5th Gen 4Runner or 3rd Gen Tacoma?

I started out looking at a 4runner until I realized that they are more expensive than a Tacoma and a MT is not available.

I love the versatility of a PU vs SUV. I got a FlipBak aluminum skinned panel tonneau cover. It locks shut and would be more secure for tools or whatever. A PU is a lot less hassle for hauling gas cans and can also haul bikes without the bother of a trailer.

Canopy vs tonneau cover: Canopy costs more and is a lot heavier and can't open up for tall stuff.

 

Just talked to my contact at Toyota, pretty sure the 2021 T4R is gonna have the Tacoma 3.5 engine and tranny. What are they thinking?

 

Get the one with the retractable rear window

I was the opposite...went in for a Taco and drove out of the lot with a 4runner. Both have their pluses so it all comes down to personal needs and priorities.

 

They’re probably thinking that the the 3rd Gen has been a resounding success, and much more successful even than the 2nd Gen. It was clear when the Tacoma got the 3.5 that the 4Runner would follow.

 

2021 seems to soon considering the changes Toyota made for the 2020. I doubt they'd do that for just 1 model year before an all new 6th gen. Something tells me they'll milk the 2020 upgrades (and 4runners are selling very well at the moment) and give us a 6th gen in 2022 or 2023.

But I do think we'll get whatever the Tacoma has. Question is whether the Tacoma will still use the 3.5/6spd combo with the rumors of a 4th gen Taco also around the corner. Who knows, both Taco and 4runner may be running 4cyl Turbos and 8spd's come redesign.

 

The current generation 4Runner has been out for 10 years with no frame recalls while the current generation Tacoma has been out for 4 years with one.

If you live in the rust belt and don't need a bed, get a 4Runner.

 

If the 4runner is getting the Tacoma powertrain, is there any indication it will have the same tow capacity as the Tacoma?

 

4runner. Or consider 200-series Land Cruiser.

I was set to buy a new 4Runner, but one test drive in the 200 completely changed my mind. Picked up a mint 2015 for nominally more than a brand new 4Runner.

Once you get under the 200 and look and it's frame and massively overbuilt drivetrain you will always look at a Tacoma as a toy truck. Fine one, but just not a comparision.

 

It makes sense really. The 4runner product cycle lags behind the Tacoma. If Toyota can squeeze out more power and get even a hair better fuel economy with the 3.5, then 3.5 it is.

I actually think a 3.5 hybrid option would be pretty cool for the 4runner.

 

3.5L in 4runner would be a sad news. Hybrid? Do not want.

The biggest allure of 4runner (and Land Cruiser as well) is these are "dated" trucks with proven, reliable components, yet modernized enough (safety) so they are not obsolete.

 

Oh, and before you decide to gamble and get a 3rd Taco, read this:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/buzzy-vibration-at-certain-rpms-read-before-buying.397620

 

Sell the '97 Ram 3500 diesel (clean, low mileage) 4x4, & get the Tacoma & the 4Runner!

 

You should take a look under a 100-series.

Jeff

 

I have not, but AFAIK everything on 200 is beefer. Is it not?

 

It’s not.

The 100 series used full floating axles Up front and is more heavily based on the heavy-duty 70-series.

The 200 is definitely a rugged vehicle, they upped the front differential size but overall I would say it’s less “commercial” grade than the 100.

If we’re talking post 60 series, I would say the 70 is the most rugged (excluding Prado models), followed by the 80, 100, 200, 70 Prado, the the 90/120/150 are about even.

The difference between a 100 and 200 is pretty small in my opinion (105 notwithstanding). The HD-70/80 are also similar, both offering full floating axles front and rear as well as front/rear diff lock, etc. The 70 of course offers newer engine options and so on, seeing as how it’s been in continuous production for over 35 years.

The Tacoma/4Runner are at the 90/120/150 series level.

None of this is bad of course, it just is.

Jeff

 

You're comparing a vehicle designed around an $80k price point (base model LC) with a vehicle designed around a $27k price point (SR 4 cylinder taco)... well no duh the Land Cruiser is going to be nicer and sturdier and more luxurious. It sure as heck better be.

At the end of the day the Taco and 4runner are a better bang for buck value than the LC.

 

Of course. But all I am saying is a 3-4 year old 200 at $45-50k is far better deal than brand new 4R at 40k.

 

I am confused. Maybe I am missing something but floating vs. semi-floating is a solid axle design. 100-series has IFS (not 105-series, but that's a different animal).

EDIT: Ok, I think you're referring to axle-in-spindle design. Frankly, I am not sure what 200 has there.

Rear axle on 100 is a semi-floater just like on 200-series.

Would love me a newish 70-series....

I would say Tacoma with the C-channel frame is at the very bottom of the scale, certainly below Prado/4Runner/Hilux chassis.

 

I had a 2nd gen Taco and replaced it with a 4Runner. No regrets, it's a great SUV. I prefer the seating position/visibility, overall comfort of the 4Runner. I'd say it's a no brainer especially if you have another pickup for pickup duties. I did not fit well in a 3rd gen Taco, oddly enough. There's a roof support beam that isn't there in the 2nd gen that gets in my way.

It depends if you want a used vehicle vs new. There are always tradeoffs. Do you want 60-80k on your $50k vehicle or 0 miles for $10k less. Better built or not, there are still regular maintenance items that will need to be addressed. And parts for a $90k MSRP vehicle do tend to run a little more than parts for a 4Runner.

 

Fair enough, I should have said "can be better".