01-04 taco vs 01-02 4runner

[bayarea4x4]

Hey just wanted to say hi. I have been doing some research here and on yotatech and just wanted some opinions.

I am looking for a new truck for very light offroading and trips to tahoe. I am trying to see if one will be better than the other in 4wd/ traction control systems (VSC, ATRAC...) or handling/comfort since 4runner is coils and the taco is leaf's.

I also plan on towing once in awhile a 1 or 2 horse trailer. Would there be a huge difference between the 2?

Reliability? Besides wear and tear items like timing belt/ water pump does one require more maintance than the other?

models- between the limited and SR5 the only real differences are flares and interior comforts right? I think I would rather get a lower milage truck and not worry about the model.

Lastly, just from seeing them on the street, it seems that the back seat of the double cab is slightly smaller than the back seat of the 4runner but the truck has a bigger bed correct?

Thanks for all the help guys!

Josh

 

[Pikeman]

1. Are you going to modify at all for any of your off-roading? Both are very capable I prefer my 98 4 Runner to my 98 Taco for ride however there are a lot more sources for aftermarket parts for the Taco.

2. Yes the back seat is a little smaller in the double Cab but it does have a larger bed/cargo area. Towing I believe they are both rated the same at 5000lb. Although with a double cab taco your wheelbase will be close to 15 inches longer so a little more stable for towing a larger trailer. also the Taco Went to the 4.0L 240hp V6 earlier then the 4 Runner did not sure if it was 01 or 02. The years you mentioned for the 4Runner is the 180hp 3.4 L V6 which is a strong reliable motor. The 4.0 L is still a Toyota but not sure if it has really proven itself like the 3.4.

That is about all I can offer up to you. The best thing is to go look at a few of each to include sitting in the back seat after setting the front seat to where you need it and see if you are still comfortable if you will have your adult friends in back.

 

[haddix]

Actually the runner went ot the 4.0 earlier then the taco. The 4runner switched in 03 and the taco made the switch in 05. I love my 4runner but would LOVE to have a taco. Im sure either you pick you would love but a taco would probably suit you more. You could throw muddy stuff and equipment in the bad of the taco.

 

[bayarea4x4]

for the model years I am looking at for the taco do they have the same electronic systems for traction control and 4wd? I have been looking around and it seems in the 3rd gen 4runners for snow driving 01-02 are the best because of the added systems. When did they get added to the taco's?

Josh

 

[Martinjmpr]

My last vehicle was a 1st generation Tacoma ('04 Extra cab.)

No 1st gen (1995-2004) Taco had the 4.0. The 4.0 came with the 120 platform (05+ Taco, 03+ 4runner, and the FJ Cruiser.) My '04 (last year of the 1st gen) had a 3.4 and a 5 speed.

The Taco is noticeably longer than the 4runner. Now that I have a 4R, I can turn a complete circle in the width of the street in front of my house - when I had the Taco, I had to make at least one "cut" and back up.

The 4runner has more accessories: Standard power windows, power outlets, etc. Also the "split bench" seat on the extended cab is terrible, the buckets on the 4runner are much better (Extra cabs got buckets and power windows on the TRD models, I believe, which also gave you the power door locks.) Not sure whether the non-TRD double cabs got buckets or the split bench, buckets would be my guess.

The 99-02 4runners had the multi-mode T-case (on the 99-00 models it only came with the Limited package, 01-02 it was standard on all 4x4 4runners) that lets you run in AWD mode on pavement, which is nice. The downside is that for 01-02 they also added VSC and deleted the locking diff option. AFAIK Tacomas do not have VSC or TRAC (at least mine didn't, maybe because it was a 5 speed instead of an auto.)

Front suspension is the same on both, but the Taco has simple leafs in the rear while the 4runner has a nice 5 link suspension.

I like the layout of the 4runner dash and controls better than the Taco. The parking brake on the Taco was in the dash and the clock was hidden behind the steering wheel.

Double-cab Tacos weren't made in huge numbers and are, IMO, overpriced in the market. 4runners are inexpensive and plentiful.

My thought is unless you really need the bed for hauling, a 4runner will be cheaper to buy and actually has more 'content' than a Taco.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my Taco but I'm very happy to be in a 4R now.