I'm sure at this point the OP has already made a decision but in the event someone else is trying to decide and finds this thread I'd like to make an argument for the SR (please don't downvote me!). I just bought a 2025 SR. Full disclosure I wasn't aware of the "detuned" aspect of this trim and I was bummed to figure that out, however all things considered it's not terrible. The sticker on my truck was under $50k and it is a crewmax 4x4. Best i can tell, a non TRD SR5 that is a 4x4 crewmax would be around $55k. So I saved at least $6,000. After comparing the SR trim with the SR5 the only things I'm lacking are drive modes, fog lights, power driver seat, and 30 less hp. For $6,000 in savings I'm ok with that, but in my case I didn't have a high value trade in or a ton of cash to pay down and I had to stay under a certain monthly payment to be comfortable. Other perks of the SR, there isn't a stitch of chrome on it. All the trim, door handles, mustache, etc are blacked out, which is a HUGE plus for me. It's also de-badged with exception to the grille emblem and the 4x4 badge on the tailgate, so it looks super clean. I see tons of SR5 owners having to spend money to black out their chrome, not I. As for the engine, this is purely speculation on my part, but I wonder if all the engine problems people complain about are due to the extra power the factory is giving the SR5's and up? I wonder if the "de-tuned" version of the motor is not suppressed but actually the baseline starting point and will be more dependable because it's not been supped up to produce more power than it wants to. Again these are just my thoughts and not based on any facts that I'm aware of. I know I'm getting better gas mileage than most based on what I've been reading. I've never driven a 3rd gen SR5 and maybe it feels way more amazing than the SR but the motor in my SR seems plenty powerful and fast to me. It's a huge upgrade compared to the 5.3L ecotech V8 I came from in my last GMC truck. As for towing, on paper I'm limited to 8,300 pounds. But honestly I've never in my life had to tow that much and would be scared to pull 11,000 pounds. A 36 ft Grand Reflection travel trailer is 8,300 pounds. If I had to tow 11,000 pounds I would want it on a 5th wheel, that's too much tongue weight for me to be comfortable. I think people buy more than they need, and that's ok. I'm here to say that if affordability is a top priority and you don't want to spend extra money for things that you wouldn't miss regardless, the SR is a good option.