4runner Trail vs Tacoma

R

rocklighting

New member
Hey everyone,

Long time lurker, 2nd time poster. First off this forum is great for research, you guys rock and know your stuff. 2nd, I'm looking at either purchasing a 2012 4runner Trail or Tacoma. Is anyone here a driver of both who would be able to help with insight.

I love the 4runner trail, but just a few things put me off to it.

Low towing rating for how the truck is built
A bit pricey


Like the Tacoma for the ability to haul when needed, more towing capacity,
but lacks multidisplay information systems (mpg etc), moon roof, and security of cargo space.

Does anyone know how the resale value of the Tacoma ranges compared to the 4runner, which rocks?

Thanks.
 
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No, I don't own a TE nor did I come from a Tacoma. I came from a Honda Ridgeline to an SR5. That said, I think your question, in a broad sense, is "What is better for me? A truck or an SUV?" You basically asked the questions in your post like, towing, sun roof, cargo space, etc, that only after you evaluate your use for a vehicle can you answer. I personally like the 4Runner's size because it can haul everything I need securely. I have a small trailer when needed to haul bulky stuff. Resale value of 4Runners is extremely good, just like Tacomas. In the end only you can decide what is better for you.
 
I love them both

I don't have a TE, but I had 2005 Tacoma extended cab prerunner before my 4r. The Tacoma was an awesome truck. I sold it because a)I have a new baby and need room b) I need 4WD for my job

I had the truck for 107k miles. It never let me down and I worked it pretty hard. It drove much better than the 4runner (though the TE w/ KDSS is supposed to handle better than my SR5). The 4runner is much quieter and more refined. As far as cargo...both have their adavantages. I have to say the 4runner does a pretty good job hauling with the seats down, but not like the Taco. Both get about the same MPG give or take.

As far a resale goes, they're both great; I wouldn't let that make your decision for you. As an example: my truck had a pretty good dent in the front quarter panel and rear bumper. The tailgate also caught a bit from the bumper being bent. It also had bald tires in back. I bought the truck for $22k in 2005. I still got $11,500 trade for it. Not bad!

I also have to mention the truck ran perfectly and didn't have even a slight rattle in the interior (leaf springs did squeak a little with the windows down). I can't say enough good things about the Tacoma. I converted from owning two Fords previously (93 explorer and 99 Ranger 4x4) and there's not comparison in longevity. I'm a Toyota guy for life.

Just ask yourself honestly, what suits your needs best? Which would you be happiest with long-term?....an important question because Toyotas last so long.

Good luck! :thumb3:
 
I was in a similar situation looking at both the Tacoma TRD Offroad and the 4R TE. What it came down to for me is that I needed secure storage for my fly fishing gear and was told that even with a tonneau or topper there were no guarantees of a pickup's box being weatherproof. A lot of people also mentioned the need to put weight in the box of the Tacoma in the winter to keep it from kicking out, while an SUV already has weight over the rear wheels.

If you don't need the open box of the pickup to haul things or the extra towing capacity, then the SUV is probably the way to go. Otherwise, between the 4Runner and Tacoma they're both very capable, durable, and well made vehicles. Remember that the 4Runner started life as a Toyota Truck with a couple extra seats and a topper.
 
a deciding factor for me would also be japanese built... I don't even know if you can get a J vin tacoma anymore in the states, but all 4 runners are still assembled in japan. Toyota has shown consistently that their j built vehicles are rock solid while the american built vehicles are not. With most of their models you can go to a dealer and find a J vin number, but I don't think that's true anymore with their trucks...

Not saying that the Taco is bad necessarily but I'd contend their quality has gone down considerably since their started american assembly - their resale is off the charts though, you will often find low miles loaded up tacomas selling for thousands more than a loaded up tundra with the same miles.
 
When I did my research, the price for a 4wd TRD double cab wasn't that great compared to the Trail. Especially if I added a good quality tonneau cover or ?. For the type of stuff I haul I can fit more in my 4R without special packing.
I do miss being able to load my motorcycles but I don't miss being asked to help friends move.
 
It's already been said but which one works best for you? Never drove a Taco but did drive pickups forever. It reached the point where an SUV worked better for me for inside storage and weight distribution. First T4R was an '06. I've got a utility trailer for when I do need to haul the 4Wheeler or lawn mowers and the new 4R handles that fine.
 
Exterior: Toss up. The TE looks great and the new Taco w/ TRD package looks great. I might give the slight nudge to the 4Runner in the fact that we are only just hitting the 3rd model year of this generation where the Taco is on the 7th, I think. That might impact resale value, but the 1st gen Tacos go for crazy money, so who knows. The Taco is physically narrower and shorter (height) while longer (depending on configuration).

Interior: The Taco is snug, even for my 5'8" 150lb frame compared to the 4Runner. Unless you get the double cab, the back seats are absolutely no contest. My brother has ridden for 3 hrs in the back of my dad's access cab and he was hurting. The '12 Taco gets the same great steering wheel as the 4Runner, so no difference there. Both will be available with Entune. The Tacoma has an available washout floor instead of carpet. Not sure if that is available w/ the TRD package, though. I personally like the cloth seats in both the Taco and TE, but give the slight nudge to the shape of the Taco TRD. I can't comment on the materials of the '12 Taco, but the 4Runner is hit and miss. I like the door panels, arm rest, upper IP, etc. The lower IP plastic gouges easily and the painted parts on the door cards and console scratch easily if you wear a metal watch... like I do. Doh. I do, though, give the 4Runner the advantage thanks to being a cavern when the 2nd row seats are down. That is probably my personal bias toward a covered area instead of a truck bed, though.

Powertrain: Updated 1GR gets great gas mileage and pulls great in the mid and upper range. Lots of power when you put your foot into it. I get around 22mpg on average. The old 1GR w/ 6MT does feel a lot livelier, though, thanks to a more responsive throttle and the manual shift. My dad barely gets 20mpg in similar driving. Does a 10% difference in gas mileage mean anything to you? If not, I prefer the 6MT in the Taco over the 5AT in the 4Runner.

Ride: I prefer the shorter wheelbase and more even front to back weight bias of the 4Runner.

Utility: Hard to argue with the Tacoma and a topper. I'm careful not to damage the interior of my 4Runner when tossing bikes and building materials in the back and do sometimes wish that I had a bed. Also, the higher towing capacity of the Tacoma gives it a little bit of an advantage.

Personally, I wanted off-road capability with a family friendly interior. The 4Runner is a better choice for that. Just you and mountain bikes? Taco wins.

Drive both. The answer might be super obvious after a test drive. :)
 
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I was deciding between Tacoma and 4Runner too and finally went for 4Runner. So far I was able to carry in the trunk new bathtub, standard pre-hunged interior doors, lots of 2x4x8 and various smaller stuff. Not as convenient as 6' Tacoma bed, but OK. So it really depends on how you are going to use truck most of the time.
 
I've just been through this whole debate - for me the Taco makes more sense - we run a small farm so a lot of hauling etc. The Taco will probably edge the 4Runner on resale based on my research but not by much - there is still a good market for a truck that can haul stuff from Home Depot etc - the 4Runner in contrast is something of a niche vehicle so the market is a bit smaller for it.

The 4Runner has hands down the better interior and toys - eg Taco does not have an options for heated mirrors, low washer fluid indicator (both pretty important if you live through harsh winters).

That said, the drive is not that different - the Taco handled similar to my 4th Gen on the test drive - I will say the Taco braking was better and after 7 years of seizing calipers I am happy to go to rear drums if I still get that kind of braking power.

If you want comparable features you need to go to a Tundra -very different drive and the blind spots on it are huge - I backed away quickly after the test drive.

The one downside of the Taco as others have said is it is not as well sound proofed - the engine and wind noise in particular are more intrusive but that is the price you pay for the utility of the bed I guess.

If I did not need the bed I would probably have gone with a 4Runner but it would have had to be the base model to match what I paid for a TRD Sport with Leather (yes you can get Leather on a Taco in Canada!) - they are not dealing on them as well as they are on the Tacoma's out where I am and there are really no incentives to speak of presumably because inventories are not too high after the Tsunami.

Just bear in mind you drive it every day - if you pick something primarily because of resale value or purchase price that wont make you feel much better on that daily commute...
 
zmw said:
a deciding factor for me would also be japanese built... I don't even know if you can get a J vin tacoma anymore in the states, but all 4 runners are still assembled in japan. Toyota has shown consistently that their j built vehicles are rock solid while the american built vehicles are not. With most of their models you can go to a dealer and find a J vin number, but I don't think that's true anymore with their trucks...

Not saying that the Taco is bad necessarily but I'd contend their quality has gone down considerably since their started american assembly - their resale is off the charts though, you will often find low miles loaded up tacomas selling for thousands more than a loaded up tundra with the same miles.
Click to expand...

Do you have data to back this up? I agree quality has dropped recently, but that's across the board...including 4runners. I think it's a matter of cost-control, not where it was made.
 
I went from a Tacoma to a 4R in 2007 and then upgraded to another 4R in 2010 and I have to say I'm still torn. If I could only have one, for me, it's be the 4R because I'm old and soft and love all the bells and whistles. That said, I still miss my Taco. It was by far the best truck I've owned. Never let me down, never got stuck and the trade in was awesome. I'm actually thinking next year when the 4R is paid for, I may try to pick up a used Taco (I'm sure my wife will be thrilled with that). Like others have said, it's more about what your needs are, but you really can't go wrong either way.
 
Thanks, you guys have been great with the insight. Its going to be a tough decision, but I dont get back from my business trip from Europe for another 2 months; so atleast there is plenty of time to go back and forth :redbrick:.

I would like to do the mod bjowet was talking about in another tread, adding a Torisen AWD trans case to either rides. The Tacoma would seem more practical but the 4runner is very sexy.
 
I went back and forth between the two as well. I noticed that you specified the TE. Do you intend to do a lot of off-roading? The big advantage the 4runner has over the tacoma, the double cab at least, is the shorter wheelbase. Helps alot with breakover angles and such.

One other thing that I personally took into consideration is the age of the model. The 4runner is still relatively new, and the tacoma is due for an update. I bought the TE, but when they redesign the tacoma i might look at switching...I'd like to think that the 4runner will hold its value better in a few years when its still a current model and there is a new tacoma....
 
I just like the look and feel of the trail than the Sr5. More whistles and gadgets really. Ive never offroaded other than to the campsite. As a beginner, I probably wouldn't risk looking like an idoit and more importantly damaging a 30,000 something dollar truck. I test drove an Sr5 brand new and found the handling to be lacking a bit in responsiveness. Then test drove a Trail, non KDSS with 20,000 miles on it, and the ride seemed much better. I guess its that break-in effect. I have not test drove the Tacoma yet. I'm in love with the 4runner but the Tacoma might be taking my heart.

The only thing keeping me from the 4runner is the lower towing rating and the Tacoma has a utility bed. Not that I haul too much, but coming from an 06 Corolla and a 97 Camry before that I'd like to have the flexibility of utility.

Mods for 4Runner:
Weather Tech floorliners
Rear camera switch while driving
New AWD transfer case
Rear Air bags
Tire pressure monitor system showing actual tire psi

Mods for Tacoma:
Weather Tech floorliners
Rear camera switch while driving
New AWD transfer case
Topper
Moonroof
Aftermarket multi display (mpg, etc)
Tire pressure monitor system showing actual PSI
 
I own a 2009 Double Cab TRD Sport Taco and a 2011 4Runner Limited - love them both, but the 4runner wins out in my opinion. Tacoma is a bit small, for driver and in the rear. Its also a pretty basic truck, whereas the 4runner seems quite a bit fancier in my opinion. MPG is pretty similar in both. What are you driving now? Can't really go wrong either way.
 
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I looked at both, and here's why I went with the 4Runner:

1. Ride quality. The TRD Off Road Taco has an extremely harsh ride, on-road or off. The regular suspension is better, but not great. The suspension has its place (off-road), but how much are you really going to use it there compared to on pavement? I damn near blew out my back and lost my fillings on the test drive! I did not drive a TE (good luck finding one), but the SR5 4Runner was much more comfortable than any Taco. The ride is a little mushy, but some Bilstiens will fix that right up.

2. Body construction. The Taco is built on the same formula as every other Toyota compact pickup before it: Bullet proof drivetrain, decent interior, and body panels made of tinfoil. I felt like I was going to break the doors just closing them. The 4 Runner seemed like it was a lot more solid. As much as I hate to say it, I have to echo the sentiments of some previous posters regarding the Japanese build quality. My previous truck was an American-built Tundra, and the fit and finish (especially the interior) was sub-par for a Toyota.

3. Overall utility. If you really need an open truck bed, you can't beat a pickup. However, if you have kids, pets, or other valuable cargo that needs climate control and better safety, you can't beat an SUV. The 4Runner, with a few tweaks, can handle almost as much off-road abuse as the Taco, while keeping your cargo safer. Overall, the Taco just seemed crude to me compared to the 4Runner. The engine and performance are pretty much the same, so I'll call that one a draw (unless you absolutely want a manual transmission). My 2 cents-hope it helps!
 
harper7 said:
Toyota just released the info and unveiled the new "Limited Edition" Tacos today at the State Fair. Toyota USA Newsroom | Toyota Unveils Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Limited Edition Pickup at 2011 Texas State Fair
Click to expand...

Looks great!! I only wish that Toyota would somehow upgrade the rear drum brakes......and maybe add some frame enhancements. That Baja package will probably push the Tacoma in the high $30k range...yet, it is still equipped with drum brakes and only 1/3 of the frame is boxed. We have seen what happened to the Ford Raptor with severe off-roading...i can only imagine how the Tacoma would crumple with the same exercise!
 
I test drove both when I was buying. Both are great choices but its really apples and oranges like others have said. Your decision is based on needs and space. I like the drive of the Taco more then the 4R but the Taco is smaller inside and you do feel cramped some. 4r with a trailer is the best of both worlds. The price difference from my TE vs a double cab 4wd Taco was about 6k. I bought the TE because I have 2 kids. I think I will like the driving of the 4R once I get rid of my tires and replace the shocks. I think the Taco has better resale value. I came from a Honda Ridgeline. Drove that for almost 5 years and only lost 4k on it....talk about good resale value.
 
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