Trying to decide b/w Tacoma & 4Runner

Before I owned my Tacoma, I had one as a rental while my other car was in what shop for a week. I couldn't stand the nose dive when braking in stop-and-go traffic. It almost turned me off from owning a Tacoma entirely. However, when I bought my own Tacoma, I went with a stick, and I don't notice it anymore at all. Most likely having to do with downshifting. So I vote for the stick if you go with the Tacoma. Keep in mind you can only get the short bed with the stick crew cab though. You have to go auto if you want the long bed. However, I test drove 4runners last month when I was car shopping for my girlfriend, and I didn't notice the nose dive much at all when I drove it. Then again I also wasn't in stop-and-go traffic either. The 4.0 in the 4runner is nice as well...

 

Our 2016 4Runner is leaps and bounds better in terms of quality and driving performance than my 2016 Tacoma. The 4Runner has been flawless. Wonder if it being built in Japan has anything to do with it?

 

It has everything to do with it! My other car is 100% Japanese built too, it too has been flawless for 145k+ miles and still going strong......I'm convinced of it.

 

I've Lived with my 2010 tacoma from new. I purchased a 16 T4R for the wife. last year. I love them both. I put Weathertech's in the Runner and a few other mods but other then that it's stock. We love it..... way more comfy then my 10'

 

I had both at the same time 16 4runner trail Premium and the 17 Tacoma I currently own. stupidly sold my trail premium and miss my 4runner so much that I'm ordering a 2018. The 4Runner with a small utility trailer will do everything I need. The quality, overall fit and finish was superior on my 4runner compared to the Tacoma and I am also convinced it's because it is still 100% made in Japan. I really like my Tacoma and I'm considering upgrading it in 2018 to the TRD off road , however if I only had to choose one , I would pick the 4runner.
It also has great resale value.

 

Asians > all? Lol

 

To be contrarian, my 4Runner had more problems (issues really, not problem per se) than my New Tacoma. To really throw a wrench in the works the absolute best vehicle, as far as being trouble free, was a 1997 Dodge Dakota 4wd 5 speed lol. 210K when I traded it with only one issue.

I don't agree with the majority of being manufactured in Japan is the reason. I think it's more of being completely engineered in Japan, being built on a bulletproof Prado platform and finally being built in the same plant as the Landcruiser and Lexus. It's a combination, not just manufacturing.

 

I don't know why anyone would come here for opinions on buying a Tacoma or 4 runner. Just drive the heck out of both of them and choose the one you like most. I really like my Precision Operating System Thurd Gen.

 

Between the two I'd buy a 4runner. If it was me choosing I'd probably look for a clean Xterra Pro-4x 6spd.

 

What happened to the OP.... Another guy with 2 posts...????

 

The best car/truck I ever owned was a 4runner. I drive a taco now because I haul gas for my motorcycles.

 

Honda dealership.

 

do you need a truck or a suv?

decide there.

 

We own both, wife drives a 2016 4Runner and me a Taco and in my opinion the Runner is not as sluggish as my truck, also the runner has more leg room in the back seat and less cargo space. Both great rigs just need to figure out what fits your needs better. One other thing that I like about the runner is it has rear A/C vents and the Tacoma does not. Runner is way more comfortable for your passengers on long trips.

 

Thanks for the advice, especially from people who own both. Looks like I'm going with the 4Runner.

 

As if any dealership would let you do that... you have the sales guy next to you babbling non stop and telling you where to go

 

You can't go wrong eather way. Mine wife has a 4Runner, I have a taco. I love both.

 

I have both. The 4Runner I have (2016 Trail Premium) is far more refined. It has more interior room for luggage and stuff you want to keep dry unless you add a bed topper to the truck.

The Tacoma I have (brand new 2017 DCSB Offroad) is faster and easier to haul dirty stuff if you don't have a trailer. Most people make the mistake of test driving the new Tacoma V6 in the default automatic mode. Press the ECT button and floor it. Fucker will get up and go.

Carefully comsider what you are hauling. The 4Runner will haul pretty much everything the Tacoma will when you consider roof racks and mounts, hitch mounts, or trailers.

 

One thing you didn't mention, assuming you're buying new for both, there's a big price difference between the two. Maybe that doesn't matter to you, but it's something to consider. If I remember right 4runners about ~$10K more than Tacoma's.

That being said, I bought a Tacoma 2 years ago and it's been great. I have a wife and 2 kids, and we do a lot of outdoor activities and road trips. One thing that I love about the truck is there is a separation between what your hauling and your cab. You'll have limited hauling space with the 4runner. Especially if you get a canopy (some call them a cap or topper) and that way you can keep everything dry and secure. Going on road trips it sure is nice to throw luggage and everything else in the bed, don't have to worry about it getting wet or stolen, and still have room inside the cab. It's also nice for hauling dirty things like bicycles and such. It's also very nice having a truck if you every need to haul/move furniture or appliances. I can't tell you how nice it is now to be able to haul things and not have to rely on friends or family to help me out.

 

Were the 20+ posts enough for you to make a $40k decision? If it was me, I probably wouldn't rely on the power of the internet that much over my own judgement...