Tacoma vs 4Runner???

If that's the case, then even if your unfounded and irrational fears of your 3rd Gen Tacoma motor grenading from carbon build up were to come true, the truck will still outlive you!

 

Basically if you don't need a bed, the 4runner is probably a better choice.

I just switched from a Taco to a Toyota Ute, and the only thing I miss is having a bed (with a topper) to put my dirty dogs in after a beach day.

 

I have both a 3rg gen Tacoma and 5th gen 4Runner.
I can't believe there are folks in this thread stating the 4Runner shift points / shifting is better than the Tacoma. I would have to say it's quite the opposite. 4th gen 4Runner shifted where it should have, 5th gen sucks, and there's no tune to fix the problem.
That said, if I had to pick between the two, it would be the 4Runner hands down.

 

Like a lot of the folks replying here, I've owned both 4Runners and Tacomas. A 1996 4Runner that I replaced with a 2010 Tacoma at about 160k miles. I switched to Tacoma to stay with a manual transmission. Then at another 100k plus on the 2010 Tacoma I traded for a 2018 Tacoma. I had put caps on both the Tacoma's and owned a utility trailer for hauling things like a pair of Dual Sports, a Garden Tractor, a 4-wheeler, mulch, . . . none of which would have been convenient in the bed of the Tacoma. Then during the extreme shortage of Toyota vehicles in 2021 I took an offer from my local dealer to trade my 2018 Tacoma at the price I paid for it with 30k miles in for a 4Runner that they didn't actually have on the lot, but would "order" for me. I evaluated my use of the two Tacoma's I had owned, and determined I wasn't really using the bed often. And, I felt the Tacoma wasn't pulling my loaded trailer like I had expected. 90+% of the time the Tacoma's were fine on the road and off. I got better gas mileage from them. But, now my 2021 4Runner pulls the trailer smoother with fewer down shifts, is more comfortable, my dog likes it better, and I am happier. Bottom line, both served me well. I'd live with either. But, I like the 4Runner on roads, paved, gravel, or dirt better. I can't help anyone else make a decision, I'm happy with mine.





And, in another opinion: MGM either way

 

You are the minority regarding shifting

 

Given the forum at hand, that's unsurprising.

 

Add me to the GX460 camp. 6 weeks ago went to town to test drive a 2023 4R and didn't see much gain over my 2013 Baja Taco. Salesman had me test drive a 19 GX460 with 40K on it. Knew I was in trouble a couple of minutes into the drive, no comparison to either the Taco or 4R. Now have a Taco and GX sitting in the driveway.

While a trailer hooked up to a SUV is an option and I do have a trailer it is buried in snow much of the year. Not an option all the time and a PITA truth be told.

Yeah what he said! Hey woodsy seen you on the other site few days ago

I'm 13 years older than you and hoping I have a few more years to go yet before I start farting dust. Last I checked the average male life expectancy in the US is 82. You're too young to start thinking about your last vehicle. I know because the same thought has crossed my mind more than once over the last couple of years.

My first 4x4 was a 77 FJ55 Land Cruiser Iron Pig in 79



I'm #2 on the list at the dealer in town for the new Land Cruiser when they come out this Spring. Figured it would be my last vehicle and might as well match my first one. But now that I have a GX460 which is actually a Land Cruiser Prado 150 that is out the window. And want to give them a few years to see how the new hybrid power train works out, especially towing and that battery. If anything may be looking at a GX550 in a few years instead of a LC.

Like everyone else has said get what you want and fits your needs and lifestyle best. The only thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that a SUV handles a hell of a lot better than a truck in the snow, even with sandbags tied down in the back. But both have their place and it isn't always the same place for both of them. When you get old enough like woodsy said (who is right behind me in age) you really don't give a damn what anyone else thinks. Or says for that matter.

 

Great choice. My wife had a 21 GX and it was absolutely incredible. I was holding out for the new one, but all that changed when I found a 2016 LC I couldn't pass up.

 

Honda Accord.

You're welcome.

 

I've had both trucks and SUV's, like both. A truck bed is nice when you need it. Sheets of plywood don't fit in the back of an SUV very good. That also doesn't happen very often though. My local dealer has two on the way. So I guess I'll drive one and see what they would give me for mine. Maybe that will make my mind up on way or the other.

As others have said the only thing I don't like about the tacoma is the auto trans shifts a little too soon.

Thanks to everyone for all the responses!

 

Same here...driving an SUV (Honda Pilot) and finally getting into a new truck.

I would have kept the SUV but I got into an accident that sent me in a different direction.

My step dad has a 4Runner...he's 6'2" and has plenty of room in that bad boy.

My kids are married and won't be riding in the backseat as they did with the Pilot.

The Tacoma is for me...and my wife. We switch between her Elantra and my Sport on our street adventures.

We are considering a camping trailer but that's not for a bit.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

 

GF and I have each, and I am with you- the 4R is very nice, but it's engine/trans is not what internet folklore perpetuate it as.

 

Yup. I haven’t noticed any shifting issues after the first 100K miles. We’ll see how the next 100K goes.

 

My 4Runner has no shifting issues, I've noticed, as it's rather smooth. My Tacoma has at times lag and those harsh shifts. Don't get me wrong, I love my Tacoma, but going back and forth between the the two, I prefer the 4Runner's 5-speed.

And as you earlier said, yes, MPG is usually in the 17s, but my Tacoma isn't much better with similar driving and 32" AT tires.

 

Yes, your experience is quite common.

 

Reading all these comments about the 4runner and the only thing I notice about the vehicle is it feels way slower than my Tacoma. Never had an issue with shifting points in the 4runner and my 21 Tacoma doesn’t have that issue as much as my 17 Tacoma did. You really can’t go wrong with either vehicle. 4runner is more comfortable but having a truck bed is a must for me and that’s why the wife has a 4runner and I have a Tacoma. Best of both worlds!

 

Don't get me wrong, the 4Runner shifts just fine, it just takes, way, way, way too long to get a downshift. Extremely common complaint from those transitioning from the 4th to 5th gen 4Runner. Feels like the shift points were built around an 86 yea old woman with advanced cognitive decline.
I actually thought something was wrong during the test drive and went home to research it before pulling the trigger. Love the vehicle, I really do, but it's a slug..

 

One has a reliable drivetrain, power rear window, and Japanese build quality.

one does not.

 

Actually they both do

 

you are right, but he/she is just a 2nd gen shit-poster with nothing real to add, best off just adding him/her to the Ignore List