Taco v 4runner off road?

Not trying to start a war. I was going to get a 4runner and researched that pretty well. Now it looks like I'll need a truck. Are they comparable performers off the beaten path?

 

Much of the platform is the same.

Assuming equivalent trim levels, they are about the same.

The 4R has slightly shorter overhangs, which give it slightly better approach/departure angles. But, more topheavy = greater rollover potential.

Everything's a balance. If you need a truck, the Taco will not disappoint offroad. Just make sure you either get the TRD Offroad with the factory locker or get some lockers in it.

 

Thanks. That is sort of what I figured.

 

Stock to stock, yes.

But then, since when has stock mattered in offroad?

 

True that. But I don't know to much about what's included in the trail edition 4 runner but I'm just guessing that the Tacoma would need more mods to be as good as a stock 4 runner TE. But hell a lift mud tires and front and rear lockers on both and they would be pretty damn close in performance.

 

you all have failed the Tacoma loyalty test. You're 'sposed to say, "The Tacoma will hands down beat the 4runner off-road; shorter approach angles my a$$, with the built in flux capacitor, the Tacoma will find an easier route around the obstacle, travel back in time and make a snack out of the 4runner as soon as it gets up the said obstacle"

either way, the tacoma is very capable off-road. Not everyone will climb steep hills or go rock crawling with a NEW truck, especially stock. You will find that approach angles are not your only worry -this is when modding for performance comes in. With performance mods, sky is the limit.

The biggest question is, what do you really need on a day to day basis? A truck that can haul junk (you'll get called to help people move, take people to the airport, and on occasion you can also transport your valuables, etc.) or the 4runner?

 

Thanks for the additional feedback. As long as it is capable, that works for me, especially since it is a bunch cheaper!

 

i like both. hard to choose.

 

Emphasis added on the two that actually matter. And frankly, a TRD OR Tacoma has both of those anyway.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either. 4Runner has more power and gets better fuel economy. Truck has obvious capabilities that an SUV doesn't. Just go drive them both, and get which ever one you feel better about.

Or you could get a Tacoma and get the old lady a 4Runner!

 

Have not driven a new 4runner yet so I can't give a great comparison. but my 2000 4runner was better offroad than my 2010 tacoma. Manual transfer case was so much better than a damn switch too!

 

I've wheeled in both. The new 4runner is a definite beast, and the one I drive is just an sr5. Stock it can handle a lot. But the tacoma is a truck and I'm a truck guy.