4Runner vs Tacoma

[Toyota4Runner1234]

HI all, I'm new here and I wanted to know what your opinion is on a 4runner or a Tacoma. I'll start by saying I looking for a 4x4 truck or suv yes a Toyota. I'm looking for something I can pull boats with, some off roading, something that is quiet in side, and comfortable. I'm going to be driving long distances and need something reliable. Right now I'm leaning more towards a 4Runner. I have owned some Chevy trucks and I’m tired of having to fix them all the time. I'm looking at buying a first gen Tacoma or a 3 or 4 gen 4Runner

Some reasons I’m thinking of a 4 runner are I’m a big fan of suv and have always wanted one. It also would give me an excuse to buy a trailer. They seem to be more capable off road. I also can get one in a V8.

Some reasons I’m think of a Tacoma are that it has a bed so I can haul wood and other stuff with out a trailer. It’s a truck.

 

[T4RZAN]

Was in a similar situation to you about a year ago and decided on the 4Runner. The biggest factor for me was the overall size of the interior. I'm 6'1" and in order to be comfortable in the Tacoma I had to have the seat fairly far back. The 4Runner is completely different. You are seated much more upright with much more room.

I am also coming from a pickup truck. I began thinking about how many times where I would have HAD to have a truck to haul around toys or anything else and it was only a few times a year where I could have put stuff on a roof rack or even bought a trailer to solve the problem.

4Runners are very capable off road, even stock. But upgrades definitely help.

 

[Abe Froman]

Completely right about the interior on the Runner vs the Taco, so much more in the Runner, you actually don't feel like you are in a penalty box.

 

[GatorGreg]

What kind/size of wood are you gonna be hauling? Stuff that won't fit in the back of the T4R? Remember that the rear window of the T4R slides down fully so you can stick some stuff out the back window if the need arises.

 

[jwkilgore]

Everything you typed says you need a 4th Gen 4Runner with a V8.

As mentioned, you can drive with the rear glass rolled down for longer boards. You can also get a flat utility rack to carry things on top (sheetrock, plywood), or the best bet would be a utility trailer.

But some other questions... do you need the interior cargo space of an SUV? Before kids an extended cab pickup was the best fit for me and my needs. After kids a pickup just wouldn't cut it; we need the interior cargo room for backpacks and sports gear and such. So I traded my Silverado in on a 4Runner and never looked back.

 

[Toyota4Runner1234]

I do not always need the room of an suv, but I'm planing on doing some fishing trips and it would be nice to have. I have looked around at the pricing for a 4 door tacoma and they are a little too pricey for my budget. If I went the 4 door tacoma I would have to get the prerunner.

 

[Drunner97]

I have a 2nd gen Tacoma and a 4th gen 4runner. If you don't need the bed, go 4runner. If you need the bed, go Tacoma. If you're only hauling some wood once in awhile, there's plenty of space in a 4th gen 4runner with the seats down. I don't know about 1st gen towing capacities, but the 2nd gen Tacoma with a tow package is rated at 6500. for the same thing in the 4runner you'd need the 4th gen v8 since the v6 runner doesn't come equipped with all the addons like the v8 and Tacoma do.

 

[05Rrunner]

4Runner with a small trailer . Haul whatever , low load height. Only use when needed.

 

[Toyota4Runner1234]

I will be honest I cant decide between the two. I need a truck for this and that. I need a SUV for this and that. I'm leaning towards the 4 Runner. How does the 4 Runner drive vs Tacoma and whats the ride like? I have road in a Tacoma and I was not impressed it was very bumpy it was worse then my 1995 s10.

 

[LandCruiser]

The problem is is that Toyota is pricing the Tacoma too high. Most V6 models butt up against the price range of the 4runner.

If they revise the rear suspension with coils and use proper disc brakes, and make the interior look nicer, then maybe I could justify buying one, assuming a V-6 model cost less than $30,000.

 

[kevinpt]

my brother owns a 04 taco and i will say the space inside is not that great. you really dont have much space in the back even with the 4 door. the bed is to short for long items. its a great truck if your trying to only have 2 people in it most of the time.


lets say you want to put 5 people in the truck and its raining, your going to have gear out in the rain in the bed of the truck.

there will be times where you will need more space and a trailer can solve most of those and you will have more space that way. you can get a 4runner and a trailer for the price of a tacoma if you do it right and you will have the best of both.

 

[LandCruiser]

my brother owns a 04 taco and i will say the space inside is not that great. you really dont have much space in the back even with the 4 door. the bed is to short for long items. its a great truck if your trying to only have 2 people in it most of the time.


lets say you want to put 5 people in the truck and its raining, your going to have gear out in the rain in the bed of the truck.

there will be times where you will need more space and a trailer can solve most of those and you will have more space that way. you can get a 4runner and a trailer for the price of a tacoma if you do it right and you will have the best of both.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

If I were to do it again I probably would go with a 2014 Tacoma DCSB with a supercharger. I would have a bed rack with the RTT and then long travel all around. I miss being able to just throw stuff in the bed.....oh wait I throw stuff in the back of my Runner like no tomorrow.

I just want a V8.....

 

[Firenailer]

Coming from 5 Tacoma Off Road 4x4's the adjustment to this 4Runner isn't as smooth as I thought it would be. I've had it a year now and it just doesn't work for me.

If the buy in isn't brutal I'll most likely go back to another Taco. Having the bed to throw fishing and hunting gear into along with the Home Depot runs is just so much easier with a pick up.

No kids so I don't need the space, I just wanted to try something different. It's a nice truck, but doesn't really suit my lifestyle.

 

[Sense-A]

I just bought a '99 4Runner. Was wondering if anyone tried hauling 4'x8' plywood or sheetrock with this thing. Will a 4'x8' sheet fit in the back with the back seats folded down? How does the stock roof rack hold up to carrying plywood and standard 8 foot length or 12 foot length lumber? Any suggestions?

I am not a contractor, just a DIYer who likes to take on home projects a few times a year.

Thanks.

 

[BE4Runner]

I just bought a '99 4Runner. Was wondering if anyone tried hauling 4'x8' plywood or sheetrock with this thing. Will a 4'x8' sheet fit in the back with the back seats folded down?

I have a 2000 4Runner that my wife and I are currently building up to travel around NA in, so I've been spending a fair amount of time with inside dimensions. 4' wide is not problem in the 3rd gen above the wheelwells, but 8' will be too long. With the hatch closed and the front seats all the way back, there is about 75" (6' 3") from tailgate to back of the seats, depending on where you measure.

I'm not sure on the width of the rear window opening, or whether or not a 4'x8' sheet would fit through there.

 

[Bob22222]

Ever consider a 2004ish tundra? They use the 4.7 V8 and same transmission as a similar vintage 4Runner and seem to last very well. That's where I would go if I was to move from my 04 V-8 sport.

 

[CAMELPRO]

you really dont have much space in the back even with the 4 door. the bed is to short for long items.

lets say you want to put 5 people in the truck and its raining, your going to have gear out in the rain in the bed of the truck.

A couple years ago I had a 4DR Tacoma and we had some friends all going to the beach. 5 people were able to squeeze in, but we couldn't get all of our gear to fit in the small bed. One couple got out and took their own vehicle. It was embarrassing. Put a toolbox on the truck and you've got even less room.

I've owned 3 early Toyota trucks, 2 2nd gen Tacomas, 1 3rd gen Tacoma and 2 2nd gen Tundras. I always came back to the 4Runner (on my 4th one now). It's probably going to come down to owning both before you can truly figure out which one you'll be happier with. It took me several tries!

 

[RedMagik]

I love a manual Taco, they are one of my all time favorite vehicles to drive. The things I love about both my 4Runner and the Taco are obscure. I love having a 3rd row, even the most people don't and those that have them say they never use them. I have and it made the hunt worth it, I do have slight Trail envy. On the other hand, I'd really love to trade it in for a DC TRD Offroad Tacoma with a 6 speed manual. There is just something about it, I also dig all the storage comparments.

To be honest, like most people in his thread have said....you'd have to experience both to decide what is best for you.

 

[raty4R]

I went from a 84 xtra cab 4x4 Toyota truck to my 99 4Runner 4x4.
The truck was great to throw stuff in the back. But wherever you went, you'd have to put the stuff in the cab or someone would steal it. Or you'd have stuff back there and it would rain, or you're going to pick something up and it starts to rain. That's why I went with the 4Runner. I have no regrets, I treat the back like a truck bed. I can put almost a half cord of wood in my 4runner.