Tacoma to 4runner - Pros/Cons?

Just remembered something. The wife drove the 4R, it was her truck. Obviously she's been in the Sequoia now for 1.5 years. I recently talked her into us using my new Tacoma for a day trip, two kids in car seats were with us that day.

She literally told me, never again. Kids were being a little extra pain that day, but no where to change diapers, cramped, etc. She obviously found the Tacoma to be too small compared to the 4R.

 

Pro: you get to hang out with the MILFs in front of the craft store and put on flag decals on the rear windows.

 

On that note the manual transfer case does not mean immediate engagement. It still has to sync and can take just as long as the electronic dial at times.

OP you’re getting a lot of good info here in the other posts.
My family has had 6 4Runners now, every generation except the 2nd. I just got my Tacoma a month ago and love it, but the 4Runner to me is a small step up in quality and refinement.

Rear passenger space is larger in the Runner, and it has rear vents which are important when you have kids. The back also fogs up a lot less than the taco.
In typical Toyota fashion even the 22 4Runners have incandescent DRLs this while having full LED Low beam and fogs. If I didn’t need or want a truck I’d drive a 4Runner, but I absolutely love my Taco so far.

 

I’ve had multiple of both and the “in between” FJ Cruiser (3 of them).

I’ll go along with what everyone else says here, but I’m going to use way less words for once in my life. The 4Runner is a better vehicle. It’s better for your situation. It’s better for comfort and travel and family needs. It’s quieter. It is smoother. It feels way bigger. It’s easier to drive and park. It’s just better. If my kids were little I would get a 4Runner 101 out of 100 times, and that’s what I did. When they grew up some I got a Tacoma for a few years but ended up going back to a 4Runner (2008, which I still have), and am getting a Tacoma now and both of my kids will drive the 4Runner as their first vehicle. I’m confident in it beyond any other vehicle I’ve ever owned.

Get the 4Runner. You wont regret it and you’ll make a ton of great memories! And it will hold value. My 2008 is worth more than I paid for it in 2013.

 

If I was starting a family I wouldn't have a mid-size pickup (even a 4 door). Something like the 4runner would definitely check more boxes.

 

The Sequoia has the most space for second row seats, more than the Tahoe, even bigger than Suburban. Draw back is the truck space is small with the 3rd row seats are up. We normally keep half the 3rd row down flat.

 

Cool and uncomfortable = 4Runner

Uncool and super comfortable = Sienna

 

We run the same config. 3rd row in 60/40 split with the 60 down. That's where strollers and Costco items fit. Dog sits on floor between the second row "captains chairs".

Sequoia is tits

 

The 4runner is a better vehicle for daily driving, especially if you're hauling kids. If you need a truckbed consider getting a small utility trailer instead.

I've daily driven pickup trucks since 1986 and now have been driving a 4runner for the last 3 months while I wait on repairs to my 2016 OR DCLB to be completed (supply chain issues).

I really like the 4runner, it is so much more suited to hauling four that the Tacoma is. Every time I get into it I find something I like about it better than the Tacoma, the layout just makes more sense.

Once inventories get better I'm putting a 4runner in the driveway.

 

We have both. 2021 OR Taco and a 2022 TRD Sport 4R. We love them both. The Taco is definitely more off-roady and the 4R has the road manners my wife appreciates. Super comfortable truck, very roomy and very well appointed.

 

I have both. Just bought a new 4runner TRD OR. My Taco is also a TRD OR. Let me answer your questions first:
1- Yes, mileage is much worse, noticeable.
2- No, it does not. They ride the same. Both are smooth.
3- Power is about the same. The power band is different. 4runner has more power on the lower end and the Taco has more power on the higher end. They both gear hunt, however, when I put the Taco in ECT mode, it no longer hunts and it feels like it has much more power than the 4runner.

Turning radius is very close. I like both. I would say with a kid coming the 4runner might be more useful.


here they are

 

-My ex would drive the last 4runner I had, but wouldn't drive the Tacoma. It definitely feels a bit more maneuverable.

-Fuel economy depends heavily on how you drive. Before the lift/tires/etc, I could get 21 in my current 4runner with a roof rack and loaded down with camping gear if I kept it around 65 MPH. Loaded the same, I'd get ~16 MPG at 80+ MPH.

-The 4runner's rear suspension seems to provide a better ride than the Tacoma had.

-I didn't really have any issues with gear-hunting until I added bigger tires.

Like others mentioned; If off-roading isn't a concern, I would consider a Highlander as well. The Highlander will be smoother yet, and more efficient.

The 4Runner is very comfortable for being as tough and capable as it is, though. Definitely drive both if you're on the fence.

 

True.. Chicks dig guys with 4Runners.

 

I've had both. I can't imagine not having a truck bed but either wise I'd pick the 4runner every time. The interior comfort/space is just much nicer. I'd love a tacoma with front comfort of 4runner but then back seats and trunk cut off and a truck bed instead (full size tundra is just too much for me).

 

But they look down on giys using Kdss

 

I have a 2008 Sequoia as well and you are right this thing is a beast and the best family suv.

Mine is a Platinum 4x4 with Red Rock interior. I have only done light off roading with it.
It’s a beast on the highway and perfect for road trips with my kids and even parents with all of our crap. Has never left me stranded.
I will only sell it for a Land Cruiser or LX570 when my kids are older and starting their own family and I no longer need the huge interior space.

 

My 2006 Sequoia is probably the worst truck I have ever owned. Everything wemt to crap on it. Bad wheel bearing, rear qindow failure, broke glove compartment handle. Paint coming off of window trim. Of course, that doesnt mean they are all bed. Just mine.

 

Lol.

I'll assume you're just kidding.

Most people don't know what KDSS is.

Most people confuse it with XREAS.

 

Hit the nail on the head.

I have both, and the only downside to the 4R is the lack of bed and reduced towing. It's superior to the taco in every other way.

 

The Sequoia is certainly much more spacious but to me they are BOOOORING in the looks department. It's like they're perpetually stuck trying to look like a early 2000's Chevy Tahoe.