Trying to decide b/w Tacoma & 4Runner

I need a vehicle for taking my kids mountain biking , camping, skying, some off-roading, etc. I love the Toyota resale value, so I settled on either Tacoma or the 4runner. I test drove both, can't say I have a preference. Soft brakes, nose dives on braking. Both seem pretty sluggish but there was no manual Taco on the lot. Anyway, test drives are short and not really informative.

I strongly prefer manual transmissions, and Tacoma has that. But Tacoma has a much longer wheel base than the 4Runner, and I've never had a truck as a daily driver. Strangely enough, the Taco seems to be less capable in terms of payload and towing than the 4Runner.

Just wondering if you guys have any advice. TIA

 

4runner

 

It's a Tacoma forum, so you'll likely get people saying Tacoma. That's fine it's suited better for some people.

If you need a truck bed, get the truck.

Interior room and softex seats is what got me into a 4Runner. Seating position, 4.0l motor/transmission, ride.

Still like the Tacoma, just wasn't as well suited to my needs as the 4Runner.

 

Depending on what sort of things you care about in your daily driver, Toyota put a lot more in silly features into the Tacoma than the 4runner.

At least in my experience between my TRD Off-Road with Premium and Tech package and shopping for my GFs 4runner.

 

that just ain't gonna go changin' brother. get in your request for the MT of your choice, set it up, and be happy. join us. we're all pretty happy over here.

 

Same here. Get the MT, well worth the wait. I have zero complaints about mine thus far over the 7,000 miles I've put on in the 6 weeks I've had it.

 

I have both a 16 4runner and a 17 taco. I actually had 2 identical 4runners for a short time. The truck is by far the better towing/payload. The truck has a lower seating position vs the 4runner actually sitting like a truck. The nose dive is more prevalent in the 4runner vs the taco. Also, the truck has a lot more pep than the 4runner. Wheelbase isn't enough to really notice. The 4runner has a quicker rack as far as turning goes. The technology seems better in my taco as well. Storage from the factory is also a lot better in the taco. Overall, of course I'm coming from a full size truck for several years I'm preferring the taco. My .02

 

I traded my 16 taco for a 4Runner. No regerts .

 

Tough decision man. I'm seriously considering selling my Tacoma for a 4runner so I can't say.

 

4runner

 

ffy

 

Not sure where you're getting the info that the 4Runner has more payload and towing.

The 4runner is a more family friendly and comfortable vehicle. I don't think anyone can argue that it's higher quality. It really comes down to do you need something with a bed. I'm the type of person that likes to throw all my gear in the bed and not worry about dirtying the inside of the car, so I went with a Tacoma, perfect for my needs. As far as a daily driver, it's fine for me, I commute about 20 minutes each way to my job in the bay area. No issues.

 

i honestly would have gone for the 4R if an MT was available for these reasons. somehow i've managed to setup my Taco for amazing driving/handling and a very fulfilling driver experience, so no complaints tho.

 

I think the 4runner is 5,000 pounds towing and the taco tows more

if you do get a 4runner get the KDSS

 

I have a 2017 tacoma. My girlfriend has a 2017 4runner. We find ourselves driving the 4runner a lot more than my truck. With nieces and nephews there is no comparison for the roominess of the 4runner. Her 4runner gets better gas mileage. I just absolutely needed a truck bed for work.

 

Just came out of a '15 4Runner. The answer is simple... if you need to haul more than two adults any real distance (teenage kids count) get the 4Runner. For two adults the double cab tacoma is fine. Both vehicles have their good and bad points.

 

I had a 14' Trail Edition Premium 4Runner that I traded in for a 16' TRD Off Road Taco. Both are great truck in their own ways. Since I own a home now. Having a Tacoma was more practical for Home Depot runs. I do miss my 4Runner tho.

 

Depends what your needs are. If you have no need for a truck bed--then I say get the 4runner. If you think you are gonna need a truck bed in your future--then I say order the manual exactly how you want it and you will love it. I needed a bed so thats why I didn't go with the 4runner.

I know a lot of guys here have jumped ship from the Taco to a 4runner, but I'm not sure why they didn't get it in the first place if they have no need for a bed...I suppose needs do change.

 

The new tacoma is a bit sluggish feeling. I suggest 4Runner because when I test drove one it was much more peppy!

 

I am someone who came from owning an SUV (Nissan Xterra) for 17 years. Was always just a bit short on room for camping gear and such. This time around I told myself I was going to try a truck for the first time in my life and always secretly admired the Tacomas....so that is what I went with. Couldn't be happier!

All I can say in the year I have owned my Tacoma it has been the best purchase for me. It is my daily driver. My weekend overlander. And I have done a ton of weekend home depot runs which I could never do before with my SUV. I can now also sleep in the back of the truck with my Softopper and still carry all my gear when camping off road. I thought my SUV was versatile.....the truck just blows it away even more from a versatility and comfort standpoint.

Everyone on here loves the MT. I love the automatic and have no issues with it. Smoothest AT I have ever owned. The truck drives smooth and beautifully in town and I commute and park every day in a crowded downtown with it. And I have the DCLB. Not sure what else someone could want.

But as always...my situation is not yours. It is what it is...my situation and what has worked for me. Good luck with your choice.