[Jbellah]

I've read some people have traded in their new tacoma for a 4runner. Im curious to what made you make the decision. Im looking to get a new TRD PRO 4runner but kinda have the though of getting a tacoma. Like to get some insight on the two etc.

[zw470]

Before I got my 5G Trail I was dead set on getting a 3g TRD Off Road Taco. Test drove a couple, then test drove a 4Runner.

Taco was one of the slowest and most underpowered feeling vehicle I've ever driven, the driving position was absolutely awful, and my hair touched the headliner. The 4Runner, while not fast at least feels adequately powered, has a very comfortable driving position my head is nowhere near the headliner.

I bought the 4Runner and have not looked back

[mtnbiker49]

Tacoma=crap for the money.
Tundra=great pickup.

I think your decision should be tundra or 4runner.

[Akkording]

T4R quality Japanese built

[4Reak Show]

Let's not forget... This is a 4Runner forum so it's highly likely the options here will be jaded... Significantly.

That being said, there is still something to a Japanese built vehicle. Example: 2011 Corolla LE I own for commuting is built in Japan. 107,000 miles. Only changed oil, air/cabin filters, tires and brakes. Uncle has a 2012 Corolla S, North American built. It has sprouted leaks, needed other items too early (water pump, etc) and it is a year newer with like 70,000 miles.

Let us know what you decide, but my vote is obviously for a 4Runner. Wife and I love our 2016 Trail Premium. Head unit sort of blows but if that's the only issue, we'll take it.

[Judd94]

I’ve had 4 Tacoma’s and a 1st gen Tundra before my 4R.
I loved my Tacomas but I’ve also always liked 4Runners. I have 2 kids now and a 4Runner is definitely more kid friendly. The back seats recline and theres more storage within the enclosed passenger compartment. Also, I love the 4.0L it’s solid. I’d take a used 2nd gen Tacoma over a new 3rd gen Tacoma any day. If I need to haul something I can rent a trailer or truck from i haul for like $20

[Riders of Lohan]

One is a truck

One is an suv

Hope this helps

[2016 4Runner SR5]

I bought a 2016 Tacoma brand new. Loved the looks, loved the ride, interior is simple but I loved that about it. After 3500 miles of a POS 3.5L V6 that is gutless down low and makes no power until 4500 RPM, I had enough and traded it in. Shifting issues even after updates, useless 6th gear, pretty useless 5th gear unless there was no wind and completely flat road. The 3.5 and 6 speed auto does not belong in a truck by any means. Bought my 2016 4Runner brand new and couldn't be happier. Do yourself a favor, buy a 4Runner.

[Jhalko]

Go buy the 4Runner and stop wasting any more time.

Your welcome.

[Jewrunner]

I’ve had a long list of 4Runners - 1999 Limited, 2008 Limited, 2013 SR5 Trail premium, 2015 Limited.... and a 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport. It took me about 2500km to realize I’d made a mistake.

The Tacoma feels like a tin box compared to a 4Runner. The doors feel cheap, the interior is cheap, the seating position is awkward, and the 3.5 with the 6spd auto . With all the torque and power high in the rev range, you constantly feel like you’re sitting still. And don’t get me started about the shifting.

That said - Tacoma is handy. Nice to have the box, the push button start, wireless charging pad and smartkey system are all features I miss.

I picked up a 2018 TRD Off Road two weeks ago. Was like putting on your favourite pair of jeans. If given the choice, speaking from experience, 4Runner 8 days a week.

[dot_tom]

My Wife and I bought a new 3rd gen Taco when they came out in 2016. We also bought a new 2017 4Runner TRD Off-Road. 2.5 years of owning the Taco we did 25k miles. 1.5 years of ownership on the 4Runner we did 45k miles. Both are great vehicles and have their pro's and cons. When it came down to it, we loved the 4Runner a lot more. Drove it everywhere. The quality can't be beaten. Tacoma feels like it's American made. 4Runner is Japan quality.



Go buy the 4Runner or a Tundra. After owning the Tacoma, I wouldn't buy another one.

[Quentin]

I’ve been tempted to get a Tacoma several times because I really enjoyed the 6MT, but I don’t think I can give up the covered cargo area. Beds just aren’t as useful for me.

[plasticsnaks]

Originally Posted by Jbellah

I've read some people have traded in their new tacoma for a 4runner. Im curious to what made you make the decision. Im looking to get a new TRD PRO 4runner but kinda have the though of getting a tacoma. Like to get some insight on the two etc.

For me, the 2016 AT 3rd gen taco drivetrain/engine combo/ecu-tcu mapping was unbearable. It also seemed geared too high for the high reving 2gr pseudo Atkinson engine....Other than performance, I liked it a lot. Traded it in on my 5th gen t4r after owning it 1 year. Gas mileage on the highway bucking the usual 15-25mph South Texas wind...my lifted/larger heavier tires 4Runner gets better mileage....albeit by ~2 mpg.

My 3rd gen Tacoma would continuely shift 5-6-5-6-4-5-6-5 on the highway shifting down on every overpass/hill (South Texas is basically flat) or wind gust...bucking a 15-20 mph wind it couldn’t hold 6th gear at 75mph on a flat highway. This killed the mpgs and proved frustrating to drive. Also in town driving felt “dead pedal” unless driven in s-4 or ect engaged. 4Runner drivability much better in town as well! I do understand this is subjective. There are those that are ok with how the 3rd gen taco performs...

I had a 2007 2nd gen 1gr Tacoma for 9 years....loved it! Also love my almost 2 year old 5th gen 4Runner. The engine/drivetrains in these 2 are nearly identical....may be dated but they work very very well and are extremely reliable...are they perfect?...no. But they do drive and perform well!

imho, toyota screwed up with the 3rd gen Tacoma’s engine/drivetrain-performance. And it’s obvious that they are trying to fix their screw up with multiple tsb’s dealing with ecu-tcu mapping. Hope they figure it out. It’s a nice truck but damn....

[unsub1]

For me it came down to back seat comfort and space for my 10 year old kid. The 4Runner back seat experience is pretty great. Tacoma is cramped and uncomfortable. If that's not an issue, I would ignore my post!

[ElZilcho]

I think a lot of people fall in love with the idea of owning a pick-up and then realize it's not what it's cracked up to be. If you work in construction, ag, mining, or haul sheet goods regularly... The pick up is ideal.

Otherwise, I think most people are happier with the SUV. It depends on your priorities.

FWIW, SUV's are generally better off-road. The extra weight over the rear axle helps keep things straight on steep descents and on greasy surfaces. Not to mention... if you roll it, you don't have to pick up all your stuff!