Tacoma vs 4Runner in my shoes

I'm my area 4runner pros bring a premium and sell fast. You are lucky if you can get a new trd pro for $55k. Used ones bring $50k. Off roads vary drastically. I have seen new and used ones for $37k-44k so $10-15k difference is pretty accurate where I live. I know markets vary a lot. We have high demand and limited supply so dealers charge what they want and get it.

 

Ill join that trend, heres my 73 Challenger along with my daughter and my 1991 BMW mtech convertible (1 of 18 built)

 

You sir... almost completely described the exact boat I am in. Haven't pulled a trigger on either, but can't decide between Taco and 4Runner. Also suffer from severe over-analysis!

 

Me neither! I am not in a hurry and I plan to wait in hopes that the manufacturing and inventories will increase this Spring. Gives me further time to oscillate back and forth! I do think it will ultimately be the TRD OR Premium 4R in MGM for me. The cement color is not available. The Pro's are running $3,000 - $5,000 above MSRP in my area and the TRD OR is running $2,000 - $3,000 below MSRP.

 

I just paid $43k out the door for my wifes 2021 T4R ORP. My buddy bought a 2021 Pro for $54k out the door. They wont haggle on a pro. Buy the ORP, unless you need the bed of the Taco.

Also, what are you riding? I've got a SB130 with coil.

 

This is a great analysis, I went through the whole T4r and Taco debate myself before deciding on a 2018 OR DCLB for some of the reasons you mentioned.

Personally I’m looking to put a cap on it and build out the bed with a platform for weekend and weeklong adventures for surfing, snowboarding, biking, etc.

The only two topics I didn’t see people talk about were the lack of technology in the T4R and it’s gas mileage.

I could be wrong, but when I was looking, I believe the T4R hadn’t been updated with any safety features like the auto braking, adaptive cruise control, cross traffic alerts, etc. Having this tech mattered to me since I’m hoping the truck will last me 200k+ miles. (I believe the 2021 models have this technology now. Not sure if you were looking new or used).

The other issue I had with the T4R was gas mileage. It’s avg mpg is lower than the Tacoma (16/18mpg I think?). With modifications this would go down (same for Tacoma obviously).

Either way, both are great rigs.

 

I am rocking the exact same Yeti SB130 T2 in Storm (without the shock and stickers). I have been really pleased with that bike. Riding it since July. Coming off a 2013 Santa Cruz Tallboy which is a great XC bike, but the Yeti is better suited for the technical riding I have been doing more of.

Looks like east coast terrain. Where are you located? I am in Frederick, MD.

I think the 4Runner TRD OR Premium MGM will be the final choice. I am intrigued with the Pro's, but to pay an extra $12,000 for what is maybe $5,000 in legitimate upgrades does not make sense. I am still being tugged at by the look of the Tacoma TRD OR Premium DCLB with a cap in cement. More time to analyze and agonize!

 

Charlotte, so I’m lucky enough to have Pisgah less than 2 hours away!

 

Dang man, you're in Utah! At Zion! And you're looking at the interwebz and talking shop to us?
Good grief, go get a bike and ride that Gooseberry Mesa already or report back from Angels Landing at least!
Kidding of course. Sorta.


And we now return to your regularly scheduled thread.

Edit: And we now return to your regularly scheduled ancient thread.

 

Yes, the new Taco is more technically advanced than the current 4Runner and the mpg's are better. I am kind of a keep it simple stupid (KISS) person so the new tech is not a big player for me. I am challenged by my phone, the TV remote and my wife's 2019 Volvo. The mileage appears to be a 2-4 mpg difference which adds up, but is not a deal killer for me. Plus the Taco is a few grand cheaper, but the rear cap kind of balances that back a bit.

In reading numerous reviews, videos and commentary I was surprised that most dual owners preferred the 4R to the Taco unless there was a specific use for the truck bed. Almost 75% for the 4R!

Neither will be a wrong decision! Coin flip!

Thanks for your insight!

 

It's interesting that people say that the taco has better milage.. I am guess you are talking about the toyota claim for mileage not real world.. if you look around on the forums most people are getting much lower than the claims. Personally in my 2019 Trd or I average 16-18, 90% freeway. My wife is averaging 18-19, 90% freeway in her 2019 4runner. I will say that involves about 1k feet elevation changed on a 30 mile round trip daily commute and my taco does have a 3" lift with 285s, the 4runner just has a 1" with 275s and a big roof rack. But I wouldn't use mpg as a deciding factor personally.

I do agree with the tech differences I was pretty disappointed that the 4runner for the same price and trim level didnt come with the front and rear radar, lane assist, or push button start. But none of those were really deal breakers for us.

The original reason we went for the taco was as a weekend camping truck option. I was going to put a softopper on and a bed mattress to sleep but after doing the measurements it will just be too small for us and our dogs, (dcsb) maybe someday I'll look into the tent options to try that route but for now we will keep using the camper with my 3/4ton.

 

The 2020 and 2021 T4R has front radar, adaptive cruise, lane assist and push button start.

I think the 3.5 in the third gen is capable of better mileage on paper but in practice it ends up working harder to get the same result as the 4.0

 

My significant other gets about 250 miles before she fills up in her 4Runner. I get nearly 300. Same size tank. (Also filling up around 1/4 tank). The "miles to empty" estimates from each vehicle are generally spot on in the summer, but are vastly different between the two vehicles.

 

We have both so we don't have to choose. For us, the Taco is far more practical. Both are very nice. In 1 year, the 4Runner has 10k miles. In just over 8 months, the Taco has 19k miles. There are little things I don't care for about the 4Runner and little quirks about the Tacoma too. Both work very well and will be reliable though. Plus, it also helps that the Tacoma has heated seats and dual climate. I just wish it had the same cupholder inserts as the 4Runner which I could remove to fit my Hydroflask water bottle. I also much prefer the interior of the Tacoma. My significant other does as well because she feels the interior area of the 4Runner is too big (not referring to the wheelbase, just the spacious feeling interior up front). She came from a Nissan Xterra which wasn't quite as massive seeming.

Both are good, but the Taco is our go to.

 

My own specific needs aside, I personally, would not spend 40K on a vehicle rocking a circa-2006 powertrain that only gets 17 MPG. Perhaps, someday, Toyota will bring the 4Runner into the 2010s.

I also once saw a 4Runner flip over on an Utah interstate as the driver over-corrected from touching the shoulder paint line. I do not like the high center of gravity for a family transporter.

 

And yet they sell like hotcakes

 

The supposed mpg differences will not be a sole determinant in my 4R vs Taco choice. Just another factor complicating my decision!

 

Great looking 4Runner and Yeti!

Since you own both the current 4Runner and Tacoma in the TRD Off Road setup, and are a mountain biker with a Yeti - I trust your judgement! So, you would prefer / recommend the 4R for weekend regional trips and out west (weeks long) trips with the intent of sleeping in the rear of the 4R or Taco with a cap? Thanks!

Finally some east coast sun today. Felt good to ride again!

 

Well. To follow up... a couple of interesting things happened. First, found out I am going to be a grandparent. So, the thought of occasional car seats, etc. entered the equation.

Second, I happened to be test driving an SR5 Premium 4Runner 4WD when we had a pretty substantial snowfall a couple of days ago. They let me keep it overnight. I inquired about driving it in the snow, and the salesman said, “Don’t worry about getting it dirty!” I don’t really do a lot of off-roading, and the 4WD for me is more about bad weather and occasional muddy roads. So, I couldn’t really justify all of the TRD Off Road features.

In any case, driving that thing had me hooked in about 10 mins. Went down and closed the deal today. So, for me, it ended in a 4Runner. (Still love the Taco, however).

 

I just got my Taco and could have chosen either. But I also have a Jag F Pace and a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. No need for another SUV and a truck is so much more useful. Can do everything an SUV does and so much more.