2016 Tacoma DCLB 4x4 vs 2015 4Runner Trail Premium 4x4

you do realize that Tacoma in pic is fully boxed right?

 

Have you heard the phrase "Fire for affect " ? It doesn't matter whether it's boxed or C channel, the frame is much less substantial and less strong then any 4Runner made since 2003. Just look underneath and pass judgement. Just ask any Toyota representative. No one is saying that the the Tacoma isn't a strong truck. But the frame is stringer and the 4Runner is where I would want to be in a crash compared to ANY Taco.

 

I get that, but you wouldn't be able to fit a Quad in a 4Runner. I feel much better about throwing my dirty camping gear in the back of my truck though, was always worried about getting the back of my SUV dirty with mud etc. after mountain biking or camping. I'm fortunate enough the I will soon have the best of both worlds after the wife gets her 4Runner.

 

If you have kids and don't really haul anything other than the usual run to the grocery store or Lowes or whatever, get the Runner. I have an 04 V8 and absolutely love it. I'm sure the 5th gens can only be an improvement..

 

we have both. I have a 2011 Tacoma DCLB and my wife has a 2007 4Runner. IMO it comes down to what you are going to do with it. If you are going to haul mulch/bricks/timber/dirty crap then get the Tacoma. If you are going to haul gear/plants/dogs/cleanish stuff get the 4Runner. They drive the same and there is not much difference in room in the back seat. I have a kid who is six foot five and he fit about the same in either. It comes down to what you like, gut feeling. My gut said get the Pickup, I would never be satisfied with the SUV.

carl

 

SUVs cant afford to have flex or the body will crack its a given, the Tacoma on the other hand can have flex that's why the cab is separate from the bed but the c channel frame doesn't make it less crash worthy as you state. There is much more to a "robust" frame that's involved in a crash. Manufactures purposely let the frame collapse in a collision to absorb the impact that why you see dimples in front of the frame whether its c channel or fully boxed. If you have a stiff as hell frame that doesn't give your dead. FYI the Tacoma 4Runner FJ Crusier Hilux are all based off the Parada platform with same frame rails being identical, only difference is the others are fully boxed but they all share the same platform and cross members, of course the frame is shorter on the SUVs. The frame on the 4runner is not bigger by any means its just boxed.

 

All these Prarada based frames are "identical " but the ones in the Taco are C Channel......neat trick, identical but different. Btw, the term was Robust.

The Taco is a low end truck vs the 4Runner ...and it shows.

 

4Runner is part time 4WD without a center diff like the Tacoma unless you get the Limited (full time 4WD).

I would have squarely been in the 4Runner camp until now. The 4Runner is now the one with the old engine, old transmission, old transfer case (as far as how quickly it actuates), so the battle is closer.

4Runner wins:
Ride
Interior space
Seating position
Payload

Tacoma wins:
Performance
Towing
Price (just barely, now)
Tech available on non-limited models
Fuel efficiency
6MT available

 

Coming from the same guy that said you need a fully boxed frame to have better crash test results lol, I guess all the unibody cars and SUVs must fold up like paper and provide no protection because they don't have fully boxed frames.
All the frames have the same architecture so yes I stand correct except for the fact the Tacoma rides a C Channel frame

 

remember... crashes are mitigated by the body absorbing the energy (hence crumple zones) - i doubt the frame would impact that either way.

 

i'd like to actually sit in one before buying conjecture... you're probably right, but let's be sure if that's the deciding factor.

 

That is a neat trick... Kinda like posting a pic of a 20 year old truck to prove that a 2016 Tacoma frame is made of paper

 

You are fabricating what I said which is obvious by you not quoting me.....you are just making things up and taking them totally out of context.

All mid size pick up trucks with beds in them have less sturdy frames for safety from the bed back then SUVs do, C channel or not, partly because, they do not have to protect passengers ! You need to quote where I said boxed frames are better. I said the boxed frame of the 4 Runner are more robust and sturdy then the C frame of a Tacoma.

Let me remind you that the C channel Taco is no ordinary older type but the frame is doubled layered, essentially a frame within a frame on the back more then half of my Tacoma making it quite strong. It is my contention that the Tacoma frame does everything you want from a midsize pick up and probably better compared to the boxed frame of a Colorado....if you compared the frame of a 4Runner to the frame and entire undercarriage of a Colorado, it's obvious why it is superior off road. More Robust to me does not mean it has to be boxed, though when comparing a Tacoma to 4Runner it obviously is, it is also much more robust when comparing a 4Runner to a Colorado. The exposed and unprotected areas in the undercarriage of a COlorado is a definite detriment to it's off road performance regardless of it being boxed and is less robust for it's intended use..

Also, the entire back half of a Tacoma...flexes and does not have to conform to the same requirements as the back end of a 4Runner as far as crash safety is concerned. That's fine for human beings.....it's not fine for gear.....or even the family dog. I could go on......but no pick up frame and body structure has that particular advantage.

The big advantage of C channel frames are many.....two are ..drainage and repairability which for truck beds, like the back of tractor trailer rigs, is all important .... Sorry, I want to be in a mordernfull boxed frame 4 Runner in a crash over a Colorado, Tacoma or another midsized truck.

 

All truck frames, boxed or C Channel are less robust then the back of a Full length full boxed frame of a midsized SUV. All mid sized pick up trucks suffer from the same malady compared to a 4Runner. Because the back of pick up trucks aren't requiredd to conform to the same crash tests. and can't do as well as a 4Runner. In the rear. BTW, the C channel frame is doubled wall in the tAco but extends well into the passenger compartment. The boxed area is mostly to hold the motor and transmission and is not boxed the entire length of the passenger compartment. It flexes significantly compared to a 4Runner. Flex over time means fatigue. Put me in a ten year old 4 Runner over a Five or six year old...any mid size PU which has spent it's working life flexing.

 

Great truck. I paired mine with an all aluminum utility trailer.the v8 is awesome and the people I know that have them are disPointed the new ones are under powered for their use, mainly towing.

 

If you have less gear that needs to be kept dry and more secure get a 4Runner. Great truck!
If you have bikes that get muddy, or wetsuits that are salty, camping gear after a rainstorm, etc, then get a Tacoma.

If you get a 4Runner, upgrade the wheels to some with a better offset so you have a wider stance. Those factory wheels on most models look really odd from the front and back. Or is it just me?


I'm still a fan of the 1996-2002 4 Runners, the best looking I think. Always wanted one and you could get them in a 5spd manual! The 4Runner needs an SR package that isn't so high-end. Maybe the new Tacoma 6spd manual too? (one can dream)

 

Good advice. The original intent was to put a cap on the back of a Double Cab. With the cap on, the truck more competes with the 4Runner and your advice becomes even more relevant. The safer over time 4Runner IMHO, is a better choice.

 

i own both vehicles, 2011 tacoma and 2013 4runner sr5 for the wife, limited 4runner was another 10k that didnt get me anywhere near 10k worth of stuff. Instead i spent a little more for the boss and got her heated seats and leather. Having said that the 4 runner is more comfortable for us 2 24 year olds with no kids or pets. It rides much smoother, the tacoma is a truck and in a different class its lifted, armoured and heavy. MPG doesnt matter when you own tow 30+ vehicles imo. Either vehicle is very safe so dont waste your breathe on that, if it doesnt save my life well then shit im dead and idc. Buy what you can afford or what works for your situation.

 

I've had Toyota trucks for 25 years, and always been happy.
But I decided that a new 4Runner offered much more in the way of value and quality. And my small utility trailer provides all the usefulness when I need it - twice a year. I'm happy again.

 

Im thinking about this right now... Sell my 13 TX Baja and get a 16 or a 4Runner. I almost bought a 4runner several months ago, and Im still kind of regretting it. I drove a 15 SR5 Premium. It was just plain nicer then the Tacoma in every way I felt like. I was going to get a Trail Premium with the KDSS for $37k, and dealer was offering me 27k for my truck.