5th Gen 4Runner or 3rd Gen Tacoma?

I realize this is a Tacoma forum so it may be heavily biased towards them, but I have no problem with that. Here's my situation:

I had been set on buying a 2020 4Runner, but have been having 2nd thoughts. I'm a truck guy, always have been, but I will be keeping my '97 Ram 3500 diesel (clean, low mileage) 4x4 for work and hauling my heavy trailers so thought a 4Runner might be a nice accompaniment. However, I was recently thinking that the lack of a bed might become an issue, mainly because I tend to haul a lot of fuel and tools at various times. The tools are fine in the runner, but the fuel is an issue. That's what had me switching to the Tacoma.

The purpose of this vehicle is to use for my everyday running around and road trips as well as off-road. I spend the summers at Tahoe and while I don't plan on hitting the Rubicon trail, it will see some decent off-road use. I know both are capable, but I am just having a hard time deciding which to go with. I don't want to buy one and then decide the other was really what I wanted. I am in a bit of a conundrum so have purchased neither.

I do have motorcycles, but I also have trailers I can haul them with, both open and enclosed. I also have a dog, which the 4Runner is better suited for. Just looking for some insight from people who have maybe had both, or have both, as to what they prefer for a daily and the uses that I intend for it.

 

If you get a cap for the tacoma, they are similar enough. So drive both and decide for yourself.

 

Based on that you already have a truck for truck stuff. 4Runner FTW

 

4Runner...

 

If I had another pickup for my hauling needs, I would absolutely go 4Runner.

Jeff

 

4Runner

 

4Runner

 

4ruuner. I like driving my wife’s over my taco

 

I agree since you are keeping your Ram go for the 4runner. We have a Tacoma and a Wrangler Unlimited. They both serve a purpose so you just have to decide what works best for you.

 

This thread is very too the point. I like it

 

Plus the 2020 is the last year of the 4.0 4Runner.

 

Yeah, I was planning on getting a cap for the Tacoma.

 

I didn't know that. I have been reading about the 4.0 vs the Tacoma 3.5. Some people prefer the 4.0, others prefer the 3.5. It's also mixed in terms of fuel economy. Some report better with the 4Runner, others say the Tacoma is better.

 

I've owned both and like the T4R better.

 

Good to know. I bought a 2003 access cab TRD OR new and the cab was just too small at the time. I sold it 2 years later. I'd have to have a DC this time around.

 

These recommendations

 

^^This. You will be much more comfortable on the highway driving the 4runner, in more ways than one. I didn’t like my 3rd gen Tacoma on the highway at all- that was one of the reasons I traded it for a 4runner. The difference is night and day on the highway, especially at interstate speeds.

 

Do you know this for sure?? I hadn’t heard that.

 

Hmmm, didn't know that was official...

 

SUVs are useless. Get a 4-door pickup. If you don’t like the Tacoma, buy a different pickup.