Have you/do you own a 4Runner too?

Who here owns a third gen Tacoma and has owned/does own a fifth gen 4Runner?

I’ve owned 2 third gen Tacomas with the 3.5 engine and it leaves something to be desired for me. Does the 4Runner with the 4.0/ 5 speed auto have a better driving experience? (Yes, I had my Tacoma tuned using multiple versions. Still had a weird power delivery if you ask me).

The purposes of this discussion are to compare drivability of third gen Taco to fifth gen 4Runner only if you’ve owned both. Please don’t speculate. Thank you.

 

I've owned both. Two completely different vehicles. Both have pros and cons as far as drivability. Again, trying to compare apples and oranges.
Now, if you want to compare to a car or CUV both are horrible compared to the drivability of a RAV4 or Camry.

 

Not comparing to a car at all. Whole different platform. Only comparing body on frame truck and SUV.

 

I’ve had both, it’s not impossible to confuse the 5 speed’s shift logic but it is much better than the Tacoma.

Acceleration up to hwy speeds on a long downhill decline mine would always hold 4th too long. I’d have to let off the skinny pedal completely for it to hit 5th. That only happened when there was little to nothing for engine load. It seemed very bass-ackwards.

That said I never once thought about getting it tuned, so it is far from the level of frustration a Tacoma auto tranny causes folks.

 

Does it have that sudden “power-band” like the Tacoma does? You know when you’re in the Tacoma and you floor it or accelerate quickly how it doesn’t really get cooking until 3,000-3,500 rpms…and it suddenly comes alive?

 

I've owned a 2017 sr5 4wd 4runner and currently own a 2020 trd or 4wd 4runner. Also have the 2017 trd or 4x4 tacoma.

The 4runner is a more solid vehicle overall. The trd 4runner rides and handles so much better than the regular sr5 4runner, smoother, less body roll in corners, bumps in road are less noticeable. Also, the transmission and engine on the 4runner shifts more predictable, doesn't hesitate, and seems better matched than the driveline in the Tacoma. The Tacoma does have more HP, by a little and is more noticeable.

I have a use for both the 4runner and the tacoma, which is why I still have both. However, the 4runner is much better vehicle overall if you can do within the truck bed.

That's my opinion, every one else is entitled to their's.

 

4runner is linear throughout the power band. To me their is no surprise at any rpm. Obviously, the higher you rev it the more power it will make though.

 

The powerband is quite a bit different than the 3.5. Definitely not as surge-y.

I’ve also owned 2 FJs with autos…..they were about the same feel, but also seemed less confused if that makes sense. I know it’s the same motor - not 100% sure if it’s the same trans as the 4R but they’re definitely 5 speeds….but that was back in ‘14. I think the fuel standards got the best of the Yota engineers these past few model years for sure.

The 4Runner platform is pretty refined by now and I think you’d be very happy with how they drive. It is still a modern day Toyota Auto, so it isn’t perfect!

 

I will add that the 2017 4runner had a better sounding factory radio. All speakers had the same power wattage. The 2020 4runner radio is lackluster like the Tacoma. Only the front speakers are noticeable.

 

I have a 2016 4Runner Trail Premium and a 2021 Tacoma Offroad.

What do you really want to know? They are very different.

 

I know right? Actually, my 4Runner and my Tundra were closer than the Tacoma and the 4Runner.

 

I also have a 2018 4Runner Limited along with a Tacoma AC. Specifically about the Limited trim, I love it's full-time transfer case (also has part-time high and low) ... very handy for the mixed road conditions that we have during the winter, and its interior is more upscale.

I do prefer its five-speed transmission as there is no lag when you punch it like the Tacoma's six-speed transmission has.

I really like how open the 4Runner is with its visibility, plus lots of interior space, and I think it would make for an awesome "overlanding" vehicle. It's very comfortable for long distance travel. My wife and I took a long trip with two friends, and four adults and our luggage all fit and was great. I set it on 80 mph and it cruises. I also think it's very solid built, probably better then the Tacoma.

The Tacoma's value of course is that it has a bed. I like being able to put dirty stuff in the bed and not in the back of the 4Runner. Tacoma's MPG is probably on average 1-2 higher. I honestly like driving them both, but again, I prefer the 4Runner's transmission.

If you can have both, I highly recommend it.

 

I had a 4th gen that I LOVED (totaled without insurance), 05 silver SE 4.7v8 and my favorite part AWD. I had OME on it, total chaos ucas, spidertrax wheels spacers and 285s. SUCH A NICE AND CAPABLE VEHICLE! I prefer the 4th gen looks wise over 5th but no doubt Toyota built ANOTHER awesome truck! Like said previously, if you can, enjoy both!!

 

The 5th gen 4runner is a much better driving vehicle. It isnt close.

 

What I really want to know is does the 4Runner have the annoying drivability quirks like the 3.5L/6 auto Tacoma? The Taco has poor shift logic and a very delayed response to heavy throttle input. The Taco also has that surge feeling with the way it delivers its power. It doesn’t feel linear in its power delivery. Overall the Taco does not feel as connected to what is happening at the throttle pedal as I’d like it to be. Hope all that makes sense.

I will say that tuning made a big difference in the Tacoma, but the throttle lag and the wonky torque curve/power delivery just made me not enjoy driving it as much. It was fine around town for the most part (unless you need to suddenly accelerate which will be delayed). I think I just really didn’t love the torque curve and how the engine needed to be at or above 3-3.5k rpms before it feels like it’s adequate.

 

No. The 4.0L five speed in the 4Runner is a much more predictable slug. The 4Runner is not fast. Sometimes you really need to stomp the gas pedal to get it to downshift and get moving entering a freeway, passing, etc.

The 4Runner I have is smooth as glass. No rattles. I have Michelin LTX AT2 tires on it and replaced the front shocks on the front long ago with Toytec Boss. That solved the soft nose dive issue on hard braking. It really made the platform safer.

If you don’t need to haul stinky shit, and want more air conditioned space for passengers and cargo, the 4Runner is a solid choice.

I’d buy pretty soon as you can bet the engine is going to change on the next gen. Probably a hybrid like the new Tundra.

 

I have both. And the I bought an FJ brand new in 2007. 5th gen 4runner in 2010. 2021 Tacoma about a year ago. I have all three. 4runner is the best by FAR!

 

That’s good to know. I see that the 2022 4Runner is mostly unchanged. Toyota has vowed to have an electric or hybrid version of all their models by 2025… so I agree with you there. I am actually excited to see what they do with the 4Runner. As of now I don’t see any information whatsoever about that since the new Tundra is their main focus.

My other complaint with the Tacomas is the seating position and the seat itself. My second Tacoma actually has softer foam in the seat and caused me more back pain. The seating position being so low to the floor didn’t help at all, and although I had a power seat I couldn’t raise it much… I’m tall so my headroom was limited, but more so my visibility out the front got really bad when the seat was raised. I think the 4Runner is slightly better in regards to forward visibility, but not sure the seating position is any different. If the seat were more supportive I think it could be ok. It took me a while to realize every time I sat in my Tacoma it was actually causing my back to hurt more.

Surprisingly no one here has told me to just go test drive a 4Runner yet. I did test drive one, but that was before owning any Tacomas. It’s been about 2 years ago. I noticed how bad the body roll/brake dive was. Now after running aftermarket suspensions on Tacos I know exactly what I’d do first on a 4Runner (as you mentioned). This makes me more open to the idea of owning one, knowing I could easily upgrade the shocks for example.

 

Nice. What do you like more about the 4Runner?

 

Agreed - I’m tuned with a manual and still not as happy with how my 3rd gen delivers it’s power compared with, say a 1st gen Taco w/ half the HP.