It's been fun, but I just bought a 2022 4Runner!

I pretty much made the same decision for several of the same reasons. My 2018 Tacoma TRD Sport has been a great truck. It followed a 2Gen 2010 that was also a great truck. But, I came to realize the only thing I was actually using the bed of the truck for was to haul a couple 5 gallon gas cans to the gas station once a month to keep my tractor and ATV running. I had a 96 4Runner that I loved. So, when another of those ridiculous trade in offers came through the mail from my dealer, I decided to go for it. My new 4Runner SR5 has just completed the trans Pacific, through the canal, up the coast, Port landing. It is now sitting at the dealer awaiting their prep work. I couldn't wait, so I stopped by for a visit before delivery. Picture isn't great, it was a wintry mix day here in PA, with snow, then sleet, then freezing rain, followed by plain rain. Better to wait a day and not put my first miles on in wet winter road chemicals. All my recent Toyota have been MGM, and this will be no different:



I too have very much enjoyed the exchange of ideas, recommendations, and even complaints here for the past 12 years. Thanks to all of you.

 

I've now driven the 4Runner to my cottage and back and to work a few times. I really loved my Tacoma, but this 4Runner is so much quieter and rides much more balanced front to rear. It still feels very sturdy like a truck, fairly firm, and the motor and tranny work very well together.
I'm getting even better gas mileage then with the Tacoma as well which really surprised me as I heard the 4Runners were quite thirsty.
Very happy with the switch. We'll see how it does towing things once spring rolls around.

 

I'll add this picture to this thread. This was at Overland Expo East. We don't often see a Limited modified, but as I earlier said, I really like it's full-time TC. It was pulling a nice off road trailer with a roof top tent.

 

If they come out with a turbo 6 for the 4runner (obviously the v8 is gone forever), I'll make the switch. The naturally aspirated 6 is way too underpowered stock. You add larger tires, armor, etc. and the dog becomes a slug.

 

I'll be keeping an eye on the next gen 4Runner. The Tacoma has been an awesome ownership experience, but I've wanted a 4Runner for years. If they can put a powerplant similar to the Rav4 Prime in terms of power, but keep the off road ruggedness of the 4runner platform, im sold.

 

I did the opposite. Went from a 2016 4Runner SR5 to a 2021 Tacoma TRD OR. I miss the interior storage from time to time, but enjoy the better hitch and bed space when towing our camper.

 

Can you explain your "better hitch" comment. I am not aware of a difference - maybe I'll learn soon enough, but better prepared than learning while hitching my trailer.

 

I thought quite a bit about choosing a 4Runner also before putting the deposit down on my '22 Tacoma. If dual zone climate control were available in the TRD Off Road Premium, I would have done it. Seems silly to have to go all the way to a Limited just for that feature.

 

In Canada we just have the 4Runner Off-Road, no premium version, but it comes with the following as well as having dual zone climate controls:

• Crawl Control + Multi-Terrain Select
• Unique 17" Alloy Wheels
• Locking Rear Differential
• Prem. Audio w Remote – Embedded Navi., Destination Assist (1yr trial), Remote Connect (1yr trial), Safety Connect, Service Connect (up to 8 year trial)
• Black Painted Roof Rails
• Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
• TRD Off Road Badging

 

I can't see any difference between the hitch on my previous Tacoma and my new 4Runner. Towing capacity is just slightly less on the 4Runner at 5,000lbs, perhaps this point?

 

Just kidding, hope it lasts long and you enjoy it.

 

The hitch on the 4Runner is bolted to a frame cross member and not to the frame rails directly. Owners manual says to not use a weight distribution hitch because of this and there have been claims that the crossmember has twisted when towing “near or at capacity” which I tend to read as “over capacity”. I need/prefer a WD hitch for my camper though so the 4Runner wasn’t going to cut it. This is the reason the Tacoma gets up to 640lbs max tongue weight and the 4Runner only gets 500lbs max.

 

There are six bolts holding the 2” receiver to the crossmember. Compared to the hitch on the Tacoma or to an older 4th Gen T4R’s that are a more standard hitch.

*edit*
This is the 5th gen hitch uncovered

 

You'll be Back!

 

Great choice. 4Runners are still a solid SUV and I'd love to have another. We might trade in my Wife's 2018 Avalon on a 2023 4Runner (We'll see what the brings). Love the Avalon, (6CY) but with my wife's driving habits she get's about the same mileage I do in the Tacoma. 19-20, so if she dropped a MPG or so, it wouldn't dent the gas budget much. She drives less than 300 miles a month.

 

Thanks. I appreciate your reply, and the explanation makes sense. Shouldn't be an issue for my 500lb utility trailer with a a pair of Yamaha Dual Sport motocycles.



Just brought my new 4Runner home, and left the 2018 Tacoma behind:

 

Nice! I’m actually in the process of doing the same thing. Have a deposit down for a 2022 4R OR in Lunar Rock.

Haven’t truly used my bed more than a few times and each time the 4R would have handled it just fine. Love the Tacoma but I’m just not doing enough “truck stuff” to warrant keeping the bed over the increased cargo and passenger room.

 

Best vehicle in Toyota's entire lineup right now. I gotta have a bed otherwise I'd have a Runner.

 

Congrats, that won’t be a problem at all. I have a trailer that’s about 4300lbs fully loaded up though, lol.

 

I’m about to do the same..local dealer has a 4Runner and since I have such low mileage on my Tacoma it’s too good a deal to pass up. It’s too tempting but I am delaying because I really enjoy our Tacoma