Why a Tacoma and not a 4Runner

You can't load a dirt bike into the back of a 4 runner.

 

Yikes...lots of misinformation regarding the 4Runner in this thread.

I've owned several 4x4 Tacomas (and full size F & GM trucks & BMWs & Acuras & Hondas & ect), the most recent a 2012 T|X Pro Off Road 4x4. Great vehicles...may own one again someday. I swapped to a 2014 T4R Limited 4x4 mostly because I needed additional enclosed & climate controlled space & wanted some added equipment.

The 4Runner is a BOF SUV and isn't related to the Highlander...the two may compete on price but not in build (the Highlander is great too, just a different mission)...the T4R shares its bones with the Prada.

On a very recent 1,200 mile road trip I averaged 22.9mpg...better than (about 2 mpg) my last Taco on the same gas, driving conditions & trip.

My T4R, wet, tips the scale right at 4,900 pounds last time it got checked (at a gravel pit).

Wasn't aware that any T4R, other than the Limited, came with "real" leather.

Of all the vehicles I've owned my F250 PowerStroke was maybe my favorite (and the biggest POS) but, I believe the T4R is, so far, the best built.

 

I would probably lose my butt if I traded in my vehicle, just wanted some opinions is all.

 

@Dagosa youve always been my BEST whatever, mang

 

My needs were simple, get a truck and put a topper on it for the dogs, have towing capability to pull a UTV trailer, that is about it. My brother had a 4 Runner with over 250k miles on it until his boy rolled it. I wanted a truck to keep the dogs, which one sheds like the dickens, in the back where I can just blow out the hair with the power blower afterward. I'm happy with my truck like I said, just was surprised to see a 4R with more options at the same price.

 

One is a truck. One is an SUV. Those looking for an SUV should get the 4 Runner. Those looking for a truck should get the Tacoma.

 

Please validate my purchase by selling me on why I need a truck!!!

 

I guess it depends on the person. I traded in my Taco for an SUV, I regret it daily now. Throwing dirty welded parts in the back of the SUV to take to powder coat is no beuno. Just picked up a new mig welder, BARELY rolled in the back due to height. Looking back, I should have went with a DCLB instead of a SUV. I dislike the land limo due to the length and actually going wheeling but I use the bed entirely too much to not get the long bed. I had a reg cab but have a baby on the way and figured the SUV made more sense, it doesn't for me. My plans are to give it to the wife in the spring and get another truck.

 

SUVs make me feel like a soccer mom, so truck for me. Plus my main focus is Offroad capability and while the 4Runner does have a good amount, the Tacoma has more aftermarket support. I do like the trail 4runners though.

 

Another thing to consider is point of manufacture. The T4R is still made in Japan. The current exchange rate is about 120 JPY to 1 US$. A few years ago that $1 would only get you about 80 yen. That's a ~ 30% DE-valuation in the japenese currency when compared to the USD. That's good for Japan in export to the US but, bad for US exports to Japan.

 

FWIW, the access cab has plenty of room in the back for a car seat, even has provisions for strapping one down properly and comes standard with the "long" bed (unless there's some semi-secret 8-ft bed that can be ordered from the factory). There will definitely come a time where 3 bodies will be a crowd in there but you'd have a number of years before that's an issue.

 

I almost got a 4runner but I didn't want a white one. Thats all they had left. They didn't want to do a trade with another dealer to get a black or grey one because it was thanksgiving weekend and they claimed they would have had to trade their TRD Pro 4runner to get the color 4runner I wanted. I was able to get them to take off that damn 5 grand markup they had on all TRD Tacomas for a non tech package OR and negotiated a good price for it. The Tacoma has newer tech (engine, transmission, smart key, and information screen) for less money than the 4runner.

 

I traded in my 14 4runner trail edition last Dec for a 2015 Lexus GX460. I believe they share the same frame, but not 100% positive. I just missed the luxury of the Lexus, but to be honest, if I could go back I would keep the 4runner. Better gas mileage (lexus has a V8) plus I just felt like it was a more nimble ride. When I bought my 2016 TRD OR 4x4 last month, to serve the needs of my weekend excursions, I felt like that filled the void of the missing 4runner. Maybe in a few years I will go back to the 4runner/Taco combo because between the two of them, they really do check all the boxes!

 

Which version of the GX?

You're correct the GX & T4R are both based off the Prada.

I'm somewhat in the same boat you were apparently in...considering going from my T4R to the GX when the 4Runner has finished its life with me...of course I'll also consider and wait until the 6th gen 4Runner comes out.

 

be careful, nasty rumor that the GX is going to turn into the TX model next gen (unibody)

 

You would think that's covered by the new RX. It's a cool vehicle but, I am not interested in a unibody SUV. If TM does that (I'm sure it's for mpg & emissions) they will for sure push me into a different product.

That will be interesting as the same chassis is used in so many markets...and what of the LC/LX?

 

If that's the case, I'm glad I bought the 2015 model. Although it's an AWD vehicle, I just don't feel like I could ever take it off-road without worrying about damaging some component and then having to spend big bucks to repair it. It served its purpose during the numerous ice storms we had last year.

 

rx is based on the K platform which is used on a lot of Toyota vehicles

Toyota Avalon
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry Solara
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Venza
Lexus ES
Lexus RX

its also a lot smaller in size/space than a GX and based on a unibody design. I am guessing they are going this route with the GX since the have the 4runner vs highlander and need a unibody SUV to fill the gap between the RX and LX.

 

As much as I like the LX, it costs 93k compared to the 60k I spent on the GX. Hard to justify that difference, hence why I would move back the 4Runner in that situation.

 

The T4R & GX are currently based on the same platform. Seems it's easy income to dress one up and sell it for a premium but who knows. I'm considering it if it remains BOF.