Mass 4runner
New member
4runner all the way. Better quality, better drivability, usable back seat. If you want a truck get a Tundra or an F150.
4runner or tacoma
- Thread starter Jbellah
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4Runner911
New member
All of this information is great, but useless to OP. Go drive and crawl all over them both, it will tell you everything you need to know about which you prefer.
I personally drove the Taco 3 times over the span of about a year, and was disgusted at the price they are charging for what felt like unrefined, underpowered dog. Drove the Frontier, and then got into a 4runner. Took all of about 3 seconds to decide I was at home. Purchased a 2018 TRDORP and could not be happier.
FWIW, I hate push button start and excessive tech, doesn't seem like something that would stand up to years and years of use without problems. I like pulling out my key and starting my 4R and hearing it roar.
I personally drove the Taco 3 times over the span of about a year, and was disgusted at the price they are charging for what felt like unrefined, underpowered dog. Drove the Frontier, and then got into a 4runner. Took all of about 3 seconds to decide I was at home. Purchased a 2018 TRDORP and could not be happier.
FWIW, I hate push button start and excessive tech, doesn't seem like something that would stand up to years and years of use without problems. I like pulling out my key and starting my 4R and hearing it roar.
YelloLab
Member
I purchased a 2018 Tacoma sport 4x4 loaded. Had it two weeks returned it for a 4Runner ORP. The new Tacoma was the most uncomfortable truck. I was in pain after driving 30 minutes. Did not like the new Atkins motor constantly hunting and shifting. I recommend either a 4runner or Tundra. Previous experience with Toyota truck was a 2012 Tacoma Sport 4x4, as a second car and liked it. Hope this helps. FYI... I love my 4Runner ORP which replaced a full size Range Rover Supercharged.
IndyFastlane
New member
I recently traded a 17 Tacoma trd sport in on a new 18 4runner. I drove the truck for nearly two years. It was completely capable and I really liked most things about it.....the drivetrain was not one of those things. Even after purchasing a tune for the truck (OVtune....which helped immensely), I just didn’t enjoy the driving experience. The “last straw” was a road trip we took to NC.....8 hours on hilly interstates helped me make up my mind to trade. Any noteable incline in the road made the truck downshift.....wind or rain on the road made it worse. Even with the tune, the impression that you got was that you were fighting to maintain speed on the highway all the time. As I said, the tune helped it 100%, but it still wasn’t acceptable for me.....sucked all the joy out of driving for me. OVtune has a new tune under development that’s supposed to fix the remaining issues, but I wouldn’t rely on that promise to purchase a truck now.
It’s too bad......I would have kept the truck long term had it driven more “normally”. After getting in and driving the 4runner, though, it’s clear that it’s definitely in another category of quality......more power, quiet, comfy.....and for not that much more money. The Tacoma is definitely overpriced in comparison.
I’ve owned two Tacoma’s, a 2005 SR5 and a 2014 Baja TX (a Pro a year prior to being released as a Pro). Both were double cabs. I had a supercharger on the 2014 and it was amazing. The 05 was a great truck and I had a camper top on it. I rarely used the bed for truck stuff. The 14 had a tonneau cover but the bed, again, was rarely used for truck stuff. Both trucks would go over whatever was in front of them just like the 4Runner. The comfort in the 4Runner was so much better. Not only for the driver but the passengers as well. Especially the rear seat passengers.
I would not own a newer, 3rd Gen. Tacoma. They are nice looking but lack the get up and go of the 2nd Gen. Until the transmission is better synced, it’ll be useless for me.
I currently own a SR5 4x4 4Runner with the third row. The ride is so much better in the 4Runner too. If you have the need to consistently use the bed, get a truck, just not the newer Tacoma’s. Otherwise the 4Runner is the better choice in my opinion.
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I would not own a newer, 3rd Gen. Tacoma. They are nice looking but lack the get up and go of the 2nd Gen. Until the transmission is better synced, it’ll be useless for me.
I currently own a SR5 4x4 4Runner with the third row. The ride is so much better in the 4Runner too. If you have the need to consistently use the bed, get a truck, just not the newer Tacoma’s. Otherwise the 4Runner is the better choice in my opinion.
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Jimbo
New member
Tossing in my 2 bits.
I bought a new 2018 Tacoma TRD Offroad this summer. After 1 month, I traded in for a new 2018 4Runner Limited.
In addition to what others have said about the Taco's engine, transmission, and seating, what really bugged me about it was the lack of traction. Any Taco that isn't 2wd is part-time 4x4. There is no full-time 4WD option.
When turning onto a road from a stop, the traction in the Taco is bad on dry pavement and horrendous on wet pavement. The back won't fishtail, but the power will be retarded to avoid wheel spin. This results in you pulling out and just sitting there while the truck tries to figure out which wheel has grip. This happened quite a few times.
And because all the 4x4 modes lock the center differential, you can't drive on wet pavement in any mode but two wheel drive.
This was the biggest reason I switched to an AWD 4Runner Limited. If Toyota hadn't offered the Limited, and only 4x4 4Runners, I'd be driving a Land Rover.
I bought a new 2018 Tacoma TRD Offroad this summer. After 1 month, I traded in for a new 2018 4Runner Limited.
In addition to what others have said about the Taco's engine, transmission, and seating, what really bugged me about it was the lack of traction. Any Taco that isn't 2wd is part-time 4x4. There is no full-time 4WD option.
When turning onto a road from a stop, the traction in the Taco is bad on dry pavement and horrendous on wet pavement. The back won't fishtail, but the power will be retarded to avoid wheel spin. This results in you pulling out and just sitting there while the truck tries to figure out which wheel has grip. This happened quite a few times.
And because all the 4x4 modes lock the center differential, you can't drive on wet pavement in any mode but two wheel drive.
This was the biggest reason I switched to an AWD 4Runner Limited. If Toyota hadn't offered the Limited, and only 4x4 4Runners, I'd be driving a Land Rover.
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I had a 2nd gen Tacoma trdor quad cab pre-runner. It was a good truck, but even a locking diff only helps so much with an empty bed. It got totaled when a kid rear ended me, hit the hitch and bent the frame.
We picked up a lightly used '11 Trail Edition 4runner, and it's a great truck. I put a baja designs utility rack on it and now I have a 7' flat platform that hauls a lot of things better than the 6' Tacoma bed did!
We had an 06 limited before that, and I'm still on the fence about which I like more. The limited was more comfortable and roomy. Given the vast price difference, I'd probably go with a 4th gen, upgrade it, and still be 20 grand ahead of a 5th gen.
We picked up a lightly used '11 Trail Edition 4runner, and it's a great truck. I put a baja designs utility rack on it and now I have a 7' flat platform that hauls a lot of things better than the 6' Tacoma bed did!
We had an 06 limited before that, and I'm still on the fence about which I like more. The limited was more comfortable and roomy. Given the vast price difference, I'd probably go with a 4th gen, upgrade it, and still be 20 grand ahead of a 5th gen.
Same experience as everyone else. Was going to get into a 3rd gen tacoma but after driving it, opted for 4runner. The new tacoma felt like driving a 90's honda civic where you have to rev the engine to get anywhere. The transmission was also all over the place but I think they fixed it with a software update supposedly. I do wish the 4runner would get all the upgraded tech the Tacoma has though. Also the Tacoma is made in either Texas or Mexico.
vondy21
New member
Same story with me. Drove a 2016 Taco TRD OR for a year and traded for the 4Runner. Just couldn't take the engine/trans of the Taco. Not to mention there was no room in it or the bed for such a long truck. Unless you really need a slightly smaller truck for off road, a full size truck makes more sense. Especially for the price these days.
The 4Runner is way more comfortable, spacious and fits in the garage better. If you have kids, it's a no brainer. 4Runner or full size if you need a pickup.
The 4Runner is way more comfortable, spacious and fits in the garage better. If you have kids, it's a no brainer. 4Runner or full size if you need a pickup.
donlapalma
New member
I'll echo some comments made here. Back in 2015, I was faced with the same decision. I never owned a truck or an SUV before so didn't have first-hand knowledge of the benefits or drawbacks of either. Ultimately, I just liked driving the 4runner more and didn't foresee a need for a truck (and its bed) just based on what I do for work or pleasure. I don't regret the decision one bit. 4runner all day every day - unless my NEED for a vehicle with a truck bed surfaces then I would consider a full-size truck.
I’m very happy with my ‘17 4Runner and I really dig the looks of the 3rd gen Tacoma TRD Off Road. While I haven’t driven one, I agree that anything that is searching for gears as much as the 3rd gen automatics seem to, would make me hate it. I frequently drive my 4Runner in manual mode with it locked in 4th gear when traffic is bad. I hate that we are all moving to transmissions with 6-9 gears; it’s just too much shifting and searching for me.
I have considered test driving the manual transmission because those owners seem to have much higher opinions than the owners with the automatic. You’ll love a 4Runner, very comfortable, proven, solid, and God Bless that rear window being lowered!!! But before you give up on the Tacoma, try the manual transmission. If it weren’t for D.C. traffic, I’d give it a try.
Side note, while getting my service yesterday, a salesman caught me looking at new Taco’s. I mentioned not liking the changes they made to the drivetrain though. He straight up told me they don’t have the guts that’s my 4.0 and automatic 5spd has. After I picked up my jaw from the shock of his honesty, I thanked him for his rare sales approach and finished my free coffee.
Good luck in your decision, listen to those on here that have both.
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I have considered test driving the manual transmission because those owners seem to have much higher opinions than the owners with the automatic. You’ll love a 4Runner, very comfortable, proven, solid, and God Bless that rear window being lowered!!! But before you give up on the Tacoma, try the manual transmission. If it weren’t for D.C. traffic, I’d give it a try.
Side note, while getting my service yesterday, a salesman caught me looking at new Taco’s. I mentioned not liking the changes they made to the drivetrain though. He straight up told me they don’t have the guts that’s my 4.0 and automatic 5spd has. After I picked up my jaw from the shock of his honesty, I thanked him for his rare sales approach and finished my free coffee.
Good luck in your decision, listen to those on here that have both.
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Toffees
Member
I was thinking long and hard about trading in my prior vehicle for a Tacoma (having previously owned a 2 door Tacoma), but ended up needing more seat belts than it can offer. I've been more than happy with my 4Runner. Many don't like the new powertrain/transmission on the recent Tacomas, so you may want to look hard at an older model also.
If any of this has been useful for you, good luck.
*If you plan on towing, skip both and buy a Tundra. I don't like vehicles that big, and will stay away if I can, but it's your better option for medium to heavy duty workloads
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Toffees
Member
2 mpg difference is huge!
thennen
New member
Question for those who know. 2019 Tacoma 3.5 produces 278hp @ 6000RPM and 265 lbs/ft of torque @ 4600RPM. For the 2019 4Runner 4.0 it's 270hp @ 5600 and 278 lbs/ft @ 4400. Those numbers are kind of similar (the 4Runner's peaks arrive a little earlier), and with the Taco being a few hundred pounds lighter, I would think it would be a wash. But most everyone says the Tacoma is slow. I've never driven a Tacoma - is the auto transmission that bad of a fit for the engine? Or maybe a combination of that plus having to wait a few hundred more RPMs for the peak power to arrive? Just curious. Thanks.
Toffees
Member
I've never driven the new Taco, but from what I've read here, the Taco is terrible at low RPM (normal driving range) despite the similarity in top end numbers like you're showing here
IndyFastlane
New member
I think it’s a combination of things....not just engine specs. The Tacoma’s throttle programming is very strange.....it’s “foot to the floor” to make the truck move most of the time. Same when you are cruising on the highway....there’s a sensation that the truck is constantly fighting you to maintain speed or accelerate. The other issue is the gearing....the auto’s 5th gear is an overdrive gear.....6th gear is an even taller overdrive gear. The truck’s stock program tries to keep you in the tallest gear possible at all times......so there’s constant shifting and lugging.
I’ll also add that when looking at engine specs, things reported on paper don’t always tell the whole story. Peak hp numbers are only that....peak. If you compared the torque down at 1500-2000 rpm, I think that would be more telling. The 4runner has torque down quite a bit lower than the Tacoma. Under about 2500 rpm, the Tacoma is gutless.....now if you wind it up, the Tacoma will move!
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sarcoid
New member
I bought a new 2005 Tacoma and had it for for 11 yrs and 236,000 miles. Loved that truck but when it gave me some running issues (and was rusting out underneath pretty bad) I got offered 6k to trade it in. So I got a Rav4 temporarily and hated every minute of it. Traded that in on a 2015 4Runner about a month ago and love it. Not as good on gas mileage as the Tacoma but worth the sacrifice. I got 2 kids so a truck would no longer work for me.
I did not find that Tacoma to be under powered or slow at all. I pulled my share of trailers carrying motorcycles or backhoes, tractors. Loaded it up with gravel, dirt, mulch, concrete. It did everything I asked without issue. I did have to put heavy duty shocks in the rear but that was it.
I did not find that Tacoma to be under powered or slow at all. I pulled my share of trailers carrying motorcycles or backhoes, tractors. Loaded it up with gravel, dirt, mulch, concrete. It did everything I asked without issue. I did have to put heavy duty shocks in the rear but that was it.
PRBond
New member
The last new car I bought was my '04 Tacoma Extra Cab TRD PreRunner. I did a few small mods like adding a 3" ToyTec suspension kit, slightly bigger tires, a utility bed bar, and a Uniden 510 CB for off road. I still own it, I'm the only one who has ever driven it and all 196,000 miles it has came from me.
When my daughter got too big to fit comfortably in the extra cab, I couldn't bring myself to get rid of my Tacoma, so I bought a '99 4Runner. That was the best purchase I ever made. My family and I love the 4Runner. I've driven it to 3 of the 4 corners of the country. (Including Florida twice for Disney World)
My point is don't go spending $35,000+ on a new one, when you can have 2 very nice trucks for that price.
When my daughter got too big to fit comfortably in the extra cab, I couldn't bring myself to get rid of my Tacoma, so I bought a '99 4Runner. That was the best purchase I ever made. My family and I love the 4Runner. I've driven it to 3 of the 4 corners of the country. (Including Florida twice for Disney World)
My point is don't go spending $35,000+ on a new one, when you can have 2 very nice trucks for that price.
Thrasher_S
New member
This makes me wonder... If the Tacoma is terrible in the "normal driving range" of RPM, then maybe drivers need to adjust their expectations of what the "normal" range should be?
I spend quite a bit of time in the motorcycle world and I see similar complaints fairly often.
Examples:
Harley Guy: This Ducati twin is terrible at low RPM, it lugs badly below 3000! (Harleys build power down low below 4500rpm, Ducatis have all thier power in the midrange 4k-8k ish.).
Ducati Guy: These Japanese inline 4 cylinders are gutless unless you rev the piss out of them! (I4 motors build power above the typical Ducati redline, 8k-14k+).
Smaller pistons have to move faster to build power. However, since they are smaller/lighter it isn't as hard on the moving parts, so higher revs aren't harder on the motor. I say let it rev!
