2019 SR5...what am I capable of?

Hello Tacoma World!

I just bought my first Tacoma brand new off the lot. 2019 SR5 Quad Cab. I got some cool options, however, as you see the SR5 isnt exactly the higher trim level. I saved a good chunk of change by opting out of options...some of which are a little overpriced.

Ive got a few options, but I was curious as to how many upper trim level options are possible to install on a "lower trim" level?

For example. I have a 2wd with no locker. How hard is it to install the Toyota locker? What would need to be done to make it seamless?

I have the head unit but it doesnt have GPS. Will simply getting a head unit with GPS also integrate into the dashboard display (i.e. will I be able to see the next turn on the little screen between the guages?). Is there an aftermarket unit that would do this? (Ive read that Entune is buggy).

How hard would it be to swap the stock manual seats with powered seats if I could find a donor?

Just a few examples of possibilites...what are some other factory options that are possible to put on an SR5 to get a taste of a higher trim level?

Thanks! And Im excited to join your forum!

 

The rear locker would be an ambitious undertaking.

 

Opinion:

Collectively, everything you listed would be much easier solved by getting the higher trim level that includes those features. The cost difference between buying everything aftermarket, versus buying the complete stock truck, will pale in comparison to the ass pain you will experience trying to get it all done.

If it's a project you're looking for though, I bid you good luck.

 

It’s much cheaper to purchase the Tacoma with all of these options already factory installed . Sometimes you can find cheaper electronics and parts that might work, which are not as good of quality as OEM or high end aftermarket.
If your plan was to buy a cheap model and upgrade it yourself to the higher end model, then you done f#%+ed up

You have a great truck the way it is. Mod it, enjoy it, and welcome to the club!!!

 

Im sure youre right. I had my doubts about the diff locker anyways.

I guess Im more interested in the electronics. The "standard" features of the SR5 are still much better than they were 10 years ago. Im ok with certain lower level things like the "keyed" start and cloth seats...even manual seats. Im not an off roader so offroading capabilites arent crucial to me...as a matter of fact, most guys tell me they rarely use their 4x4 (although Im sure Im going to get tons of feedback to the contrary on this forum lol).

With the competition in the head units out there and the quality of aftermarket, how well do head units integrate into the Tacoma? If I went with, say, a Kenwood unit with GPS, would the turn by turn still pop up in the gauge dash display?

 

Throw a leveling kit on it and be done.

All of the swapping you are considering will put you at or above the higher trim level price. The time to install DIY will be long too.... and if you break something that's high dollar.......

I too stepped down from a 4WD to 2WD based on price. I installed a leveling kit, wheels and tires. I'm done. Easy day.

 

Don't try to make your SR5 a TRD Sport or Off Road. You bought what you bought.
That said, almost all of the aftermarket accessories for a Tacoma will fit on the SR5.
So make it your own!

 

Man, I LOVE those white letter tires!

 

For answers about head units. Jump over to this area. You’ll get better responses but do a search first. This has been asked and answered many times.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/audio-video.12/

 

Replace the grill with a TRD Pro Grill, install some raptor lights, add some heritage decals, and you're good to go!

 

Yep, thats my plan.

I guess Im not trying to make an SR5 into something its not...more or less, wondering what I can do if I decide I want to upgrade down the road.

 

not really. You can order a complete 3rd member with it already installed, and bolt it in and wire up a switch in the truck.

 

- If you've never really wanted or needed 4WD before buying this truck, I wouldn't be too concerned about installing a locker. I started having doubts after buying my 2WD, but I live in FL and don't go off-road, and 1.5 years later I still have no regrets. However, I wouldn't be opposed to some nice all-terrain tires for a little more capability (and better looks).

- Using a phone with a dash or cupholder mount works perfectly fine for navigation, IMO. But a while back I downloaded Toyota's free Scout app, and it works pretty well if you want something cheap/free that will run on your stock head unit. Scout just gives you basic directions (directional arrows with the street name/distance of your next turn) with audio cues. It's pretty bare bones but I use it a lot without many issues.

- If you can find a comfortable setting with your manual seat, just try driving for a while and see if you ever really want or need more adjustment. I never move mine.

In short, just drive your truck for a bit. I "upgraded" my SR5 with nice floor mats (Husky X-Act Contours), center console and glove box organizers, and the OEM bed mat, and stopped there. I absolutely love this truck. I really would have liked (factory) leather interior and a nicer stereo/speakers, but that would have been a big jump in price. To me, the SR5 is a perfect entry point for someone's first Tacoma. I would definitely consider splurging a bit more on my next one in the future, but the SR5 has been great.

 

Really? Has this been done by a forum member?

 

That scout app has never worked well for me for some reason.

I'm from FL too...only reason I can find for 4x4 is beach driving. Otherwise, everything is pretty flat and/or paved.

 

What lift?

 

6.5" spindle lift

 

If I were more of a beach guy (I live inland) 4x4 would be really nice!

The Scout app has worked well enough for me, but it's definitely ... simple. If I needed nav on a daily or weekly basis I would use my phone or something more elaborate. Scout has the essentials though: a visual indicator and street name for your next turn, and audio cues that work seamlessly while you're listening to music. For a freebie it's been surprisingly helpful.

 

Perspective I guess. That’s certainly ambitious for me lol.

 

The list of things you can do is endless . You can do as much as you can afford .