Two days ago I traded in my 2016 Tacoma Off Road AT with premium package with 28,000 miles for a new 2016 4Runner TE.
Tacoma pros:
Bed, if you haul often
Slightly better fuel economy (more on that below)
Premium package has lots of new, useful gadgets
Better quality ride on road (surprisingly) and very quiet in the cab
Tacoma cons:
First and foremost: Terrible transmission gearing out of the box in an attempt to run the motor at low (fuel efficient) RPMs. This thing constantly hunts for gears even after flashing the ECU with new firmware - drove me nuts. Living at higher altitudes made it worse of course, climbing small hill grades, driving in to a slight headwind, the truck downshifts in to 4th (from 6th). And forget about going with bigger tires without re-gearing.
Un-neccesarily Loooong flat hood is practically all you see looking forward. OK on the road but terrible visibility for offroading cresting small hills.
Longer wheel base than 4runner and worse approach/departure angles results in lower "effective" ground clearance.
4Runner pros
Much better matched engine/transmission results in a more relaxed driving experience.
Better visibility overall
Gear stored dry and locked
better ground clearance stock (see above)
IMO looks better
Cons:
I loved all three of my previous 4Runners, but only "really liked" the Taco so there is definitely an emotional component to my decision to sell the Taco.
Fewer/older gadgets/technology ( I was spoiled by the Taco in that trim)
Rougher ride on less than perfect pavement (Off road is yet TBD)
Barak