5th Gen 4Runner/3rd Gen Tacoma Review

[Omar RVA]

Great write up [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]!

I followed almost the exact same steps as you did (except with fewer 4Runners to begin with). I took the 4Runner in for service one day last year and while I was waiting, they just finished putting a new LC in front of the show room. Took it for a spin and I thought there was no going back. I went home to talk to talk it over with the wife and realized we don't need another SUV (until we start having kids) but I am kind of sick of borrowing trailers when we're doing work on our new (to us) house. I noticed a manual TRD Sport Taco the next day at the dealer (4R spent the night waiting for bearings from a partner dealer and took it for a test drive. The utility of a bed is hard to beat, and I seriously miss having a manual transmission (I dumped my last manual vehicle living in Northern VA since traffic + 6MT isn't fun). The value retention on the 4Runners is a nice perk too (2010 4Runner Limited, no 3rd row, with 65k miles returned $26k as a trade in); I purchased the Taco $300 over invoice, which was very good at the time in this area.

I can say there are definite merits to both the 4Runner and the Taco but they serve two totally different purposes. I think we avoided many of the "common" issues by 1) having realistic expectations from having a 4R first, and by 2) getting the manual.

I used to lurk pretty hard when I was here and stopped entirely after I got the Taco (moved to the other forums which can be a nightmare at times). Nice to read your posts around here again. Nice touch getting the TRD Pro grill, I think they make all the difference in the look.

OA

Obligatory taco pics:

 

[83Mule]

I have had 6 Toys.......and despite all the GeeGaws and comfort crap on the new ones, I get in my 83 Mule and come back with a huge smile from actually ''Driving'' a simple Truck! Even after 35 years She makes Me happy! I would like to see a ''base'' model of Truck and 4Runner that had less weight and frills plus a cheaper price!.....http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=259951&stc=1&d=1500161889

 

[mmike87]

I came from a CRV ... So getting in my 4Runner feels like a truck!

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[flea1983]

I came from a CRV ... So getting in my 4Runner feels like a truck!

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Same, bought my 4runner in march, traded in my '10 crv. Much happier now.

 

[JohnTheLuck]

Excellent write-up as usual.

I hesitated between the 4Runner and a 3rd-gen Tacoma but decided, after test driving them, that the comfort of the 4Runner was a lot better for all the long trips I would do. My goal for this vehicle is being able to drive from the east region toward the american southwest mostly and being able to go off-roading while there. Also, my children are grown-up and I travel mostly with my wife only.

The 4runner was an obvious choice then, and I am really happy! But I always look at these nice looking Tacoma when they drive nearby...

 

[dot_tom]

Great read. My Fiance and I have 2016 Tacoma and recently got a 2017 4Runner TRD OR. Both lifted on 5100s and coils and leaf packs and KO2s. I love the 3.5 in the tacoma. It's just fine. Seems to have more pep on the highway compared to my T4R. Either way, both amazing vehicles and I think having one of each is the perfect setup. Enjoy your new 3rd gen!

 

[SacStateHornets]

I came from a CRV ... So getting in my 4Runner feels like a truck!

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Will never buy another Honda or Subaru with the CVT crap. Our '03 CRV was bulletproof. Enjoy the new 4Runner.


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[backcountryj]

Nice write-up [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]!
This is definitely food for thought. I'm about to be weighing the options for both vehicles as I just sold my 2nd Gen Taco. Gotta get some seat time in both.

 

[JupiterOnEarth]

Both are nice trucks.

This is my wife's

By the way, we do custom decals for both 4Runner and Tacoma. Take a look at my signature.

 

[007Tacoma]

Greg, it is good to see you back and still doing awesome contributions.

I agree and approve 100%!!!

When I was hauling stuff, my Tacoma(s) was(were) perfect. Now that I haul people and stuff, my 4Runner(s) is(are) perfect.

As a side note I would like to add one thing: I found it odd that the Tacoma (2nd and 3rd Gen) lacked certain touches and comforts that the 4Runner (3rd and 4th Gen) come with... Examples? Well, I can tell you the #1 difference that bugs me the most: 1-touch up/down window controls. Even my old VW Golf even had this. It is such a simple and inexpensive feature. Why not put it on the Tacoma as well (or at least the top of the line). There are a ton of other things, but they were all just as underwhelming.

 

[djhuff7]

Nice writeup, I was driving a 2012 Taco Access cab when I traded for the Runner, basically because we had a child join the mix.

I could have gone into a crew cab Taco, as it is just the three of us, but I have had SUVs my entire driving life except the last 5 years in the Taco (full size Fords though, Bronco and Excursion), and I miss the cab over the whole thing. I love that it still feels like getting into a truck and not a glorified minivan as most of the midsize SUVs have become.

My only complaint is mileage, got 19 all day in the Taco and the 4R is only getting 17, thought I'd be a little closer, I guess I need to go back to driving like there is an egg between my foot and the accelerator like I did with the V10 Excursion that I was lucky to get 12mpg after several mods to free up air flow.

 

[p nut]

Quick question on the interior specs. On paper, both the 4Runner and Tacoma are the same, essentially. Some areas, 4Runner's bigger, and others, smaller. But nothing major. Just an inch here and there. But you are saying the 4Runner is much bigger?

I also have a 3rd gen Tacoma. My ONLY complaint is the rear seat room. If the 4Runner is much bigger, I will gladly give up the truck bed.

17 Taco 17 4Runner
Length 212.3 190.20
Width 75.2 75.80

Interior
Fr HR 39.7 39.30
Fr HipR 57.2 56.50
Fr LR 42.9 41.70
Fr SR 58.3 57.80

Rr HR 38.3 38.60
Rr HipR 56.3 55.70
Rr LR 32.6 32.90
Rr SR 58.9 57.80

 

[Rightside Up]

Does this mean we will be getting a new moderator?
:redface:

 

[CactusHugr]

Quick question on the interior specs. On paper, both the 4Runner and Tacoma are the same, essentially. Some areas, 4Runner's bigger, and others, smaller. But nothing major. Just an inch here and there. But you are saying the 4Runner is much bigger?

Dude... no comparison in the actual space. 4 Runner crushes the Taco on interior space. Go sit inside and you'll understand.

I have had 5 full size trucks in my life and loved every single one for different reasons... but always had Jeep XJ's and WJ's and wanted so bad for the best of both worlds (tight, agile maneuvering with comfort and a bed for whatever).

So, on paper, the Tacoma was everything! I built one out in an excel sheet with all the fun crap I would throw at it for mods, and off to the dealer I went.

I ordered a 2017 PRO back in 2016 fall. It took months until it finally arrived... but I went to go see it and the dealer sold it so someone else. So I was off to a new dealer and found myself looking at the TRD Off Road instead of pro since I would be swapping suspension anyway.

I found one with everything I wanted and nothing I didn't - and bought it. I loved the technology inside and outside, loved the bed, loved the ride, the engine... but after 20 minutes MY BACK WAS KILLING ME!!

I'm a single dad and my (at the time) 7 year old was not happy at all with the lack of room in the back seat either. It was a serious pain for him to fit with his booster seat.

My parents and friends all laughed at the idea of getting in the back seat. the 4-door Tacoma has the back seat room of an extended cab 1994 Ford Ranger I swear.

But - I could not drive this truck no matter how many types of back support things I put on that seat. It hurt. It literally hurt. And I hit my head no matter what seat position and no matter what "lack of telescoping" wheel position I used.

I'm just 6' . I'm 200lbs. Maybe without the sunroof I wouldn't have had to "duck" the entire drive but it was kind of ridiculous.

So, I sold the Tacoma a month after buying it for a pretty substantial loss. It hurt.

I bought a 4-runner.

Literally all problems solved. All. I bought a nice 5x8 trailer to use for larger hauling of gear, and except for the fact this 4runner uses 2006 level technology in every aspect of the damn thing, it's a very comfortable drive.

My folks can get in the front and back seats just fine (my dad is much taller and much wider than I am and the 4runner does great - the Tacoma was really not even possible).

The convenicne of a truck is lost when it's not practical or comfortable.

I'll be looking at the new Ford Rangers and the ZR2 down the line as possible additions since I've always had a truck and will probably end up getting more... but the 4 runner has been everything I need and my son and family are super happy with my "upgrade".

Hope this helps - any specific questions, let me know. But the Tacoma needs a few inches in headroom, legroom and backseat room before I would ever consider looking at them again.

Either way - test drive for a weekend before you buy. a 15 minute test drive won't tell you how bad your back is aching because of dumb seat position.

Good luck!

 

[1engineer]

Quick question on the interior specs. On paper, both the 4Runner and Tacoma are the same, essentially. Some areas, 4Runner's bigger, and others, smaller. But nothing major. Just an inch here and there. But you are saying the 4Runner is much bigger?

I also have a 3rd gen Tacoma. My ONLY complaint is the rear seat room. If the 4Runner is much bigger, I will gladly give up the truck bed.

17 Taco 17 4Runner
Length 212.3 190.20
Width 75.2 75.80

Interior
Fr HR 39.7 39.30
Fr HipR 57.2 56.50
Fr LR 42.9 41.70
Fr SR 58.3 57.80

Rr HR 38.3 38.60
Rr HipR 56.3 55.70
Rr LR 32.6 32.90
Rr SR 58.9 57.80

4Runner has much more interior space, especially back seats. Everyone is different sized. I fit fine in both my 4Runner and Tacoma. I'm 6'4" 250 lb. Go drive one to see.

Does this mean we will be getting a new moderator?
:redface:

Nope. I'm still here.

 

[p nut]

Thanks for the input. I’m right there with you, CactusHngr. I’ve only owned the Tacoma for a very short time. I may end up taking some loss if I switch to a 4Runner. Fortunately,Taco’s hold their value very well, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Especially if I can find a buyer and do a swap through a dealership.

I will have to go test drive one. I like this place much better than TW anyway.

 

[sn_85]

Thanks for the input. I’m right there with you, CactusHngr. I’ve only owned the Tacoma for a very short time. I may end up taking some loss if I switch to a 4Runner. Fortunately,Taco’s hold their value very well, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Especially if I can find a buyer and do a swap through a dealership.

I will have to go test drive one. I like this place much better than TW anyway.

It's a huge difference in 2nd row space between the 4Runner and Tacoma. If you have passengers frequently they will definitely appreciate the extra leg room. Also the seats recline so that adds to the comfort. It might only say there is a 1" difference here and there on paper but once you go sit in one there really is no comparison in regards to space and comfort. Similarly between the 4Runner and Sequoia or Land Cruiser there's only a small difference on paper but once you sit in one you really tell the difference extra room in each dimension makes.

And yes, TW gives me a headache too. The 4R crowd just seems a bit more mature lol

 

[p nut]

How are the headlights on the 4Runner? #2 complaint on the Tacoma—I’ve had all sorts of cars, but these are the worst headlights I’ve ever had. That’s including an ‘88 and ‘94 Honda Civics, and of course, previous gen Tacoma’s and 4Runners. Luckily, I’ve got fog lights which help tremendously (but still horrible). I don’t know how those with no fogs see at night.

 

[Antman]

How are the headlights on the 4Runner? #2 complaint on the Tacoma—I’ve had all sorts of cars, but these are the worst headlights I’ve ever had.

That's like asking someone how they like their shoes. Seriously, it's all subjective.

 

[p nut]

That's like asking someone how they like their shoes. Seriously, it's all subjective.

How so? It's along the same lines as the question I asked above RE: back seats. I am asking for comparative reviews.