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

I think people considering between these two should drive the 2016 Tacoma before deciding.

 

there is a thread on the 5th gen 4runner forums (t4r.org) that spells out the differences between SR5, SR5p, TE, TEp, LE. you might want to read over that to get an idea between the models.

but again I am biased since we have a 14 LE and soon 16 Tacoma Sport

and to put a big damper, MY 17 4runner with be a 6th gen 4runner, going by history on gen cycles for 4runners. 5th gen runs from 2009 to 2016.

 

I just switched from a 2013 Tacom TRD Sport to a 2015 4Runner SR5 Premium.

If you can swallow the price difference between the two, and don't need a bed, it's an easy choice.

The 4Runner is an upgrade from the 2nd gen Tacoma in every way.

^^^^ That said, the 3rd gen Tacoma looks like a more formidable challenger to the 5th gen 4Runner (as long as you don't mind the girly 3.5L engine).

 

4 Runner is also built in Japan - much higher quality build. If I didn't need something of a bed for dirty crap, I would be driving a Trail Premium right now.

 

I test drove a 14 4Runner before I bought my truck. It was definitely a nicer ride. However the cargo compartment is just about worthless compared to a Tacoma.

For what it's worth the frame is plenty strong on the Tacoma. Flex doesn't cause fatigue, if it did every old c channel full size would be broken after decades of hard use. About the only issues the flexy old Chevy frames had is ripping the steering box off the frame and that's an easy fix with a brace and plate.

 

What happened to the frame structure piston contest?

As for the op's question, the runner is very nice. If you don't need a bed I would look into that.

But as others mentioned, I would wait for the 2016 Tacoma to come out, you may just like that one a little better based on some personal factors that appeal to you.

This is coming from a suv person b/c I honestly have no use for a bed.

 

Well after much thought and the fact no dealer in LA even cared to try and get me a 2016 Tacoma I went with a 4Runner TEP with KDSS. Pick it up in 2 weeks since I had to buy it in Utah - again LA dealers were pretty horrible...

Can't wait! Although I have a feeling I'll still spend a lot of time on this forum still!

 

Regardless of what you drive, this is still the place to be.

Congrats on that Runner. Post pics when you get her.

 

Excellent observation in every way. The 3 rd gen is definitely worth the tryout before you buy, if for no other reason, it will be cheaper the a newish 4 Runner. I can't imaging doing anything to leaf springs designed for 6800 lbs to make them. Ride better then coil designed for 5k or less in the 4 Runner. Imagined too, that as bulky as we think a 4 Runner is, how much shorter it's WB is over a DCLB taco and even the Access cab. 110 " for the 4Runner ....124 " access cab no 140 am mouth inches for the Taco DCLB. It doesn't 't matter how much off road equipment you put on one of those, a 4 Runner has a big advantage in off road and driving I traffic.

 

Ive had both and am happier with my DCLB because of all the cargo space plus 4 doors. Depends on what you do for a living and for play. I love to surf, own a small production company, and drive around a small crew occasionally. The T4R is versatile but lacks the cargo space for my needs. Even a DCSB has way more cargo space than a T4R, especially with a camper shell. Just my 2 cents

 

YES! a base 4runner would be awesome...rubber floors like FJ, less fanciness=less money! and a 6 speed= drool!

 

I decided to go with the 4Runner and it has been awesome so far. It's the newest car I've ever had - 1 mile at delivery!







After dealing with the idiot dealers in LA who only wanted to sell me what they had on their lot and not what I wanted, I went out of state and picked up a 2016 Trail Premium with KDSS in Salt Lake City (Karl Malone Toyota) which was by far my best car buying experience so far!

 

guess we will see you on the T4R.org website

 

Not quite as active as Tacomaworld....

 

depends on which gen forums your on. 5th gen is pretty active.

 

I'll be venturing over to the 4Runner forums soon. I need to do some research on sliders and the full length roof racks etc, but I know I'll still spend a lot of time here on TW, this forum is like crack!

 

Nice! What was the 'out the door' price tag on that puppy?
I could be leaning that same way considering the prices of the new Tacos...

 

I've heard of "Fire for Effect" (heard it, understand it, used it, taught it) but never Fire for affect. Is that where little toy bunnies fall from the sky and land in childrens laps after careful aiming?

I fail to see how that term applies to this argument.

 

the crash comment makes no sense. in addition regarding the frame, there's nothing that translates into the Tacoma frame design having any sort of negative effect.

 

You don't think the rust problem has a significant effect on collision safety. Everyone is under the false assumption that safety crash test are valid for the life of the car....just like tow ratings. If a vehicle has significant complaints on body integrity as it ages, it becomes less strong over time if those complains involve key components used to measure crash test results.

Some day, crash test will be done and published on older cars. The
Tacoma is designed to flex more....flexing causes fatigue over time....crash worthiness is affected. I will take the 4 Runner, you do what you want.

So...rust and frame flex.....two items that affect vehicles safety and crash worthiness.