Tacoma vs 4Runner

Went to Boulder for the Thanksgiving weekend, got to see a buttload of offroad-worthy vehicles. This city might have the highest percentage of Tacomas per capita of any, not to mention a lot of Subarus, and, since it's Boulder, Land Rovers.

We visited with my fiancee's brother and his family, and went hiking, which required some mild offroading on muddy, rutted dirt roads. No significant snow though.

Anyway, my thoughts: seems like a sturdy vehicle suited for offroading--I believe has a standard rear locker? The cockpit seemed smaller to me than the Tacoma. The interior seemed really dated, especially the controls and infotainment, to the point I was really queasy. Or maybe it was the body roll from the suspension. Only 5-speed. The gas mileage does not look to be as good as the Tacoma.

The other thought is that they are really expensive--$40-45K.

I guess if one really wanted the enclosed storage in back it would make sense. Otherwise, I didn't find anything that made me want one over a Tacoma.

Any thoughts?

 

Lexus > Land Rover

 

Some like the "Made in Japan" quality and the 4.0L over the 3.5L.

I'd drive one. I need a truck more than a SUV though.

 

They are nice vehicles. If you need more people capacity and have no need for a truck bed, 4Runner is a great choice. I love having a truck bed. Also love manual transmissions. Two things you cannot get in a 4Runner.

 

The question comes up weekly. Search is your friend.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/taco-to-4runner.576841/

 

I had a 2017 4Runner before my 18 Tacoma, both TRD off-road package. The biggest difference I noticed between the two is that the stock 4Runner suspension, even with KDSS it felt very soft, lots of nose dive while stopping, fair amount of body roll. I prefer the ride of the Tacoma over the 4Runner.

The interior of the Tacoma does feel more spacious despite the 4Runner having a taller cabin. I also find the seating of the Tacoma more comfortable than the 4Runner, despite the fact that the 4Runner has a height adjustable drivers seat.

Probably the biggest irritation I had with the 4Runner, the amount of dust that got into the cabin despite my best efforts to control it utilizing the HVAC system. I even tried improving the seals where I though the dust was getting in, but made no difference.

But there is something that is just special about driving a 4Runner. The things a tank and I suspect will last longer than a Tacoma with the same lifetime use.

 

Tacoma's and 4Runner's I've had in the past---they both had their own issues, squeaks and rattles. In my opinion, the 4Runners were no better built. Both held together well. I expect no different for these 3rd Gens.

 

simple answer is you can't go wrong either way.

 

Really apples to oranges comparison. SUV vs truck. I have a SUV (X5) and will be getting the Taco cos I need the flat-bed for hauling. Bought a rental property earlier this year and been using my dad-in-law's old Tundra to haul stuff around for the property. As a matter of fact, we redid the backyard at the property last week and hauled layers of grass+mulch in his Tundra...then cleaned the yard and hauled the green waste to a dump station. I just hosed it down last evening before dropping the truck back at this house.

Try doing all this on a 4Runner or any SUV..lol.

 

I'd love to have one, but they're so damn expensive now. At the amount they're asking for I'd rather just get a Tundra.

 

The only reason I didn’t buy a 4Runner for myself was lack of a manual transmission. My can’t drive a stick to save her life, so I bought her a 4Runner and we use it more often for family activities. Even if it is dated, it is still effective. Both great vehicles in their own ways.

 

I own a 2019 4Runner SR5 Premium and a 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road Premium.

They are both trucks, one is much longer with a bed, the other is shorter with a ton more interior space. Both have their perks and minuses and a lot of similarities. So just make a list of whats more important to you.

Interior capacity
Technology
Towing
Storage
Seating a family
Features

Both have something the other doesn't.

 

Easily resolved with a decent strut upgrade.

 

We lived in Boulder for 8 years 2004-2012.

You’re not allowed to drive any truck besides a Toyota and if you do they’ll shame you out of town.

 

Ah thanks--I thought there had been a recent thread but couldn't find it using Search.

 

Fully agree, and had I been able to keep the 4Runner, that would have happened.

 

That’s the best solution.

 

I have owned both Tacomas and 4runners. And I like them both. They both accel in their own places.

My favorite 4runner I have had was a 2003 limited 4x4 V8. Was a tank. (This was the only Toyota I have purchased as used. Had 115k mi and I never had a single Issue)

My favorite Taco I've had was a 2008 Trd sport 4x4 dcsb. (I know this will upset my 3rd gen friends)


Between the two I'd have a hard time deciding what one I preferred over the other.