4Runner/Tacoma tow rating discrepancy

My 2012 Tacoma has a tow rating of 6700 lbs.
We're looking to buy a 4Runner to tow the trailer we tow with the Tacoma.
The 4Runner has a tow rating of just 5000 lbs.
I always thought these vehicles were built on the same platform.
What gives?

 

4runner weighs more i believe as well

 

Class III hitch vs a Class IV on the Tacoma?

 

Can a class III pull a motorcycle on a uhaul trailer?

Is it legal in CA to drive with one of these in your tow hitch, if it doesn't cover the license plate? https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1...g.......0i67.1PbIf7AKF78#imgrc=TuXyWNNyQ4EtTM:

 

Different platform.

 

I'm getting a response of different platform and different hitch.
With the same drivetrain, why the difference in tow ratings?

 

Different drivetrain, different suspension, different frame. They are not the same platform. That being said I've always been curious how a 5th gen 4R tows compares to a 3rd Gen Taco. One would think the 4.0L in the 4R would have the advantage because it's higher torque vs the 3.5L. There's no substitute for displacement in towing. But I think the Taco suspension, axles and frame are more truck-like and more designed for hauling/towing.

 

A new full size truck can tow 30k. If I take the drive train out and put it in a go kart, can my go cart safely tow 30k? Same drivetrain...

 

It's an entirely different 4.0L, different transmission.... it's just different

 

The 4.0 and 3.5 are going to rev just as high to make similar power. It's only 0.5 liter difference between the 2 and the 3:5 is making more horsepower.

 

This. All V6 4Runners have a Class III hitch, doesn't matter what model year. Only the 4.7l V8 4Runners had a factory Class IV hitch.

Also, only the V8 4Runners had the full factory tow package that the V6 Tacoma has - external autotrans cooler, 130A alternator, Class IV hitch.

 

Different hitch is the big deal. Class III on the V6 4Runner, Class IV on the 2012 V6 Tacoma with the tow package.