SE vs XLE - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

hyisbm · 07-26-2011, 04:28 PM

hope some of you guys can help, I am having a really hard time trying to figure out these answers:

first off, this vehicle will be converted to become handicapped accessible.

I just really need to know the differences between these two vehicles. Mainly, what are the little features or luxuries am I going to give up on if I go with a SE? The handling and the look would be the main reasons for going with a SE. But what I don't want is to lose some handy little features that I cannot find from my research. Such as Bluetooth, USB, power options, moon roof, etc. The comparison charts on Toyota's website does nothing for this. And I just read on this site that the rear windows on the SE are not power but manually operated? It's stuff like this that I don't want to regret later on if I choose a SE. I don't care much for navigation or entertainment system. As far as the look, I see people are easily able to change this which will not be a problem for me to have done. Certainly much easier than trying to get power to the rear windows or other electronic stuff that I may lose by going with a SE. Moonroof and power options are a must. So, anything you SE owners wish you had that on the XLE? Smart key? Home link? Again, the little stuff.

ACS Rob · 07-26-2011, 05:36 PM

as an SE owner, i wanted leather to be an option. SE has bluetooth, USB, moon roof. the only features that i know of that you can get in an XLE oppose to an SE are leather, nav and RES.

hyisbm · 07-26-2011, 05:46 PM

leather isn't much of an issue. What about the smart key? I take it you still use a regular key and not the pushbutton start?

Backup sensors or camera?

ACS Rob · 07-26-2011, 05:57 PM

oh yeah, a smart key/push start button. you can only get those on the xle or limited. SE has a backup camera but not sonar.

skinny2 · 07-26-2011, 06:08 PM

And to be clear, since there's no NAV option you only get the small LCD screen for backup and no Panorama option.

You also can't get:

-Auto dimming rearview mirror with homelink
-Power rear quarter windows
-Antitheft
-Safety connect

I think that's it.

hyisbm · 07-26-2011, 06:24 PM

is the screen bigger on the XLE?

if what you listed are the only differences plus the smart key, that's not too bad. Although a bigger screen would be nice. Again, moon roof & powered hatch is necessary but it looks like those can be had.

skinny2 · 07-26-2011, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyisbm

is the screen bigger on the XLE?

Only on the NAV models do you get the bigger screen. Non-nav all have the small 3.5" screen used for backup.

hyisbm · 07-26-2011, 07:00 PM

okay, but I take it you can easily install a aftermarket system?

skinny2 · 07-26-2011, 07:56 PM

I've seen some posts around here of aftermarket NAV's that plug right into backup cam. No idea on cost but they look pretty good. Probably better system than the OEM NAV anyway.

One other tidbit I see complaints on...only the Ltd has fully auto headlamps. Depends if you're used to this or not but Toyota/Honda both treat it as some sort of luxury feature.

hyisbm · 07-27-2011, 12:40 PM

nobody else knows of any other differences? Because if that's all the differences, I think I'm leaning towards the SE. The look and suspension would be worth it for me then.

What would you do if the price difference between the two vehicles was only $900(SE be cheaper). According to the two estimates from my dealer, that's what I'm looking at.

skinny2 · 07-27-2011, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyisbm

nobody else knows of any other differences? Because if that's all the differences, I think I'm leaning towards the SE. The look and suspension would be worth it for me then.

What would you do if the price difference between the two vehicles was only $900(SE be cheaper). According to the two estimates from my dealer, that's what I'm looking at.

I'd say that's the bulk of the differences. The only complaint I've really seen is the lack of availability of DVD/NAV/Leather...which does seem silly given this is supposed to be a family vehicle. Why know DVD? Doesn't matter...the rest is pretty small stuff. If you like the SE...$900 cheaper sounds like a bonus for you. The only neg I can think of on the SE is the 19" tires are going to cost you an extra $200 a set over the more mainstream 17's of the XLE. Doubtful they'll last as long too.

hyisbm · 07-27-2011, 01:07 PM

okay, thanks. And I did read that issue regarding the 19" tires. I'll have to talk to my brother about it. But I'm going with aftermarket wheels anyways. If anything, I'll just throw winter tires on the 19's and hope they last a While.