Thinking of switching over to the 4runner

The 2019 rav4 will have a lot of features and a more manly look compared to the current model. I'm gonna take a close look at the adventure grade at end of the year. This probably the direction the 6th gen 4Runner is going.
https://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/rav4/

 

That's cause you're paying more for it than a Taco.

 

LOL, that's funny, because I taught my wife that -- she goes in to the dealer with me and says, "If the VIN doesn't start with a J, I don't want it." Agree, I think my 2nd gen was better than my 3rd, but not as good as my 1st or my '92.

We have an '06 with the 4.7L that my daughter has at college, about 65K miles on it. Our family's favorite vehicle. My wife is pissed that they don't offer a V8, and there's no Lexus dealers around here or we may have gone with a GX460.

 

Talk specs all you want but unless you've actually sat in the 4Runner for an extended amount of time then those numbers are meaningless. As a driver I don't feel cramped in either vehicle as I'm only 5'7" and 140lbs so volume is not an issue for me. I have plenty of head, hip, shoulder, leg room in either vehicle. I prefer the more upright position in the 4Runner compared to the Tacoma's lower position. I feel like I'm sitting in something as compared to sitting on something, if that makes any sense. The biggest difference however is in the second row. You cannot seat an adult in the 2nd row of a Tacoma for an extended period of time. It's downright uncomfortable back there for any adult. As I said I'm only 5'7" and in the Taco when I adjust my front seat to where I like it and then go sit in the second row my knees are about an inch from touching the backseat. That's with the knees bent up and sitting in very uncomfortable position w/o any recline. I can only imagine what it's like to be taller and in that back seat for extended amounts of time. In the 4Runner I've got plenty of extra leg space, can full stretch out, and recline. Any second row passenger will be much more comfortable in a 4Runner as compared to a Tacoma. There really is no debate about that, I don't care what the numbers suggest. If you don't or rarely haul any second row passengers then it's a moot point. However if you do or need room to grow then 4Runner is a much better option.

 

As you suggest- I think the values are gonna reverse when it comes to current model years. I have a 2018 Tacoma now and have been driving Tacoma's for nearly 20 years.

My 2018 is 2 months old and I hate it. For several reasons. And the more time I spend reading, the more I learn of all the issues that might arise.

There were issues with 2nd gen. But it was rare that you ever heard folks on the forum so disturbed that they simply didn't want the truck anymore. That's not the case with the 3rd gens. I'm very concerned about the resale value of these 3rd gens.

 

Thanks everyone. The switch to a 4runner seems like a solid decision. Found a 4runner pro that I'll be checking out Thursday.

 

Do you not remember all the debacle when the rear ends started blowing up on the 2nd Gens? Frames rusting? The first few that went through these issues got majorly screwed as they had to pay for it themselves. People were dumping these, too.

This scenario is same with every new gen of every model. When the FJ60 came out, 40 guys were sneering at all the lux and heft of the 60’s. Same with 80’s, and 100’s. They all have some sort of issues and teething problems. In the end, they all were good vehicles in their own right and all these doomsday prophesies never came true.

I have 100% confidence in my Tacoma. I’ll be driving it for years and years to come.

 

The 4runner is a better made, higher quality vehicle. If it suits you and your needs it's the better choice.

 

Not true. The 2nd gen owners complain as much as 3rd gen owners. Not sure why it's a constant bitch fest

 

I can recline my t4r's second row seats. I can't do that in my Tacoma. That's the win right there.

 

But you also need a magnifying glass to see your head units touchscreen.

 

I’m glad I never have to sit in the back of my own truck.

 

Lol, my taco and my 85 both lack a head unit.

 

You should drink more and get chauffeured. It's fun, I promise.

 

You are right about to each his own, it really is a personal choice and not as cut and dry. My choice was best for me- Its not the engine, or drum brakes that matter to me, they all work perfectly fine for what a I do with it. What it comes down to is that I couldn’t, nor would I want to, put half the gear and type of stuff I put in the back of my truck in my old 4Runner, yet alone a new one. No 4Runner for me, they’re more luxurious than a Tacoma, but just not as useful in several ways.

 

Some advice I was given when deciding between double cab Taco and 4Runner form factors (leaving various ‘gens’ out of the advice):

-A double cab Tacoma with a canopy can do everything a 4Runner can.

-A 4 Runner can’t do everything a Tacoma can.

- Stinky, wet, or dirty stuff is much better transported in a separate enclosure.

- you can reconfigure the bed of the Tacoma for open carry / tonneau cover / canopy / camper / toolbox / motorbikes etc. depending on your path through life.

- If you buy a 4 Runner, the 4 Runner thing is the the only thing you’ll be able to do, unless you also own a pickup truck.

Just thoughts. 4 Runners are cool, just not very versatile, so they are a “pass” for me.

 

I may catch a lot of heat for saying this, but on the odd chance some other kindred spirits agree I’ll speak my peace.



I think what you are saying about 2nd Gen complaints vs 3rd Gen complaints is mostly a sign of the times. The 3rd gens have come into the world when the rate of entitled bitching and moaning about just about everything is reaching epic proportions. From whiney people starting internet smear campaigns against Toyota before even talking to their dealer about basic warranty issues, to guys getting their panties all twisted up over tiny paint blemishes etc.....the era of “the benefit of the doubt” and “take the good with the bad” is clearly over. It’s all gotta be perfect or someone’s gonna have a hissy fit.

The internet had allowed an entire new form of bitch-fest to take hold, to the point that if you’re not bitching, you feel like an outcast.

The 2nd Gen Tacoma’s largely avoided this phenomena, which is unfortunately growing, at least in my eyes, exponentially. Some days I find myself listening to the radio, or reading this forum, and thinking “shuddupp already.....quit yer bitchen!!”

Anyways.....my two bits.

 

Joined this forum after getting my tacoma and being in a family of tacomas and this is EXACTLY what I thought as well. I had tons of complaints about our 2nd gen but nothing huge. Same thing with the 3rd gen. 1st gen was a gem but then again I was a kid.

Social media era has increased the whiney babies voice and let it be known THEY WILL BE HEARD. If people learned to enjoy the product they bought their lives would be so much happier. Advice to all my friends is to stay off TW until you need technical help or something specific otherwise this forum will teach you to hate your truck.

 

Well said.

 

You also need that very same magnifying glass to see that torque curve on that 3rd gen Camry motor, and also use that magnifying glass to count all the shavings off the exploded rear diff In that third gen