DC Tacoma or 4Runner for kids?

4Runner much more space in rear seats

 

2nd this. Have both, 4R better in all departments... drivability, car seat, stroller storage (u don't want it in the bed of truck). But always useful to have a truck, I like that me and the Mrs have 1 of each.

 

Plus rear window rolls down! I have a Crew Max tundra and love rolling the rear window down and dogs love it when I do it in the T4R

 

i have both
4runner has more room. Also I like the transmission and engine more in the 4runner

 

we used to be neighbors. Lansbrook Village represent

 

Honestly you’re jumping the gun a little bit here.
“Planning to start a family” means you have atleast 9 months to figure it out.
And for another 18 months the kid will be in the baby carrier which fits comfortably in the middle seat of the Tacoma without having to move the front seats up.
Then you are ready for the convertible car seat, and can decide what kind of parent you are:
The ‘I’m keeping my kid rear facing untill they are 5’ parent..or the ‘they will be fine forward facing from here on out’ parent
It’s also heavily dependent on what car seats you end up buying, which you know nothing about at this point because you aren’t even there yet.

And If you are already thinking about doubling down and pushing out back to back kids...neither one is really a good option.
You’re going to want something like a highlander with captain chairs, because you want to keep them separated. You don’t want the older kid right next to the baby, fucking with them all the time, pulling their hair, dropping their sippy cups and shit on them. Or vice versa with the little one kicking the older one.
And if you thinking 4Runner with a 3rd row, that’s useless because you have to take out atleast one of the car seats every time you want to put soemeone in the back.

 

Had 2 kids in car seat in an access cab, but then again I am not willing to follow the merica way of every thing must be bigger. Got the double cab, as my 14 year old son is pushing 6 foot now.

The dealership would love nothing more than to sell you that new 4 runner and take the new taco back. An it's more than just the extra 50 bucks a month, what will you lose on the trade?

 

The 4Runner does have more room for sure. I almost bought one due to that. But I love having the truck bed. Nasty camping stuff, muddy clothes and firewood go in the back. My kids love camping, so very useful.

Now, remember that the kids won't stay little forever. As they grow, the rear seat room actually improves. When they go to front facing seats, much more room. Then booster. Then no seat. Then by the time they're taller--aka 16--they won't want to ride with you anyway.

And rethink the 4Runner as well, just depending on how many kids you will want to have. Up to 2 kids, it's doable. 3 or more, look at something else like a Sequoia or Highlander.

Do you want to know the best thing I did? I bought my wife a minivan. It's got more room than a Tacoma and a 4Runner combined. And twice the MPG of a Sequoia.

 

They do love to push that "oh, it's only $XX more a month!" Great way to fool the financially lazy folks.

 

Yes, Japanese made

 

Title needs to be changed to "DC Tacoma or 4runner family vehicle"...I read it as would these make a good vehicle for a kid to drive. I was gonna say, heeeelll no! When I was in high school I had a 93 toyota. If someone told me I couldn't make it through something I would roll up windows and shift into low while i buckled up. Anyway.....No regerts!!!

 

The more real estate the better to haul the crap!

 

I'm with the mini van idea. If I ever slip up and make a kid there will be a mini van and then I will keep my truck. I will be damned if i ever have to ask another grown ass man to haul something of mine. l will never not have a truck.

 

Cambridge life! Which was your 4R, taco?

 

Force the woman to drive the minivan ?

 

I had a new 2016 4rnr limited. Great suv but as time went by. It was lacking some real features considering it was a limited. No hidlights, ventilated seats sucked, no power lift gage. Folding down seats I would have to remove headrest. Technology was old. I know I’m bitching but for the price 45k it needs some updating. Not sure if that’s the trim your looking for but just a heads up. The Tacoma has its quirks too, like smart key for passenger side would be nice and power locking gate too but then again i payed way less for the Tacoma. Keep the Tacoma till you really can’t deal with the space then look for something bigger. MAybe a new 4runner will come out soon.

 

i had a stock white sr5 4runner
taco is a white DCSB sr5 with pro grill and fogs

 

You only used the bed once in 8 months? Go buy some 2X4s and build something, anything!!!
Just kidding. I had a 2000 T4R and I agree with comments here. Bigger back seat and more inside storage.
But, you're a truck guy now!

 

How's this for average TW owner



Mine is the one soaking

 

It isn't the average.