Hopefully I'm not reviving too old of a thread, but I just got myself a 2013 4Runner Trail and thought I'd chime in. I've been driving a 100-series (LX470) for the past few years and I got the 4Runner to replace it. I havent sold the 100 yet, but that's in the works. I should start by aknowledging that both have been impressive vehicles and its a bummer that I cant keep both.
I've been very happy so far with the transition, but it has not been without a drawback or two. I really enjoy the newer amenities and goodies I get in the 4Runner and I've been quite happy with on and off-road performance though I havent spent as much time off pavement as I'd like. Cargo space is limited compared to the 100, but not by a ton. My dog seems to like the 4runner more: I kinda dig the tailgate on the 100, but the pup loves the power rear window on the 4runner. Both have power, but both also bog down a bit in the wrong gear/rpm range. Both are comparable noise-wise, with my LX coming in maybe a hair quieter. I like the cloth trail interior more than my leather 100, but thats for dog protections reasons.
A-TRAC and a locker are nice bonuses on the 4Runner Trail and the kid in me likes the crawl control and traction dials in the overhead console despite the fact that I'll likely never use them. For someone new to wheeling, I'm sure they'd be very helpful. I'm sure they'll prove useful at some point, but they light-up red at night and serve the purpose of putting a smile on my face regardless.
Regarding the Limited vs Trail discussion; that'll be a tough one. My wife liked the Limited more because it was shinier, but I had my heart set on a Trail. I didnt want leather, but I wanted the tech and offroad goodies. I also really didnt want color-matched bumpers and trim. Also, if you absolutely need third row seating, the Trail won't be an option for you as it was not offered. I have the tray system in the back of mine and though I thought it was kind of hokey when I first got it, it's been slowly saving my lower back one costco run at a time since... I'm a big fan now.
When I bought my Tacoma in 2007 I went for the TRD offroad to get a locker and to avoid the TRD Sport's hood scoop. The 4runner trail now only comes with a similar hood scoop. Though I think it looks cool on the 4runner, I really dislike seeing it from the cabin. Trail hood also tends to shake a fair bit as many did not come with the insulative liner that came standard on the Limited models. This is a quick and cheap fix from Toyota, but something to be mindful of. It was common when I had my Tacoma for TRD Sport owners to trade hoods with TRD offroad owners who wanted to play musical hood-scoops, maybe I'll trade mine out some time down the line.
The Trail wheels are another potential concern: though I dont plan to keep mine longer than this current set of tires lasts. When I got mine it had a bit of a shudder at high speed. I got it in to my local trusted tire shop to find that the tires were way out of balance. They were able to get them very close to balanced, but explained that balancing issues tend to be common on my specific wheels because the hub opening tends to be quite large which requires a cone be used on the balancing machine. The large cone they use to make it fit tends to leave some play which can cause lingering balancing issues. This isnt a huge problem, but worth mentioning in case you run into similar issues.
I'd like to make an argument for the 4runners gas mileage, but that would be a poor comparison to make because my 100 is lifted on big rubber. That being said, I expect after lifting the 4runner and stuffing some 33's under it I'll still be getting a handful of mpg higher than what I get with my 100. On stock-sized rubber the 4runner will pull 21 mpg on the freeway with a light foot! Even if that drops to 17 after tires, I'll still be saving $ on my long road trips.
Finally, it should be noted that the biggest trade-off in the switch has simplybeen the feel of the vehicle. My new-to-me 4runner feels like a grown-up version of my Tacoma, which I like. However, as much as I enjoy it, I am abundantly aware that I'm not driving a 100-series. The 100-series, if only by a pubic hair, drives heavier. I always felt like my 100 was a tank and I just dont get as much of that feeling with my 4runner. I'm adapting to the sportier feel and I'm growing to like it, but the transition has not been without some occasional melancholy.
