4Runner vs Tacoma

[NinjaOne]

I drove two 2016 Tacoma TRDs for about a week while the dealer had my '04 4Runner.

Tacoma had the smoothness of a new vehicle, cabin felt reasonably roomy and comfortable. Vehicle dynamics felt comparable overall, but I could diff. feel the increased size of the Taco.


I didn't like "throttle lag" with the Taco. When flooring it it didn't respond until it reached ~30 mph. It did, however, have a VSC override and was 2WD until thrown into 4WD. Powerslides anyone? eep: Taco combined heater controls etc. into single knobs. This meant having to repeated press/rotate until you reached the mode you wanted AND you had to keep your eyes down there for confirmation. T4R has them all separated, I can select the mode/level I want w/out looking at the controls.

Overall, I far preferred my '04 V8 T4R. Fewer blind spots, better throttle response. Controls were easier to access/use. Cabin quality felt higher (Prob. mostly because of leather, but still....


That said, I'd love to get a taco, but only if I also kept my 4Runner

 

[RedMagik]

When the lease is up on my wife's out back I'm hoping she'll move back to "her" 4Runner and I could get the the Taco as well lol....one can dream.

 

[Powder_Hound]

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.

I would guess that you would have to throw 4' X 8' on top or at an angle inside. The 3rd gens are narrower than the 4th gen which has a rear opening of just over 4'wide. I have stuffed many sheets of plywood and Sheetrock in the back of my 4th gen, but couldn't do it in my older 1st or 2nd gen.

 

[DeepSea]

If the Tacoma had the 4R interior, if would be hands down the best truck. I have both and the 4R is way more comfy to drive and maneuver but the Taco obviously trumps it with hauling stuff

 

[TRDCal]

I sold my 03 4runner and bought a 11 Taco. I really liked the 4runner and if I were to get married that's what my wife would drive because it's just much much much more civilized and refined.

But I prefer my Taco. I needed a truck, my 4runner trunk was getting all beat up because I was using it like a truck. The suspension in the Taco is firmer so you feel the road more, there is considerably more road noise (mine is an access cab tho which is the worst) and less luxury features. The Tacoma has a longer wheel base so even the shorter configurations are more difficult to drive in the city than the 4runner.

For me it came down to, I needed a truck, I was bored of driving an automatic transmission and I started a new job with a long commute. So I bought a little 4cyl 5spd 4x4. Have had it for 6 months, it's a great unit, I get 20mpg without grandma'ing it. I couldn't be happier. If you don't need a box and want an auto, I would get a 4runner and a small trailer

EDIT: As far as capability. Really the only advantage the 4runner has is breakover angle. Everything else can be made equal with aftermarket parts.

I drove two 2016 Tacoma TRDs for about a week while the dealer had my '04 4Runner.

I bought a brand new car and the two largest dealers in Ottawa don't even give loaners, best you get is a shuttle service which is no good to me because I live too far. You get a brand new pickup! Damn, I wish I had your dealer!

:focus:

 

[Lee_Kee]

Hard choice, but T4R for me.

I've contemplated Tacoma versus 4Runner for months. I'm going with 4Runner. The Tacoma is small in the rear seat. T4R has seat backs that recline and more foot room. I was kind of worried about the vibration issues with some Tacos. I like coil springs and disk brakes all around and a transmission shift lever. OTOH, the Tacoma has the blind spot monitor which I really like, and a 6 speed transmission, and a little better gas mileage maybe.

The interior room was the main thing and the cargo is inside. I don't have to decide on a tonneau cover or cap.

White '16 T4R TEP is on order.

 

[jtom12]

I am also trying to decide between the Tacoma or 4Runner. I have always driven manual transmission cars but now wanted a little more room with an SUV but there are not alot to choose from with manual SUVs. Right now only the Wrangler is available but I am not sure about owning a Jeep. I honestly would rarely use the bed of the Tacoma but going to an automatic in the 4Runner is a concern. Right now I prefer the 4Runner due to the increased interior space (back seat of Tacoma is very tight) but the only thing holding me back is the automatic transmission. Anyone else in a similar situation?

I was thinking I could potentially get a 4Runner and then buy a nice used sports car with a manual to satisfy both my needs.

Thanks!

 

[supersaiyan96]

I've had both. I had an 07 double-cab long-bed Taco and currently have an 04 4Runner SR5.

I'll preface this by saying I really loved my Tacoma. What a neat little truck. I always loved how clever it was with storage everywhere. I felt it rode a little rough and mine was a base model which I was surprised didn't have some fairly basic features like intermittent wipers and cruise control. The composite bed was amazing.

My 4runner is much better in fit and finish on the interior. Soft touch dash and armrests vs the plastic and cloth in the Tacoma. The ride is much better, as is the wind noise and the interior space. My 4Runner has a third row too, which is great since we have kids.

I missed my hauling capability with the truck, but I solved that by picking up a small utility trailer. Best of both worlds now.

EDIT for jtom12 above:
The automatic is the transmission you WANT in the Tacoma. Very good units that last forever. The manual boxes are actually a weaker unit.

 

[Sleeter]

I am also trying to decide between the Tacoma or 4Runner. I have always driven manual transmission cars but now wanted a little more room with an SUV but there are not alot to choose from with manual SUVs. Right now only the Wrangler is available but I am not sure about owning a Jeep. I honestly would rarely use the bed of the Tacoma but going to an automatic in the 4Runner is a concern. Right now I prefer the 4Runner due to the increased interior space (back seat of Tacoma is very tight) but the only thing holding me back is the automatic transmission. Anyone else in a similar situation?

I was thinking I could potentially get a 4Runner and then buy a nice used sports car with a manual to satisfy both my needs.

Thanks!

Whats your concern with the auto? If your concerned about reliability stay away from the Heep. The auto transmission in the 4Runner is by far one of the most reliable. If you want a auto for driving experience... the 4runner is a body on frame SUV. Why does FCA still sell stick Wranglers... because bros think it will make them even more manly when they pull into TGI Fridays. IMHO

 

[2flyfishin]

I went with the 4runner but really did like the 2nd gen taco. Like others mentioned before having to transfer stuff from the bed to the cab in my other previous trucks was a pain among other things. I do a lot of diyand bought an enclosed utility trailer. The 4runner doesn’t tow great but for short trips down to the hardware store it’s ok. For camping, there is more than enough room inside and on the roof. You can take more than you’ll ever need.