16 Tacoma or 4runner?

I have 2 small kids and a wife, and need something for long (CA --> OR, CA--> WA) road trips + off-road capability for places like Death Valley (not for extreme off-roading). I really despise automatic transmissions, so I really want to pick the Tacoma, but would a Tacoma (with a crew cab of course) be a good fit for my needs? Just how comfortable are the rear seats for long trips?

 

4R. You didn't mention ever needing to haul larger, dirty things, and specifically said no extreme off roading. So I think your personal situation fits nicely into the 4R's strengths. Plus, with two kids, and long road trips in mind, the 4R is the clear choice in my mind because it has more interior space and is more comfortable. It also retains the durability and reliability perception and has good resale (though not quite as good as Tacoma I think). I'm leaning toward the Tacoma, but I don't have to haul large, dirty stuff often, and that has me thinking 4R as well. I agree about automatics, but they're not so bad when you have two kids and wife to be concerned with, as well as your electronic devices (and maybe a pet or two). I've only owned two automatics out of about 20 cars I've owned, and one was a double clutch E90 M3.

 

I agree. If trips like this are your primary use, the 4 R . If you invision putting it to other uses which include hauling later, you won't give up much with a Taco DC. Personally. If I were quite unsure. I might lease or just rent a 4 Runner first to make such it's more limited usages fit my needs later.

 

4runner

 

Or a Tacoma with a topper.

 

Not worth it, get a Ford F-150 Ecoboost Duramax Crew Max LTZ Tundra. One day you might need to tow 3,000 lbs and apparently the new common theme is to compare midsize to full size.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/16-4runner-vs-16-taco.391695/

 

I have a Leer cap which is insulated with overhead lighting no a sliding glass pass through to the cab. That does offer an alternative to both.

 

If I were you with kids, Definitely the 4Runner....and a huge tarp for the dirty stuff. That would (will) be my second choice if my dealer for some reason backs off the deal they signed with me. If I am spending $35K+ I prefer a 2WD 4Runner at that price.

 

If I didn't need the bed, I would have a 4runner. I use my truck all the time for hauling. If you don't haul anything, then go for the 4runner. Very nice vehicle. I'm hopeful that once my truck is paid off I will keep it, then buy a 4runner as a primary vehicle.

 

BAck in the day when I had a cap and 4x4 I liked it to carry long pieces of wood using the pass through,

 

I test drove a 16 tacoma and 4runner the same day and IMO the 4runner was the better quality vehicle. I am leaning that way now instead of a tacoma. If you dont need a bed to haul dirty stuff the 4runner should be fine. I think im just going to rent a trailer on the few occasions I might need to haul some bulk compost or mulch back to the house.

 

The back seats in my 4Runner are outstanding--roomy, reclining, and wide center armrest. None of those describe the back of a double cab Tacoma. I can't wait to pick up the DCSB I ordered, but that's an entirely selfish decision and I'm sure my dogs will get over it. Your wife and kids probably won't be as forgiving.

 

Bottom line: If you want a manual get the DCSB TRD Off Road 6MT. There's nothing that compares to a manual. No slush box can replicate the true authenticity of a manual.