Feature Friday: 15 TRD Off-Road 5th Gen 4Runner Builds

We Asked 15 TRD Off-Road 4Runner Owners What Their Top 5 Mods Were On Their Overland & Off-Road Ready Rigs – Here’s What They Had To Say

This Week’s Topic: TRD Off-Road 4Runners

Welcome back to another Feature Friday! If you missed last week’s FF, we asked owners about their 4Runner gunmetal wheels. This week we are taking a look at the 4Runner as a whole in the form of the TRD Off-Road (TRD OR) trim level. If you are in the market for a TRD Off-Road 4Runner, then holy smokes, do we have a jam-packed Feature Friday list for you!

Top Brands Featured

• CBI Offroad Fabrication Armor
• Prinsu 4Runner Roof Racks
• C4 Fabrication Armor
• Cali Raised LED Accessories and Armor
• Runnin4Tacos Accessories

What Is The TRD Off-Road Trim?

The TRD Off-Road trim level made its debut for the 2017 4Runner model year. It replaced the 4Runner Trail trim and slotted in between the SR5 and TRD Pro trims.

Many choose the TRD Off-Road over an SR5 for the extra factory off-road goodies that make it easier to tackle the trails right off the showroom floor.

TRD Off-Road models come standard with Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select traction control system with modes for various kinds of obstacles. Additionally, you get Crawl Control and an Electronic Locking Rear Differential. The TRD Off-Road also offers the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) as an option.

KDSS is popular for its beefed-up sway bars that automatically adjust dampening for on-road performance and can disconnect for more off-road articulation.

The TRD Off-Road also features a mechanical 4WD selector over the SR5’s electronic dial. It also comes with a super awesome fake hood scoop, that you’ll either love or hate. 

The TRD Off-Road is about a $5K increase in MSRP over an SR5, but close to $9K cheaper than the TRD Pro.

Similar to the SR5, it is offered in either a non-premium or premium sub-trim level. This gives additional creature comforts such as SoftTex seats and heated front seats.

What About The TRD Pro Trim?

Compared to the TRD Pro, The TRD Off-Road has nearly identical off-road bells and whistles, less a couple of goodies. The TRD Pro comes with TRD Fox tuned suspension, more off-road oriented tires & wheels, and a TRD skid plate, all from the factory. As a cherry on top, each year features a new, exclusive TRD Pro-only color (sorry Lunar Rock & Army Green owners).

While exclusivity is cool, what if you could care less about a color? What if you want even more of a lift, bigger tires, or nicer wheels than the TRD Pro offers? If you plan on doing any major modifications, most would argue that the TRD Off-Road is the more viable option. That allows you to take the nearly $9K in savings over the TRD Pro and put it towards mods. You’ll also likely end up with a rig that’s much more capable than any stock TRD Pro for similar money.

If you don’t believe me, take a look at these 15 TRD Off-Road 4Runners below for the proof!

Enjoy!

1. Alex Warpula (@yeti.t4r) – 2019 TRD OR

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Bilstein 5100 Shocks
2. Old Man Emu 885/889 Coils
3. SPC UCAs
4. Cali Raised LED Rock Sliders
5. Baja Designs Lights

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

I love my setup because it is simple but effective and doesn’t break the bank. The suspension increases off-road performance while improving on-road driving conditions by eliminating the 4Runner nose dive and body roll. Plus, in my opinion, it looks the way 4Runners should have looked from the factory. It may not be the craziest build, but for the price, you can’t get a better setup!

2. Kathryn Mimmack (@weminuche_t4r) – 2022 TRD OR

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Aftermarket Heated Seats
2. Elka Suspension
3. C4 Fabrication Rock Sliders
4. RCI Off-Road skid plates
5. C4 Fabrication Lo-Pro Front Bumper (w/ Color-Matched Powder Coat)

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

First and foremost, having the TRD Off-Road trim from Toyota gives me many of the best off-road features straight from the factory. Combined with a lift, improved suspension performance, and body armor, you’ve got an extremely capable off-road rig.

However, since mine is not a TRD Off-Road Premium, I didn’t have factory-heated seats. Adding aftermarket ones was an absolute necessity for our cold Colorado winters. I also love that the changes I made improve its function, while only making subtle changes to its appearance. The color-matched front bumper was a game changer for me because it blends in so well. The black and white color scheme, to me, is a very clean look without being too flashy.

3. Miguel Fittoria (@t4thless_runner) – 2018 TRD ORP w/ KDSS

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Trail Standard Off-Road Lo Pro Front Bumper
2. Alpha Foxtrot Full Length Roof Rack
3. Cali Raised LED Interior MOLLE Panels
4. Dr.KDSS On/Off KDSS Switch
5. CarTrimHome T9 Headunit

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

Having a TRD ORP means that I’m comfortable inside and out. I love that this rig can utilize KDSS to handle better on the pavement. With a toggle switch from Dr.KDSS, I can also make maximize performance on the trails. 5th Gen 4Runners have amazing body lines. After looking for a while, the Trail Standard Off-Road LoPro front bumper fit the bill to keep the lines tight but also let me run a lightbar and winch for recoveries.

I use my T9 Headunit from CarTrimHome daily for maps and can even use apps such as OnXOffroad or TrailsOffroad on it, so it’s been great. Aesthetically and functionality-wise, Cali Raised LED’s interior MOLLE panels are used to hold blankets, air up/down tools, small gadgets, and even my first aid kit. They continue to keep my interior organized, functional, and useful!

4. Victor Cortez (@redrum_rnr) – 2020 TRD ORP

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Morimoto XB Headlights
2. Diode Dynamics SS3 Fog Lights
3. Icon Rear 2” Springs
4. Bilstein 5100 Shocks
5. Relations Race Wheels RR6-H | -25mm Offset

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

The Morimoto XB headlights give an even more aggressive look to the 4Runner and tremendously increase the light output compared to stock. The Icon rear springs have better off-road performance and have helped with sagging when loaded up.

I think the Bilstein 5100 shocks are the best bang for the buck to improve ride quality both on and off-road. My Relation Race Wheels are probably my favorite upgrade. They nailed that bronze finish, and I love that I can convert them into a beadlock wheel!

5. Jared Luellen (@vader_t4run) – 2021 TRD ORP Venture Edition

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Westcott Designs Lift
2. AlphaRex Nova Series Headlights
3. S&B Intake
4. TRD Pro Exhaust
5. Baja Designs Fog & Ditch Lights

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

I like my vehicles to be tastefully modded. Less is more in my opinion, and definitely no stickers. I’m going for the OEM+ look with function over form as far as mods. The only non-functional item on my 4Runner is the hood scoop! I love the reliability and look of the 4Runner. it’s a vehicle I know will last a lifetime as long as you take care of all the necessary items along the way.

6. Brian Clingan (@colorado_t4r) – 2020 TRD OR

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Alpha Foxtrot Roof Rack w/ 40” Baja Designs LED Lightbar
2. RCI Rock Sliders, Transmission/Transfer Case & Gas Tank Skid Plates
3. Rago Fabrication Rear Window MOLLE Panels
4. Runnin 4 Tacos BMC Kit
5. USR Depo Headlights

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

There are a couple of things that I really like about my setup. First, is the Alpha Foxtrot Roof rack with the 40” Baja Designs LED Lightbar; they just look good together. Second, is all of my RCI armor and underbody protection. They give me confidence and assurance on the really rocky trails.

7. Cory Anderson (@fur_4runner) – 2017 TRD ORP

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. CVT MT. Thielsen RTT
2. ARB Twin Air Compressor
3. Dobinson 3′ Full Suspension
4. Expedition One Front/Rear Dual Swing Bumpers
5. 4x Innovations Full Underbody Skid Plates

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

My rig allows me to go to places that most people can only see in pictures. Between the RTT, annex, fridge, dual batteries, and cooking setup, I have a mobile hotel room with the best views available. The lift and body armor get me to the more remote places that don’t get overcrowded by the increase in campers in recent years.

8. Alex Bruce (@alexbbruce) – 2021 TRD ORP

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. King Shocks 2.5 Suspension
2. Morimoto XB Headlights
3. SCS Gen5 Wheels
4. Falken Wildpeak AT3W Tires
5. Sherpa Crestone Roof Rack

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

I’ve built my 4Runner to be the perfect vehicle for my needs! It’s tailored to my taste, while also being functional. I take it camping fairly often and it’s the perfect camping rig. I also take it on trails in the Colorado mountains and daily drive it. The King Shocks combined with KDSS make the rig drive great on the road while giving it excellent off-road capability, which is exactly what I was looking for!

9. Brett Grayson (@ridge_overlander) – 2021 TRD OR

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Victory4x4 Roof Rack
2. General Grabber ATX Tires | 275/70R17
3. RCI Sliders (20 Degree)
4. Bilstein 5100 Suspension
5. Aftermarket Lighting

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

My current setup serves its purpose well as my rig doubles up as my daily driver and an occasional overland vehicle. The Bilstein 5100 shocks with the front being set at 1.75” of lift provide me with enough clearance and confidence to face most obstacles on the trails and more control while on the road. It gets rid of the nose dive too!

I have been a Toyo tire guy for most of my life and was hesitant to try the General brand, but I’m glad I did! On my first off-road trip with them, I was impressed with how much they gripped the trail, even when not aired down.

My RCI sliders assure me that my vehicle is protected anytime I’m off-road. My roof rack serves as storage for my recovery kit and keeps it easily accessible. It also allows me to carry other items like a kayak or lumber.

Last, but not least, my aftermarket lighting is hugely beneficial as it gives me more trail visibility whenever I am riding at night!

10. Jason Tran (@jvson.t4r) – 2021 TRD OR w/ KDSS

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Diode Dynamics Lights
2. Prinsu Roof Rack
3. Dobinsons Snorkel
4. ARB Awning
5. Greenlane Off-Road Rock Sliders

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

What do I like most about my setup? There are too many to list, but if I were to list my favorite part, it would have to be my Dobinsons Snorkel. It gives me great peace of mind when traversing through water crossings or when I’m following a convoy and a lot of dust gets kicked up.

There are some water crossings on trails in Ontario, Canada that flow near/over the roof. So, pairing the snorkel with my ARB rear differential breather has definitely made wheeling a more fun experience!

11. Alan Nguyen (@trailingpnw) – 2021 TRD ORP w/ KDSS

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. TRD PRO Package w/ Westcott Design Pro Lift Kit
2. Black Gate Customs Rear Sway Bar KDSS Drop Kit w/ Control Harness
3. R4T Rock Sliders
4. upTOP Overland Alpha Roof Rack
5. Baja Designs S8 40″ Light Bar

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

After owning the 4Runner for about a month, I was given the opportunity to get some second-hand TRD PRO parts (eg, TRD Pro wheels, suspension, roof rack). After installing the parts, I call it a budget TRD PRO if you will. For better or worse, my 4Runner is equipped with KDSS. In order for me to increase my suspension height in the future, I have the Black Gate Customs rear sway bar KDSS drop kit installed.

Stop staring at my rack, or stare because it looks so sexy. I chose the upTOP Overland Alpha roof rack with a matching super white color scheme and paired it with the bright Baja Design S8 40″ light bar.

For protection, made local to my childhood home, is Runnin 4 Taco’s rock sliders for my rocker panels or one day prevent my 4Runner from tipping like their infamous video.

12. Michael Reardon (@mreardon_) – 2017 TRD OR

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Falken Wildpeak AT3W Tires | 35×12.5R17
2. Body Armor Front Bumper w/ 10k Winch & Green Lane Skid Plates
3. RA Motorsports Roof Rack w/ Ridged Lights
4. Wilco High Clearance Swing-Out
5. Morimoto XB Headlights w/ Amber DRLs & Amber Raptor Lights

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

I like that I can take my rig down any trail in Ontario, Canada without issue. The rig turns heads everywhere I go. It tows my boat and camper with ease, even with having 35s. The 4Runner always wheels hard and always gets me back home.

13. James Turcato (@wreckit.4r) – 2019 TRD ORP

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Regear, Nitro Gear & Axle 4.88 Gears
2. 34” Toyo Open Country ATIII Tires On Method 704 Bead Grip Wheels
3. Suspension System
   – Toytec 2.5 Aluma Series
   – Icon Delta Joint Tubular UCAs
   – Dobinsons C59-677V Rear Springs
   – Eimkeith Panhard Correction Kit
   – DuroBumps Front Bump Stops
   – Timbren Rear Active Off-Road Bump Stops
   – KDSS w/ Dr.KDSS Front Sway Bar Billet Clamps, End Adaptors, On/Off Switch
4. Armor
   – RSG Front Skid Plate
   – RSG Rear Skid Plate w/ Transfer Case & Catalytic Converter protection
   – Cali Raised LED Rock Sliders
   – RCI Aluminum A-Arm Skids
   – RCI Aluminum Fuel Tank Skid
   – Total Chaos Fabrication Lower Link Skids
   – Rago Fab Rear Shock Guards
   – SDHQ ABS Sensor Guards
   – Rokmen Trail Series Rear LCAs
   – C4 Fab Rear Diff Skid
5. Ceramic Coating, IGL Coatings Kenzo

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

My rig has been set up to go anywhere, to be comfortable, and to get back home safe from both weekend camping trips and long excursions. My 4Runner is pretty capable and can hit most trails without issues. It’s lifted with 34s on Method Bead Grip wheels and equipped with armor from front to back. It also has KDSS, the reliable Toyota factory rear locker, and MTS + crawl control which I use pretty frequently on technical trail sections. That’s one of the best perks of having a TRD model.

My 4Runner also has plenty of creature comforts and amenities that make the outdoors way more pleasant such as:

• Restroom/Shower
• Pressurized Water
• Water Heater
• Refrigerator
• 12 Gallons Of Extra Water
• Awning For Shade
• Rooftop Tent

I travel alone and being prepared is critical. My rig is equipped with a 10k winch, recovery boards, a Hi-Lift jack, and emergency communication devices. I also carry spare parts like a CV axle and brake lines just in case.

14. Christina Howard (@alpine.t4r) – 2020 TRD ORP

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Dobinsons IMS Lift kit w/ Sway Bar Relocation & Extended Rear Sway Bar End Link
2. JBA Upper Control Arms
3. Gobi Roof Rack & Ladder
4. BF Goodrich KO2 Tires | 285/70R17
5. Body Mount Chop

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

When I first looked at purchasing a 4Runner back in 2020, I originally had my mind set on an SR5. After doing more research on the different trim packages, I couldn’t say no to the TRD Off-Road Premium. I wanted something that was capable off the showroom floor. My decision was made easier when I learned about the crawl control and rear locker.

It was definitely worth spending the extra money on the off-road gadgets. After upgrading the suspension and tires, the ride feels even better than before! I can’t say enough good things about the Gobi Roof Rack. The basket design combined with the mesh platform makes mounting items to the rack incredibly easy. I wouldn’t change a thing about my 4Runner other than I wish that I would have purchased it sooner!

15. Irene Bayaca (@winter_trd) – 2017 TRD ORP

What Are Your Top 5 Mods

1. Falcon Wildpeak AT3W Tires | 285/70R17
2. Ironman 4X4 Foam Cell Pro Suspension Non-KDSS Stage 2
3. CBI Steel Full Skid Plates (Powder Coated Black)
4. Falcon T2 Gunmetal Wheels
5. Dirt Complex Ultra Swingout

What Do You Like About Your Setup?

Falcon Wildpeaks -They have been awesome on the trails and haven’t failed me yet while getting through obstacles. They are also great on the road, with virtually no road noise.

Ironman 4X4 Foam Cell Pro Suspension – I chose this setup because I was impressed with the foam cell technology and the little to no maintenance. They were pretty stiff at first, but as I keep adding weight to my rig, the ride gets much smoother.

CBI Steel Full Skid Plate – There were one of the very first things I purchased. I chose CBI because I like how it covers my catalytic converter. No matter what brand you buy, protecting your undercarriage is protecting your investment – period.

Falcon T2 Wheels – The gunmetal just looks fire with the white. Most of all, it gives my rig an attempt at individuality amongst all the other white runners. Lol!

Dirt Complex Ultra Swingout – Still deciding if I want to upgrade my rear bumper. This is a great alternative until then to carry my spare. I like how the mounting point to my hitch is angled versus straight compared to competitors. I’m not sure it’s made to serve as a hitch skid, but it definitely helps with my departure angle.

I love how my rig is coming along, how well it manages on the trails, and how slowly she’s being built for more dispersed camping adventures. There are so many beautiful builds out there on social media, that it’s very easy to fall into the trap of wanting to buy everything!

However, I was given the best advice when I first bought my rig, “Go on a trail while stock and figure out what you need first. Then, go from there. Buy once, cry once”. See ya’ll on the trail!

Final Thoughts

The TRD Off-Road is such a great trim level for the 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner. You get all of the factory off-road goodies that would be a pain to add yourself and have money left over for essential mods like suspension and tires. If you are in the market to snag one of the last years of the 5th generation, then I highly suggest this trim level if your budget allows it.

Fun fact, I was looking for a TRD Off-Road in Nautical Blue before I got my TRD Pro in Cavalry Blue. There was just something about that Pro color that made my mind go in another direction. So in my case, the exclusive color did sway me to spend the extra money.

We want readers to get inspired by a variety of rigs/products. Submit your build for Feature Friday here to get featured. Next week we will be showcasing Mud-Terrain Tire Options and asking owners what they like about their tires. If you would like to submit your build for next week, include your setup details and an awesome photo that shows it off.

Have a great weekend everyone!