2019 Toyota 4-Runner Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2019 Toyota 4-Runner is a mid-sized SUV with some serious off-road credibility. Most models are available in a 4X2 or 4X4 version. The vehicle can seat up to five people in most configurations. There's an optional third row that can raise this number up to seven. This SUV has four doors and a rear hatch for loading and unloading your cargo.

Engine performance is impressive no matter which power-train option you go with. The 4-Runner can haul and tow a great amount of weight when properly equipped. It also has massive amounts of cargo space that can be configured to best suit your needs. The entire vehicle can be configured for a number of different priorities and price points. Toyota has really piled on the options for the 4-Runner.

Acceleration and braking power are truly impressive in the 2019 Toyota 4-Runner. This is especially true when you consider the size and weight of this vehicle. The steering dynamics feel great as well. It's not a sports car, but this vehicle's handling is just about the best in its class. It provides for a smooth, stable and quiet ride too.

The Toyota 4-Runner has a nice, comfortable interior. The control panels and entire dash are well designed and laid out. Everything is within easy reach. The interior is both ergonomic and attractive. The fit and finish on the inside of the 4-Runner is second to none. The seats are supportive and comfortable.

The 4-Runner has a total of seven different trim levels. You get a base model and the premium version of that specific trim. You also get two trim packages geared towards off-road performance. Last of all, you get trims aimed at style, luxury and comfort. Most trim packages give you the benefits of the previous level with some new stuff added in. We will take a look at how each level compares to the next. If you're having a hard time deciding, read on to find out which 4-Runner is right for you.

Compare the 2019 Toyota 4-Runner SR5 vs SR5 Premium Trims. What is the difference?

Both the SR5 and the SR5 Premium come equipped with the same power train. The engine is a 4.0 liter, V-6 that cranks out 270 hp. This is paired with a 5-speed, automatic-transmission system. The transmission has overdrive and an auto-manual feature so you can manually shift gears if you need to. This engine gets you great acceleration and a high towing capacity. You'll never feel bogged down even with a carload full of cargo and passengers.

Both of these trim levels can be had in 4X2 or 4X4 configurations. They both share a combined fuel-economy rating of around 18-19 mpg. This is the same on all of the higher trim levels as well. The stock towing capacity is around 5,000 lbs. All trims from the SR5 to the Limited come in Super White or five other metallic colors. These are Barcelona Red, Classic Silver, Magnet Gray, Midnight Black and Nautical Blue.

Most of the exterior features such as mud flaps, roof rails and integrated fog lights come standard on both of these models. On the inside, the Premium trim adds heated seats. You also get a higher-quality upholstery in the form of SofTex. The driver's seat in the Premium gets an 8-way, power adjustment.

The SR5 Premium gets an upgraded sound system and the infotainment center receives a navigation system. All of the safety features are identical on both models. All in all, you get a few added perks for upgrading to the SR5 Premium. It's not a lot, but neither is the price increase here at this stage.

Compare the 2019 4-Runner SR5 Premium vs TRD Off Road Trims. What is the difference?

As the name suggests, the TRD Off-Road gets you some upgrades to increase the off-road capabilities of the 4-Runner. One thing to note is that it does go down a level from the SR5 Premium when it comes to the interior upholstery. It adds in a couple more small-storage spaces to make up for this.

The overhead console inside of the TRD Off-Road gives you some new options. From here, you can select a Crawl Mode, engage the locking, rear differential; the Multi-Terrain Select, and the Traction-Control System. You also get some upgraded floor mats. These are rugged and made to take the abuse of mud and grime from your off-road adventures.

The audio system takes a step back inside of the TRD Off-Road, but you can get the same premium system that comes stock in the SR5 Premium as an add-on. Once again, all of the same safety features are on tap for both vehicles. Some of these include a front and rear parking assist with sonar, an anti-theft system, a tire-pressure monitor, and airbags throughout the interior.

The TRD Off-Road trims back a few of the extra perks you get from moving up to the SR5 Premium from the base model. It's geared more towards performance and off-road abilities. If you need all of that off-road performance, the extras of the SR5 Premium and a whole lot more, then read on to see what the next trim offers.

Compare the 4-Runner TRD Off Road vs TRD Off Road Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The TRD Off-Road Premium is the luxury-feature upgrade to the TRD Off-Road in the same way that the SR5 Premium was for the regular SR5. In many ways, the TRD Off-Road Premium is a combination of the two. You get all of the off-road and performance upgrades along with the better seats and the upgraded infotainment system. At this point, the price difference is really negligible too.

On the outside, the Premium model gets heated side mirrors. On the inside, the SofTex upholstery is back. You also get some TRD logos and branding here and there. Other than these changes, the two models are the same. Once again, it's not a huge difference in features, nor is it a huge increase in price.

Compare the 4-Runner TRD Off Road Premium vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

Once you get into Limited territory, you'll see the first significant price difference. The power train and safety features are again the same for both trim levels. The driving dynamics, engine performance and towing capacity remain the same. The main difference is in the added features and available options.

The Limited adds in automatic headlights. The front and rear bumpers have chrome accents and are color-matched to the body paint. The door handles receive the chrome treatment and get some touch-sensitive locking features. You also get an upgrade to 20-inch wheels when moving up from the TRD Off-Road Premium to the Limited. The Premium comes stock with 17-inch wheels.

On the inside of the Limited 4-Runner, you'll now get dual-zone, climate control. The seats will now be covered in perforated, leather-trimmed upholstery. Toyota packs in even more cup holders, cubbyholes and small-storage spots for the Limited trim package. It also comes with an upgraded infotainment system and more speakers. Last of all, you get a power-operated moon roof as standard for the Limited.

Compare the 2019 4-Runner Limited vs Limited Nightshade Trims. What is the difference?

The Limited Nightshade is a sleek, aggressive-looking SUV. It is entirely blacked out from top to bottom. No chrome or shiny, silver metal is to be found anywhere. The bumpers, grill, door handles and even the wheels are painted black.

Of all of the trim levels to decide between, this pair is the easiest. The Limited and Limited Nightshade models of the 2019 Toyota 4-Runner are the exact same vehicle. The engine, transmission system and all features are identical. The only changes here are cosmetic. The increase in price here is minimal. If you like the looks of the Nightshade better, then it's worth it. If you don't like black, you can save yourself some money.

Compare the 2019 4-Runner Limited Nightshade vs TRD Pro Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The obvious difference between these two trim levels is that the Nightshade is completely blacked out and the TRD Pro isn't. Let's just compare the TRD Pro to both Limited models in general to get a better picture of what this trim level is all about. This is the most expensive, top of the list trim package.

The TRD Pro comes loaded down with luxury features and extra options. You get the best infotainment center of the bunch with an added navigation system and more connectivity options. The front grill is unique on the Pro trim.Black TRD Pro badges can be found on the exterior.

There are more options for climate control throughout the entire vehicle on the TRD Pro. The rear seats will now have vents to keep your passengers comfortable. The front seats are heated and have even more adjustment options than before. You also get TRD branded floor mats. Both vehicles have an ample amount of cup holders and other small-storage areas.

Final Thoughts

For most buyers, the TRD Off-Road Premium will be the trim of choice. Fortunately, there is very little difference in price between the first four trim packages. Toyota has done an admirable job of giving you more at each level for a very modest cost increase. It's always just close enough to make the next level up an enticing prospect.

At this level, you get the best off-road performance available. This is really one of the things that sets the 4-Runner apart from the competition. It has unbeatable off-road capabilities for an SUV in this class. You also get all of the best safety features, extra comfort and luxury appointments. The engine performance, towing capacity and other utility functions aren't noticeably better when you move up to the Limited or TRD Pro models.

If you have the money to spare and see something you really can't live without, then by all means, choose a Limited or TRD Pro. Most drivers, however, won't really miss those extra bells and whistles they provide. The TRD Off-Road Premium gives you everything you could want out of a mid-sized SUV, and it does so at a fantastic price point.