Coming from a Tacoma

[cbreze]

Hi, first post. I have a 2004 4x4tacoma and was thinking of a T4R. Was wondering if anyone has done the same and is happier with the switch. It is my fourth Toyota truck and I'm older now, retired and probably don't need another truck. I thought a T4R might be a good option. I'd need 4x4 for fun and games into the back country and thought the 4x4 of the T4R would work as well on the trail model. Heck, maybe better. . I'd love to hear from anyone who used to own a Tacoma give their opinions. The newer Tacomas seem to have a slew of various issues and from what I've read so far in this forum the 4runners seem to be doing very well. TIA for any comments.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I had a 2006 Tacoma 4 door long bed. I loved it. Only problem was at the time I did not use 4x4 much so I got the prerunner. I loved that truck. Ended up trading it in for a 350z, which lasted 18 months. Then got the runner and been super happy ever since.

I do like the fact that I can put 4 adults and their luggage inside out of the elements vs putting stuff in the bed. Plus I have always wanted a 4runner ever since I was 16 and now I am able to afford and build my dream truck.

But the new Tacomas are nice.

 

[KCcarguy]

I had a 2005 Prerunner access cab. It was a great truck! I might still have it if it was 4WD/ crew-cab. A big factor for me in choosing the 4runner was I felt "at home". It's very similar to a Tacoma from the drivers perspective (they do share a platform after all). However, the 4runner does not drive as nice. I think it's a mix of weight, gearing for mpgs, and terrible suspension-tuning...at least on the SR5. The panels are a little thinner on the 4runner as well. That's just a sign of the times: less weight for MPG's, etc.

I would definitely recommend a 4runner, but I think if I were to do it over again I'd get a TE with KDSS. I drove one (at the dealer one day for maintenance) and they drive much better. I also think the cleaner styling and ruggedness of the TE is much better suited to the ex Tacoma-owner; who, if you're like me, uses their truck hard.

The 4runner is great because, as Mike said, you can haul the family, dogs, luggage out of the elements. I do miss the Tacoma's bed in the summer for hauling landscaping stuff, and REALLY miss it during deer season.

 

[Flip-er]

I came from a 2008 tacoma double cab 4x4.
now have the 4runner, bought it back in may and LOVE IT

 

[jbstrd]

I still have a '98 Tacoma that is my wheeling rig. A 5th Gen 4Runner is quite different than an earlier Tacoma. The 4Runners are a lot larger and have a ton more electronic gizmos. If you like driving the Tacoma, you will love the 4Runner. My '13 TE drives excellent, mind you I installed a lift soon after I bought it. If you plan on wheeling the new 4Runner, it will perform as good and probably better, but it will be a lot bigger feeling on narrow trails.

I guarantee it will not disappoint you. If you do not haul large loads, you can always get a small utility trailer to act as a "bed" when you need it.

Good luck, Jason.

 

[flying fuzz]

I traded my 08 Tacoma TRD off-road 4x4 for the 2012 4runner. I am happy with the 4runner but miss the Tacoma. It's nice having a pickup to throw stuff into the bed, I had a 6 speed and miss the manual plus the Tacoma had more pep to it. The 4runner is way more comfortable and I wouldn't trade it back but I will be looking for another Tacoma in the future to sit along side the 4runner...

 

[cbreze]

Interesting comments, thank you. I used to use the truck bed of the Tacoma a lot more back in the day. I've been a Toyota truck guy since 74. My 04 is my fourth. Always been happy with them. I probably don't put anything much in the bed these days that wouldn't fit in the back of a 4runner. A huge plus for me would be having more room for friends and family. It seems we always have an issue and end up taking someone else's vehicle. Coming from a very sturdy go anywhere 4x4 I'd want to be sure I haven't lost the ability to do that. I realize the 4runners are a bit bigger while great for more room inside make for less versatility while trail running. But a good trade off perhaps. As I get older I'm more in need a a solid highway vehicle for long distance travel, but having the optional protection of the 4x4 system for sloppy or off road conditions. So I'm leaning toward the trail edition as it seems most likely to not disappoint in that regard. I may hang onto the Tacoma for awhile before selling it as I'm thinking I'll miss it, but after driving the 4runner, maybe not
I live in the cold winter climate of Central Oregon so I'd want to garage both and it will be tight if even do-able. This may push me to sell the Tacoma sooner.
But I appreciate any and all comments. I feel Toyota does make the best most reliable vehicles on the road when it comes down to it for the money. I'd have a hard time going with some other make after all these years and while hanging onto the truck is an option I'd get more for it now than later.
I'd love to hear more comments especially as to the 4x4prowess of the trail edition and how it is on highway. Thanks.

 

[deanyuan]

went from an 01 tacoma to t4r

I was in a similar position having an 01 doublecab 4x4 supercharged. Loved that truck, and miss it every so often. Having two little kids I thought having an SUV might be more convenient, but I don't think the rear leg room is that much more than my double cab.
What I like about the 4runner is the full time 4x4 (limited). Its an extremely comfortable ride, not as stiff as the tacoma. Personally I think both my 4runner seats and the tacoma seats aren't that great, with the tacomas being a bit worse.

I really do miss having a truck bed, especially when I'm carrying something I don't want to smell. What I don't miss is having all my friends borrow my truck for all their big moves.

As for horsepower and all that, hard to compare since my tacoma was supercharged. That sure was fun. As others have said, if you get on the pedal in the 4runner, its plenty zippy.

I really love the 4runner, but at some point in the future, would definitely consider getting a tacoma again.

 

[lezavw90]

Came from an 09 double cab. Only thing I miss about the Tacoma is the box for cargo. But then with having access to more space you tend to put more or bring more stuff than you need. I would still have the Tacoma if the backseat legroom was a few inches more. With 2 carseats the driver seat would have had to move forward to far to make driving comfortable for longer trips.

 

[Stifler]

I am actually thinking of trading my 4R in on a Tacoma Crew 4x4

 

[cbreze]

I had thought about getting a double cab tacoma as a solution to my passenger problems , but after checking out the new ones a lot of folks are complaining about shaky steering, vibrating drive trains etc and this is right out the door off the lot. Then when I started thinking when was the last time I needed the bed for anything big and just decided maybe time to check into an SUV style. The 4runner seemed a logical choice for a toyota enthusiast.
My mileage on the tacoma is low by toyota longevity standards about 80k today, but I'd get more for it and it's coming up on a load of maint items in the coming year. It's such a load a dough tho.

 

[waltuo]

I own a 2010 DCSB and recently started a family. I was looking for something I could use a "family" vehicle and decided the 4R was the best choice. With about 15k left on the loan for the truck, I thought it was best to pay it off and buy a 2013 4R, which I did. I really can't see myself without the taco. I live in hawaii and going to the beach, bbq's, camping, hiking, hunting, etc. is a way of life and the taco is perfect for it. I love both the taco and 4R!!! No complaints about either.

 

[scionicboom]

I like my 2011 DCSB Tacoma for days at the lake and camping. Much more space in the bed to get everything out to the lake and pull the jet ski. My 4runner is much more comfortable though which a softer ride and much better when traveling with the family due to the fact that we can put stuff in the cargo area and still get to it while I driving. I love both of them.

As far as the vibration on the Tacoma that many have complained about I have experienced that as well. Instead of having it looked at though I just dealt with it and oddly it corrected itself after owning it for a year. Wasn't a big deal though because it only vibrated slightly between 60-65mph.

 

[qnyla]

I have had a 2006 Tacoma DCSB that I bought new. I recently picked up a 2012 T4R TE.

The Tacoma and the T4R are mechanically very close cousins. The Tacoma has been rock solid, a great vehicle. The T4R is much more comfortable and refined.

If you do not need or want a truck, you will likely enjoy the 4Runner more.

 

[cbreze]

Nice combo qnyla.


I'm currently looking at a 2012 SR5 at the local dealer and we're probably going to be doing some price haggling tomorrow. I've decided I can live without the crawl features of the TE and the KDSS. While ill be going off roading aplenty, I'll not be doing the tricks i did in my younger days. The SR5 seems to have the same 4x4 options as my Tacoma which have worked so well for me the past many years and I took that truck to some pretty hefty spots. I also like the lever action of the transfer shifter which is not available on any 2013 models. I'm old school I guess, but electronic knobs and buttons just don't do the same for me psychologically I guess
Not sure how true this is but Toyota won't sanction any lift on a vehicle with KDSS. I see they get lifted 3rd party but Toyota won't warranty it or do it themselves. At least this is what my dealer is saying.
I'm going to have them do a fox coil lift and keep the warranty intact.
Was wondering tho what if anything anyone is doing for mud flaps or splash guards. I'd be inclined to forgo having any but I'd be afraid of rock dings below the door area. Not sure how'd it look with flaps.
I've decided on some black smoke spoke wheels along with some Goodyear dura tracks .
All this is contingent on our coming to an agreement on the price of course.

 

[SigSense]

Still have my '02 Taco DCSB, and echo the comments above regarding the truck bed for camping, hauling, transport of smelly stuff etc. Love the 5th Gen, but it has a different purpose for me: refined 4x4. This is my first T4R and so far it's living up to my expectations. There's too much functionality provided by a truck for me NOT to have one right now. Still haul all kinds of crap that the 'Runner is not suited to.

 

[jbstrd]

I also like the lever action of the transfer shifter which is not available on any 2013 models.

Not true. The '13 TE's still have a manual T-Case Lever. Also, the Trails are the only 5th Gens that come with the E-Locker option if that is something you want/need.

 

[Boaz]

I had a 2008 Double Cab Taco with 5100's and 285's on it. Great truck, but the 4 Runner is just a bit more "refined" to me. I don't miss the tacoma that often. Overall I am happy with the switch. GO FOR IT!

 

[cbreze]

Not true. The '13 TE's still have a manual T-Case Lever. Also, the Trails are the only 5th Gens that come with the E-Locker option if that is something you want/need.

I was misinformed then. By "E" locker you mean the rear diff lock right? I'll be finding that out today as I was told yesterday the SR5 had this feature. Although I've had it on my Tacoma and used it once in nine years. One never knows though.

 

[cbreze]

I had a 2008 Double Cab Taco with 5100's and 285's on it. Great truck, but the 4 Runner is just a bit more "refined" to me. I don't miss the tacoma that often. Overall I am happy with the switch. GO FOR IT!

Yeah, refined is a good way to describe it over the truck. I would miss the taco, feels like a family member. But then new family members are welcome.