What is the difference between 4Runner SR5 and SR5 Premium?
In brief, the SR5 Premium adds comfort, technology and convenience upgrades on top of the SR5, including SofTex seating, a power driver’s seat, a sunroof, and an enhanced infotainment system, while preserving the 4Runner’s rugged versatility. The SR5 remains the value-oriented choice with fewer luxury features but the same core performance.
Question overview
What exactly differentiates Toyota’s 4Runner SR5 from the SR5 Premium has varied a bit by model year, but the core distinction is that the Premium trim is the more feature-rich, comfort-focused version of the SR5. Below is a detailed look at what buyers typically gain or lose when choosing between these two trims.
Key differences at a glance
Before listing the differences, here are the main ways the SR5 Premium typically enhances or differs from the SR5. The items reflect common year-to-year changes, but exact features can vary by model year and market.
- Seating materials: Premium usually offers leather-like SofTex seating (and sometimes real or mixed leather), while SR5 uses fabric upholstery.
- Driver’s seat adjustment: Premium adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat (often with lumbar support); SR5 typically has manual seat adjustments.
- Sunroof and climate: Premium commonly includes a power moonroof; SR5 may have a smaller sunroof option or none, depending on the year.
- Infotainment and display: Premium tends to feature an upgraded touchscreen and branding; SR5 provides the standard display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and upgrades available via packages.
- Safety and driver-assistance: Premium is more likely to include additional safety features such as Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard or more readily available; SR5 may offer these features only as options or not at all in certain years.
- Wheels and exterior cues: Premium generally uses larger or distinct alloy wheels and may have brighter exterior trim compared to SR5, which emphasizes a simpler appearance.
Note: Availability and exact feature sets vary by model year and market. Always verify the current spec sheet for the year you’re considering.
Interior and comfort
The interior is where the SR5 Premium most clearly diverges from the SR5. The Premium version emphasizes comfort and upscale materials, while the SR5 focuses on practicality and value.
Seating and materials
SR5: typically fabric upholstery with manual seat adjustments. SR5 Premium: SofTex or leather-trim seating with a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Convenience features
Premium is more likely to include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a power moonroof, and other niceties that enhance daily driving and long trips, whereas SR5 keeps things simpler and more affordable.
Infotainment, technology and safety
Technology offerings tend to be richer on the SR5 Premium, though the exact content shifts with each model year as Toyota updates standard features and options.
Infotainment
SR5: basic touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; Premium: larger or upgraded display and, in some years, navigation or additional audio enhancements.
Safety and driver-assistance
Premium more commonly includes or prioritizes safety features like Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Availability of these features on the SR5 varies by year and package, so confirm the exact equipment list for the year you’re shopping.
Exterior and wheels
Exterior styling and wheel size are practical signals of the Premium upgrade, with the Premium trim often offering larger wheels and distinct details to distinguish it from the SR5.
Wheels and appearance
SR5: smaller standard wheels with a more conservative trim. SR5 Premium: larger alloy wheels and upgraded exterior accents, contributing to a more premium look.
Performance and capability
Both trims share the same fundamental powertrain and off-road capabilities available in the 4Runner lineup. Core differences lie in comfort, convenience, and technology rather than mechanical capability. If you’re shopping for off-road hardware specifically, you may look to other trims (such as Trail or TRD variants) for features like Crawl Control or Multi-Terrain Select that differ from the SR5 line.
Pricing and value
The SR5 Premium typically carries a higher price than the SR5 due to the added leather or SofTex seating, power driver's seat, sunroof, and upgraded tech. The exact price delta depends on model year, market, and any active incentives or packages.
Bottom line
If you prioritize comfort, technology and a more premium interior, the SR5 Premium is the better fit. If your priority is budget, straightforward utility and the core 4Runner capability, the SR5 offers strong value with fewer frills. Always check the specific year’s equipment list, since Toyota updates trims and standard features over time.
Summary
The SR5 Premium widens the 4Runner’s appeal by adding features focused on comfort and technology—such as leather/SofTex seating, a power driver’s seat, a sunroof, and a more robust infotainment package—while the SR5 remains the value-centric option with essential capability and fewer luxury items. Your choice should reflect whether you value premium interior comfort and extra tech or prefer lower cost and proven ruggedness.
