4x4.

The TRD Off-Road is available only in 4x4 and has MSRP of $38,485 while Off-Road Premium costs $40,395.

You will find Limited in 4x2 for $43,625 and $45,660 for 4x4. Limited Nightshade is $45,365 in 4x2 and 4x4 is $47,400.

TRD Pro is only available in 4x4 and has factory MSRP of $46,815.

Watch 6 Changes Coming To The 2020 Toyota 4Runner and Click To Subscribe To Torque News Youtube Channel for Daily Toyota and Automotive News.

What 2019 4Runner would you choose if you could? Do you own one now and what do you think of it? If you have an older model 4Runner, how many miles do you have on yours and how do you like it?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story titled: Important Towing Factors When Choosing 2019 Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra.

Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at ToyotaJeff1.