First thoughts 2017 4Runner Off Road vs 2015 Tacoma DCSB Off Road

Very disappointed in the lack of built in storage. The Tacoma doublecab had storage under the rear seats, behind the rear seats and 2 cubby holes in the bed with doors. Tried to get a 4Runner with the sliding deck because it has a hidden storage compartment underneath, albeit not very big, but better than what I have...zip. There is an open cubby hole on the passenger side in the 4Runner in the rear of the cargo area, big enough for my portable air pump. And a couple open trays on top of the wheel wells, no comparison to the Tacoma though.

Nice that they added gas shocks to the hood for easier opening on the 4Runner. Did hear before my purchase that to change the oil filter you have to remove the skid plate first. Supposedly the same engine but cant understand why they changed that. The Tacoma would turn 2000 rpms at 65mph. The 4Runner runs about 1800 rpm at 65 mph, thinking they put taller gears in the tranny to help mpg. Its only 1 mpg less than the Tacoma on the highway.

Its strange that the 4Runner Off Road version doesn't come with all terrain tires, even though the Tacomas stock BFG Rugged Trails were comparable to the KO2s which I feel are decent performers in sugar sand but not for most other conditions we have here in Florida (mud, water, no rock crawlin here)

It is nice that the vehicles are very similar. Already found some mods to do that were the same as the Tacoma; diff breather mod, air pump filter mod, as are they are different, the plastic engine cover pops off instad of having screws holding it down. Still no transmission dipstick.

Glad to get the upgrade from the Tacoma, thought the Tacoma would be my last new truck but I can see me trading up for a Pro in a couple years as long as they dont change over to a uni-body or the atkinson 3.5 motor. The 4Runner is a nice truck though, ours is a pretty basic Off Road edition.

 

One for camping gear, one for off road recovery gear. You can pull them out when not using them.

 

Nice. I just made the switch as well and feel I have MORE storage in the 4R. I got the off-road as well and much happier. I only had the tacoma for 2 months but just felt I was giving up a ton of space and comforts (I came from a Tundra, so was biased). There's a good bit of space under the seats and in the doors as well as the the arm rest storage is almost twice the size. Also, the back of the 4R is easy to organize rubbermaids and tool boxes to make storage convenient.
I'm really liking mine and the only mod I have done is have the dealer switch out my KO2s from the Tacoma over to the 4R. Good luck rigging yours out and post some pics with the upgrades.

 

I love my 4r

 

I agree with you OP that there is a lack of built in storage...but in my old Tacoma I had zero built in (inside) storage after putting two car seats in the back seat. My only regret for trading my Tacoma for a 4Runner is that I am not driving a good old pickup anymore. . .and this is really the only thing I miss. Honestly I would take the 4Runner over my Tacoma any day of the week for this particular time in my life.

 

I'm waiting on my 2017 TRD Pro Forerunner. Trading in my 2015 tacoma TRD Sport. Excited about getting the forerunner!!

 

*4Runner

 

Ya, the 4Runner is nice and am glad to be driving it around. Just put the seats down in the rear last weekend to transport a queen bed (taken apart of course) and like the seats laid down in the rear all the time now, nice cargo area. Put some moving blankets down from Harbor Freight to keep it clean and looking forward to installing some mods soon.
Am thinking I will skip getting a Pro one day and just do the suspension mod myself. Just noticed recently that the rear has coil springs instead of leaf springs. A roof rack eventually and a RTT (roof top tent). This weekend am installing the bug deflector and window vent/visors. They did not have a set in chrome that I wanted and got smoke colored instead. Diff breather mod next after I look at the breather that's supposedly on the electronic actuator for the e-lock on the rear diff.

 

Overall do you enjoy the 4runner more minus the storage differences?

 

Yes I do, have always liked suv's more than pickups, even though my Tacoma was a great truck, am glad to have the 4Runner. Was cruising at 78mph the other morning and it didn't even feel like the engine was straining. The enclosed storage has actually increased over the Tacoma. The Tacoma was nice though as I had no need for a bed tool box as all my tools were stored in the built in storage areas. Am not going to carry around tools in the 4Runner unless they are needed. Just over a 1,000 miles and so far so good.

 

I just made the switch from a '16 Tacoma OR 4x4 DCSB and am loving our new '17 OR 4R 4x4. Quick question, are there any issues up front I need to check on? Thinking along the lines of the low tranny fluid and non-greased u-joints on the '16 Tacoma, both of which I had to remedy on my Tacoma. Thanks!!

 

I’m loving my 2017 TRD Pro!!

 

Beautiful

 

Thank you!!

 

Bringing back an old thread, I have a 2015 DBCB TRD Off-Road with a topper. We are expecting a baby in the late spring. I ve been toying with the idea of going from a Taco to a 4runner. I test drove a 4runner last week and it definitely felt nothing like driving my Taco. I was expecting it to drive more like a short wheel base version of my truck. Those of you who have wheel time behind both vehicles care to share which one you enjoy driving the most and why?

Thanks
Keith

 

Hi Keith, I’m very happy with my Pro 4Runner. Not knocking my Tacoma but things change in your life. I did not want to go thru the mods again with a 4runner so that is why I chose the Pro. A lot more room for me and the wife and the dogs. I like how it rides. I think it would handle just a little
Better with wider wheels than the 7 inch Toyota puts on. My wife really like it. And she does not usually say to much about vehicles. I don’t miss my truck. And I would need to haul anything I will just rent a trailer. There cheap.

 

I owned a 15 Taco and now own a 16 T4R (wifes rig) and I will say the 4runner hands down is so much better. I fucking love the thing and you will have to pry it from my cold dead hands

 

Agreed!

I had a 16 Tacoma, 4runner rocks! Keeping it forever!

 

I’m looking at making the switch myself. It’s just a different time in my life where a 4Runner would serve me better.

 

Hey. I traded my 2017 Tacoma for my 2017 4Runner 6 months ago. Regarding driving experience between the two, they are different. I expected a more similar feel but have come to appreciate each for different reasons. The 4Runner seems more solid to me. The transmission shifts more smoothly and less often. It’s more quiet on the road. The seats are more comfortable and are adjustable. Back seat room is great for my growing kids. However, I do miss the simple ruggedness of the Tacoma. I found the Tacoma more sporty and fun to drive. You really can feel the extra weight of the 4Runner. While less peaceful, the sound and feel of the Tacoma is a little more fun, just not quite as comfortable for my family as the 4Runner. Hope this helps. Both are cool options. I don’t regret the switch but I miss the truck at times.