Debating on switching to 2018 TRD OR 4Runner? Any thoughts?

Can y'all explain? My wife has a T4R and we/I love it! Haven't had to align it yet though so.. What do I need to know beforehand?

 

I have to disagree on the mileage. I have an 18 Tacoma and my wife has a 16 4Runner. The 4Runner gets about 19-20mpg, whereas the Tacoma is only 17mpg. Both have the same tires and I even swapped to lighter wheels on my Tacoma.

The 4Runner is definitely a little dated with the tech and interior features, however it drives much better. That 4.0 engine and trans drive sooo much better. Honestly, I thought people were exaggerating the trans issues with the Tacoma, but I now see what everyone is talking about.

One thing that really jumped out at me between the two vehicles, the bottom of the door is about 2" higher on the Tacoma making it slightly tougher to get into.

As for utility, I got my Tacoma because the 4Runner just doesn't offer the utility that I want. Namely, I wanted the ability to throw lumber, mulch, dirt, and an ATV in the bed on occasion. The Tacoma isn't ideal for these things but I do them seldom enough that it was a great choice for me; good balance of utility and daily driver.

 

If you read my post, I said second gen. Not third. And besides that. What is superior in the 3rd gen?? Still no power seats. Crawl control on the off road has been an option on the 4runner since 2010. Gas mileage is worse in the Tacoma. The ride and handling is better.

 

This guy is wanting advice for moving to a 4R from a 3rd gen not a 2nd gen to a 4r. Do you own a 3rd gen Taco?

 

Much better engine and transmission in the 4runner plus it's built in Japan.

 

Wife has a ‘14 4RUNNER. She loves it. Like it has been said it drives great. Gas mileage is the same. Get one. You won’t regret it. I wanted one but she said we didn’t need two SUVs lol.

 

We recently bought my wife's '18 4Runner TRD OR Premium and have put about 4k miles on it so far. Here is my take thus far:

The interior of her Runner is super nice - it has the SofTex power heated seats, red embroidered TRD in the headrest, faux carbon trimmed console shit, a nice TRD shift knob, probably more crap I haven't found as I have only driven it a few times . It feels solidly built and looks good.

Although it is nicer than my '08 Tacoma TRD Sport, I think I like my seats better than the new 4Runner seats. Mine feel like the side bolsters are doing something and support better. The seat base feels more flat on the 4Runner and a little slippery (because SofTex) compared to my wet okole covered TRD Sport seats.

The 4Runner engine and tranny feel like a familiar old friend. I do love that 4.0 Her rig feels slightly more punchy but I do have plate bumpers and 131k miles on my Tacoma. I can for sure feel the shorter wheelbase on her rig, it felt a little less stable the first time I drove it. Now I barely notice.

The sliding cargo deck thing is kinda dumb, the space underneath it is super minimal - in fact the lack of storage cubbies overall is a bit disappointing. I have emergency and recovery shit under and behind the seats in my truck - not happening in the 4Runner. The amount of cargo space overall sucks but I am used to a truck bed you can fill with shit.

Pic of our rigs:

 

Some tend to be pretty sensitive to balancing. If yours is smooth, drive and be happy.

 

Yeah, I guess it depends on how we define “tech.” I do love the heated power seats on the 4Runner. I was thinking about the dash/head unit screen size and options for displays/readings. I wish I could monitor tire pressure electronically on the 4Runner like on the Tacoma. My experience comparing my ‘17 Tacoma and ‘17 4Runner is that the Tacoma gets a couple MPG better. Maybe just the type of driving I do.

 

A lot of good points, and I almost feel like I would be losing utility, but I have a small 4x6 trailer I can use anytime..... so utility issue solved. Also have a kid on the way in addition to the six year old. Sucks I just put leather in it too...... One point to note, I always looked at the 4runner as the more expensive vehicle......

 

I traded my 2016 TRD OR Tacoma for my 2017 4runner.......my only regret is waiting 16 months to do so. The gas mileage difference isn’t that big of a deal. I like the interior better, even the lesser electronics. Love my heated power seats and windshield wipers. Sure, it cost a little more, but I’m happier, so it’s worth it to me. Drive it for yourself, see what works best for you. I have a trailer for hauling needs. Works for me!

 

With the utility trailer that's good, drawback to T4R is getting 4x6 or 4x8 sheets in. Rear window rolls down, but isn't 4' wide. You can put a plastic floorliner in the bed area. Bed length is about 5'8" with rear seats folded up, tailgate closed. Factory roofrack I believe is rated for 125lbs.

Some models still have full-time 4WD and a manual transfer case. Tons of aftermarket goodies. I put a factory spider cargo net suspended from the roof in the bed area (pretty easy to do, reinforced by bungees, maybe $50 total), holds a surprising amount of gear. Has a 23g fuel tank, stock approach/departure angles and ground clearance about the same as a Tacoma.

Only a ClassIII tow hitch, 5k lb tow capacity, and no external trans cooler.

 

if it fits your needs better nothing wrong going T4R.

 

Inside of that tundra is so nice! Wish it’d fit in my garage!

 

If I wouldn’t lose so much on trading my Tacoma in I would totally get a T4R. It’s just a higher quality finish inside and they drive great. I wouldn’t think twice about the trade if you’re financially willing to do it.

 

if you like the tech that the Tacoma has now wait till 2019 or 2020 they are making changes to the 4runner and I think it is getting the Tacoma trans and engine for gas mileage and possibly a facelift and interior enhancements as well as safety items,i am waiting for my rav4 lease to be up and I am looking at a new runner when they come out.

 

Just get the both, I have them, best of all the world!

But if all you need is one, the bed is the definitive factor.

How often will you be needing a bed??
Daily, monthly, weekly, weakly like 2-4X a year? May want to get the 4R and just rent the U-haul garden trailer for lumber dirt, flowers, mulch around the house projects once in a while. The 4R is more maneuverable and easier to move around in.

 

I already have a landscape trailer so I am all set to go running

 

I wish Toyota made a basic, no frills 2-door 4Runner again. The 4Runner has become this chrome-riddled plush luxury SUV but at the same time it's one of the last truck-based mid-size SUVs left. I would love to separate all that fluff and just get the meat and potatoes.

"Bronco bodies" need to come back.

 

Biggest benefit of the T4R for me would be the additional lockable and air conditioned cargo space. In Washington state my Tacoma was perfect with a cap on the back to lock stuff up in and for the dog. Now down in Arizona, its way too hot to keep my dog in the back with the cap on even with all the windows down. Ended up selling the cap and the dog now gets to ride in the cab again which makes him happy but more hair to vacuum out for me. A T4R will be my next truck.