4Runner vs Tacoma (Looking to buy)
- Thread starter yellowdog
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03v8raleigh
New member
I second this. Although everyone seems to talk shit about the looks of them, they are awesome daily driver / road trip trucks. Lots of storage and versatility and drive like a sedan. I almost bought one instead of my 4runner. I basically think of them as a cheaper and more comfortable Tacoma (due to the equal Honda reliability). If you don't ever need to do real offroading / rock crawling then they are a good option. For anything more serious, they aren't the best but 99% of the time they will get you where you need to go.
If they had a low range gear for crawling, they'd be perfect.
stphnman20
Member
I have a 2014 Tacoma. Coming over from Tacomaworld also. I'm planning on trading my Taco for a 4runner. Like what everyone said, theres not much room in the back for anything. Another reason why i'm trading it in is because my current Tacoma is a 4x2. Want a 4wd. The new Taco is out of the question now because of all the issues people are having.
Victor_inox
New member
I owned one for 4 years, absolutely loved it. not a single problem. after accident traded it in for 4runner to wait for second generation. Now it`s out and so far people loving it. It looks more like traditional truck.
As of offroading it`s pretty capable if you know what you doing.
Life Ridge in Russia - Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums
Just went over to look at the Ridgeline... no 4x4... What!? How can they not offer 4WD?
Here is configuration off Toyota's website:
Attachments
I had a 2014 Tacoma doublecab short bed off-road. It was a nice truck! Actually a damn good truck. But being tall and not having a height adjustable seat in the end was one of the deciding factors in selling it. Also I didn't really need the bed more than a couple times a year. The 4Runner was better for me in almost every way. And if I need to haul I just fold the seats completely flat and roll down the rear windshield in the 4R.
Not so much a factor now with the redesigned 2016 Tacoma's but a 2014 vs a 2016 4R there was no contest the 4R was a much better place to be in, more comfort, better DD for sure. I did eventually get a canopy but it still didn't rival having it all part of the same vehicle.
So as many others have said it really comes down to:
1) what suits your needs
2) what you like better
Since we all like pictures, some of my old 2014 taco:
Not so much a factor now with the redesigned 2016 Tacoma's but a 2014 vs a 2016 4R there was no contest the 4R was a much better place to be in, more comfort, better DD for sure. I did eventually get a canopy but it still didn't rival having it all part of the same vehicle.
So as many others have said it really comes down to:
1) what suits your needs
2) what you like better
Since we all like pictures, some of my old 2014 taco:
Thanks for the reply and the photos. The Tacoma would be better as I play it out in my mind w/ a DC and 6' bed for the amount of equipment and gear I want to haul on a regular basis, and sleeping in the back during road trips for short breaks.
The general consensus is the 4R is a better 4WD but that may only be a slight advantage after watching some other owners and their 4WD adventures in their trucks, but the QC seems to really be a sticking point.
There are a few things that you mention, adjustable seat is one... I don't care for the short sightline that all the trucks now seem to have. I have a '94 Dodge Dakota and if it weren't a complete piece of crap- from the paint peeling, engine replacement, and other mechanical failures early in it's life I like the way it rides and its size. And its 4WD capability is awesome... never got stuck where other trucks twice its size did in snow. But the cab was always too small.
All of the posts that have come through have helped me slowly piece this together. I don't have a final decision yet- but again all of this helps.
Thanks for the time and input from everyone here.
The general consensus is the 4R is a better 4WD but that may only be a slight advantage after watching some other owners and their 4WD adventures in their trucks, but the QC seems to really be a sticking point.
There are a few things that you mention, adjustable seat is one... I don't care for the short sightline that all the trucks now seem to have. I have a '94 Dodge Dakota and if it weren't a complete piece of crap- from the paint peeling, engine replacement, and other mechanical failures early in it's life I like the way it rides and its size. And its 4WD capability is awesome... never got stuck where other trucks twice its size did in snow. But the cab was always too small.
All of the posts that have come through have helped me slowly piece this together. I don't have a final decision yet- but again all of this helps.
Thanks for the time and input from everyone here.
I had a 2014 Tacoma doublecab short bed off-road. It was a nice truck! Actually a damn good truck. But being tall and not having a height adjustable seat in the end was one of the deciding factors in selling it. Also I didn't really need the bed more than a couple times a year. The 4Runner was better for me in almost every way. And if I need to haul I just fold the seats completely flat and roll down the rear windshield in the 4R.
Not so much a factor now with the redesigned 2016 Tacoma's but a 2014 vs a 2016 4R there was no contest the 4R was a much better place to be in, more comfort, better DD for sure. I did eventually get a canopy but it still didn't rival having it all part of the same vehicle.
So as many others have said it really comes down to:
1) what suits your needs
2) what you like better
Since we all like pictures, some of my old 2014 taco:
Soupbean
Member
Runner vs. Tacoma
The point someone made previously about having your gear self contained and climate controlled is a very good one . Have had several Toyota pickups over the years (before they were called Tacomas) , all acquired over 100,000 mi. with zero issues . Then in a first gen Tundra for 15 yrs , loved that truck. A year and a half ago I got a 2010 limited 4wd Runner with very low miles , what a GREAT vehicle. Took some getting used to not having all the bed space. Thought after the new Tacomas were out for a year or two I'd probably get one. Price difference of 4Runner & well equipped Tacoma is not much. Even if you look at the limited Tacoma it's just not equipped with amenities and features like the Runner. If a pickup is what your looking for have you considered a Tundra ? The limiteds & premiums are very well optioned. New price might be a little more than a Runner but could probably pick up a year or two old model for about the same $.
The point someone made previously about having your gear self contained and climate controlled is a very good one . Have had several Toyota pickups over the years (before they were called Tacomas) , all acquired over 100,000 mi. with zero issues . Then in a first gen Tundra for 15 yrs , loved that truck. A year and a half ago I got a 2010 limited 4wd Runner with very low miles , what a GREAT vehicle. Took some getting used to not having all the bed space. Thought after the new Tacomas were out for a year or two I'd probably get one. Price difference of 4Runner & well equipped Tacoma is not much. Even if you look at the limited Tacoma it's just not equipped with amenities and features like the Runner. If a pickup is what your looking for have you considered a Tundra ? The limiteds & premiums are very well optioned. New price might be a little more than a Runner but could probably pick up a year or two old model for about the same $.
I test drove a T4R Trail yesterday- really nice ride... and the Tacoma Off Road DC Short bed... not a huge difference in the ride, but noticeable when comparing side by side. I definitely like the 4Runner. I am looking to test drive a DC Long bed for comparison... but haven't found a dealer w/ one in stock. The limiting factor on the Tundra is the gas mileage. I have to drive long distances to reach my areas a lot of the times 1500-3000 miles each way so I am looking to maximize efficiency. I also am a bit concerned in the maneuverability of the Tundra in the backcountry. But I should drive one to see- thanks for suggesting that, I will do that before I make my mind up.
regeaux
New member
I had four 4runners before I purchased a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 Double cab in May of this year. In October, I traded the Tacoma in on a 2016 4Runner Trail Premium. Below are my reasons for going back to a 4Runner.
If you need a back seat for adults, that will be tough in the Tacoma. The 4Runner has much more room in the back seats and adults can actually sit them them.
There is a little more distance between the gas pedal and brake pedal. I had to move my foot at times when I moved it from the gas and brake pedals. It's hard to describe but it's something I've not experienced in previous vehicles.
The seats in the Tacoma are lower to the floor than the 4runner and a lot less adjustable than the 4Runner. I'm much more comfortable in the 4runner. Also, their is more room in the interior of the 4runner.
The current model 4runner has good power below 4,000 rpms. The 16 Tacoma power doesn't seem to get to it's power until 4,000 rpm. Mine did have the transmission issue but the TSB resolved it.
To me, the ride of the 4runner is much more comfortable than the Tacoma.
A plus for the Tacoma is the new NAV screen. It rocks. It's is much better than what is in the 4Runner.
I too am a photographer. I thought about putting my equipment in the truck bed, it had a factory bed pad and cover. I just could not get used to it being in the back of a truck. I don't hesitate to go across the country with my equipment in the back of my 4runner.
They are both great and the people on tacomaworld are awesome. The Tacoma is great but it's just different the 4runner. As others have mentioned, to me the deciding factor is whether or not you will ever need a truck bed. I hope this helps.
If you need a back seat for adults, that will be tough in the Tacoma. The 4Runner has much more room in the back seats and adults can actually sit them them.
There is a little more distance between the gas pedal and brake pedal. I had to move my foot at times when I moved it from the gas and brake pedals. It's hard to describe but it's something I've not experienced in previous vehicles.
The seats in the Tacoma are lower to the floor than the 4runner and a lot less adjustable than the 4Runner. I'm much more comfortable in the 4runner. Also, their is more room in the interior of the 4runner.
The current model 4runner has good power below 4,000 rpms. The 16 Tacoma power doesn't seem to get to it's power until 4,000 rpm. Mine did have the transmission issue but the TSB resolved it.
To me, the ride of the 4runner is much more comfortable than the Tacoma.
A plus for the Tacoma is the new NAV screen. It rocks. It's is much better than what is in the 4Runner.
I too am a photographer. I thought about putting my equipment in the truck bed, it had a factory bed pad and cover. I just could not get used to it being in the back of a truck. I don't hesitate to go across the country with my equipment in the back of my 4runner.
They are both great and the people on tacomaworld are awesome. The Tacoma is great but it's just different the 4runner. As others have mentioned, to me the deciding factor is whether or not you will ever need a truck bed. I hope this helps.
Blackdawg
New member
I think this is being over thought..
I own two tacomas, both 1st gens, one access cab and one double cab. My Dad owns a 2nd gen double cab long bed and brother owns a 4runner.
The single most important difference, the bed. By far.
You are hauling sensitive and expensive gear. Not dirt, not lumber, or rocks, or furniture or whatever. Camera gear.
Get the 4runner. Its more secure and will suit your needs perfectly. Any gen for that matter.
Comparing how they ride or handle off road or anything else is minute to the bed vs enclosed cab subject.
4runner is the way for you.
I own two tacomas, both 1st gens, one access cab and one double cab. My Dad owns a 2nd gen double cab long bed and brother owns a 4runner.
The single most important difference, the bed. By far.
You are hauling sensitive and expensive gear. Not dirt, not lumber, or rocks, or furniture or whatever. Camera gear.
Get the 4runner. Its more secure and will suit your needs perfectly. Any gen for that matter.
Comparing how they ride or handle off road or anything else is minute to the bed vs enclosed cab subject.
4runner is the way for you.
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