So I tried to get a 4 runner...

You won't sway him with those pesky facts. You're not allowed to like what he doesn't like.

 

I'd wager a loaded up new 4Runner will be close to 70k and tacoma top out in the mid 60s... given how things have been going...

So my thinking was "lets get a 4Runner that will be super reliable and better than the tacoma in every way (Interior quality, Made in Japan, legendary 4.slow) since I read about it on tacomaworld"

But the reality wasn't such IMO.

 

Dad has a 2015 4Runner. The 4.0 and transmission combo calibration is no better than the 3.5L in the 3rd gen - shifts up early and then likes to try to lug in the wrong gears. I had a loaner 2015 Tacoma with the less powerful 4.0 and the same transmission and with better factory calibration it drove light years better.

 

Real world application and not on paper the 4.0 beats the 3.5. 4.0 is slow but the 3.5 is even slower. Since you guys are on about hp and tq between the two they even dragged raced a dang 3rd gen Tacoma vs a 5th gen 4runner at the 7 min mark. Guess who lost. The 3rd gen tacoma with the newer 3.5 v6…..and the 4runner weighs more than the tacoma. Tacoma basically lost to everything the old out dated 4.0 dinosaur won TWICE
https://youtu.be/p8eR1ePE_B4

 

Our 4Runner has a nicer on-road feel than the Taco. But it's also SR5 vs TRDOR.

 

I bought a brand new 2019 4Runner TRDOR for my wife, then a 2016 Sequoia in 2020. Then traded the 4Runner for my current 2019 Tacoma TRDOR.

We previously owned 99 and 2004 4Runner, nothing against the current generations, just not fitting our needs. I prefer the manual, she likes the bigger vehicles.

 

Double those drag race distances from the video and you'd be wrong about "real world" applications.

I don't race stop light to stoplight but on ramps are better in my 3rd gen than in my 4runner.

 

I love the 5th gen 4runner. I desperately wish they would have paired the GX 6 speed in a refresh or something. The heavy platform is asking too much from that poor v6 in modern driving conditions. Sadly I believe we're going to see some kind of turbo 4 in the future and it just bums me out. All I wanted was a slightly more fuel efficient 4runner and I'm fairly certain they're going to ruin it.

 

5.7 V8 6spd manual with front and rear lockers would have made the 40th anniversary 4R something else, it probably would have cost $200k but that would have been bad ass.

 

Just traded my 2020 4Runner back to a Tacoma TRD Sport. Really liked the 4Runner EXCEPT for, hauling anything. In the Northeast it is almost impossible to keep the rear window clean in the winter weather. The 4Runner had better acceleration due to the 4 liter and 5 speed auto but the newer Tacoma's will keep up with no problems.

 

I wish they would put the V8 back in the 4runner like they have in the Lexus. I just can't get over the grill to put one in the driveway.

 

Drag races never go too long but doesnt take away it got spanked by an engine designed in 2005

 

They are completely different vehicles. Its not apples to apples.
I drive both frequently.
I like em both for different reasons.

 

So without reading this thread, let me paraphrase what happened...

OP was like
3rd gen owners were like
2nd gen owners were like
T4R owners be like

Was I close?

 

I agree. My wife has a 21 4Runner Limited. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. Overall, we are happy with both. Actually, my wife is more than happy. She would kill me if I even mentioned getting rid of her 4Runner lol.

 

I would say you pretty much nailed it.

 

I was more like

I've had 3 4Runners and a second gen Taco. Tacos are nice, but 4Runners are nicer. Sure, it's due for an update, but most of the 4Runner people are happy to be driving around a dinosaur.