4WD Tacoma vs 4WD 4 Runner

X2 ^^

 

My wife's 2012 sr5 has the lever. I think the knob came in the limited package, which are full time all wheel drive, with selectable full 4x4.

 

Friends 2014 4Runner SR5 has knob for 4x4 select. 2HI 4HI 4LO

 

Don't they have different motors? I know they're both 4.0 liters but I thought the 4R and the FJ had the dual VVT motors? I know my dads fj has more power than my taco, but his mileage is even worse than mine.

 

just traded my 2011 taco for a 2015 trail. i have to say that i like the 4runner much better. interior quality, ride and just how quiete and squeak free interior of the 4runner. it's definetely put together better. but i do miss my trucks bed. oh well can't have everything. and the 4runners 4wd system is sweet.

 

I have the truck and my wife's next vehicle will be the 4 Runner. She has a 2013 GMC Acadia that is paid for so it is hard to get rid of, but it is a GM product, and the recalls are getting old.

 

Pro: 4Runner built in Japan. Dual VVTi.

Con: Tacoma not built in Japan. No Dual VVTi.

Correct.

 

Funny you should ask. I just sold my 04 4Runner and bought a 15 Tacoma off road. I tried out a new 4Runner but just felt the last generation was not as well rounded as the the previous. They don't ride or handle as well and for my money, other then being a little quieter, is not worth the expense. So IMho, it's about the money you want to spend and the seating room you'll need. If I were going to buy now and not last year, I would wait till late 2015 and see that what the 2016 Tacomas are like. They have to ride better to compete with the Colorado and get better mileage. Carnack says, "wait a year" . Bottom line, I am not that impressed with the last gen 4Runner for the money they are asking.

The Tacoma is a very old truck and even though it still performs well, it is not worth buying this close to a new design. I sometimes wish I had waited but it was too good a deal in selling my old one which wouldn't have been there later......I did not need a traveling vehicle with my wife's Venza so around town, and short trips, the old Tacoma is fine. Still, wait for the newer one.

 

I don't think the new one will arrive next year, I asked multiply dealers if they heard anything about the new tacoma. My best guess is 2017 :/ If anyone can confirm and prove me wrong Id be stoked to see it come out sooner.

 

The 4Runner will have better weight distribution than the Tacoma. Trucks are light in the ass end where SUV's have the weight pretty well evened out so they will handle slightly better on slick roads. But you can't go wrong with either, throw some weight in the bed of a Taco to even it out and it will be just as good.

 

Prices for stuff like armor is way higher for 4runners, and the aftermarket is less with most things

 

wait till 2016 tacoma then decide.

 

What's happening in 2016?

 

Lol

 

Been comparing the two for a while...one thing I have to say the Tacoma has over the 4Runner is the ability to select individual gears in the auto transmission. The 4Runner has that 'flick back and forth' gear selector, ala the Jeep Wrangler. I don't care for that myself.

 

That's my plan.

Hahaha!

Same here.

 

I agree with your general assessments. I just sold my 04 4Runner and bought a 2015 Taco OR. There are so many things you give up with a Taco I could not begin start. Even the same motor was much quieter. With the better insulation. Standard features galor compared to the Taco. The Taco is faster because of the 5 speed and ten years newer....but that's about it. If you can afford it, get the 4Runner over a 2015. Otherwise, wait till the 2016 come out. The 04 4 Runner had a much more substantial fully boxed frame. I suspect the newer ones do as well. It's just an all around better vehicle. Other then the newer motor, you may still like a 4 Runner better. They are just up class, like going to a Lexus.

 

My mom has a 2013 SR5 Premium with tan leather, Its an awesome vehicle, I've driven it to Florida twice and on various family trips with them. It is a lot more comfortable to drive on long trips than my Tacoma, but I like them both and i don't think you can go wrong with either, i wish the 4Runner was made here rather than Japan, but its whatever i guess. I believe the T4R has a tow rating of 5,000 vs the 6,500 of the Tacoma. The 4Runner has more leg room in the back seats as well, and you can get the third row (which is a bit tight for my liking, but I've ridden there and can if i need to (5'10 & 195)). Her 4Runner is getting about 19-19.5 mpg consistently either on the highway or in town, it doesn't seem to matter, My tacoma is getting 15ish in town and 20-21ish on the interstate. If i didn't need a truck bed I would be down for a 4Runner for sure! Also if you do buy a 4Runner make sure its a 13 or newer, the 2013's have a higher roof strength than the 2010-2012's.

 

I've had both, and far and away, my 2010 Trail 4runner was one of my favorite vehicles to own. It was much more comfortable, great ride quality and fun to drive. It had many more features than the Tacoma. The bed is nice to have also, if you regularly use it. The 4runner was a bit more of a princess (cartridge oil filter, nice clean interior as opposed to a bed) but it suited my daily driver needs well. I would still have it but for unforeseen circumstances. As it stands, I'm currently on the fence between a '16 Tacoma and a pre owned 4runner limited for my next vehicle.

In short, both are great vehicles, it's all about what you want/need to use it for