Difference in 2017 and 2018 models

Ok, need some guidance.

Looking at both 2017 and 2018 models.

Based on specs, looks like 2018 added lane departure, radar cruise and apple car play.

Does this sound right?

Any other "benefit" to going the year newer? Not that those things arent worth something to me - just not sure how much I would use them.

 

2018 does not have apple car play. Only 2020 has it if you have at least the SR5 trim with the optional TRD Off-Road or TRD Sport package.

I don't care for all the safety stuff like lane departure warning and dynamic cruise control. I do use apple car play at a lot though. I use it every time I drive. It's one of the main reasons why I bought a 2020 instead of 2019. Also, the push start button and smart entry is something I enjoy a lot more than I thought I would.

 

Not sure how much it differs by area but in Canada all 2020 SR5s get Car Play/ Android Auto. Have to go up to some of the TRD packages for push button start, though.

 

Actually you're right! I forgot about that. All 2020 come with apple car play.

 

Push button start to me is a reason to avoid a car.

Way too simple to break into/steal vs something requiring a key.

I know 2020 got both Apple/Android - Toyota site is where I read this though on vin detail. Possible I misread and a 2018 had Android ?

Have Samsung phone now - thinking of changing back to Apple....but if I had Android audio - might tempt me to stay

 

So I'll try to give you my perspective on it. I opted to buy my 2017 in August in 2017 over a 2018 BECAUSE of all the new Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package items. I drive my truck mostly around 6AM and after work. Lots of driving without many people on the road or around me. I function well in the morning and don't really get tired(for now lol). I knew I was going to lift my truck 6" and knew that the TSS would cause issues in the beginning(which it did). I have since lifted it and all, and no issues. Once lifted in a 2018+, things have to be done. So it was personally all my personal preference on what I was going to be doing with the truck, my personal driving habits, etc. Now my wife's 2019 Odyssey we bought in October of 2018, we opted for a package that did include LOTS of safety features, but we use that as our family vehicle when running errands, family trips, etc. Again, it goes off of your personal preference. Some have pointed out that it has swerved/stopped/moved without them wanting to because of a malfunction in the safety features....but not a whole lot. I personally don't like it on my vehicle at the stage of life I'm in, so I opted out. Hope this can kinda help you. Just trying to keep it related to the years you asked and not the 2020 stuff.

 

Still don't understand why since they added smart entry, they didn't add smart exit where the truck auto locks when you walk so far away from it with the key. I miss this from my 2016 civic lol. Since I was so used to it, it took me a while to remember to hit the lock on the door on my way out and had to lock it from the app a couple times because I forgot. First world problems lol.

 

My last car was a push button start as well as my Tundra, and I know it's all based on location and bad luck, but I don't think there's any evidence that having that makes the car easier to steal or break into. If someone wants to break into your car, they're going to break the glass and take what they want. If you're keeping things in your truck that are expensive or whatever you can always get one of the safes for it. And i'm sure it's a lot harder now more than ever to steal a car without having the key, but back to your point. 2020 was the first year for either android auto or apple carplay.

 

Some changes to note:

Grill and headlights are different, centre badge is where the radar unit is on +2018.

2017:



2018 (LED headlights and fog lights, depending on model):



Gauge cluster is different.

2017:



2018:

 

I like the look of the 2018+ better but I may be biased.

 

The pics I selected aren't exactly fair - I think the 2017 is a base SR vs a 2018 color matched Sport.

But yes, I like the 2018 better too.

 

Google - basically using a signal amplifier box and device to reproduce - its super simple. Kits can be built cheapily and easily.

Now, as to keeping valuables in a car. Thats just stupid. I get it - some things we need to keep in our car. Laptop, phone, firearms, ect - there is no excuse for storing in a car long term. Lock them up in a secure location - not in plain site.

If they want in - they will get in, I agree with - BUT just like parking in a well lit area, no reason to make it easy. Thieves for the most part are lazy - they dont like drawing attention (like the sound of breaking glass tends to do) and prefer gadgets to tools of labor.

If they were smart, they'd be robbing banks and large targets. The fact they are looking for loose change and phones to sell at an EcoATM says it all about them.

There are signal blockers for key fob and turning off your devices bluetooth is always a good idea (bluetooth just advertises what you got to steal)

 

Led headlights are standard on 2018 models

 

Thanks for the advice.

Heres the debate: 2018 CPO local asking 31k (assuming theres room to negotiate)

Or

2017 used 28k - no negotiation and I have to drive 100 miles to see it.

I'm thinking the 2018 is worth a grand more to me...not much more. There are upgrades and fact its local helps. Hate driving to buy a car - but 3 grand is like 45 dollars a month difference in payment

 

Is there any difference in mileage? And with how things are you could probably be a bull and get the 2018 down to 28-29k

Edit: CPO is a great added benefit and the distance to pick it up. Sounds like you already made up your mind haha

 

Mileage is basically the same.

Of course something new popped up today - a CM in my preferred color for 800 more, 2018 my sold late 2018.

Damn, so many choices.

 

Don't forget there's a bunch of brand new ones that are gonna have some of the best deals right now haha