2016 Tacoma Limited vs. 2016 4Runner Limited

I am looking to get a new vehicle this fall. I have driven mostly SUVs in the past. I need 4wd as we get alot of snow in the Northeast. I do some minor off-roading as well. I have narrowed down to 2 vehicles. I was leaning towards the 4runner limited. It has alot of what I am looking for, but then I saw the updated Tacoma and like that as well.

I have always wanted to get a truck and am sure I can use it for around the house projects and hauling stuff to the lake during the summer. Have any of you had both of these vehicles? What are the pros and cons. I understand going in that the 4runner will cost more, so let's leave that out of the equation for the moment. If I get the truck instead of the SUV will I be miss anything from may days with an SUV?

I want to keep focused on these 2016 models as one is new for 2016 and the other was just updated in 2014.

What should I consider in this decision making process? I have a wife and one daughter. I have driven a 4runner limited (2015) and really liked it. I am looking forward to test driving the tacoma as well. What would you guys buy and why? Thanks for your help.

 

I'm in the same boat as you. I've always driven Toyota pickups, they come in handy when going camping fill up pretty quick, and for hauling stuff huntin etc.. winter time lots of sliding as its so light, lots snow and ice around here, so you'll need weight or drive it in 4 wd more.pickups a little tight for the occupants. I'm not sure the 4 runner could carry all the stuff on camping trips, more room though for occupants though and everything is covered, could be better if you needed to sleep in it when exploring fishing etc. if you have a trailer or boat you'll need to see towing capabilities. I like the runner more than the taco,I wish I out have both at different times. Ps. That fancy suspension on the 4 runner is big bucks when it fails, check out t4r.org lots of info on stuff.

 

Thanks, lakerman. Some good insights. Not sure why no one else responded....

 

sorry we have both 2014 4runner and soon 2016 Tacoma. the 2014 update is mostly cosmetic, front end, different tail lights, head unit.

 

Ride quality. If you're used to driving a SUV you might not like the ride of a truck. Apples vs oranges.

 

actually not since they are both BoF vehicles. they ride the same for me, though I have to say the Tacoma rode better than my 10 Subaru legacy. the 4runner is a hair better on harshness than the Tacoma in my opinion.

 

So many acronyms. Bof?

Edit: Figured it out.


Still apples to oranges the rear of a 4runner is coil spring. Big difference in coils vs leafs.

 

in my opinion with the crap roads we have in town (due to oil field trucks everywhere), expansion joints, frost heave (not fixed still) and other cracks, holes, etc. the suspension isn't much difference on absorbing these items. the 4runner muffles the thunks better but overall they seem the same to me.

 

4Runner, easy. I haven't been in the 2016 LTD Taco but I do have a 4Runner Limited (came from a 2007 DC Taco). IMO, the 4Runner is still a more refined on road vehicle and has more creature comforts than the brand new 2016 LTD Taco. Full Time 4WD will help you out in the winter and XREAS should make it more on road friendly. As well the second row seating in the 4R offers much more leg room than the DC Taco (you can adjust it back and forth unlike the fixed position in the Taco). It depends on how much truck type duties you'll be doing. If it's just a few times a year I think it's better to get the 4R. Why sacrifice the comfort of having an SUV year round for the 3% of the time a year you might need a truck?

 

I live in Central Maine where we had over 200 inches of snow. I had a 2004 4Runner I replaced with a 2015 Taco because it was much much cheaper. I have a utility trailer so I did not need the bed. If the bed is unnecessary, and you can afford it, I would get a new 4 Runner. They are a much better vehicle, made on a fully boxed frame, shorter and handle and ride better. They are quieter, bettter made over all and better appointments. They are different cars. They shared motors for a time but the dual vvt in the 2016 4 runner at lower rpm, is more powerful then the 3.5 L in the Taco which is a higher Ewing motor.....and, it should be nearly as economical. You can drive these things cross country without breathing hard becasue of the better more luxurious accommodations.

Plus, the limited 4 runner has AWD which you can drive on roads in the winter that maybe bare. The limited taco has truck based 4 wd which require you shift in and out...a no brainer.....

 

One add on...if I wasn't into off roading, I would buy a Highlander.

 

My wife has a Highlander. Excellent vehicle.

 

Also made in Japan (4R) vs Mexico (Taco).

 

Hands down forunner

 

You could mad stack the roof racks.... there are all kinds of accessories.

 

....FO Runner spelling is only allowed with the prefix...
..."motherf'n" FO Runner as in the statement; " git yo motherf'n ass into a motherf'n FOrunner"

 

I currently have a LTD '14 Runner. Previous Taco was 09 DB LB. What I miss about the Tacoma is the convenience of having a pick up. Dont need it all the time but when I do it is sorely missed. Traded the 09 for my Runner. Runner rides better, tighter turning radius and is equipped with things you would think should be standard now days like power seats which the Taco still does not have. I was going to trade back for the '16 Tacoma until I found out it is still lacking in some areas for me. Runner more comfortable and easier to get around in but lacks the functional versatility of a pickup. Just my 2 cents.

 

that's what a small trailer is for

 

If you are only going to use the bed for camping then go with the 4runner and dont look back.

On the flip side. Dont believe the guys that say just get a trailer, trailers are no where near as handy as a bed and its another piece of junk you need to keep around for that one off time ( not to mention in certain states you need to register the darn thing). Trailers are great for hauling quads and bikes, other then that they are useless.

I have a limited Tacoma, neighbor down the block has a 4runner limited. The 4runner is sharp looking in black with the chrome accents. Its one of the few suvs I would even considering driving. The inside of the 4runner is ten times better then my Tacoma, the drive-train is better as well, its an all around mult purpose kick ass truck..... but its not a pickup. And the whole made in Japan vs USA. YEah okay, amateur hour with that comment.

If I was in your shoes I would go with the 4runner. You say $ isnt a factor, well I hope not, because a loaded 4runner is easily 5K-7K more then a loaded Taco. My thinking is, if people really wanted a pickup they wouldnt even consider an SUV in the first place.

 

well for us it works out, I get the 14 4Runner and the warden is getting the 16 Tacoma