4Runner vs Tacoma (Looking to buy)

[yellowdog]

I'm looking for a off-road worthy vehicle that will work as a daily driver too. I'm a photographer and need something to access back country and daily assignments in city. I have a Subaru Forester with a box on top and am completely packed, it has 68 cubic feet of cargo space. The 4Runner is a little bigger- I think around 88cf. I'd like something a little bigger but fuel efficiency or cost prevents this. I am wondering how the Tacoma with large cab, compares to the 4Runner in cargo area, comfort and other features? I'd put a cap on the Tacoma and a roof rack for a box. I will be camping, carrying my dog for outings and all camera equipment. Security is a concern with equipment, cameras would go inside but stands and other non-breakables would go in cab.

The next item is used or new? Since it will be used in off-roading I'm not hell-bent on a new one, but with what I see in resale value I'm super surprised and start thinking is a used one worth it unless I get something 7-10 years old.

Thanks for all the help in advance, the posts I have see here, everyone has been extremely helpful.

 

[MeefZah]

There's a lot of people here who are former or current Taco owners.

I am, had a 2001, 2004, and 2012 Taco. All X-cab SR5s, all 4cyl 4WD.

The general consensus on the Tacoma (and my opinion as well) is that it's a great vehicle if you need the bed space. If you don't need the bed space, the 4R is better in almost every way.

The quad cab Taco really doesn't have a lot of storage space(other than the bed, obviously), and the back seat is cramped for adult human use. If you only plan on having your dog along, then I guess that backseat area could be used for storage, but it's not ideal.

From an off road standpoint, I always thought the 4R was better - shorter wheelbase and more even weight distribution.

If you decide on a Taco, do your due diligence first, there are supposedly some unresolved issues on the new 3.5 engines and transmissions. For that reason alone you may be better served with a 2012+ used model.

 

[Yukon4Runner]

I agree.

We test drove a 2016 V6 Tacoma and the automatic shifting wasn't nearly as smooth as a 4Runner. Seems to over rev sometimes and can't find the right gear at other times. It's a known issue that's talked about a lot over at the tacomaworld forum; there's even a TSB about it. If you get a manual, that won't be an issue.

We checked it out as an alternative as it might be a better match for our needs in some respects but decided to stick with the 4Runner for our next purchase.

Our 3rd gen has served us great for 15 years; why change what's working?

 

[Dustin4185]

As the others have posted, it kind of depends on your needs. I have a taco, we just purchased our second 4Runner, and I have an '04 Chevy 2500HD. I drive the taco hunting, tent camping, pulling my small boat, etc. I have the 2500 for pulling big stuff. Our old 4Runner was great off road and on. My son and I would "borrow" it from the wife to go on multi day hunting trips in the backcountry. It always got us where we needed to go. The are a little heavier, but I think it helps with off road traction. The Taco has to be drove a lot in 4wd where we hunt because it will slip in the rear if we don't have some weight back there. I will be using it more since the new one won't be going off road anytime soon!

 

[wanderMT]

Guessing the 4R holds about 2 1/2 times as much as Tacoma in cab. If decide on Tacoma w/cap, I highly suggest the taller cap. Much easier on back and head climbing in and out and makes big difference on what you can haul.

I couldn't decide either - so I bought both - actually I bought a Suzuki Equator which is actually a Nissan Frontier. Having a bed is probably more versatile than a 4R but all that room under one roof is good too. If want to sleep in vehicle, I'd go with 4R. Think 4R may serve your purposes well but expect about 18mpg as daily drive.

 

[yellowdog]

Is a quad cab aka double cab? I am looking at the double cab/long bed model compared to the 4R.

There's a lot of people here who are former or current Taco owners.

I am, had a 2001, 2004, and 2012 Taco. All X-cab SR5s, all 4cyl 4WD.

The general consensus on the Tacoma (and my opinion as well) is that it's a great vehicle if you need the bed space. If you don't need the bed space, the 4R is better in almost every way.

The quad cab Taco really doesn't have a lot of storage space(other than the bed, obviously), and the back seat is cramped for adult human use. If you only plan on having your dog along, then I guess that backseat area could be used for storage, but it's not ideal.

From an off road standpoint, I always thought the 4R was better - shorter wheelbase and more even weight distribution.

If you decide on a Taco, do your due diligence first, there are supposedly some unresolved issues on the new 3.5 engines and transmissions. For that reason alone you may be better served with a 2012+ used model.

 

[Yukon4Runner]

This was the truck cap we were gonna go with from ARE if we went with the Tacoma. It's the MX series with walk-in door and would be great for getting our dogs in and out. The back also opens so you can access the whole truck bed if needed. It's pricey...with the options I wanted, I got an installed quote of $3160 for a regular bed.

If I was going to store pricey gear in a pick-up, I'd opt for something from http://www.truckvault.com/

.

 

[4runnin4mylife]

In my opinion I would go with the 4runner! Not only for the cargo space but I like my sensitive electronics that I sometimes carry around to be in a climate controlled environment. I know you will have the 4runner turned off if you are going out for pictures, etc. but it's something to think about if you have quite a bit of precious cargo you don't want getting too hot or cold on a trip depending on the time of year! Just a thought!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[jrm]

I was thinking the OP

In my opinion I would go with the 4runner! Not only for the cargo space but I like my sensitive electronics that I sometimes carry around to be in a climate controlled environment. I know you will have the 4runner turned off if you are going out for pictures, etc. but it's something to think about if you have quite a bit of precious cargo you don't want getting too hot or cold on a trip depending on the time of year! Just a thought!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

could always construct a steel drawer system that locked for the camera stuff.

 

[MeefZah]

Is a quad cab aka double cab? I am looking at the double cab/long bed model compared to the 4R.

Yes. Which also narrows down your options to either TRD Sport or base V6, since the TRD Off Road isn't offered in the double cab long bed. Not 100% but they may not have the manual as an option for the long bed. I'd have to look into that.

 

[yellowdog]

I have found a couple Tacoma forums- is there one you like better? There doesn't seem to be as strong of a forum as the one here.

I agree.

We test drove a 2016 V6 Tacoma and the automatic shifting wasn't nearly as smooth as a 4Runner. Seems to over rev sometimes and can't find the right gear at other times. It's a known issue that's talked about a lot over at the tacomaworld forum; there's even a TSB about it. If you get a manual, that won't be an issue.

We checked it out as an alternative as it might be a better match for our needs in some respects but decided to stick with the 4Runner for our next purchase.

Our 3rd gen has served us great for 15 years; why change what's working?

 

[MeefZah]

I have found a couple Tacoma forums- is there one you like better? There doesn't seem to be as strong of a forum as the one here.

tacomaworld.com

 

[Yukon4Runner]

^^^^^^^^

 

[yellowdog]

Not sure if I read your post correctly.... so my reply may be off. I do see that the Tacoma is available in the TRD Off Road DC/Long Bed. The two things I can't find are 1) the cargo area of the DC and what the fabric is in this model, cloth or their faux leather?

Yes. Which also narrows down your options to either TRD Sport or base V6, since the TRD Off Road isn't offered in the double cab long bed. Not 100% but they may not have the manual as an option for the long bed. I'd have to look into that.

 

[Yukon4Runner]

This has all the options listed. For TRD Off road, the access cab comes only with long bed and the double cab comes only in short bed.

http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/ebrochure/

 

[yellowdog]

tacomaworld.com

Thanks!

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

I was looking at Tacomas. Wanted one bad. Drooled at all the lifted trucks out there, but when I started digging, Toyota DOES NOT have a power seat option in any trim Tacoma. Makes all the difference in a daily driver. My T4R Limited is comfortable and can hold a good bit of cargo.

 

[Mass 4runner]

Another factor is reliability. I don't have any hard data on this, but it is my understanding that the 4runner has typically had better QC than the Tacoma.

 

[adschreifels]

for me the 4runner is the obvious choice because my wife and I are having a child soon, and we also have a dog. you can basically go anywhere, and carry whatever you need with the 4runner, as well as being able to keep an eye on the pup.

 

[Victor_inox]

It would be considered a heresy on this boards but I`d recommend looking at Honda Ridgeline. a lot or useful cargo space, it has only in class bed trunk and easy foldable back seat. Or you can get a bed cover or camper cap for even more secured storage, 4runner is horrible in storage department.