4Runner limited or Tundra Platinum

[Soupbean]

Runner-Tundra

So, if you could have either a new '17 4Runner limited or '18 Tundra platinum, which would you choose? No kids, no real need for a truck, but they are utilitarian. There is about a $7k sticker price difference, but the Tundra has a rebate and more markup, so the difference between the two isn't staggering. I realize the 4Runner is built in Japan, whereas the Tundra is built in Texas. Does that matter? Any input is greatly appreciated...yes, I realize this is a 4Runner forum, but if any of you were getting ready to purchase a new vehicle and these were your two options, which would you go with? Thanks!

Since '87 I've always owned some model of Toyota pickup. My last was a 2000 Tundra 2wd SR-5 with the 4.7. Several minor exterior mods with a custom built ss exhaust and a TRD drop in filter. Great little motor, ran plenty fast for me. About three years ago got a limited Runner. Size wise, it's perfect for me and love the standard features & options. The biggest thing I miss is the V-8. Put a TRD intake on the runner but it just doesn't have the power and responsiveness of a V-8. I really like the Cement Grey TRD Pro Tundra exterior but the interior is severely lacking as far as options & features. After having a limited Runner, I just can't go back to less luxury features. So the Platinum Tundra is the lowest priced option in a Toyota pickup with similar options. And you get that marvelous 5.7 engine..! The only real drawback would be size, if that is a concern. It really isn't for me. I'm sure if you can keep your foot out of the 5.7, mileage is pretty similar. For me, I'm going to wait a couple years and see if they update the transmission, then probably go for a platinum.

 

[Toffees]

Luckily I don't live in the city, and my offices are located in easy to park areas. So, I don't have to worry about parking unless I relocate geographically. My biggest hang up is that sometimes in life we get things we really don't need, but want. The 4Runner is probably the more practical of the two as it is a six banger vs the 5.7. Although, it appears the 4Runner doesn't get great gas mileage either. As others have commented, the full time 4X4 of the Limited 4Runner would be handy in upstate NY. However, can't I just as easily select 4x4 on the Tundra and be ok? I am 6'1 and 230lbs, so I will say the 4Runner is fairly tight inside. I am not considering the Tacoma because of all the issues it seems to be having, and if I am going to get a truck, well I might as well get a TRUCK. Again, I don't have kids or a family (just a girlfriend), so a family hauler isn't part of the equation. I need a daily driver and luckily my company pays for most of my gas, so other than when I am using the vehicle leisurely, my gas is paid for. I really like both. But, as many have said, the Tundra is obviously more fun to drive simply because of the power and gear ratio. However, does that justify the purchase. I realize only I can decided this, and I do appreciate all of the input from everyone. It appears that most 4Runner owners would choose the Tundra based on what I have said?

Gas is a small matter in the grand scheme of things (for most American drivers, at least), but while the 4R isn't "great" mpg, it's significantly better--20% better--fuel economy than the Tundra. * **

*Granted, these are based on estimates and assumptions of your driving style, which may yield different results

**Most people read mpg as raw numbers, i.e. the 4R is 3mpg better than the Tundra (Toyota combined estimates), but 3mpg is a useless number for comparison.

 

[adoihcj]

The air bags were switched in late 2016 to the non-recall ones I believe. My 4runner was built in 11/16 and was not on the list.

I owned both the 16 Tundra Limited and the 16 4runner trail premium.

The power, ride quality, and fuel range on the Tundra are FAR superior. Entune on both is a joke. I sold my Tundra for the 4runner and it was a mistake. I was seriously disappointed with the 4runners lack of power. I previously had the 03 with the V8 and liked it a lot.

The downside to the Tundra is the fit and finish of the interior is not as good. Even the platinum. Feel the lack of cushion on the center console arm rest as compared to the 4runner as an example. Also, it is a bit bouncy on the freeway. Typical for a truck, but there are fixes for that. I also put the sway bar on the rear and that helped with the lean on curves.

Yes the Tundra is bigger, but turning radius is great! 4runner turning radius is a joke for its size. You'll get used to the size of the Tundra.

I was disappointed in the Tundra, but not nearly as disappointed as I was with the 4runner.

(removed comment to discourage thread hijack)

Agree with fogcity regarding fit & finish. I had two 5th gen 4Runners and traded my Limited in for a Sequoia because we needed more room. The build quality on the Sequoia doesn’t even come close to that of the 4R. Some of the plastics look like they were cut with a dull knife. Front windshield seal is not even. These minor things tend to bother me more than most people but wanted to share since you asked.

I’d say the biggest difference is what others mentioned—fuel consumption. The power of the iForce 5.7L V8 is amazing, but I can literally watch the fuel gauge drop while driving.

 

[SenseiDad]

I just recently - about 6 months now - bought my son a 2017 Tacoma off road and took over his 2015 4Runner trail. He wanted a pickup and I liked the 4runner. My other option was a new Tundra which is a great truck. Big, powerful truck with some great features.

In the end, I preferred the SUV set up not the separate bed. My son loves the Tacoma. Right size, good off road capability and built, well, like a Tacoma.

another vote for the 4runner. but you can't go wrong with either choice. Like others have said: it's all about what you use it for and more important, what you like.

 

[Toffees]

Agree with fogcity regarding fit & finish. I had two 5th gen 4Runners and traded my Limited in for a Sequoia because we needed more room. The build quality on the Sequoia doesn’t even come close to that of the 4R. Some of the plastics look like they were cut with a dull knife. Front windshield seal is not even. These minor things tend to bother me more than most people but wanted to share since you asked.

I’d say the biggest difference is what others mentioned—fuel consumption. The power of the iForce 5.7L V8 is amazing, but I can literally watch the fuel gauge drop while driving.

Surely part of that is the difference in factories and quality of build? We know the the 4R materials aren't Lexus-level, but the build quality is (literally) Lexus level. Not knocking the El Paso plant, but there's surely a quantifiable gulf in quality between the two plants.

 

[Trixx]

Agree with fogcity regarding fit & finish. I had two 5th gen 4Runners and traded my Limited in for a Sequoia because we needed more room. The build quality on the Sequoia doesn’t even come close to that of the 4R. Some of the plastics look like they were cut with a dull knife. Front windshield seal is not even. These minor things tend to bother me more than most people but wanted to share since you asked.

I’d say the biggest difference is what others mentioned—fuel consumption. The power of the iForce 5.7L V8 is amazing, but I can literally watch the fuel gauge drop while driving.

A big part of that is due to manufacturing location. The 4runner, Land Cruiser, Corolla IM, and maybe another? Are still manufactured in Japan. While all of Toyota uses their famed Lean manufacturing system, I think there’s still a separation between Mexico using the system and Japan using it, where it originated. Especially in regards to the culture of the plant/people. I’ve read books which have dived into the system, and also my dad is basically a Lean guru and uses their system for quality improvement in hospitals.

That being said - for me it went a long way learning that the 4runner was one of the few vehicles still built in Japan. The Tundra and Tacoma, are not.

Personally, I’d pick a Chevy or Ford truck over a Tundra.

 

[Ezlife45]

I was wondering what you mean by falls flat on its face at 75? Passing power? I have taken a couple long road trips and didn't notice anything bad about the drive, just curious what you have experienced.

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Sorry for the delayed response. What I meant by falling flat on it's face is if you try to accelerate from 65-75 versus 75-85 the runner shows a significant difference in the acceleration time. It's not very aerodynamic but it also doesn't have the torque and hp of the tundra. It's not a slouch, but it runs out of oomph at higher speeds.

 

[JizMachine]

I walked into a dealer to buy a tundra and left with a 4runner. Gas mileage + better build in my opinion. Grab a trailer with your savings from the tundra for the once in a blue moon you need to haul something.

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