Meh...4Runner engine has nothing special on the Tacoma

I have to head out of town for work and have rented a 4Runner. I don't see a positive difference engine-wise, I actually think the 4Runner 4.0 engine is more of a hog.

Don't get me wrong, I like the 4Runner for what it is and am actually trying to convince my wife to get one. However, I don't get how some have complained about the Tacoma's engine/transmission and have opted to go with the 4Runner.

Just my opinion.

 

This will be my wife's next vehicle as well.
Waiting on input from fellow members...

 

4runner has more torque but really runs out of breath on the top end.

really toyota should have upped the displacement of 2gk whatever to 4.0 to help that torque curve. i think the gearing is a bit better spaced in the 4runner's 5spd as well.

honestly, if they would have put the 4.30's in the auto's it would likely have masked alot of complaints too.

 

What are the things it did? As a highway engine the Tacoma 3.5L is probably better but for truck stuff, towing, off highway, the 4.0L will usually be better.

 

wait for the refresh. they are way too behind on tech. slow af. horrible mileage. ugly interior and bad ergonomics.

 

I agree on the interior. My rental is a base SR5 4WD so I was not expecting much but some of the ergonomics are kind of off. Will give update after my trip.

 

If you think the refresh is gonna change any of this you're setting yourself up for major disappointment.

They already make what you're describing its called a HIGHLANDER

4Runner just had its best sales year EVER, and on track to do it again this year. Toyota would be stupid to mess with such a winning formula...

 

that center stack and console is just dumb useless waste of space. two worthless cubbies. awkward placed cup holders. don't get me started. i owned my 15 4r for 3 years and it drove me nuts.

yes it was solid but the weird ergo, lack of features, and complete lack of passing power made me say adios. mine was completely stock.

 

The center console cavity is huge compared to the Taco though. I mean it's deeper. That's one thing going for it.

 

I have both and have had different generations of each.
Nieth r is a fast vehicle or sports car. O

The 4 runner is a beefier heavier vehicle with a heavier frame and body. the 1gr fe moves it along competently.
The 2grfks is a nice engine and moves the lighter Tacoma around wel. I have no complaints.

When they refresh the 4Runner I am hoping they keep the displacement and improve the technology. Imagine a 1gr-fks with low 3,s horsepower and torque.

The Tacoma is a truck I have to use as a work truck, I am sacrificing it for paid miles in aweful conditions. I didn’t want something I liked to much for this.
The 4Runner is a vehicle I personally like better because it is simply a stouter beast and will outlast the Tacoma due To heavier, better materials and workmanship. Going between the two it is apparent.
That is why they are sellers by so well.

 

I test drove a 4R before going with my tacoma and I felt the Taco had a bit more giddy up. just my $.02

On another note, the interior is very out-dated and feels very similar to how the last FJ was designed. Hopefully they will bring it up to match other current models soon.

 

Here's a couple more pictures for folks that aren't familiar with it.

 

at least is has power seats...


















but tbh I love my taco and the majority of complaints that pollute this forum are not mine. I came from a base model 2005 volvo...its all about perspective. I LOVE THIS TRUCK!

 

ha.. true

 

I call BS. Everyone knows that it's a torque monster and basically has more power than a Supercharged GM LS engine. The Tacoma doesn't even have enough power to pull down the lid on a toilet seat.

 

Yep my wife has a 2016 Highlander and she loves it, doesn't want to trade it in. She loves the acceleration on it and I can't blame her.

 

I have both and sometimes I prefer to drive my 4Runner over my Taco. The 4Runner has more room that’s why it’s the family wagon. But comparing engines the Runner is great off the line but once you hit about 50 it starts to bog down a bit while accelerating.

 

Yup, I'm 5'10" and sat in the back with the seat all the way back and my knees had about 2" of room. It's definitely roomier.

 

Yup we have a car seat in both (rear facing). The taco passenger front seat is almost all the way to the front while the 4Runner seat doesn’t have to move at all.

 

She must have an AWD if there is one ? I had a 2018 loaner 2wd Front wheel drive and when I got on it , the front end lifted and was all aver the road and was almost uncontrollable so I had to let off the gas lol. Dangerous if you ask me . Nice vehicle at normal driving though but not my cup of tea.