Tacoma TRD Pro vs 4Runner TRD Pro?

So I sold my 08 Taco early 2015. It was a V6 AC 6MT TRD OR 4x4. I loved the truck (got it from my brother for dirt cheap - actually sold it for more than I paid him for it), but I started a job that had a 180 mile round trip commute and was 90% travel, so it was just a bad time to have a second vehicle that I'd leave at home for my parents to deal with.

Anyway, it's about time again for me to pick up my own tow vehicle (I have a jet ski and recently got a side by side) since I'll be towing a lot. Right now I'm borrowing my dad's 09 Ram which tows amazing but I feel bad plowing miles on it.

So, I had my heart set on the new TRD Pro Taco but the 4Runner Pro has me interested now and after re-evaluating, I feel like it may even fit my needs better. I figured I'd get some opinions from you guys (I know this is a Taco forum, but I know a decent amount of you guys either had, have, or at least cross shopped a 4Runner).

What I want:

Capable OR Vehicle
Can Tow Jet Ski (1700lbs typically - 2800lbs when I have a 2nd ski on it - I have 1 ski but have a double trailer and sometimes have my friend's ski on my trailer). No trailer brakes.
Can Tow Side by Side (1700lbs + trailer, which is sometimes a 750lb utility trailer or a 2000lb UHual POS). UHaul POS at least has brakes, utility trailer does not. I'd like to get my own trailer (an enclosed which is probably about 1500lbs empty but has trailer brakes).
Civilized enough to daily drive
Doesn't need to be "fast" but I want it to be able to get out of its own way even when towing
I'm not one to typically care about mpg but better mpg can't hurt

The way I see it:

Taco:
Higher Tow Rating
Longer Wheel Base means more stable towing
Can throw dirty/wet accessories from my toys into the bed (would get a shell or a tonneau)
Better MPG
Slightly better components, being the newer truck
A bit cheaper (at least MSRP wise)
I'm a bit partial to trucks over SUVs
Can sleep in the bed of the truck when on off-road trips
Based on my research, will need to be regeared almost immediately because 6th gear is too tall

4Runner:
Still has plenty of tow rating to cover my needs
Makes similar power to the new Taco but I imagine the 4L (being the better version of the 4L from the 2nd gen Taco) will have much more torque than the new 3.5L in the 3rd gen Taco and will probably be better when towing
Tons more interior cargo space is nice
A bit more capable off road
I like the full time 4wd (AWD) part

Anyways, enough blabbing. Thoughts?

 

Honestly, it sounds like you can go either way. I suppose a quick test drive on each vehicle, and the answer should be clear.

 

If you aren't using the bed for mulch, mountain bikes, motorcycles and crap like that, get the 4runner.

 

Id wait and see what the Tacoma is like first. Like you I'm more partial to trucks.

 

I was thinking about both but I just like the bed on the pickup. Don't have to worry about getting carpet dirty, scratching plastic panels, scratching the roof liner or the backs of the seats.
I also really don't like the look of the front end of the 4Runners. The two "gills" or whatever on each side of the grill just look like it's trying too hard to be "aggressive".

 

Both will do what you need them to. One thing to note is that with the truck, you can have dirty/smelly stuff in the bed, and not have to deal with it in the cab. Also, the T4R has more cabin space than a DC Tacoma. I would test drive and evaluate personal use, then decide from there. Good luck, and let us know what you choose!

 

I've got a German Shepherd and let me tell you, having a truck with a cap on the back is the way to go. All the dog hair and mud and everything else can go in the back and my cab is pristinely clean -- can't do that with a runner. Now if you don't care about those things, by all means I'd get the runner.

 

I've had both. I've towed with both as well. The T4R actually gets the same MPGs as my Taco did. The both do fine with 3-4K, but that's all I've pulled. I was so glad to get rid of 6th gear in the 4R. I was running one up sized E load tires on the taco as I do the 4Runner so im comparing apples. I've not missed the bed at all because I just use my trailer when I need it. I will tell you from my experience that the build quality of the 4Runner is head and shoulders above my Mexico built Taco. No rattles, no axle wrap, to trans issues....it is just better built. I have a trail premium and went with it over the pro for the softex, moonroof, and kdss. I'm running 6112/5160 combo and I still payed less than a pro. No comparison in ride. Take them on overnight test drives if you can and put some miles on them.

 

I have a 4R now, getting a Taco soon. Based on what you have laid out here, its a toss up except for one question ...

Will you have more than two people (including you) in the vehicle at a time? If you will regularly have more, get the 4R. If it is very rare to have more, get the Taco. The back seat leg room between the two is a lot different. I can't fit in the back seat of the Taco with the front seat one notch from all the way back, even with the seatback really upright. I'm 6', 190lbs, athletic build. I'm okay in the back of my 4R with the front seat all the way back. (This is all assuming that the Taco Pro only comes in a double cab, if we are talking AC its even worse.)

 

I'd go with Tacoma Pro purely on resale value. Everyone and their mothers will be looking for Taco from now til He rises again.

 

I like the 4TR Pro positives more than the Tacoma pro (engine/some creature comforts) but prefer having a pickup truck.
I know I could never be without one in my driveway, it is like it is part of me now hahaha. Though I do have a fun little sports car on the side.
Two timing my tacoma

 

I was going to mention I'm really thinking about getting a cap for my Tacoma when I get it. Mainly to keep the dust off my gear when I go camping cuz I drive a lot of dirt roads. Then again with the double can and short bed more things will be going inside like sleeping bags and stuff where it will be ok.
The security of a shell is nice too like when your bed is all loaded up but you need to go inside a grocery store to get food. I also kinda like the look of a shell too, has a unique look over an SUV.

 

SUV vs pickup basically is what it comes down to. Which one works best - is up to you. I have an SUV and a Taco .. I never drive our SUV after I got my pickup truck. It feels like a toy car compared to my Taco. Granted its not a 4-runner but close enough.

After getting my Taco I feel there's much more I can do with the pickup truck than the SUV and frankly after getting the Taco, I wondered why I haven't been driving one for 20 years or more tbh.

 

You live with ur parents but u buy toys and a 40k dollar vehicle

 

Someone sounds jealous.

Right now I'm actually house sitting. My dad took a job in Chicago and my parents don't want to sell the house but don't want to leave it empty. Not that my living situation really matters. But yeah, if it matters to you, I live rent free, have a daily driver, a modified performance car, a side by side, a jet ski, and am shopping for a 40K+ SUV/Truck. Any more you want to know? Social? Blood type?

 

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Looks like the 17 Taco Pro's are going fast. So at this point it might be what I can get my hands on. The more I read the more I'm leaning 4R though...

 

lol i own a tacoma and a 4runner so no my dick is not as big as yours which is not what i was getting at. But good luck with your purchase and i wish i was you.

 

Well then what were you getting at? Your post had zero relevance to the thread so why make it? Who cares about my living situation and what I spend my money on? I earn it and as far as I'm concerned I can spend it how I want.