In a serious car dilemma, help wanted.

I've got a supercharged 1999 4Runner. I love the car to death, it's just that i know she won't run forever.
I live by the ocean, so I drive on the beach often. There's also tons of muddy off-road trails here.
I'm set on a TRD pro. I just can't decide between the 4Runner and Tacoma.
It looks like the tacoma is a little more off-road oriented with the fox shocks?
I don't have a family, so lugging people is pretty much out of the question (unless friends want to tag along).
I did notice the T4R has coils in the back, how's that stack up to the leafs on the Taco?
This is such a generic thread, but I searched this forum for hours and everyone was pretty much set coming into the thread.
We get some pretty intense tropical storms here every month. I'd be running a flat bed cover on the pickup.
One thing i heard is the 2017 T4R is always in all wheel drive? Kind of like doing donuts in the dust in 2wd.
I'm the kind of driver which will drive the car off the road any opportunity possible. Not to mention spending all my free time in the mud, dust, and sand.
Also interesting the tacoma has an extra gear, and a higher revving engine. Maybe a little more lively with the less weight?
Looking forward to your replies, and let's please keep this forum friendly and peaceful

 

Good questions...I'm in for some answers

 

Can't really answer all your questions. I've owned several Tacos but no 3rd gens. I like the Tacoma & T4R. For daily use the T4R fits me better tho I'd sure still take a Tacoma.

I can tell you the only T4R that is AWD, if no other 4x4 selection is made, is the Limited. Otherwise the 4x4 T4Rs are part time 4x4s like a Tacoma.

 

@SixthSnail owned a 2nd gen taco and switched over to a new 4runner.

he could answer your questions

 

Get the Tacoma...

4Runner Pros:
-Rear coils are amazingly smooth compared to leaf springs
-Hauls more people

4Runner Cons:
-Weight
-Power

Tacoma Pros:
-The bed (people don't get how big of a pro this is). I miss throwing dirty shit in the bed.
-mpg (just slightly)
-If you aren't going to swap them, fox suspension is better than the old billies on the 4Runner.

Tacoma Cons:
-Power? (Never driven the 3rd gen but 2nd gen is more powerful in my opinion than the 5th gen runner)

 

This is perfect! With the fox shocks and leafs, would you say the taco handles better off road? It has less weight but they seem to make up for that with the locking diff.

 

While this may not sound right but he's dead on.

My 2012 DCSB 4x4 TRD OR T|X Pro with a rated 236hp would run & hide from my current T4R rated at 270hp. I'm okay with how my T4R runs and I get as good or better MPG with it as my previous Tacos but the Taco def feels quicker.

 

Probably. Again, never driven it.

The 4Runner handles great. So did my tacoma. 4Runner is definitely more top heavy...

oops

 

I'd like to see a movie of this or know the story???

 

Following a bunch of tacomas on a hill climb.

4Runner gas tank hangs lower than tacoma's. Mine hooked up on a rock. Spun all 4 tires, turned, rolled back into a ditch. Almost rolled down cliff.

 

Oh shoot, yeah that does sound top heavy! I guess it's hard for me to imagine going from 4 progressive springs to leafs, but I guess that's how things are.
I certainly do like the sound of the tacoma being quicker. That's always a plus.
I wonder if there's room in the tacoma to shove my subwoofer!
By the way, anything on the tacoma seating position being weird? I am 6'2, so it might be something to take into consideration

 

I'm 6'2" and don't fit particularly well in either the 4Runner or the Tacoma. It's not terrible though. Just not as comfortable as my Dad's Yukon.

 

I think I'd have shit myself. Still wanna meet up with some guys for a decent off road ride sometime.

Drive them both and see what you think man. I just know my 2012 Taco felt quicker than my 2014 T4R.

I didn't think there was much room behind the 2nd row seat in my Taco. There's some guys on here who have some decent systems hooked up tho.

I'm 5-9 & 150lbs & I find both ok. I will say I prefer the extra adjustability of the seat in my T4R compared to my Taco.

 

I did nearly shit myself. Not for my sake or the truck. Had my GF in the passenger seat and her two dogs in the back... Wouldn't have been a good time...

@Booster I'd go test drive both for a while, get a cool dealer that will let you open them up.

I have a sound system in mine. The 4Runner bumps...

 

Easy answer. New Tacoma motor is the 3.5 gutless pos in my opinion. 4 runner still has the 4.0. Get the 4 runner all the way. I work for Toyota. Nothing but problems with the new tacomas.

 

Looks like a decent install (JL?). Do it yourself or have it done?

 

Previous owner was a car audio installer.

 

AM owner of a Taco 17Pro, love it

However if I didn't need bed, I would go 4RunnerPro all the way. JDM higher quality and better motor

 

l

Gorgeous system. If i went tacoma, i'd need to ditch the box and get an under seat sub. Not sure i'm too stoked about that. It might not be a deal though because i don't usually like it when my rear view mirror shakes with the bass. I like plenty of bass, but not too much if that's reasonable haha.

I agree the 4.0 might have a little more meat, but that extra gear should help a bit to keep the engine in its powerband.
I feel like i don't think about having a bed on a daily basis, but i'd use it if i had it. does that make sense?

 

On the third gen forum, 4 2016+ Taco owners sold theirs for new 4Runner .

No new 4Runner owner has come and purchased a 3rd gen Tacoma