I bought a trd pro 4runner new the first year 2015, it was mostly the same then as now. Changes are: $43K vs $49K, sunroof, new fox suspension, roof rack, media center, LED headlights and side mirror blinkers. Buy the venture and upgrade the suspension, and add some armor. Everything is Trd pro now, the badge is just printing money for Toyota. All of Toyotas TRD pro lineup do not equal the price increase. The suspension has to be upgraded anyway if you add anything to it, aside from that, you get a few extra speakers and a roof rack that needs to be replaced anyway. One thing that always pissed me off is the way Toyota cuts corners, like mismatched spare tire. The reason this holds it's value is due to the made in Japan build quality.
Exactly. With the $5 - 10k dealer mark-up in my area the Pro makes no sense at all. Without a mark-up it would match the cost of the shocks and other upgrades making it fine. For 2021 the Pro doesn't even get side indicators on the mirrors.
I bought the Venture, but a few issues have since shown itself: Roof rack (basket) - know your vehicle height as the roof basket is higher than the Pro’s (parking garage issue) - yes, I agree it’s not an issue, more so the owner needing to know their vehicle height; Rear window defrost: stops working. Online help suggests to roll the rear window all the way down and up again - surprisingly, that works and the rear defrost will then work. Frustrating with snow and ice on the window and this issue has been around for years and not addressed by Toyota; Brake squeal - it’s loud - really LOUD! It only happens (for me) during cold mornings (or after sitting for any short time period on cold days) and only for the first 2-3 brake applications. But it is abnormally LOUD. If you don’t believe me, ask my neighbours as I leave at 6am...Dealership says they never heard of the problem before, online indicates other 2020 4Runner owners have had the same issue; Auto high beam headlights - useless. They do not dim when approaching oncoming traffic; they WILL when they reflect off a road sign though...that is annoying and I don’t use it anymore; Vehicle safety (the lower radar in the grill) - If you live in snowy conditions, well, the radar screen will get covered with snow or dirt and not work until you can physically clear it (i’m sure other vehicle have the same issue) but better placement might be an option for future models; Driver/passenger windows - if it’s cold out, they will not roll down. Frustrating...get used to opening the door when going through drive throughs, etc until the interior heats up enough to make the windows work again; Dealer added predator steps - may look nice (others disagree) but are actually useless if going off road as they decrease the ground clearance. Also, in winter conditions the steps fill up completely with snow and make entering and exiting the vehicle difficult (the snow really piles up and out around the steps). Yes, you can clear them prior to departure, but at destination you almost have to jump out of the vehicle unless you like snow, mud and salt on your pants... Infotainment (GPS) - seems to enjoy taking me on the longest route possible, getting confused and resorts to “make a legal u-turn” constantly which has not been heard on other GPS for years... Everything’s else (to date) is fantastic. Of course, These issues may not be specific to the venture edition and more generic. Check online and you will see others mention 2020 brake squeal, rear defrost issue and perhaps other mentioned issues.
wolfeyez300 - thanks for the 411. I have a 2020 TRD Pro and haven’t had any of the issues you mention, but I only have about 4K miles on mine. I have had the snow pile up on the radar during a storm, but once I was out of the snow it cleared off on its own without me having to manually clear it off. One item I do notice - occasionally with no rhyme or reason I will get a light rattle on the windshield. Which is apparently something Gen 5’s are known to do. This is my second 4Runner. First one is a 1997 SR5 with 278k miles going on it. Still a solid vehicle just starting to show it’s age a bit. Cheers!
Kirk Rasmussen I haven’t noticed the windshield rattle - yet. While most of the issues I mention are minor (except windows not rolling down and brake squeal.) I do enjoy the vehicle and would highly recommend one - they are still around for a reason.
I like the new Venture edition for a couple reasons. 1.its basically falls between the pro and the trd off road prem. 2. About $5k difference in price just for the fox shocks and an exhaust. 3. That huge trd pro roof rack is no for me.
Agreed. I got the white venture edition over a white Pro for all of those reasons plus the cool blacked out trim paint on handles, spoiler, mirrors, spoiler, etc. Hate the Pro roof rack. Also avoided a $5k minimum mark-up.
It’s not to cut down on cost, most people don’t want the running boards and def not the predator steps cause it kills the ground clearance. Most 4runner owners who actually take it off road get sliders for it or no running boards or anything there at all.
People who off-road in rocky terrain do NOT want step bars. If you will be using the roof bars a lot for skis, kayaks, and so forth then the step bars are really nice especially if you are height challenged. I think the Venture is the realistic 4Runner for me since we have an old Nissan Pathfinder that we beat up on the trail. Best wishes from Colorado.
I love your channel. I do have a question, what’s better a center diff lock or the rear diff lock?? For example I like the sequoia but it only has center. I have a family, so I’m trying to figured out what’s best to go out and have fun off road too.
KDSS - improves stability on road... improves articulation off road. It's better on road and better off road... than a stock 4runner in terms for on road stability and off road articulation. TRD Pro has better shocks and springs but not as much articulation. Of course many people add very different aftermarket lifts and other suspension upgrades that are better than KDSS but as far as the stock versions... KDSS has less body roll on road and more wheel articulation off road. Did I say that enough times?
@@ShogunateDaimyo it limits compared to after market setups, that’s true. But its better at all those thing compared to a non-KDSS, stock 4Runner... including the TDR Pro. Because it acts somewhat like a sway bar disconnect... without actually disconnecting anything... just allows the sway bar to move which improves articulation ( which is a broad term that includes flex, droop and travel). It does however limit how much you can lift it, that is a clear disadvantage. You can only lift a KDSS 4Runner about 2 inches. Of course the trade off is much better on-road handling because it has a much fatter sway bar the reduces body roll on road. If you want to put on a really enhanced after market suspension setup then a KDSS 4Runner isn’t the right choice.
@@ShogunateDaimyo I don’t think it can be added. I do hear that some people remove KDSS to put on an aftermarket suspension that gives them more lift and/or articulation. But you’d give up the on road benefits. KDSS isn’t the most hardcore off road version of a 4Runner it’s just the most capable on-road/OffRoad of the stock 4runners. The TRD Pro has better clearance as it’s lifted a couple of more inches stock and has better stock shocks, but it doesn’t have as much articulation and has more body roll on-road. That’s the trade off. The TRD Pro is overall better off road, in stock form, than a KDSS equipped Venture, but it’s not as good on road and KDSS will have a little more articulation which is helpful in some situations.
@@michaelfletcher1224 i never got to drive both to compare. Only non-kdss. After watching the video from accutune channel here on YT i decided i would not pass on another non-kdss truck again as most out here dont have them. It just seems weird that Toyota would intentionally leave off the flagship Pro model which cannot be ordered with kdss which shows it's not essential. According to a post from a suspension tech here he said based on the Fox shocks and wider offset of the TRD wheels the Pro does not need the kdss. My immediate goal was already to upgrade the suspension on the venture, so that will hopefully gain back what is lost by not having the system. There is just a scarcity of these trucks out here that I can't wait all summer for the perfect combination of color and factory options to arrive at the docks. Most are sold before they get to the dealerships right now. It's crazy.
Fox shocks, all terrain tires, JBL stereo, auto climate control, different style roof rack, and remote start. I was leaning toward the Pro for the remote start but went for the Venture because it looks better and doesn't have the stupid dealer mark-up. All the rest except climatr control can be added if you really want it.
There’s no point for toyota to change the drivetrain now after all this time when the 6th gen is right around the corner. The 6th gen will definitly get better mpg.
I had decided on the 2021 Venture...but after your video, I may have been swayed to a TRD Pro....I like the grey wheels, but I might be swayed by the TRD accessories and tires
Very superficial review. Why would we want one or the other ? Get more serious, it''s a Big Investment. Help your viewers make the decision Sorry, don't appreciate the humor
He cant help make the decison because he doesn't know what the viewer wants...the video is to compare similarites & differnces so you the viewere can decide if the price tag of the pro is worth it
Dude they're the exact same car only one has fewer electronics. Do the math and get the one you can afford. You don't need him to help you make a decision.
So who wins this battle for you? Venture or TRD Pro...
Toyotajeff in Raleigh adventure is my pick.
For a Special Edition and the extra cost over the TRD Off Road, there should be black badging that’s says “Venture” on it.
Pro.
I just bought my Venture this last Friday. I love it!
If you are 6' or taller, you do not need step bars or running boards...unless you just want them for looks.
I bought a trd pro 4runner new the first year 2015, it was mostly the same then as now. Changes are: $43K vs $49K, sunroof, new fox suspension, roof rack, media center, LED headlights and side mirror blinkers. Buy the venture and upgrade the suspension, and add some armor. Everything is Trd pro now, the badge is just printing money for Toyota. All of Toyotas TRD pro lineup do not equal the price increase. The suspension has to be upgraded anyway if you add anything to it, aside from that, you get a few extra speakers and a roof rack that needs to be replaced anyway. One thing that always pissed me off is the way Toyota cuts corners, like mismatched spare tire. The reason this holds it's value is due to the made in Japan build quality.
There's something called inflation, my friend. Research it :)
Exactly. With the $5 - 10k dealer mark-up in my area the Pro makes no sense at all. Without a mark-up it would match the cost of the shocks and other upgrades making it fine. For 2021 the Pro doesn't even get side indicators on the mirrors.
Toyota really nailed it with these trd pro wheels. They just fit the 4runner and tacoma perfectly.
I bought the Venture, but a few issues have since shown itself:
Roof rack (basket) - know your vehicle height as the roof basket is higher than the Pro’s (parking garage issue) - yes, I agree it’s not an issue, more so the owner needing to know their vehicle height;
Rear window defrost: stops working. Online help suggests to roll the rear window all the way down and up again - surprisingly, that works and the rear defrost will then work. Frustrating with snow and ice on the window and this issue has been around for years and not addressed by Toyota;
Brake squeal - it’s loud - really LOUD! It only happens (for me) during cold mornings (or after sitting for any short time period on cold days) and only for the first 2-3 brake applications. But it is abnormally LOUD. If you don’t believe me, ask my neighbours as I leave at 6am...Dealership says they never heard of the problem before, online indicates other 2020 4Runner owners have had the same issue;
Auto high beam headlights - useless. They do not dim when approaching oncoming traffic; they WILL when they reflect off a road sign though...that is annoying and I don’t use it anymore;
Vehicle safety (the lower radar in the grill) - If you live in snowy conditions, well, the radar screen will get covered with snow or dirt and not work until you can physically clear it (i’m sure other vehicle have the same issue) but better placement might be an option for future models;
Driver/passenger windows - if it’s cold out, they will not roll down. Frustrating...get used to opening the door when going through drive throughs, etc until the interior heats up enough to make the windows work again;
Dealer added predator steps - may look nice (others disagree) but are actually useless if going off road as they decrease the ground clearance. Also, in winter conditions the steps fill up completely with snow and make entering and exiting the vehicle difficult (the snow really piles up and out around the steps). Yes, you can clear them prior to departure, but at destination you almost have to jump out of the vehicle unless you like snow, mud and salt on your pants...
Infotainment (GPS) - seems to enjoy taking me on the longest route possible, getting confused and resorts to “make a legal u-turn” constantly which has not been heard on other GPS for years...
Everything’s else (to date) is fantastic.
Of course, These issues may not be specific to the venture edition and more generic. Check online and you will see others mention 2020 brake squeal, rear defrost issue and perhaps other mentioned issues.
wolfeyez300 - thanks for the 411. I have a 2020 TRD Pro and haven’t had any of the issues you mention, but I only have about 4K miles on mine. I have had the snow pile up on the radar during a storm, but once I was out of the snow it cleared off on its own without me having to manually clear it off.
One item I do notice - occasionally with no rhyme or reason I will get a light rattle on the windshield. Which is apparently something Gen 5’s are known to do.
This is my second 4Runner. First one is a 1997 SR5 with 278k miles going on it. Still a solid vehicle just starting to show it’s age a bit.
Cheers!
Kirk Rasmussen I haven’t noticed the windshield rattle - yet. While most of the issues I mention are minor (except windows not rolling down and brake squeal.) I do enjoy the vehicle and would highly recommend one - they are still around for a reason.
wolfeyez300 I’m buying a new rig between 2021 Venture and 2021 Ford F150, would you recommend a 2021 F150 instead?
I hope they resolved these issues for 2021.
Your GPS took "venture" trim too seriously. lol.
I like the new Venture edition for a couple reasons. 1.its basically falls between the pro and the trd off road prem. 2. About $5k difference in price just for the fox shocks and an exhaust. 3. That huge trd pro roof rack is no for me.
Agreed. I got the white venture edition over a white Pro for all of those reasons plus the cool blacked out trim paint on handles, spoiler, mirrors, spoiler, etc. Hate the Pro roof rack. Also avoided a $5k minimum mark-up.
Love your videos! Keep up the great work
6:28 🤣🤣 Another Great video Jeff!!
lol sometimes my improv overrides all common logic
I just got the Venture a week ago, I have been wanting a4Runner for 4 yrs now, mine is the same color as this one .
How are you liking the vehicle?
It’s not to cut down on cost, most people don’t want the running boards and def not the predator steps cause it kills the ground clearance. Most 4runner owners who actually take it off road get sliders for it or no running boards or anything there at all.
People who off-road in rocky terrain do NOT want step bars. If you will be using the roof bars a lot for skis, kayaks, and so forth then the step bars are really nice especially if you are height challenged. I think the Venture is the realistic 4Runner for me since we have an old Nissan Pathfinder that we beat up on the trail. Best wishes from Colorado.
Exactly. Its actually very close. The Pro woukdnt be such a bad buy if it werent for the dealer mark-up.
Only problem with the TRD-OFP is that stupid silver valence in the front and rear.
That's the exact reason i got a white Venture over the white off-road premium. Had to wait 2 more weeks for it too.
I want a 4runner again I have a tundra now but debating going back to one
No step bars. They get caught on stuff
My first thought. Why would I want something hanging off of the side that gets caught on rocks and trees.
On Toyota's website, you can't get the Venture Edition with sunroof and KDSS in Nautical Blue. Is that a glitch on the website?
Does the 2021 TRD pro come standard with moon roof
I love your channel. I do have a question, what’s better a center diff lock or the rear diff lock?? For example I like the sequoia but it only has center. I have a family, so I’m trying to figured out what’s best to go out and have fun off road too.
rear diff lock better off road. Atrac on new 4runners pretty much replaces center diff lock
No step bars. You want ground clearance or not?
You can easily take them off. Damn y’all make things hella hard
KDSS - improves stability on road... improves articulation off road. It's better on road and better off road... than a stock 4runner in terms for on road stability and off road articulation. TRD Pro has better shocks and springs but not as much articulation. Of course many people add very different aftermarket lifts and other suspension upgrades that are better than KDSS but as far as the stock versions... KDSS has less body roll on road and more wheel articulation off road. Did I say that enough times?
I dont believe thats true. The KDSS actually limits travel, flex, droop, and and ability to lift suspension for off-road.
@@ShogunateDaimyo it limits compared to after market setups, that’s true. But its better at all those thing compared to a non-KDSS, stock 4Runner... including the TDR Pro. Because it acts somewhat like a sway bar disconnect... without actually disconnecting anything... just allows the sway bar to move which improves articulation ( which is a broad term that includes flex, droop and travel). It does however limit how much you can lift it, that is a clear disadvantage. You can only lift a KDSS 4Runner about 2 inches. Of course the trade off is much better on-road handling because it has a much fatter sway bar the reduces body roll on road. If you want to put on a really enhanced after market suspension setup then a KDSS 4Runner isn’t the right choice.
@@michaelfletcher1224 i dont see anyone talking about adding it. Can it be done if you change your mind down the road?
@@ShogunateDaimyo I don’t think it can be added. I do hear that some people remove KDSS to put on an aftermarket suspension that gives them more lift and/or articulation. But you’d give up the on road benefits. KDSS isn’t the most hardcore off road version of a 4Runner it’s just the most capable on-road/OffRoad of the stock 4runners. The TRD Pro has better clearance as it’s lifted a couple of more inches stock and has better stock shocks, but it doesn’t have as much articulation and has more body roll on-road. That’s the trade off. The TRD Pro is overall better off road, in stock form, than a KDSS equipped Venture, but it’s not as good on road and KDSS will have a little more articulation which is helpful in some situations.
@@michaelfletcher1224 i never got to drive both to compare. Only non-kdss. After watching the video from accutune channel here on YT i decided i would not pass on another non-kdss truck again as most out here dont have them. It just seems weird that Toyota would intentionally leave off the flagship Pro model which cannot be ordered with kdss which shows it's not essential.
According to a post from a suspension tech here he said based on the Fox shocks and wider offset of the TRD wheels the Pro does not need the kdss. My immediate goal was already to upgrade the suspension on the venture, so that will hopefully gain back what is lost by not having the system. There is just a scarcity of these trucks out here that I can't wait all summer for the perfect combination of color and factory options to arrive at the docks. Most are sold before they get to the dealerships right now. It's crazy.
Nice review man. I'm near Raleigh and own a couple of 4Runners. Let me know if you want to collab on some content
Sounds fun! Email me at toyotajeff1@gmail.com ok?
How much body lift does the pro have over the venture? It seems to be sitting slightly higher than the venture model.
looks the other way around to me venture is on the right
The Pro has a 1" front lift due to the Fox shocks.
Does the venture come with 3 rows or seats?
Nope
What’s the main difference between the TRD PRO AND VENTURE TRD?
Fox shocks, all terrain tires, JBL stereo, auto climate control, different style roof rack, and remote start. I was leaning toward the Pro for the remote start but went for the Venture because it looks better and doesn't have the stupid dealer mark-up. All the rest except climatr control can be added if you really want it.
2020 why are these things still 17mpg. We haven’t progressed in that department. Everything is evolving except that
There’s no point for toyota to change the drivetrain now after all this time when the 6th gen is right around the corner. The 6th gen will definitly get better mpg.
If you care about gas mileage buy a smaller suv
Both are very nice vehicles, but pushing $50g?!? That's some serious money.
Is the roof rack removable on the venture?
Yes
Yeah in fact I took it off as soon as I got home
@@thefjchannel 🤣🤣🤣🤣👏👏👏dont be a jetk
@@thefjchannel jerk
Another reason the Venture is better.
Worldwide acceptance!
I love this guys videos. I’m a toyota aholic.
Pinstriping? Why put that on any vehicle - thought it went by the wayside in the 80’s, at least it should have.
I still say why bother with a gas pot 4 runner when u can get trusty beefy old diesel land cruiser for a fraction of the price????
TRD PRO
Step bars are for bros. Rock Sliders are more a fit for this type of truck.
I had decided on the 2021 Venture...but after your video, I may have been swayed to a TRD Pro....I like the grey wheels, but I might be swayed by the TRD accessories and tires
Discussing POS roof racks on vehicles pushing $60k
Neither, buy a 3rd gen.
Damn you gut is getting huge. Give me the TRD ORP over the Venture.
Omg yeah you’re right Rick!!! I appreciate the tough love though. I ordered a treadmill last night. Will be here in about
3-4 weeks
I wasn't expecting my profit from Austin but I was amazed when I saw my bitcoin profit just today.
Very superficial review.
Why would we want one or the other ?
Get more serious, it''s a Big Investment. Help your viewers make the decision
Sorry, don't appreciate the humor
I like my news media to appear constipated and serious. Video reviewers not so much, this guy is hilarious
He cant help make the decison because he doesn't know what the viewer wants...the video is to compare similarites & differnces so you the viewere can decide if the price tag of the pro is worth it
Dude they're the exact same car only one has fewer electronics. Do the math and get the one you can afford. You don't need him to help you make a decision.