Kids in the Second Row

[blackbrit]

First post here.

I've searched and read all the posts I can find about the second row seats in the 4th generation 4Runner. I know they will recline a little if you get one with the 3rd row seats. I also know that if I could buy a 2010 the second row reclines up to 16 degrees.

But I still need some help from 4Runner owners, especially those with kids. I only have one child, but she has put up with the Xtra cab part of my '98 Tacoma forever. Her little legs are getting longer, and I just can't justify sticking her in a spot with so little room for too much longer. She's just recently out of her car seat.

I love my truck, and may just go with a double cab Tacoma, but my dad has one of those and my daughter isn't very fond of the '07 DC rear seat in that, either. My kid is not buying the truck, so of course she doesn't get much input, but she's been such a trooper in the Xtra cab that I want to see if the 4Runner might work better both for me, and for her.

We do a lot of long-ish trips in the truck, a fair amount for working with our dog - hunting, training, and in competition. I can't tell you how many times I've looked in the rear view mirror after a long, long day outdoors, to see her trying to sleep in that terrible seat. Those of you who know the Taco know that in the Xtra cab the back wall is straight up and down - and that straight wall is the back of the passenger seat! I thought I would get a Sienna, but after renting one I realized that even a Sienna with the AWD option would never begin to get us through our every day lives let alone the standard weekend activities with or without the dog. So with some relief I've begun to look at other vehicles.

My first thought was the double cab Tacoma, but I'm also seriously thinking about the 4Runner. So here's the seat question: If I don't get a 4th generation 4R with the 3rd row seat, does the second row seat recline enough for a child to be comfortable and really be able to sleep in the truck?

What kinds of experiences have you had with the second row seats in yours, with or without the third row? Do your little ones sleep? How comfortable has it been on long trips for your second row passengers?

I've ridden quite a bit in the front seats of 4Runners, but only short trips in the back seats, nowhere near long enough to have a sense of what the 4Runner has to offer in terms of comfort for the second row passenger. Hope some of you have had lots of experience with this, and can tell me what you think!

 

[snhrph]

To clarify: the 2nd row seat in 4th Gen ONLY reclines if you have 3rd row. No 3rd row - no recline of the 2nd row.

Having said that, I believe the 2nd row is comfortable enough. My 16-yo have slept many hours in the back seat during long drives and I have not heard him complaining.

Hope that helps...:hello:

 

[blackbrit]

Yes, that's how I understood it: no second row seat recline unless your trim line had the third row seating.

Well, if you have a 16 year old riding in a 2007 in the second row, sleeping, and not complaining, that's a pretty big thumbs up, I'd think. My little one really has never complained, but now that I'm talking about a new truck, she's seen a chance to up her comfort level! And, I've seen her head lolling from side to side too many times as she sleeps in the Taco. It doesn't look comfy at all.

Thanks, too, for the welcome. There is so much great info here!

 

[CdnInAz]

I had similar questions as you a year ago - except unlike you we did not have a Taco - we were down sizing from Armada - I wanted a Taco, but the Xtra cab was just not enough for our son. So I figured if going to 4 door truck with smaller box, may as well just go to T4R. So got a 2004 T4R. It has been great - our son has slept for hours back there.

BTW, I'd suggest you be very careful about what you are aiming for recline. I can't speak for recline in T4R because don't have a third row, but the Owner's Manual for Armada stated not to recline fully while moving.

I think reason is what they used to call "submarining" - sliding under the seat belt in an accident. I'd say that is even more risk for a small child.

 

[blackbrit]

I had similar questions as you a year ago - except unlike you we did not have a Taco - we were down sizing from Armada - I wanted a Taco, but the Xtra cab was just not enough for our son. So I figured if going to 4 door truck with smaller box, may as well just go to T4R. So got a 2004 T4R. It has been great - our son has slept for hours back there.

BTW, I'd suggest you be very careful about what you are aiming for recline. I can't speak for recline in T4R because don't have a third row, but the Owner's Manual for Armada stated not to recline fully while moving.

I think reason is what they used to call "submarining" - sliding under the seat belt in an accident. I'd say that is even more risk for a small child.

Yikes. With the "no recline" option for so long, I've never even had to think about that. I'd agree that too much recline could be a very bad thing - at least while under way.

It's great to know that you have had a child sleeping comfortably in the second row. Is this with or without a car seat?

 

[CdnInAz]

Yikes. With the "no recline" option for so long, I've never even had to think about that. I'd agree that too much recline could be a very bad thing - at least while under way.

It's great to know that you have had a child sleeping comfortably in the second row. Is this with or without a car seat?

without - he is eleven now. I'm now realizing your child is younger, so another suggestion - something we did when he was younger - use a neck brace thingy, not sure what they are called - basically a half donut that goes around their neck to support their head - keeps the child from head bobbing too much.

 

[blackbrit]

without - he is eleven now

Definitely a straight on comparison, then, as my daughter is 8 and recently out of her car seat.

 

[b.abe825]

Well, I'm 22 with no kids. But I have taken a couple road trips (TX to CO) in my T4R (no 3rd row) with a full load (4 passengers and an 85lb dog, and luggage). Back seat passengers slept for a majority of the trip (drove overnight). They talked about how comfortable it was. I guess with enough pillows, any one of any size would feel like royalty...

I think she'll be very comfortable back there.

 

[blackbrit]

CdnInAz I see from your signature that you are still missing your 2000 Tundra. Did you have the double cab?

 

[CdnInAz]

Definitely a straight on comparison, then, as my daughter is 8 and recently out of her car seat.

oh 8, not as young as I thought when I edited to add above for suggestion about neck thingy

 

[blackbrit]

Well, I'm 22 with no kids. But I have taken a couple road trips (TX to CO) in my T4R (no 3rd row) with a full load (4 passengers and an 85lb dog, and luggage). Back seat passengers slept for a majority of the trip (drove overnight). They talked about how comfortable it was. I guess with enough pillows, any one of any size would feel like royalty...

I think she'll be very comfortable back there.

That was a good comfort test! As you can guess, even with pillows my beloved Taco isn't going to cut it in the rear seat department - and I've tried. I got her a nice "bucky" airline pillow, hoping that would help, only to glance back and see the pillow resting on the back of her neck with her chin down on her chest.

 

[blackbrit]

without - he is eleven now. I'm now realizing your child is younger, so another suggestion - something we did when he was younger - use a neck brace thingy, not sure what they are called - basically a half donut that goes around their neck to support their head - keeps the child from head bobbing too much.

Funny - this is exactly what I was typing about, probably as you were editing! I have tried it. The one I got is called a "Bucky" (the brand, I guess). I always use one on airplanes, and it helps a lot. I imagine the bucky would be good in the 4Runner, but it has been slightly worse than useless in the Taco. It just weights her neck down when her head falls forward. Sad. I know.

 

[CdnInAz]

CdnInAz I see from your signature that you are still missing your 2000 Tundra. Did you have the double cab?

no it was a single cab - it was our second vehicle - got me to work and took us out on weekends for fun adventures. As our son got older (and bigger) that did not work - on one weekend drive his head was like a cue ball bouncing off our shoulders

So we sold Tundra, and traded primary driver for the Armada. Year latter decided that was a BIG booboo (just too big for our needs, felt like morons with only three of us in that big beast most of time except for when we had visitors to use all that space)

always had great experiences with Toyotas - so back to them with the T4R

 

[blackbrit]

no it was a single cab - it was our second vehicle - got me to work and took us out on weekends for fun adventures. As our son got older (and bigger) that did not work - on one weekend drive his head was like a cue ball bouncing off our shoulders

So we sold Tundra, and traded primary driver for the Armada. Year latter decided that was a BIG booboo (just too big for our needs, felt like morons with only three of us in that big beast most of time except for when we had visitors to use all that space)

always had great experiences with Toyotas - so back to them with the T4R

That early generation Tundra is really nice. It seems like the current Taco may be about the same size as the earlier Tundra. Both of those trucks are really a pleasure to drive, and so capable. Just not so great for passenger comfort. Cue ball, indeed!

 

[CdnInAz]

Funny - this is exactly what I was typing about, probably as you were editing! I have tried it. The one I got is called a "Bucky" (the brand, I guess). I always use one on airplanes, and it helps a lot. I imagine the bucky would be good in the 4Runner, but it has been slightly worse than useless in the Taco. It just weights her neck down when her head falls forward. Sad. I know.

I would say the big difference from Taco rear seat to T4R is that the Taco is almost straight up back - at least the years I looked at were (can't recall if latest models are still straight up). So yea, that is hard to be comfortable, even for an eight year old. Whereas the T4R's second row is like any car seat -in fact a lot more roomy than most medium size cars. Brings me to another suggestion, perhaps you already have thought of this one - once our son was about that age, we took him with us for shopping (once we had a short list). As you said in your first post, your daughter is not buying - but it is obvious you want her to be comfie and safe - so get her opinion by letting her sit in each choice.

 

[blackbrit]

I would say the big difference from Taco rear seat to T4R is that the Taco is almost straight up back - at least the years I looked at were (can't recall if latest models are still straight up). So yea, that is hard to be comfortable, even for an eight year old. Whereas the T4R's second row is like any car seat -in fact a lot more roomy than most medium size cars. Brings me to another suggestion, perhaps you already have thought of this one - once our son was about that age, we took him with us for shopping (once we had a short list). As you said in your first post, your daughter is not buying - but it is obvious you want her to be comfie and safe - so get her opinion by letting her sit in each choice.

Yes, this is definitely the plan. I'm just big on doing all the research I can so I know what to look for when I actually get to the vehicles. And, I may very well be buying used, so it may end up being more tricky to track one of those down.

That said, I think I'd love a 2010 Trail model.

 

[Larry77]

FYI the Limited back seats seem a lot more comfortable than the SR5 still...more cush for the tush

I have two kids 9 and 12, never had one complain they just prop their pillow on the window and are out...best moments of our road trips LOL...

 

[olsen_karl]

My wife has an '05 Tacoma double cab, and I have an '08 4Runner. The back seat on the Tacoma has more leg room than the 4Runner, and seems like it's a little bit wider than the 4R. As was mentioned, the back seat of the Tacoma is more upright, though not nearly as bolt-upright as on the old extended cab Tacomas (wife used to have a '97 extended cab).

Both the '05 Tacoma and the 4R are fine for our kids (currently 10 and 12).

The Tacoma has more exterior noise (tire + wind) than the 4Runner, if that's a concern to you.

The Tacoma has nice storage space underneath and behind the rear seat. The 4Runner has no real storage under the rear seat -- the cushions go straight onto the floor. I suppose you could stuff some very thin items under there (maps?), but I couldn't even get a blue tarp to store under there without pushing up the seat cushions. The 4th gen 4R, overall, has very little "hidden" storage space inside the vehicle -- just a few small compartments in the cargo area.

 

[blackbrit]

My wife has an '05 Tacoma double cab, and I have an '08 4Runner. The back seat on the Tacoma has more leg room than the 4Runner, and seems like it's a little bit wider than the 4R. As was mentioned, the back seat of the Tacoma is more upright, though not nearly as bolt-upright as on the old extended cab Tacomas (wife used to have a '97 extended cab).

Both the '05 Tacoma and the 4R are fine for our kids (currently 10 and 12).

The Tacoma has more exterior noise (tire + wind) than the 4Runner, if that's a concern to you.

The Tacoma has nice storage space underneath and behind the rear seat. The 4Runner has no real storage under the rear seat -- the cushions go straight onto the floor. I suppose you could stuff some very thin items under there (maps?), but I couldn't even get a blue tarp to store under there without pushing up the seat cushions. The 4th gen 4R, overall, has very little "hidden" storage space inside the vehicle -- just a few small compartments in the cargo area.

Excellent input, olsen_karl. You all are really giving me a great picture of not only the differences for a child, but for me! Having had the '98 Xtra cab for so many years, I'm used to tire and wind noise... but it may be time to get rid of that aggravation!

Would you mind adding the trim info on both your DC Taco and 4R?

If I understand you correctly, you'd say the 2005 DC Tacoma still has a more upright seat back position in the second row than your '08 4Runner, but not so much of a difference that your kids prefer one over the other?

 

[olsen_karl]

Excellent input, olsen_karl. You all are really giving me a great picture of not only the differences for a child, but for me! Having had the '98 Xtra cab for so many years, I'm used to tire and wind noise... but it may be time to get rid of that aggravation!

Would you mind adding the trim info on both your DC Taco and 4R?

If I understand you correctly, you'd say the 2005 DC Tacoma still has a more upright seat back position in the second row than your '08 4Runner, but not so much of a difference that your kids prefer one over the other?

Both the Tacoma and 4R are SR5 models, 4WD, V6, automatic, no leather. The Tacoma has the TRD package (rear locker, Bilstein shocks), the 4R has a moonroof -- not many other options on either. Base stereos originally on both. The Tacoma has been through a bunch of tires, the 4R only two (OEM Dunlops and snow tires) -- road noise hasn't really varied much no matter which tire is on the vehicle.

The kids don't have a preference on either. The 4R has HVAC vents in the center console for the rear seats, but the Taco does not. Also, the 4R has a fold-down armrest/cupholder in the rear seat; the Taco does not.

Some factors that might make a difference to you, or might not:
- 4R is made in Japan, Taco in U.S.
- 4R 4WD (4th gen) is fulltime 4WD, Taco is part time.
- 4R has projector headlights, Taco regular halogen. Both are pretty good.
- 4R has disc brakes all around, Taco has disc front & drum rear.
- 4R 4WD has A-trac, VSC, standard -- Taco has neither.
- Taco stock stereo sounds better in the back seat; 4R stock stereo (non-JBL) sounds terrible in the back seat, but sounds fine in the front.
- Taco has significantly better ground clearance than the 4R. Ours are both stock height.
- Taco has Class III hitch with the tow package; the V6 4R has a so-called Class III hitch, but it will not handle a weight-distribution setup (the V8 will, and there are aftermarket hitches you can add that will).
- Taco with TRD and automatic transmission has a separate transmission cooler standard (I don't know if the non-TRD ones have the cooler too); the V6 4R does not have a separate transmission cooler (maybe the "Trail" edition does?), but does have one integrated into the radiator. The V8 4R does have a separate trans cooler.
- 4R (4th gen) is available with a V8, Taco is not.
- Taco is available with V6 and manual transmission, but IIRC, not in the double cab, only in extended cab versions. No manual transmission available in the 4th gen 4R.