Moving Up Trim Levels is Poor Value

[ncrunner]

I used the Toyota website to compare the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Sport Premium trim levels and I was struck by what a poor value these trim levels are. You pay $6,480 over the SR5 to get a TRD Sport and that buys you:

20 inch wheels vs 17​

gloss black grill, mirror caps, door handles, over fenders, badges​

gloss black hood scoop​

“premium” tail lights with a clear outer lens versus a red outer lens​

turn signal indicators on outside mirrors​

heated front seats​

Qi compatible wireless charging​

five USB ports​

12V aux power outlet and two 120V/400W AC outlets​

single zone automatic climate control​

leather wrapped shift knob​

carpet floor mats​

7 inch driver gauge vs 12​

These differences are costing Toyota a tiny fraction of that $6,480. If you go up another trim level to the TRD Sport Premium, that will cost you an additional $5,360 and that will buy you:

power front seats​

faux leather seat material​

hands free lift-gate​

heated steering wheel​

Auto-dimming mirror​

14 speaker audio vs 8 speaker audio​

panoramic view monitor​

From these two lists, the 120V outlet, auto dimming mirror, and upgraded seats are features I'd like but they are not worth almost 12 grand. I don't find these trim level prices particularly compelling. Are there other differences that are not listed that help to improve the value proposition of paying for trim levels above the SR5?

 

[visually oriented]

I've always struggled with the value proposition of Toyotas. The new generation of 4Runners could be an even worse deal. A 4Runner Platinum spec'd as I'd want lists for $65,000+. It is to be determined whether the 6g 4Runners will have the great reliability and resell value that helped justify the high MSRP of previous models.