Looking to trade in my Taco for a new 4Runner?

[MilesToEmpty]

So a few days ago I was driving to work and just thinking how rough my Tacoma is and how I've never really been comfortable driving it. I'm young(27), and needed a pickup and came across my 13 TX Baja at a dealer one day after becoming a first time home owner and desperately needing a truck...

Now that Ive had it for a bit over 1.5yrs, Im in a love hate relationship and decided I want to look at the 4Runner. As Im partly in love with the TRDP version its swaying me strongly to trade in my Tacoma.

I was wondering who else made the switch from a Tacoma to a 4Runner, both close to being the same year and how you feel about the comparison.

My complaints about the Tacoma, not sure if the TX package is leading to them:....
Noisy ride. Yes it has BFG AT's, but I think my Rubicon with a soft top had the same tire noise.
The Passenger seat shakes when unoccupied. This is apparently a common Tacoma issue.
The bed bounces on rough roads and terrain.
The ride is just plain rough, even on smooth roads.
The seating position gives a lot to be desired by someone who gets extremely stiff after driving for 30minutes.
The interior... its blah.
My backseats (even though a DC) is always 3/4 full of junk. Tool bag, laptop bag, small toolbox, pair of shoes, jacket, etc.

What I like about the Tacoma:
Its got a bed for dirty things.
Its maneuverable.
I can squeeze 22-25mpg out of it and avg 22-25 on a tank (dont do a lot of over 60mph driving)
Dead bodies don't soil the truck bed...
Seems to be reliable.

So looking for some insight of those that have made the switch... and interested to know of what complaints you might have.

 

[Chaidelll]

If you need a pickup, I'd wait to see how the 2016 Tacoma drives.

 

[Mistaken]

Dead bodies don't soil the truck bed...

Lol!

I think just a 4Runner would solve some problems you seem to have but also bring on new ones for you.

You need an old pickup to use on the weekends and a 4Runner for the weekdays.

 

[philsey]

You're gonna need a trailer for firewood and bodies.

 

[MilesToEmpty]

I know there's some set backs to having no truck bed... however my father has a Tundra and makes it very clear if I need a larger truck it's mine to use, he does drive by my house once a week and offers to swap a vehicle if need be lol.

 

[4RunnerPro]

It is time

I made the exact switch that you are thinking about. I traded my 2011 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 for the TRDP and to tell the truth I'm as happy as can possibly be. I don't get to drive my 4runner everyday because I use a different vehicle for work so when I get in it I smile every time. It is pure luxury compared to the Tacoma in every way. I've never had a vehicle that has a infotainment system and mine works great and it's so cool. Others don't like it but it works great for me. I have a 5x10 trailer so I don't miss the bed. All the bells and whistles are really neat and yes I may not use them all but they are there if needed. The seats move in all directions and they are comfortable! I've blasted down some power line trails close by and the TRDP eats it up and asks for more. It's just a super fun vehicle that is pretty cool straight from the factory. I'll make a few mods here and there over time but I'm happy with this great starting point. The next thing I need to do is move out west so I can have some of this outdoors fun that all the westerners are having. Man I'm jealous. Good luck. I know you have a tough decision to make. All the 4runners a cool so I wouldn't limit yourself to looking at just one model. They all offer something a little different that may suit your needs better.

 

[SierraMare]

I JUST traded in my 2006 TRD-OR Tacoma for a 2015 4R-TE. I love the 4R - it is certainly an upgrade on so many levels from my old truck. That being said, one thing I think I'll miss about the Taco is the "throw shit in" anytime convenience of the covered bed. Wet waders, wet Labs, dead critters, wet tents... No regrets on my upgrade, just admitting that the Taco has attributes that I'll miss in my 4R every once in a while.

 

[Taco04]

I would stay with a truck for dirty cargo its easier to clean off DNA from plastic rather than carpet. Also your passenger seats should not bounce at all check your tire balance BFG all terrains tend to take a lot to balance and stay balanced. I own both and I prefer the Runner for cross country and the truck for "The Dirty" jobs....

 

[cjacob316]

I was in your exact position bought a new house, bought a Tacoma because I thought I needed a truck. Quickly realized how uncomfortable the Tacoma was to drive and how little I ever used my bed, especially with all the rain over the summer, I ended up having to pile everything into my back seat. The driver seat is very uncomfortable on longer drives and most of my driving is 2 hours plus. I went back and forth for a few months on what to do, I missed my old 4runner, but wasn't sure if I wanted to go back or at least not to a 4th gen. I test drove a used '14 trail, and loved it. Didn't pull the trigger on that one, but a little over a month later I pulled the trigger on my new '15 Trail and I absolutely love it far more than the Tacoma. Also my back seat stays clear because all of my gear can sit in the rear.

One thing I just could never get over with the Tacoma was the seat, and the next gen will have the same issues.

I average 18.2-20 mpg. I do need a trailer now for things like my 4wheeler, but the 4runner definitely tows better. I don't haul wood around. A trailer or a "camp" truck could be a good investment if you need haul stuff. I just didn't do it near enough to make the bed more valuable than what the 4runner offers over the Tacoma

 

[8086bruce]

I came from trucks to the 4runners and when I switched I bought a utility trailer and can haul a lot more than I ever could in the bed of a full size truck. Kinda the best of both worlds.

 

[philsey]

... however my father has a Tundra and makes it very clear if I need a larger truck it's mine to use,.

Game over.

 

[AlexinWC]

Dead bodies don't soil the truck bed...

Yeah but then everyone can see them. Get a 4runner with the sliding cargo tray, easy loading/ unloading and it hides them better.

 

[Rorck]

I came from owning Tacomas to my first 4Runner recently and I love it! The ride is a lot more comfortable on road and wheeling. Don't get me wrong, I still miss my Taco every once in a wile but I'm really satisfied with my decision.

 

[MilesToEmpty]

Ok so next question, Trail Premium or TRDP? I love the pleather look of the TRDP and the stance with the suspension.

I dont wheel very much, but we have property in WV so I like to be prepared.

 

[Orc]

I would go sr5 but I enjoy more basic models. Extra crap is just stuff to break and cost more down the line. If you are going to trade it off in a few years get whatever cause you won't have to worry about that.

I had a 2007 tacoma and I also find the T4R to be a much better rig in general. I have a nice landscape trailer so when I need a truck I have one. The tiny bed on a tacoma is not going to save the day anyhow.

 

[adam2562]

and for awhile here i was (few months ago) thinking about making the switch from a 4runner to a tacoma.. after reading your thread, i think i'm good lol.. BTW helloo neighbor!

 

[adam2562]

Ok so next question, Trail Premium or TRDP? I love the pleather look of the TRDP and the stance with the suspension.

I dont wheel very much, but we have property in WV so I like to be prepared.

trail premium has the same softex pleather as the TRDP.. i'd say a Trail premium has all you want if you plan on lifting it.. if you're gonna leave it stock then maybe the TRDP is for you TRDP doesn't have a sunroof if you want one.

 

[P3Bubba]

My wife has a 14 4Runner SR5. It's comfortable, the interior is functional with good fit and finish, not quite as heavy on the plastics, and leather power driver seat makes it a nice roadtrip machine we can both be comfy driving.

I have a 2014 TRD Sport. I'm considering getting rid of it for a 3rd or 4th gen 4Runner to replace it for all the same reasons. It's not comfortable, it rides worse than my 04 did, and with 18k miles it's already turned into a rattletrap inside.

Moving taco production to Mexico (no pun intended) looks to have led to an inferior truck. Not a fan of tacomas anymore, but at least I'm not upside down on a truck I don't like.

 

[diverscale]

I traded in my '11 tacoma TRD for a '13 4Runner and built myself a 5X10 trailer for 800$ of material to replace the bed.

One of the best decision I've made . That would solve most of your problems

 

[chiz45]

Before I got my sr5P I was stuck between a dcsb and 4Runner. Test drives didnt' reveal this road discomfort you guys are speaking about. If you lift it with icons or kings, would that solve the ride issue? I'm asking because the wife may want to trade her car in at the end of the year, and the '16 Tacos should come out around then...

Best of both worlds!