4Runner vs Tacoma

I'd like to get some feedback from this forum. I am trying to decide between a 4runner and a Tacoma. The debate between having a truck or an suv, I can work out on my own. My question is more about the difference in off road capabilities.

As an off road vehicle does the TRD Tacoma out perform the 4Runner or visa versa? Are their off road capabilities comparable? Love to hear from someone who's had both.

 

SUV's tend to perform a little better off-road since they have more weight in the back and can get more traction in the rear. I have not looked into the 4runner so i have no idea what kind of suspension options they offer. If they offer an option with bilsteins, then i would say the 4runner would out perform the tacoma, especially if you lifted it a litte, since 4runners sit a litte closer to the ground. Personally i think a truck is all around more useful than an SUV, but thats just a personal preference. so you really need to find out about the suspension options and possibly frame construction, not sure how the 4runner frame compares to the taco. Once you find that out it will be easier to decide

 

The only problem with the suv is that it wieghs more, so you'll have more trouble on sand or getting over some terrain. Obviouslsly I like the trucks better but I truly believe that you could get more offroad performance out of the truck than the suv.

 

X2 on that.

 

SUV = flip

 

SUV= soccer mom car. haha
I say truck just for the above fact.
Aside from that. I have to agree that I think the truck would do better off road because it won't sink in the mud as much.

 

I have both. A 06 4 Runner Sport 4x4, and a 07 TRD Sport 4x4 access cab. The suv cost more, and I had rather take my truck out instead. For light camping and just riding back roads the 4 Runner is nice. I am a big time 4x4 fan. I build rock crawlers www.twistedoffroadcustoms.com . However If I was picking one for more offroad and maybe lifting and biger tires I would go with the truck. I work for Toyota Motor Manufacturing in North Alabama. I said I would never have a truck other than a chevy. However I like the tacoma. Sense we build the same V6 and the V8 for the Tundra. I know it is a good engine.

 

well i guess i stand corrected, go with the truck, they look better anyway

 

I have both and I love both. IMO the 4Runner is the best SUV as it is mainly a truck with and SUV box attached. But then until I upgraded the suspension in my Tacoma (ARB) it felt like an SUV with a truck bed where the rear suspension (bed) was designed to handle a tent a bike and a dog and that's about it.

 

Suv handles speed bumps at the mall better and soccer balls can't bounce out of the bed.

 

I couldn’t live without the bed of a pickup truck. The 4Runner is cool and my fiancé and me were torn between the 4 runner and the Range Rover evoque, she ended up getting the evoque and I’m impressed with that little bastard. Interior is nice and quiet and the ride is sublime. The 4Runner was too thirsty like my taco.

 

Honestly I think the shorter wheel base and probably better departure angle of the T4R would be more advantageous than the Taco for pure offroad performance....there are lots of people that wheel the hell out of their runners.

Pick your flavor.

 

Well... I'd take a 4Runner anytime. They can wheel... maybe not as good as a taco at times... but It's really nice inside and has the amenities as a luxury car. Plus it's one of the few SUVs that's based on a frame and not on a unibody chassis... Granted, I love my tacoma and the utility it brings ( being in construction ) but they need to get their shit together and bring out that fn diesel.....

 

A diesel Toyota can be had anywhere else in the world, except the greatest country on the planet

 

Thread was dead for 11 years lol

 

Lol. I didn’t even notice that.


Blast from the past.

 

Once you get past the fact that this thread is 10+ years old, who knew that you couldn't buy diesel Tacomas in Norway?

 

I take it op was comparing 2007 models ha. if so 4runner all day.

 

The 4Runner is better in a lot of off-roading situations, all things being equal. An access cab Taco is almost 2 feet longer, which can be a deal breaker on tight trail turns. Weight distribution is a big factor as well, and the 4Runner wins there. It's also roomier inside, especially if you're comparing the back seats of a double cab Taco.

 

Haha whaaaat?! Didn't notice that