16 Tacoma better than 4runner..

[islandstyle]

I have it both worlds a 2016 Taco TRD OR DCSB and 4runner in sig.
IMO I like the 4runner more but I have other uses for a bed as well and an older used Taco cost just as much or more than a new one around here.

 

[jjm1970]

I waited 14 plus months for the new Tacoma to come out, because I was dead-locked certain that I wanted the new Tacoma in DC TRDOR format with the premium and tech package. I finally drove one and decided that the T4R was the better way to go. The backseat on the DC is far too small for my application, and the headroom was pretty scant. Still lacking a height adjustable seat was disappointing as well. I do love the looks of the new Tacoma, the dash layout, the LED running lights, etc. But the SUV fits my needs a little better. Wife also preferred the SUV.

And finally, the price jump in the Tacoma made me realize I could get a T4R and even a Pro for just a tad more. The Tacoma I was considering was right around $40,000 and the T4R Pro at about $41,300. The decision was then real simple for me.

That's almost exactly my story. I pick up my T4RP on the 18th. The application for my back seat is a 2 1/2 yo daughter, and probably another on the way soon. The Tacoma's back seat is noticeably smaller than the T4R's. Plus I like the idea of the 4.0 and 5-speed's proven QDR, which is by far my reason for going with Toyotas in the first place.

 

[Quentin]

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).



6-speed is a nice improvement, but long over-due in an era where 7 and 8 speed transmissions are quickly becoming the norm.

While similar in bore, stroke, and displacement to the RX 2GR-FE (unless you have a 2016 RX350 with the 2GR-FKS), there are pretty substantial changes. The engine picked up D4-S (direct injection) and simulated Atkinson cycle (mid stop VVT). The exhaust manifolds are water cooled and integrated into the heads. The cams are also different.

I'd like to see an 8 speed in the next 4Runner, particularly if they don't get the weight down from the current gen.

I agree with what jwkilgore said.



The 6th gen 4Runner has to come out at some point, and will likely share parts with the 2016 Taco.



---- If you can wait. ----



Cuz some times you can't.

I couldn't wait though I had initially planned on waiting for the 6th gen. Either way, I'm very happy with my 2016 TE. Feels good.

 

[EEEliminator]

Comparing a pick up truck to a an SUV, literally apples vs oranges here... What are your needs.

Drive line: Everyone always wants more gears even on the manuals. I don't find the transmission hunting for gears or having to kick down to a gear that is too low. Only when you floor it and that is the result I'm looking for IMHO. For a vehicle that has a real world top speed of 100 mph a balance can be found between having a good low gear for acceleration and OD for the highway. When you're stretching the range from 0 - 200 mph I can see wanting to add some gears or if you're trying to stay within a small RPM window. These are essentially truck motors they have pretty flat torque curves.

 

[glen1978]

We have a 16 Tacoma and a 16 4runner. If I didnt just have to have a truck Id much rather have the 4Runner. I drive my Taco from BV, Colorado to Kingfisher, OK to work once a month and the BEST I can squeeze out of it mpg wise is around 17....depends on if Im coming or going. Heading back home and in northern NM (Clayton-Raton) the Taco will show 12 mpg sometimes. I cant STAND how the Taco hunts for gears constantly. It does it so much that I will just pull it to manual and hold it in the lower gear but honestly thats probably where it needs to be. Granted I put the cruise on 75-80 mph all the way home so that doesnt help MPG. Other than that I really like the truck. I liked my 13 DCLB better tho drivetrain wise I think.

 

[sooperedd]

I too thought about the new Tacoma but then remembered last time I had a pickup and everybody asking me to help them move and thought SCREW THAT.

One of the reasons I bought the 4Runner.

 

[T4R2014]

Drum brakes. A c-channel frame. Not made in Japan. V6 needs to be revved to the moon to get maximum torque.

Did I mention it still has a c-channel frame? I wonder when the frame rust recall will be announced as well. These US built Tacomas are legendary for having c-channel frames that still manage to rust through.

 

[Phoenix4R]

I don't know that one is better than the other, considering they're two entirely different vehicles. Buy whichever one your heart desires and for what you have a need for. As cool as the new Tacos are, I didn't need a truck, so the 4R it was.

 

[Randyman...]

Leaf springs and drum brakes reek of the Carter administration.

My current '13 T4R is my first 4-link, and first vehicle with rear discs - and I totally agree (came from a '99 TRD 4x4 Taco - didn't even have ABS!!!)! I'd never want to go back to leaf springs and rear drums even if the new Taco had 100 additional HP. But it does look slick IMNSHO...

 

[Beer_Runner]

I too thought about the new Tacoma but then remembered last time I had a pickup and everybody asking me to help them move and thought SCREW THAT.

One of the reasons I bought the 4Runner.

Never owned a pickup before, and this also was a worry of mine. Lol. Funny to see someone actually confirming my fears.

 

[sooperedd]

Never owned a pickup before, and this also was a worry of mine. Lol. Funny to see someone actually confirming my fears.

You get lots of new "friends".
"Hey can you take this to the dump for me?"
"Can we use your truck and get my new furniture?"
"Will you help me pick up 500lbs of concrete at Home Depot?"

 

[LandCruiser]

My current '13 T4R is my first 4-link, and first vehicle with rear discs - and I totally agree (came from a '99 TRD 4x4 Taco - didn't even have ABS!!!)! I'd never want to go back to leaf springs and rear drums even if the new Taco had 100 additional HP. But it does look slick IMNSHO...

My 2010 Sierra has rear drums.

3 tons doesn't stop well with only discs in front.

...that is to say, if someone was dumb enough to cut me off and slam the brakes I'd push them into the next county even with my foot through the floorboard on the brake.

 

[991-GT3MJK]

How can you complain about the 4.0 v6 in the 4 runner. Its a proven beast. I personally was set on getting a new Tacoma until i test drove it. I bought a TRD-Pro, iam in love with it. 5 speed 6 speed , who cares. I love my 4runner. Getting a 2" lift tomorrow and KO2's. Will post pics when done. Next year ill get a tacoma. But if gas keeps dropping maybe a Tundra. Thats a beast of a truck.

 

[Bevo]

My 2010 Sierra has rear drums.

3 tons doesn't stop well with only discs in front.

...that is to say, if someone was dumb enough to cut me off and slam the brakes I'd push them into the next county even with my foot through the floorboard on the brake.

It never made any sense to me why they switched back and forth from discs to drums. I had a 01 and an 04 Silverado and both had rear discs and now they are back to discs on the current models. Trying to save money I guess.

 

[sooperedd]

I was out running a few errands a couple of days ago and stopped at the dealership to see if they had any '16 Tacomas on the lot, the dealership is near my home and I drive past it all the time. They had 2 they just got off the truck and I was able to sit inside a DCOR. Nothing of the Interior felt as substantial as the 4Runner; the doors, door handles, knobs, glovebox, center console, seats, trim or moldings and it did not seem as roomy or as tall.

 

[paulndot]

Needing a truck and needing an SUV are two pretty different things.

I also like the Tacoma because of the new tech and hardware, but need cargo space more than I need a bed.

Apples to oranges.

What's the new tech in the Taco that's not in the T4R - specifically the Trail?

 

[Knight-Errant]

My 2010 Sierra has rear drums.

When I had a 2008 civic it had rear drums...rear drums on the Tacoma makes me think of cheap entry level economy car.

I really loved the civic...but rear drums on the Tacoma makes me think of cost cutting plain and simple.

 

[Quentin]

When I had a 2008 civic it had rear drums...rear drums on the Tacoma makes me think of cheap entry level economy car.



I really loved the civic...but rear drums on the Tacoma makes me think of cost cutting plain and simple.

The Tacoma outbrakes the Colorado, Canyon, and Frontier. Sometimes the sum matters more than the parts.

 

[Knight-Errant]

The Tacoma outbrakes the Colorado, Canyon, and Frontier. Sometimes the sum matters more than the parts.

Not saying the Tacoma is bad or a cheap truck at all. I'd pick it over all the ones you mentioned. I just think the rear drums, despite how the Toyota marketing people are spinning it, is nothing but cost cutting (or rather increasing profit per truck if you look at it from another angle).

If I was putting down 30-something thousands dollars on a truck, I think it should have rear disks, there really isn't a realistic excuse not to have them. 4-wheel disks are becoming standard on almost every car now, even entry level ones (civics now have them on all models across the line). You have do go down to a Honda fit or Toyota Yaris to find a car that has rear drums. The entry level corolla has them, but other corolla models don't.

When you're moving forward it is the front disks are really where all your stopping power will come from. Disks in the rear aren't going to make much of a difference.

It is when you're on a steep incline and rolling backwards when you're really going to have to rely on your rear breaks, and in this case they're drums. To be fair, people relied on drums for a long time, but disks are better aren't they (when it comes to stopping power)? I see many Tacoma guys doing serious stuff off road and driving up steep inclines. I'd like to have disks back there to back me up.

Is that lack of rear disks fatal to the Tacoma? No not at all, I would totally get one if I was looking for a mid size truck. Mostly I just think the lack of rear disks is lame.

 

[Phoenix4R]

When I had a 2008 civic it had rear drums...rear drums on the Tacoma makes me think of cheap entry level economy car.

I really loved the civic...but rear drums on the Tacoma makes me think of cost cutting plain and simple.

I had the same car, only mine was a 2007 EX. EXs got the rear discs, among other things, worth every penny.