Trying to decide b/w Tacoma & 4Runner

Here I go...

Currently an active member in Tacomaworld and I own a 2017 TRD PRO. I have have owned 4 Tacomas now. My 2005 TRD Sport is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and when I sold it was still running great and solid as heck. I got great money for it and I leveraged that to buy what I thought was an upgrade.

I have been contemplating the 4runner for years and recently have had my eye on the 4R Venture model. My biggest fear is not having a bed that I have been accustomed to for so long now. While I am currently writing this I have a weed wacker in my truck bed without worrying about fuel spillage or grass clippings because I can hose it right out with minimal to worry about. I have a topper on it as well for added security and keeping things dry in the winter. I love the way it looks but looks can only take you so far

Like everyone else the 3rd Gen Taco annoys me with the gear hunting, engine/tranny matchup. Since day one Ive noticed some small things that just bother me about the way this thing made but I have been able to live with it such as the seat position and lack of visibility in the cabin. As far as I am concerned the Taco has little to no competition in its class which has led me back to the 4runner.

We are a family of 4, 5 if you count the dog, and I just drove to Maine and back in the Tacoma and it was tight but there is no way I would have been able to fit as much as I did in a 4runner. The topper allows for so much gear to be taken on vacations and trips. This is my biggest dilemma at the moment. And yes I know I can get a trailer but I dont want to drive a trailer for 6-8 hours on trips.

Kids are 12+14 so backseat starting to cramped and Tundra is just to big and goofy for me.

 

You could get one of those hitch mounts for gear, but yeah a utility trailer is the best bet for something like a lawnmower

4runner is likely a much more family friendly rig, and from what i’ve heard they’re built better and have less issues

 

Yeah the newer Taco's I've heard only complaints about. If things work out for me the next couple of weeks I may go get me a 2020 TRD Off Road and keep my 2004 DC Taco. The truck bed really is a savior many a days. Well until I can get a trailer for the 4runner

 

They each have their pros and cons. I have both and definitely feel like I baby the inside of the 4R more.

 

I just went threw this myself. Drove 4Runner and Tacoma several times. I wrote down, pros and cons of each and what I need an use it for. 4Runner more room is you plan to have haul people in backseat, thought driver cockpit was little bigger. I don't like 60/40 split backseat, the 60 behind driver which i don't understand on allot of cars, as i sit sit pretty far back and if I have to fold it down I need to move driver seat up on 4Runner.
I picked Tacoma TRD off road, plenty of room for driver an passenger. Backseat folds down and I have plenty of room. I enjoy having truck bed to throw stuff in, camping, fishing, hunting, haul anything without needing worry about what might spill or get dirty. I've only had it a week but think it rides nice, handles well, so far so good.
Maybe after it's paid off I'll add 4Runner.

 

I traded in my 4runner for a Tacoma. I like the smoother ride of the 4runner. The Tacoma definitely a lot of things you need to get use too .

 

I've recently hauled a lawnmower in my 4runners cargo area which worked out well with the back window open. Last week I was also able to carry three 6' long tables with fixed legs and a dozen stackable chairs on one trip with the back seats folded down. It isn't a truck bed but the interior is fairly spacious. I had planned on investing in a small utility trailer but have been finding out that the 4runner will swallow up most everything i've needed to haul so far.