16 Tacoma better than 4runner..
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coulter6
New member
I also went through this decision process and almost waited for the new Tacoma. Glad I didn't because the 4Runner rides so much better. I had a 2006 Tacoma before this 4Runner. I don't think one is better than the other; they're different vehicles used for different purposes.
The new Tacoma has upgraded looks and engine/drivetrain as stated above.
BUT the underlying suspension remains unchanged from the previous edition. Not that's bad, but no change there, so as far as I'm concerned it's pretty much the same truck as before.
The new Tacoma has upgraded looks and engine/drivetrain as stated above.
BUT the underlying suspension remains unchanged from the previous edition. Not that's bad, but no change there, so as far as I'm concerned it's pretty much the same truck as before.
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I agree with tbe folls saying the 4R is better. I am in the market for a new vehicle now and test drove both. IMO the 4R is superior. I know the new powertrain of the taco is designed for efficiency, driveability is no where as good as the 4R. I will be going with the 4R after being just about certain that id get a taco.
chmura
New member
The new '16 Tacoma is still not proven, new engine, new trans..
I quickly glimpsed at the Tacoma World forum and there is a big thread over there that peoples '16 Tacoma transmission is slipping during cold start in the mornings.. I would steer away buying a Tacoma until a few years.
I quickly glimpsed at the Tacoma World forum and there is a big thread over there that peoples '16 Tacoma transmission is slipping during cold start in the mornings.. I would steer away buying a Tacoma until a few years.
jwkilgore
New member
A complete set of Bilstein 5100's is $350+ install. Much cheaper than the total TRD-Pro package. Plus the fronts in this set is adjustable:
Bilstein 5100 Complete SET - Total Automotive Performance - Your Source for Auto Parts and Accessories
Incidentally, if you want to speculate on the 6th gen, there's a thread for that. Lots of people think it'll get a tuned version of the Taco's V6, plus hope it'll inherit some of the bells and whistles from the discontinued(?) Lexus GX. Also most people don't think it'll arrive until model-year 2018.
:deadhorse:
Personally, I'd love a pickup, but it's just not practical with my kids. Any vehicle I own must have room for four (one in a booster) plus things like backpacks and soccer gear inside. That would require a full crew-cab pickup. And a pickup is useless without at least a normal size bed (hold a sheet of plywood or gyp-board with the tailgate down). The resulting vehicle would drive like an ocean liner and make parking in my downtown garage a nightmare. I know... I used to drive a Chevy 1500 extended cab (shorter than crew, and not enough interior room).
The few times I've needed extra cargo capacity over the years I rented a 12-ft from U-Haul (twice a flatbed, three times a box). If I find myself regularly needing open carrying capacity I'll drop $1000 or so on a decent utility trailer, and/or $1000 on a flat utility rack.
Always good advice... I'm not a gotta-have-the-latest-and-greatest type of guy. I always wait a bit to let the early adopters find the problems and get them fixed first. About 2nd year is the earliest I'd be comfortable with something as complex and expensive as an engine and transmission.
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Jetboy
New member
Took all of 30 seconds inside a '16 tacoma to decide it wasn't an upgrade to my 4runner. Small interior. Poor quality seats and seating position. Less power. No thanks.
I wouldn't seriously consider a '16 tacoma unless I really really need a midsize truck. A '16 tundra is just so much nicer all around. I'm not sure if you can even get a tundra without power seats - and you can't get power seats even in a limited tacoma.
I have an rx350, so I've basically already got a 6 speed 3.5L v6 suv. The engine and power delivery are better for sure, but it also has 4.39 gears and smaller tires.
The 6 speed is the only thing I want from the new tacoma. Well that and the 8.7 rear diff with 4.10 gears.
Otherwise: no kdss, cheap interior even in Limited trim, tiny rear seats, no thanks.
I wouldn't seriously consider a '16 tacoma unless I really really need a midsize truck. A '16 tundra is just so much nicer all around. I'm not sure if you can even get a tundra without power seats - and you can't get power seats even in a limited tacoma.
I have an rx350, so I've basically already got a 6 speed 3.5L v6 suv. The engine and power delivery are better for sure, but it also has 4.39 gears and smaller tires.
The 6 speed is the only thing I want from the new tacoma. Well that and the 8.7 rear diff with 4.10 gears.
Otherwise: no kdss, cheap interior even in Limited trim, tiny rear seats, no thanks.
Jetboy
New member
Nothing is really "new". The 6 speed has been around for over a decade. Very reliable even behind the v8 in the GX. The 3.5L hasn't changed much since it was introduced in 2006. Similarly very reliable. I'm not sold that it's a great truck engine, but it's got a big advantage in the balance over our 4.0. The Gr is ultimately a high revving engine and having better balance at 4000rpms makes for more comfortable driving up canyons where the 1GR feels like it's screaming and the 3.5L feels like it's just cruising.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds nothing noteworthy in the "new" Tacoma.
Same 3.5L V6 as the one ins RX350 (which I've driven extensively to know that there is nothing special or torquey about that engine).
Very similar C-channel frame as the previous Tacoma.
6-speed is a nice improvement, but long over-due in an era where 7 and 8 speed transmissions are quickly becoming the norm.
I understand what the Tacoma used to be. I just don't know if the new one really sets the benchmark anymore. It seems to me that Toyota put minimal design effort and re-used old parts in the "new" Tacoma and then sells it a premium.
Same 3.5L V6 as the one ins RX350 (which I've driven extensively to know that there is nothing special or torquey about that engine).
Very similar C-channel frame as the previous Tacoma.
6-speed is a nice improvement, but long over-due in an era where 7 and 8 speed transmissions are quickly becoming the norm.
I understand what the Tacoma used to be. I just don't know if the new one really sets the benchmark anymore. It seems to me that Toyota put minimal design effort and re-used old parts in the "new" Tacoma and then sells it a premium.
bms4r
New member
GG Allin
New member
I cannot agree with the part about the Tacoma driving better than the 4Runner. Drove a Tacoma TRD Sport before pulling the trigger on the 4Runner. The Taco is a nice truck but the 4Runner is nicer.
I had the opposite experience. I set out to buy a Taco and was lured away by the 4Runner.
I had the opposite experience. I set out to buy a Taco and was lured away by the 4Runner.
CenCalTrail
New member
I agree "better" depends on your needs and taste all subjective and based on your perspective. In the end buy what will make you happy with no regrets
Razorback_Curtis
New member
I drive my Roommates 16 Taco on occasion. It definitely has a few things that I wish they would have put into the 16 4runner that I own, but for me, I can't sit in a Taco comfortably. I'd also have to disagree, my 4runner feels better all around for driving. I like my engine and tranny better, though I like the MPG better in his. (not really that much different however). I also like the exhaust note that the Taco puts out, but it's still a V6 and as a previous Sierra V8 owner...I'm not in either of these Toyota's for an exhaust note, because it is not even comparable.
this is me comparing a Trail no KDSS vs a TRD Off Road.
Bottom line. You know if you need a truck or an SUV. both of these vehicles are amazing choices, and if I had to do it over again I'd be tempted to get the Tacoma, although I think I would have still opted for the T4R.
Hope this helps?
Ellis_McPickle
New member
I like the new Tacoma's look, although I haven't driven one. If I were in the market for a truck, I'd certainly look at it, but would probably wait at least a model year to buy. Depends upon your need, OP. The midsize truck segment appears to have new life with the reintroduction of the Chevy/GMC models and I heard there's a new Nissan Frontier on the way as well. Seems like lots of choices for a truck.
LandCruiser
New member
Leaf springs and drum brakes reek of the Carter administration.
I looked at the new Tacoma as well, when I brought in my 4Runner for its servicing.
Very glad that I chose the 4Runner.
As for reliability, it is over a year now, and not one single issue.
Much better than Infinti.
I find that I like secured rear storage as apprised to an open bed.
When I needed a pickup ended up renting a Silverado.
Very glad that I chose the 4Runner.
As for reliability, it is over a year now, and not one single issue.
Much better than Infinti.
I find that I like secured rear storage as apprised to an open bed.
When I needed a pickup ended up renting a Silverado.
