Trying to decide b/w Tacoma & 4Runner

Out here in So CA, they are always enforcing rules against American/ POW flags, artificial / real grass, decorative rock, leaving your garage door up, type of screen doors etc. It heats up this time of year with rules against Halloween, and Christmas decorations. One guy at work said the never ending rising HOA fees will affect his retirement plans.

 

I received an email from the Forum that someone was trying to decide between a Taco and a Runner. Based on my experience (3 years and 55,000 miles on my 2016 Taco (Access Cab, 6 Speed Manual) and my just under 1 year with a 2018 4-Runner a couple of comments that might be of help -

> I don't understand why people want to compare these two vehicles - Perhaps because the 4R and Pickup used to be very similar - Those days are gone - These are two very different vehicles that happen to share some of the same capabilities.

> Don't try and compare the 4 door Taco with the 4R! The Taco has a back seat designed for kids and pet and adults on short trips. The back-seat of the 4R is designed for grown-ups who want to travel without feeling abused. (Start with the ease of entry)

> The Taco is great for hauling 'stuff' ...The 4R is great for hauling 'People'

> My 4R is the first Automatic Transmission vehicle I've owned....and, to their credit, Toyota certainly created a very smooth power train.

> The Mileage of my Taco is a bit better than the runner. The runner gets 17 in town and 23 on the highway.

> I have a canopy on the Taco (I live in Western Washington State) the Bed gets a wash out about once a year...Right now, it's dirty and overdue.
The back of the 4R is pristine.

> If you want a 4R and need to haul stuff - Get a trailer.

> I read about turning circles - My AC Taco and 4R are about equal - Perhaps the longer versions of the Taco require more room.

> My 4R is 22 inches shorter than my AC Taco...Parallel parking is a dream

> My 4R is an SR5+ with heated seats, sun-roof etc. Rarely goes off road. My Taco travels on logging roads - at least - Once per week. During winter months it will often have chains on ALL-4...Requiring me to run a specif tire size.

Hope this helps - Feel free to write me direct with any specific questions - k7cr@blarg.net

Clay

 

A 4Runner with small trailer is the ideal situation for some , All the benefits of a high-quality Japanese SUV with all the functionality and cargo capacity when needed . it’s a win-win.

 

I've heard of some places restricting pickup trucks to be parked in the driveway, but would be fine in the garage. Are you saying you can't own a pickup, period? If so, there's gotta be some constitutional right being violated here. I'd be happy to drive down to FL for a flashmob/criticalmass march down the streets of your uppity neighborhood.

 

Probably the camera angle, but that Tacoma looks like a mini pickup from days of yore.

 

There are a lot of HOAs in FL with no truck rules. I’ve heard some people get away with the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac truck because they are sometimes classed as SUVs, apparently GM marketed them that way when they first came out... plus one is a Cadillac, HOAs love vehicles like that. But apparently trucks look low class... they ought to take a look at some of the new ones now.
The two places I know around me that have no truck rules have parking lots out near the guard gate that owners can leave their trucks in.

BTW to keep this on topic, unless you need a truck bed I would definitely go with the 4Runner. I feel fit and finish is better, and the vehicle is more comfortable, bigger backseat and way more interior cargo room if you need it. I miss my 4Runner I had for years, but needed a truck bed for work. We are trying to wait for the next gen 4Runner to come out to get for my wife to replace her RAV4.

 

There are traitors in our midst. Lol jk

 

I have had a 2018 T4R in OR premium flavor as my loaner vehicle past fews days. All I can say is I might be trading in my Tacoma if I can get a fair price on it next year. The 4 liter/5 speed is so smooth compared to the Taco's 3.5. The transmission in the T4R never does anything strange or shift at random times. The fit/finnish is night & day between the two as well. You can tell the T4R is made in Japan still. Yes its low tech but I could get over that easy enough. Lastly the seating position is so much better for me. The power seat is nice & adjusts to a comfortable position easily. I never feel like I am sitting correctly in the Tacoma. A used T4R Pro is still fetching a lot of money unfortunately so if I do switch it will be next year.

 

I have an 18 pro taco, wife has an 18 t4. We take hers more often then not. They are both super nice vehicles just depends on your needs.

 

After several 4Runner and Tacoma's, I cannot agree with this. The 4Runner had just as many rattles and squeaks as US/Mex made Taco's. Doors closed no more or less solid. No advantage with one or the other.

 

My 2cents - I overestimated the use of the bed in the Taco. The interior space IMHO is much more valuable. Plus a $400 trailer can haul 2x the taco bed.

 

Totally agreed. I think of the 5th gen 4Runners as the new LC80...roughly the same size, more get up and go, better mpg, but not quite as bombproof, and it has IFS vs the LC80's SFA. 4Rs are extremely capable stock. I like the low tech early 5th gen SR5s.

I still want a Taco, too, though.

I agree that the sound is tinny when closing the doors or hood of the 4R, as they're trying to save as much on weight as possible, but as for the rest of it, it still seems like more attention to detail and more pride went into the 4R. The interior seems like it was much better thought out and will hold up better in the long run. My 4R is 6 years old, over 100k miles, and no squeaks or rattles.

 

I guess it's subjective. Looking back, I've actually had more problems with the 4Runner than the Tacoma. And as far as ergonomics, I don't have any qualms with either platform, really. But if I had to make a choice, I'd have to go with the Tacoma. Nothing major, but little things. I don't like where they've got the transfer case dial. And what's with the window switches placed up so high?

 

That's BS! Seen this craZy going around, given the HOA and rich old people rules is diff. though I am amazed at the HATE and twisted self-uneducated people that jump on anything if it opposes our President, just crazy...AHHH I'm just gonna shut up now.

 

Go to freeman Toyota just a bit north of you. They had plenty of manuals at good prices.

 

The 4Runner is probably what a lot of the guys here should have gotten. If they offered a MT they may even entice me to the dark side.

 

I loved my Tacoma when I had it. Had a few. But it is all about needs. The 4Runner works better for me. I won’t be giving up my Pro. A lot more room in the back for my 2 Akita’s and going with friends. More comfortable. If I’m going to haul something I will just rent a trailer.

 

yeah, but sadly we replaced the Tacoma with a 18 tundra plat in BBP. just in time too since BBP was discontinued after 2018.

just wish they would bring back speedway blue.