Tacoma vs 4Runner in my shoes

I'm a Truck guy myself , smiles per miles .

 

If I had the means and space I would own both.
I've had my eye on Tacomas and 4runners for decades. I would love to also own a 4runner has my second vehicle.

In a dream world (garage):
Tacoma
4Runner
Mustang
F150

 

I think the question is what do you value more- interior or bed space. There are real compromises with a pickup, mainly a lack of interior space. I also wouldn't limit yourself to a manual sport model, especially if you are willing to regear from the gate. The manual trans has its own problems. I had a manual 2006 Sport and had enough problems with it that I will not buy another manual truck. Not that I don't like manuals, but they seem to be afterthoughts at this point.

I considered a 4R but valued the new drivetrain and extra cargo capacity of the Taco over the greater interior space of the 4R. It is also not my daily ride so I was ok with a less practical people mover.

 

I have both. The truck is much better for utility use and I use the bed every couple days. The 4Runner is more comfortable and has more interior space. I like the 4Runner, but it isn't a direct Jeep replacement if you are wheeling hard. I reserved a Bronco and will be trading the 4Runner in once they finally get here. I just can't get rid of the truck bed. I have had 3 Subarus, and although they were fun, they had a lot more issues than my Toyotas have had so far.

 

Go Tacoma. Why pay premium $$$ (or reward Toyota) for a new 4Runner given its badly outdated powertrain and $hit MPG? 4Runner also has the worst rollover crash test rating of any SUV. Food for though when transporting a family.

 

I have a 2016 tacoma and wife has a 2019 4runner. We use the 4runner as the family vehicle and Tacoma for mountains and camping stuff. If I didn’t use the bed I would have two 4runners. The 4runner isn’t the best on fuel economy the Tacoma stock got a little bit better gas mileage. The 4runner interior is a little dated we basically had the same interior on our 2011 4runner. If you honestly don’t need the bed go 4runner.

 

I have both...

2018 4Runner Limited:

• Makes an awesome camping/overlanding vehicle.
• Very solid built in Japan...It will run a long time.
• Great visibility...Big windows and easy to see around vehicle.
• MPG is typically in the 16s. Just on the highway, it will about hit 20.
• Four or five people can travel in comfort with a lot of interior space.
• It’s the kind of vehicle you can set the cruise control on 80 mph and sit back and enjoy solid feeling drive.
• I’ll also mention how much I like the Limited having full-time four-wheel drive (along with part-time and four-low)… very nice for mixed road conditions. I however don’t like the Limited's 20” wheels, but those can be changed.
• I prefer its five-speed transmission over the Tacoma’s six-speed.
• Although I like the cargo hatch as it's a nice awning when it's raining, I can't open it in my garage.
• Power roll down rear window is cool.

2019 Tacoma TRD OR Access Cab:

• My favorite part is the bed for just big, dirty stuff.
• Seats IMO are more comfortable (more padding).
  
• Lots of options for bed racks and bed drawers.
• Camper top options (like a GoFast… if one can get one).
• Access cab… for those that only want a two seat truck with a six-foot bed. Plus I think it has better visibility than the double-cab.
• MPG so far is not much better than 4Runner.
• Longer in a garage by about a foot over the 4Runner (mine barely fits).

 

What problems did you have with your MT?

I’d say the majority of us here on TW love the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen MTs with no issues at all. I’ve driven stick my whole life and I think Toyota nailed it with this one.

OP, my vote is the 6MT Tacoma. It’ll best compliment the outback’s utility and you’ll have a ball driving the stick shifter every day. Worth a solid test drive before you pull the trigger

 

I just sold my 2014 SR5 Premium 4R to get into a Tacoma. To be 100% honest, I am already looking forward to getting back into a 4R after I’m done with the Tacoma. The 4Runner was perfect, other than the “outdated” entertainment center. If I were you, I would go drive each at the lot. You’ll recognize the difference between the two right away. I loved my 4Runner, I like my Tacoma.

 

The 4Runner's engine and powertrain although outdated, is one of the most reliable ever made by Toyota. It's so reliable in fact that both are used worldwide while the Tacoma's 3.5 engine and transmission is limited to North America.

The 4Runner is built on the same assembly line as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, Lexus LX570, Lexus GX460 in Japan.

The Tacoma's 3.5 engine is made in Alabama....while the Tacoma itself is made in the USA (for now) and Mexico.

 

I, like others in this group, have owned both. Not to echo others, and perhaps provide my own input:

My ex wife has always had SUV's. We used hers (Chevy Traverse for the last 9 years) as the family trip vehicle. I had a 2010 Taco. I currently own a 2018 TRD ORP T4R. I kind of have the best of both worlds. I use my 4R as my DD, and I've got my '96 F-150 as my truck. Casting aside the truck, I'd buy the 4Runner in a heartbeat over the Tacoma. To me, the interior of the newer Tacomas look and feel cheap. The 4Runner feels more comfortable and spacious. Yes, the mileage isn't that great, and yes there's only 5 speeds on the trans. The 3.5 auto on the Taco felt worse when test driving. Usually the FIRST thing I do when purchasing a vehicle is replace and upsize tires (former occupational hazard). If the auto felt lethargic on stock tires, then upsizing to a more aggresive and heavier tire would certainly be more challenging. I personally don't think you're making a bad decision either way, but for ME personally, the 4Runner was the absolute best option. That said, I'll be picking up a GX as a trail rig/daily within the next year. Who knows what happens to the 4Runner at that point. Best of luck and congrats either way!

 

We have both - 2020 Tacoma and a 2016 4Runner. As others have stated, it really depends on if you need a truck bed. That being said, I would own two 4Runners if I could. It's an all around fantastic vehicle and I find the build quality to be superb.

 

Wait for a Bronco

I traded my 19 DCSB Tacoma OR 4x4 for my FJ, I didn't use the bed & I own a home too. I would only trade the FJ for a 4Runner since I'm about to have a child soon

 

I use my bed far too often to not have a truck. I don't even know how people get by without a truck lol

 

I don’t mind manual at all. This will not be my primary vehicle. She can drive stick, but doesn’t prefer to. She actually sold the 98 TJ she had because of the manual after about a year.

 

I was kinda looking for reassurance to save myself the buyers remorse either way. Thanks for the advice.

 

Welcome aboard

 

Ok, sounds like I’m doing the right thing. I’m actually renting a Taco right now, Zion /Vegas trip. When I get back we’ll test drive a T4R to compare.

 

Nice! Well we have similar tastes. I saw an access cab OR the other day on the freeway in Socal. Went to a dealership to see if they could hit the computer to see where it went, no such luck. Right now it’s easier to find a flying purple unicorn lol.

 

Yeah, it's

Yeah it's long bed or bust on a pickup imo