4Runner vs Tacoma

Hello,

Brand new to the site. I've been able to catch a couple threads on this topic, but haven't seen much in terms of my specific use.

I'm in the market for a new vehicle. I've owned a 1999 Ford Ranger, 2003 Chevy S-10, 2007 Chevy Equinox and currently drive a 2009 Rav4 Sport.

I'm looking for something a little bigger for driving in the snow to the mountain and hauling my dirtbike to the track / mountain roads. This will also be my daily driver to and from work (35 miles total) and I have a 1.5 year old son, so being able to fit a carseat is a must.

Right now, I have been pulling a utility trailer and has worked fine. However, I would really like to throw the bike on a motorcycle carrier hitch or in the bed of the truck. Can I get some peoples opinions on what they like about their truck? I'm concerned a truck bed might be a bit of wasted space considering my intended use. Thoughts?

 

both are good vehicles.

i have a 2nd gen taco
i have a 3rd gen 4runner

when i want to throw dirty stuff in a vehicle, guess where it goes? truck
to haul stuff? truck
when i have stuff that isnt diry, groceries and what not..4runner
friends and family...4runner

both vehicles are fun

 

Thanks @ramonortiz55 ... buying both isn't an option. I'm really leaning towards the 4Runner bc I already have a utility trailer for the dirty or nasty stuff.

Can anyone share their thoughts on the newer 2012 + dual cabs? Specifically, the leg room and how easy it is to fold the seats down for hauling things that may be dirty? I live in the NW, so rain will be an issue more often than not and I don't think a canopy would do me any good.

 

I went from a 4runner to a tacoma and I initially thought I wouldn't really need the bed too much. I've had my taco for a bit over a year now and even though I don't ALWAYS have something in the bed I have found that I use it a lot more than I thought I would. It is really nice to be able to throw stuff in the back, especially for outdoorsy type activities (hunting/fishing/camping/skiing). It's nice to be able to haul those occasional random things too....furniture, lawn mower, BBQ. Sometimes I just need to move random things, and the bed makes that very easy.

That being said, I freakin love 4runners. They are great rigs. A good compromise is a double cab short bed. Drives a bit more like and SUV, good amount of room inside, short bed for hailing random things.

 

Had a 2012 Taco TRD Off Road and have a 2014 4Runner Limited both 4x4. Really like both but, currently, the 4Runner fits my liking better. If you're rocking a car seat either will work. I think both have back seats that are managable for medium trips for normal size adults. Build wise (quality and reliablity) both were excellent for me.

My old Taco & my new 4Runner in the background.

 

IMO you have two ways to look at it. Do you need a bed? If yes, go with a Taco. If no, go with a 4runner. A bed is invaluable if you are going to use it a lot and need it, but if it's a once a year type of deal, it's not worth it. The 4runners ride so nice and it's nice to have the covered cargo area, especially with kids. I'm not sure what your budget is or what years you are looking for, but the 4th and 5th gen 4runners ride great for a DD and will be very comfortable on your commute. The tacomas will as well, but you won't have as much room in the cab for the random things associated with kids.

 

I feel like I'm more of a truck guy at heart. I was in the same boat and always found a good use for the truck bed. However, my life has changed with my son coming along and commute to work each day, so I'm also trying to find what's most practical.

Thanks for the input. I would definitely need a double cab with my son and his car seat.

Also, I forgot to mention I play a decent amount of golf and have a push cart and clubs I often need to haul around. I'll put them in the car, park in a parking structure and then golf on the way home. (for example) Does this change your opinion on a Tacoma vs a 4Runner?

 

I would like to be low to mid 30's for a 4Runner. The plan would be to keep it for a long time and run it into the ground.
I've managed to do everything in my Rav4 for the past three years. I'm just wondering if the Tacoma would be a night and day difference from an ease of use standpoint.

 

If your like me with golf clubs you will not want to leave them in the bed of your truck. I fold down the back seat and lay my clubs in there and they lay from door to door across the back of the seats and I don't carry a walk cart. If you leave your car seat in the vehicle you would have a problem getting your clubs in the truck along with your cart(which could go in bed). Just my opinion, if you've managed with the Rav4 and liked it but want something bigger I think you'd be in heaven in the 4runner. If you think you just have to have the truck I don't think you'd be disappointed in the Tacoma but you'd have to figure out where to keep some of your belongings.

 

Doesn't at all sound like a truck is what you need, regardless of being a "truck guy."

The last 2 vehicles you listed were SUVs and the previous 2 were trucks.. I'm guessing a truck doesn't work out as well as it used to. Just a hunch.

 

Sounds to me like the 4runner may be a bit more practical for you, but it is all definitely doable with a double cab tacoma. I golf a lot too, and like topgun I just fold down the back seat or set my sticks in the passenger seat. No problem.

Check them both out, drive them both, get what you like. Either way you're getting a sweet ride.

 

The golf clubs and car seat might be the deal breaker for the Tacoma unfortunately.

 

Thanks! I think the Tacoma is doable, but the 4Runner is ideal considering all the boxes I'm trying to check. haha

Agreed! I definitely need to drive both and either one will be great

 

haha...the battle continues.

 

The Tacoma is not great for you.

 

You have a kid, the 4runner will be better with the car seat because of more room. Had a 12 DCSB taco and I really miss it, learned a lot of mods and valuable info from it. Have a 15 4runner and now enjoying it.

 

I love my tacoma but those new 4runners look so freaking sweet to me!! I may just have to get my wife one so that I get the best of both worlds! Could keep my tacoma and have one of those new 4runners in the driveway too! I don't think I could do without having a truck bed (although small) on a daily basis.

 

Thanks! Good info!

 

If you have the money, you could just the DCSB Tacoma, and throw a shell on the back. Then you have the enclosed cargo area for locking stuff up! I feel like that'd be the great middle ground of the two. Then for riding, you can just tow the bike in your trailer.

 

The 4runner is a better vehicle. It's build on the Landcruiser Prado chassis and is an all around tougher vehicle. The Tacoma is going to be less expensive, but you're rolling the dice with the frame issue. I think with a canopy the Tacoma would be the way to go.