Tacoma vs 4Runner in my shoes

I need your guys help. I'm in the dreaded decision phase of 4Runner vs. Tacoma. I've read so many forums and articles, know people who own both, and have driven both before. The plot is very thick so I'll try and lay it out.

I'm about to graduate college and have a job lined up, so I'm not terribly worried about making car payments. I'm a lucky SOB and my grandmother is gonna help me out and pay for a portion of a new car for me. I currently drive an 03 V8 4runner SR5 with 265k on it. Love the thing to death and I am honestly a little sad about getting a new vehicle. I'm Toyota till death so 4Runner and Tacoma are only options as I don't anticipate ever towing anything over 5000 lbs. In my free time I like to fish, ski, and camp. Both 4R and Taco are good for those things but in different ways.

If I were to get a 4Runner it would probably be the SR5 or SR5 Premium. The case for the 4runner is that it's a higher quality vehicle overall and it's fully enclosed. Already having a 4Runner right now I know the vehicle's capabilities and have never felt limited by not having a truck bed except for not being able to sleep in it.

If I were to get a Taco it would be the TRD OR double cab. The dilemma here is that I REALLY REALLY want the manual but it only comes with the short-bed option. I also REALLY want the long bed to carry more stuff and especially for sleeping in the truck. I anticipate buying a house sometime in the future and I love landscaping so I would definitely use the bed for hauling crap that I wouldn't want to put in the back of the 4R. That said, I can just get a trailer for the 4R.

I was originally dead set on the 4runner but then found out about the manual in the Taco and it started steering me towards the Taco. That combined with it costing less money was big. Upon figuring out that they don't make a long bed with the manual it's really mixing the pot again because I do not want the auto tranny Taco it seems like everyone hates it. Overall, it's just a tough decision. I know I would be happy with either vehicle but I over-analyze everything. This decision is big because I am planning on having this vehicle for at least 10-20 years. I'm definitely beating a dead horse but I would love some input from the community.

 

Get the Tacoma in a Sport Access Cab Long Bed with the 6MT and do a suspension upgrade or add an air locker if you want or need them later. The rest is cosmetic and you can make a Sport look like an OR pretty easily.

Keep us posted on what you go with. Sounds like a great problem to have

 

Do you have kids? if so the 4runner back seat is more roomy

 

I have had 5 Tacoma’s, 1 Tundra and 3 4runners...over the years lol. Personally if they would have just left the 4.0 motor in these 3rd gen Tacoma’s this discussion would almost be dead even. Obliviously if you want a bed the choice is pretty clear... I’m just not a fan of the 3.5 motor in a truck. The 4.0 just fits these type of vehicles much better to me. Currently I have a 2017 Tacoma and a 2016 4runner. The 4runner is a nicer vehicle imo it’s built a little more solid and has that tried and true 4.0 motor. But if I could only choose one...it would be my 1985 4runner lol Good Luck!!

 

Test drive both extensively. Also consider that the 4Runner is undergoing a major reboot for the 2023 model year and the 5-speed 4.0 will (finally) go out to pasture.

 

Trucks are always more useful than SUV's. (Drops the mic)

 

I was in your shoes as well, considering 4runner vs Taco; however, my desire owning a 6MT is higher than anything else so I decided to get a Taco. 4runner is definitely more comfortable than Taco but I am not too crazy about 5 speed auto and worse mpg compare to Taco. Wife and kids are not happy with this decision though. The backseat is too cramp, no charging outlet, no a/c vent, backseat are too straight/stiff (can't recline), and no armrest. They do not like my Taco at all...so we take her car most of the time when we go out. Good luck OP.

 

Like others have said, the 4Runner is overall a superior vehicle to the Tacoma if you don’t need the bed. Lately, I’ve been thinking about trading in my 19 Taco for a new 4Runner since I don’t use the bed as much as I’d use the cargo space in the 4Runner. Also, I’d rather sleep in a 4Runner than the bed of a Tacoma...even with a cap. If I do end up trading in the Taco, part of me will still miss it. They’re both great vehicles and neither will leave you unhappy. If you don’t need the bed, get the 4Runner.

 

Pretty much what I did and why. Waiting for my T4R to arrived, very excited.

There will be times I will miss the bed but those will be few and far between.

 

Nice man! I’ll probably be following your footsteps shortly. Might miss the bed at times but trailers exist for a reason lol.

 

Thank you guys for the input! I think my solution here is to test drive both extensively as was mentioned by JWestie. It also seems like everyone reiterates that they think the 4Runner is the better vehicle overall and that you should only get the Taco if you NEED the bed. I'm honestly leaning a little more towards the 4Runner especially after looking into the sleeping setups that people have come up with, BUT the 6MT and the benefits of having a bed are still voices in the back of my head that I can't get to go away. And oh I do not have kids yet so if I were to ever buy a truck it would be right now while I'm solo. I bet the Taco picks up more chicks than the 4R too! Nonetheless, I'll keep you guys posted over the coming months

 

I own a 2020 4Runner Trd and a 2021 Trd Tacoma. The 4Runner is a better rig. Feels higher quality.

 

Let me start by saying KEEP That v8 4Runner . That’s the best 4Runner with the bulletproof v8 engine. Keep up with the scheduled maintenance and that beauty will be with you for more years. It’s just barely been broken in. Why start life with a debt/car payment. Save your money better yet invest for your future.

 

I have a 21 Tacoma sport premium and just bought the wife a 21 4Runner Limited Nightshade. We traded in a 2014 4Runner SR5 Premium on the 2021.

They are both nice vehicles. The 4Runner is more comfortable and quieter but that is partly due the limited trim. Those seats are really nice compared to my Tacoma.

I need a truck for light hauling. I have a trailer but it's a pain when I'm only hauling something that will easily fit in the truck bed. The wife likes the 4Runner for hauling the dogs in. And she likes the full time 4WD of the Limited. They will both handle the light towing that I do.

If I could only have one I would get the...well I got both.

 

ABSOLUTLEY!!!!! Definitely your call OP, but you are asking for advice (perhaps just on the 4R/Tacoma) but...I'd Invest that money - you've got a dependable vehicle....a GREAT 4R!!

Goodness you can easily get 8-10% interest back on your money now (in bad times 3-7%), especially in Real Estate and some Non US Equities...talk with a reputable financial advisor - your grandmother (who you said is helping you) probably has someone. The biggest mistake I made when I started my career was not investing...I bought cars. You referenced - picking up girls...LOL...there is an obvious answer to that one...HAHAHAHA!

 

Here is my take on it as well as a bit of background.

Married, Mid 30's with a house, do a lot of house projects, tow a small travel trailer, no kids but two dogs.

Had a 5th gen 4 runner (2015) which I really liked but was difficult with hauling things for house projects and was not great towing our travel trailer. Traded that for a full-size Ford and having the truck is great and solves the hauling and towing issues. Put a tonneau cover or topper on and you have secure (as secure as anything) dry storage. I love having a truck but miss having a Toyota. We are currently waiting on our Taco to arrive (scheduled for the end of the month).