4runner or tacoma
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zw470
New member
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 :cheers:
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 :cheers:
mtnbiker49
New member
Tacoma=crap for the money.
Tundra=great pickup.
I think your decision should be tundra or 4runner.
Tundra=great pickup.
I think your decision should be tundra or 4runner.
4Reak Show
New member
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.
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.
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
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
New member
One is a truck
One is an suv
Hope this helps
One is an suv
Hope this helps
2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
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.
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.
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
New member
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.
Go buy the 4Runner or a Tundra. After owning the Tacoma, I wouldn't buy another one.
plasticsnaks
New member
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....
ElZilcho
New member
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!
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!
LandCruiser
New member
The Taco is horribly overpriced for something with leafs and drums.
And even after the "fixed" the V6 and transmission, it still feels gutless.
Also the seating position is carlike, not upright like the 4Runner--for some inexplicable reason.
And even after the "fixed" the V6 and transmission, it still feels gutless.
Also the seating position is carlike, not upright like the 4Runner--for some inexplicable reason.
I’m always up for a 4Runner/Tacoma debate. I was set on a new Tacoma. Once I decided I didn’t “need” a truck, it only took one drive to understand how much more solid and smooth the 4Runner felt compared to the Tacoma. I definitely think there’s something to the Japanese built quality. Fully boxed frame throughout. Well-tested and reliable engine/transmission combo that just feels much more robust than the Taco. It also fits better in my garage due to length. Taco would have been a tight squeeze every time.
thevanillagorilla
New member
4Runner all the way unless you truly need a pickup and will use the bed. I had two Tacomas before going to my 4Runner. I've never regretted getting rid of my Tacomas for a single second. The 4Runner is significantly more comfortable, spacious, and "refined," for lack of a better word.
I'd argue, that almost anything you would carry in the bed of a Tacoma, you can carry in a 4Runner as long as height isn't the limiting factor. This past summer, I had 55 rolls of sod in mine.
If you want to move people around on/off-road in a more comfortable environment, then 4Runner.
If you want to move "things" around on/off-road in a cramped, somewhat overpriced and under powered vehicle that rides like a cement truck, then Tacoma.
I'd argue, that almost anything you would carry in the bed of a Tacoma, you can carry in a 4Runner as long as height isn't the limiting factor. This past summer, I had 55 rolls of sod in mine.
If you want to move people around on/off-road in a more comfortable environment, then 4Runner.
If you want to move "things" around on/off-road in a cramped, somewhat overpriced and under powered vehicle that rides like a cement truck, then Tacoma.
Jemplyr77
Member
Another Taco to 4Runner transplant here. After years of driving company trucks, I needed to purchase a vehicle when I transitioned into another position that did not provide a company car. I had loved the “look” of the 4Runner for years and had been interested in them but couldn’t justify the price for limited use and getting to and from the airport so I purchased a used 2015 TRD Sport Taco for a good price. Liked the Taco fine and it was a nice truck but one day happened to be perusing CarGurus and stumbled across a Certified 2016 Limited with 16K about 8 hours away for what I thought was a fantastic price and mentioned it to my wife. Couple days later she asked if I really liked the 4Runner and if so, call and inquire. After several calls back and forth and I was the proud owner. Took a two day road trip and brought her home. The Taco was fine but the fit and finish of the Runner is a night and day improvement in my opinion. No Regerts!
