SR vs SR5

[specwarop]

Hey All,

I am on the market currently for a new Hilux and am tossing up between the SR and the SR5.

From what I can tell, there arent many deal-breaking features you miss out on the SR, after you go for the $2k option package with the sat nav, a-deck and alloy wheels. Seeing as I wont to get a canopy the bars arent a big loss...

The only thing that I am unsure about really is the premium steering wheel and smart entry and start system.

And you save $5k by going for the SR...Would get aftermarket towbar and tinting which would eat into that slightly though.

Whats everyones thoughts on the differences?

[ggreenie]

SR5 if you care about alloy wheels and chrome trim and sat nav and leather etc

SR if you want to get it dirty and don’t care about the bells and whistles. Do you really need the extra crap on the “premium” steering wheel? Is it really that hard to unlock the car yourself? Are you going to swap the wheels anyway?

The engine/chassis/gearbox/suspension/driveline etc are identical. At the end of the day it’s a personal preference. No one is right or wrong to make their own choice.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[specwarop]

I dont think you get anything different on the premium steering wheel except for the leather covering....

Because these things come with Highway tyres standard, probably get some sunraysia rims anyways for A/T tyres...

Toyota sat nav, pass.

On the SR5 having more chrome bits, is that better for easier to clean or anything?

[ggreenie]

The SR5 steering wheel gets the extra controls for the fancy computer on the dash. The SR dash is more basic and the steering wheel lacks the extra controls. Personally I think it’s a bit of a wank, but some people think it’s great.

Chrome just looks more flash.

The SR5 is a nicer car, the SR makes more sense as a work or off-road ute. For example: The SR comes standard with a vinyl floor which is easier to clean. The SR5 has carpet as standard which is hard to clean if you get it wet or covered in mud.

It’s personal preference mate. You’ll have to have a close look at the price and features on both and have a think about it. I went with the SR myself and I don’t regret it, to me the extra coin for the SR5 isn’t money well spent.

Cheers

[specwarop]

In the new 2020 model the dash is exactly the same between the models...

[ggreenie]

In the new 2020 model the dash is exactly the same between the models...

Oh... Well I guess I didn’t know that. They were different when I bought mine.

[HK1837]

I’d buy an SR now if they still had a V6 engine available. I bought an SR5 in 2010 as I wanted ABS and full airbags plus wheel arch flares but none of the other useless crap. Funny thing is about 2013 they released an SR with ABS, full airbags and wide wheels (hence flares)! But as others have said, it is up to you if you want all the original SR5 stuff or not.

[specwarop]

Yeh it doesn't seem like the SR5 has much unique stuff, definitely my not something like abs of full airbags. The Sr has it anyways

[Tony2]

I weighed up the difference and couldn't justify the extra 5k+. I would have got buttons over dials, shiny trim bits and a colour display above the steering wheel. Instead I put that money into Paint, tow bar, tinted windows, trade racks, upgraded tyres and a bull bar. I also upgraded the DRL's to LED for $20 and she looks the tits.
No regrets at all as I went for value for money and the car is better than I would have settled for. $50k was my spending limit at the time.

[specwarop]

Yeh I am leaning that way for sure. Did you get those accessories from Toyota? They offer tyre upgrade?

[CB23]

Similar to above comments, love my SR and prefer manual dials and key start (old style reliability) in my 4x4. I also put canvas seat covers so leather was a waste.

Tyre swap with Toyota can be done, but depending on dealers local tyre shop they might only buy your new/swap tyres for 60-70% of retail so I just kept mine and use them occasionally.

[specwarop]

How do you find the canvas? I know it would be hard wearing but is it also comfy or feel like a mine site?

[CB23]

I love canvas, so easy to keep clean (don't need to vacuum just sweep) but certainly not as plush as standard seats if that's what you want. My 'Black duck' brand canvas covers aren't cheap either but for protection and durability they win hands down.

[specwarop]

I wonder if theres a product thats a bit like a happy medium between standard and canvas

[Tony2]

Yeh I am leaning that way for sure. Did you get those accessories from Toyota? They offer tyre upgrade?

Yes and no. I have a 2017 4x4 dual cab SR. By memory I got Toyota to supply the tow bar, tinted windows, paint and paint protection, tonneau cover with bar and mats. The car was about 50k drive away (with 5k GST claim back straight away.)

I got a genuine Toyota alloy bull bar off gumtree (for a fraction of the price) and a set of SR5 rims with new Michelin tyres for a grand (ebay). I sold the SR tyres (Geolandars) on ebay and bought 265/70/17 BF Goodrich muddies and put them on the SR steel rims for off-roading days.
The ute is an ongoing project. Last year I added a safari snorkel.
This year it came out of warranty so last month so I gave her a 2" lift (bilsteins) and next week I'm putting on a winch (another ebay bargin).
She keeps growing and getting better, I love the ute.

[CB23]

I wonder if theres a product thats a bit like a happy medium between standard and canvas

Black duck do 'denim' which is suppose to be a good compromise between both extremes...

[greid]

I've got a set of RM Williams seat covers (got mine from Repco) that are a really comfortable canvas. Obviously not going to be as long lasting as Black Duck as they're a bit thinner canvas, but they have bit of a padded layer underneath. I can't remember exactly what I paid for them, maybe $150/seat? but im really happy with them, rekon they're a good compromise of canvas and comfort

[wije]

and to update to 2021 the SR misses out on a
Lockable tailgate
LED headlights and DRL
Tow bar
Climate control
Rear air vents
Parking sensors
Smart entry and start
220v accessory socket
Sat Nav that can be added as an optional pack

[Cure]

all that bling for extra 12k ...
No thanks

I would rather buy SR and spend that money on real accessories. Any dealer will throw in towbar kit for good price or even free if it means selling a car.
All other stuff listed above are just bling.

[wije]

It is a 8K price different now but I still agree. Perhaps if you will only be cruising in town but for frequent off road use most of that stuff will probably need to be replaced.