Thinking of switching over to the 4runner

If you do not need a truck bed, why own a pickup? I say go for it! Me, I love and need the bed, so pickup it is. Bonus - MT

 

If the 4runner could pull off better mileage than my Taco I'd make it my second car. If only they made a body-on-frame 2.5 liter Rav4 or something.

 

I was actually watching a Youtube vid on Suzuki Jimny the other day. That would be a fun vehicle.

 

Test drive one. The v6 in the 5th gen (2010-current) has a different feel than 4th gen (03-09). 3rd gens to me are pinnacle of 4Runner but its like searching for a needle in a haystack for one that has low miles and has also been taken care of. They typically are good purchases on the cheap so a lot of people buy them and beat the shit out of them before they get sold again. But assuming OP wants comfort I'm guessing 3rd gen is out lol. 4th gen 4runner is roughly same comfort level as a 2nd gen/3rd gen Tacoma given the seated position, and I am 5'9" and can easily make contact with my 4th gen's sunroof.

2010+ will more or less put you in a traditional throne seating position as opposed to everything prior. But I don't like the engine feel. Feels sluggish and that's from a 5hr trip in a 2wd model. Maybe its just my butt dyno.

 

I don't think people in here realize the Tacoma is bigger inside than the 4runner lol.

If you're cramped in the Tacoma you'll also be cramped in the 4runner although the 4runner does have a better seating position, but not more room look up the specs. Headroom, hip room, shoulder room, leg room the Tacoma has slightly more in all of those.

But if you have back problems the 4runner might very well help as again the seating position is more comfy, just not more spacious.

 

I thought about it as I used to have one too, but in the end- it really isn’t a truck. Yeah, it can haul stuff, but not as much as the truck and it suits our lifestyle less now than our other one did. Its really a personal decision.

 

Do it!!! I promise you wont be disappointed. I would say a HUGE majority of 5th Gen 4Runners are former 3rd Gen Taco Owners.

Sold my 2nd gen Tacoma with 200,000 miles to one of my buddies who had been wanting it for a while. I wasn't really ready to sell it, but figured I would test drive the 3rd Gen Tacos with the thought of buying it. Boy am i glad i drove it first..... I was not impressed at all. Lack of power, Lack of torque (3.5L Camry Engine will do that) and transmission hunting for gears. Terrible. I did some research and bought a 4runner TRD with the proper 4.0 Dual VVTI engine. Best decision I made.

Yeah it may not be considered a "Truck" (The 3rd Gen Owners have to save face to justify buying such a crappy Truck), but at least it has a proper Engine, not one that was destined for Camry and Minivan Duty. Just some food for thought

 

I wouldn't hold your breath, 4Runners are probably due for a new generation or at least a rehaul pretty soon here.

 

One thing keeping me from switching over to a 4runner is the outdated tech & platform, even more so than the current Taco. Ultimately they still sell, but come on Toyota...its 2018, almost 2019. The current 4runner is based on a 2009 platform.

 

I'm with the crowd that feels like the fit and finish on the 4Runner is just better. My wife's '17 just feels higher quality. It is a Limited, though, so it is kinda plush. I love my truck, but the 4Runner is a solid choice. I would consider a TRD Pro 4Runner for sure . . .

 

Not saving face, saving family. Not ever putting gasoline containers or heavy gear and rocks in the passenger compartment, a lot of us tow trailers that outweigh the capacity of a 4Runner, etc... 4Runners are great, but functionality has to be a big part of the decision too.

 

That's because its Made in Japan (J Vin number VS 1 on the Taco) The fit and finish are hands down way better on the 4Runner than the Tacoma (Even my 2nd Gen)

 

I'd like to see a production two door 4Runner.

Also bring back the V8.

 

To each his own. If i was going to tow things, I would've bought a Tundra (Very close 2nd on my list). There's no way i would trust that passenger Car Engine (Lets be honest, thats what it is) and Drum rear brakes If i was going to buy a truck for towing.

Ultimately the T4R won out because I dont really haul anything (Ill rent a truck if i ever have to) and its not a daily driver (4Runner is 4th vehicle in my Lineup)

 

Ehh they both tow fine. Taco handles the loads better but you can tell the t4r has disks all around. If I was towing 5-6k regularly then ya go full size. For what most people tow either will work.

 

For sure. Thats where i was going with my point

 

This wasn't true in my case. I have both with 130000 miles on them, 05 Taco is worth $3k more than 07 4runner. Both 4x4 V6. Maybe on newer ones it is the reverse.

I love them both and use each for different reasons. A long trip in a Taco does not match the 4runners comfort. The 4runner does not /cannot carry large objects.

 

I have also been tempted to trade in my truck for a 4runner as well. But the money I will be losing for the trade doesn't seem worth it, at least not yet.

 

I've sat in a 4Runner and I don't think it offers that much comfort over a 3rd Gen taco (maybe its just me).

For longer road trips, having amble leg space and back support is the key to comfort. For someone your height, even the 4R might be a tight squeeze??

I drive from Sacramento to Portland (Oregon) once a year every year to see my sick uncle and I switch between my X5 and my wife's GMC Denali. As of last year, we now take the Denali mainly cos of better seat support and the Denali has subtle padded leather compared to my X5 leather which is more stiff.

I'll be trading my X5 towards a Taco but it won't replace any major road trips. That's what my Denali is for .

 

You can? I certainly can't tell at all. Front brakes do most of the stopping anyway.

Towing, I'd even say 4k+ lbs, I want to be looking at a fullsize.