Test Drive of SR Prerunner, comments and pictures

In an attempt to slow down the decay of the thread content, let me say that I am providing an opinion. Given that there are 7 billion other people on the planet, your mileage may vary. Good people can disagree.

(I have previously owned 2 trucks: a Ford Ranger and a Mazda B2200)

Vehicle: SR, Prerunner, auto, Access Cab, 4 cyl.
Test Drive: 25 miles

LOOKS: I agree with others that the vehicle is more impressive looking in person.
The hood appears bigger (or taller) from both inside and outside of the vehicle. The dealer parked this vehicle right next to a 2015 SR Prerunner, which allowed me to take the attached pictures showing them side-by-side.

I am not one who found the grille offensive; for me it was always the squint-like headlights. However, after seeing the truck, I am a fan of the looks.

RIDE: On smooth highway, the ride was Camry-like. Obviously bumps such as bridge transitions were more noticeable than in my Camry . I would expect the double cab, 6-cylinder, long bed (which is my personal choice) to be even better due to the longer wheel base and added weight.

COMFORT: I found the driver's seat to be unimpressive, and lacking glute support. However this was a stripped down truck (not even a back seat) so I am hoping that this seat is not typical of the more expensive packages. I was surprised that this minimalist configuration DID come with adjustable lumbar support.

ENGINE: What can I say? It was the 4 cylinder. At highway speed (65-75), I had to depress the gas peddle almost to the floor to get it to down shift in order to gain speed. However, with ECT engaged, it was much more responsive. In ECT, it shifted quite frequently, but not enough that I would say that the transmission was hunting.

QUALITY: This vehicle wreaked of quality. Just closing the door on the vehicle, it feels more solid than the 2015. The cabin is very quiet at all speeds.

TAILGATE: I will echo what others have said that it is a heavier, more solid construction. The dampening mechanism worked great. Also aesthetically speaking, the tailgate rocks.

BED: The 16 is supposed to be deeper, but I could not tell the difference even with the 15 model sitting beside it.

DASHBOARD: The dash was fine, but this minimalist configuration did not have many dash options to play with. On the SR, the dash does not have an indicator showing which gear the vehicle is in. Therefore, not being familiar with the truck, I had to keep looking over at the gear shift to make sure that I was in the right gear. Perhaps the more expensive packages show the gear selector on the dash.

The odometer window was too small for my taste, but surprisingly, for this trim, did show the outside temperature.

CENTER CONSOLE: One thing that I was happy to see is that the 16 does have 2 cabin outlets (old fashion cigarette lighter style). I thought that the 16 had only 1, but they buried the other 1 in the center console storage. This was a plus for me as I like to have 2: 1 for GPS and 1 for dash cam (no offense to GoPro fans).

I am 1 of those that prefer the emergency brake on the floor. That may have allowed the gear shift to be moved closer to the driver as I like to rest my hand on it while driving (again, just a personal preference).

OTHER: I am not a fan of the mirror-adjustment mechanism, which is a button/dial/joystick style (see door picture) . It just looks like something I would accidentally whack and break. I prefer the flush-style (again must a personal preference).

PRICE: The sticker price is $22,750, which I thought was in the park (as a pre-negotiation figure) for this spartan configuration. However adding a chrome exhaust tip to this configuration is akin to the proverbial "putting lipstick on a pig"

 

Great review and pictures!

 

That black bumper tho...

 

This.

Thats about the only thing i really don't like about it

 

It just looks weird the way it just stops. No other black flowing through the vehicle. It looks like it was repaired but not yet painted.

 

So, 4cyl from Japan and 6cyl from USA. Was the Gen2 4cyl also from Japan?

Nice review OP.

 

holy shit that 2016 is gruesome ugly,you must be blind if you think that grill/front end is acceptable compared to the 2015

 

No problem Mush Mouse... keep your 2004 turd

 

I want the SR grill.

SR Grill Best Grill.

 

Not every post poops the golden turd

 

don't make fun of my Turd

 

LMAO....good ones. thanks for having a sense of humor about it!!!!!!

 

been there...done that!!!! mine's in the driveway and I love the grill...cuz it's MINE! David Bowie once sang " Bang, Bang - I got mine...and you are next in line!!!!!

 

I'd be interested to know if the higher trims have better seat cushioning. Anyone know?

 

I believe they are all the same except for different fabric on the TRDs and leather on the Limited.

Also, you mentioned no gear indicator on the center display. But in your picture of the center display (and others I have seen) there is a big "P" in the upper left. I thought that was the gear indicator and was indicating "Park" while the car is in park.

 

So does anyone else who has driven or owns one think the seats are not comfortable?

 

Also some thoughts about the utility package:

1) I love the rear seat delete. It's not like I would have anyone sit back there anyway, so this looks much cleaner and gives more storage capability.

2) I actually like the exterior door handles and mirror caps in black. I think it gives some nice contrast if you get a non-black truck.

3) I don't mind the rear bumper in black. It's a small bumper and the center section is always black anyway, so it doesn't make a huge different in appearance.

4) The front bumper definitely needs some paint on the side sections that overlap the fenders. I wonder how much it would cost to have those painted. Or maybe just an excuse to get an aftermarket bumper when they are available.

5) I'm glad to see there is still power mirrors. I had wondered if the black mirror caps meant you were losing the power mirrors.

6) No option to get the convenience package with the utility package. I don't care about cruise control as I never use it, but I want the keyless entry. I wonder if that is something easily added. There are still power door locks, right?

 

I totally missed that "P". Thanks! That window is too small