Picked up my 4Runner today... Comparing to Taco

Good thread. I am on the fence. Wife and I have had 5 4R's since 2008. Just traded the '18 4X4 for a new OR-TRD-Tacoma.
The deal was spot on, dealer gave us more for the 4R then we paid for it 4/18. I may be going back to a 4R, the Tacoma is great, except, just sold our small camper. We have a Gen 1, which is a keeper. I will order a '22 4R-SR5-4X4 with a couple options. Probably wait for an allotment that fits.
A dealer yesterday told me that 4R production is cut right now, don't know what they are talking about.
B 1

 

Several manufacturers have cut production of vehicles due to issues getting parts. I think that's what he's referring to.

 

We have a 2017 Tacoma which we purchased in April 2020, certified used with 14k miles. We also have a 2019 4Runner we purchased from new. Currently the 4Runner has about 15k miles while the Tacoma has 56k miles. That has quite a bit to do with our lifestyle but we both prefer the Tacoma.

That being said we do love the 4Runner as well. It's hard to compare the drivetrains since they're both geared for different purposes. I'll reiterate what others have said and state the 4Runner seems punchier off the line and the Tacoma is punchier at speed.

The Tacoma gets slightly better MPG. However, there is a 6 hour road trip (one way) that we take twice a year. Once with each vehicle. They seem to get about the same MPG for that. But it should be noted that the Tacoma is usually loaded with an RTT, camping equipment, and 2 bikes on a bike rack while the 4Runner usually is only carrying our packed bags and bikes which are all loaded inside so the Tacoma has a pretty significant aero and weight penalty there.

One thing I do like about the 4runner over the Tacoma is the fact that the 4Runner has cupholder inserts that are removable. The larger size allows me to fit my 32oz Hydroflask. I have to just let it roll around in the Tacoma. (Yes I've seen the chalk bag mod but I'm not a fan).

The 4Runner is definitely a smoother ride on the road and the brake pedal feels much softer. However one is a TRDOR pickup truck and the other is an SR5 SUV.

Overall your preference will largely depend on your needs.

 

If I were to buy an SUV, it would be a 4R - but this is because I’ve liked my Tacoma’s and would want to replicate the Tacoma capability as much as possible.

That said, if I wanted an SUV for typical family SUV duties, I’d go a different direction.

 

I'm into my 2nd week driving a 2021 SR5 Premium 4runner while I wait for my 2016 OR DCLB to get repaired due to the leaking brake light. I love this thing and will be a little sad to see it go. The Tacoma can accommodate 4 people but the 4runner was built to transport 4 comfortably all day long. It really is a nice SUV and will replace the wife's Chevy when inventory and prices become more realistic.The only negative I've noticed is the T4R gets worse mpgs than my OR on 285s. Weather the last 3 weeks has been consistent so I don't think that's the reason.

We were looking at a few in a dealership yesterday, every single one had a $5-7k market adjustment charge on top of the MSRP. Used CPO 4runners with 60k on the clock are $45k.

 

Regarding the comparison, I think one word applies to both: Capable

Whatever your particular personal needs are, either are capable.

Guess I should add: Reliable as well.

 

I am on the order list for a 4Runner to replace my 2018 TRD Sport Tacoma and note that the EPA estimates for the 4Runner are lower MPG than the Tacoma. But, I ask out of curiousity, did you have to recalibrate your speedometer/odometer when you switched to the 285? Could that be influencing your mpg? Or would it influence the other way? Just curious.

 

I drive the same distance to work everyday 40miles rt so I calculate by the tank full. With the stock OR tires I was averaging 21-22mpgs, with the 285s I average 19-20. With the 4runner in the last two weeks with two fill ups I'm averaging about 18mpg per tank the same distance. I'm not driving faster in the 4runner just the same flow of traffic as I've had almost 6 years in the Tacoma.

The Tacoma holds 21.1 gals, the T4R is 23.1 so I'm calculating mileage based on how much gas I'm putting in the tank to distance traveled. Smaller tires would indicate longer distance travelled per gallon but I'm not seeing that with the TR4.

 

It just personal preference honestly. If you love the bed you get the tacoma, if you don't get the 4runner

 

My wife has a '21 4Runner Off Road. I have a '21 Tacoma Pro.

The 4Runner is all around the nicer vehicle. I'll second the cup holder comment. The cup holders in the Tacoma suck compared to the 4R. Ha.

Other than the brake dive on the 4Runner it is a much nicer ride. If we're on a long trip the 4Runner wins out.

It's nice to have the option of both vehicles though.

It would be a tough decision if we could only have one... I hate to lose the bed. Mine also looks nicer though my wife disagrees.

 

The "negative" aspect of having an open bed, it never discourages impulse buying because I never worry about how to get it home. With the T4R I'll pause to wonder if it will fit even with the seats down.

Not sure if that's really a good or bad thing.

 

They recently updated the head unit and instrument cluster and that helped modernize it.

The interior quality has always been leagues better than the fisher price plastics they threw in the 3rd gen Tacomas.

 

Should have gone Land Cruiser, last year you know.

 

Interesting comparisons between the two models...SUV vs Pick-Up.

I've never driven a 4-Runner but had an 2003 Pilot that lasted me over 200K miles until a driver's side impact with Elantra resulted in total loss. Got a 2010 CX-9/AWD until I transitioned to my 2021 Sport in May this year.

Both SUV styles felt very luxurious with leather interior and all disc brakes...no dipping as described about the 4-Runner (which I find interesting).

It depends on your needs to decide which one to get. Having both would be the best option because you could compare them all day/every day-365 and get the best of both worlds.

Ed

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Heritage Edition in MGM would be the way to go.

 

Well I’ll join the ranks of all those guys who have the Tacoma and a wife in 4runner (2020). I agree with all the ride, drive qualities many have stated.
The stand out for me is just the quality of the 4Runner across the board… it’s just superior IMO. There’s an intangible confidence I feel in it and that drivetrain setup is just proven. I just don’t know if these 3rd gen Tacos are gonna make it 250k without lots of issues.

 

I despise the seating position in the Tacoma.

The poor ride of the Tacoma is largely due to the rear stock shackle hangers, they are so flexy and let the rear of truck bounce. Hammer hangers make a nice noticeable improvement to ride and handling, and make the Tacoma feel more car-like or at least more 4runner-like.

 

I couldn’t disagree more. I just traded in my 16 4R Trail and it felt and drove like a fat pig. The 5th gen 4 runners are so long in the tooth and in need of a major refresh. It also felt so heavy and drove much more like an SUV than a truck. The Tacoma once you get a tune is livelier, more planted and refined.

 

Replace the front shocks on the 4Runner. I did Toytec Boss on mine. No more dive and much safer now.

 

That’s hilarious.
They are literally the same.