Tacoma vs 4Runner for Towing

[fgeorge098]

Here is a question I haven't seen discussed:

There is a lot of chatter about the weak engine of the new Tacoma. The 4R definately seems more powerful to me.

The 4R has a tow cap of 5000, and the new taco is > 6000lb.

Anybody actually think the 4R can tow BETTER than the taco, because it is a beefier engine?

Planning on towing a 5k pound boat, not sure if the taco or the 4R is more appropriate for this.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[wtmtnrunner]

specs

So a quick check of Autoblog shows that the 4Runner weighs 6300 pounds and the Tacoma (4wd Double Cab) weighs 5600 pounds... the 4Runner has 278 torque and the Tacoma has 265. I would consider that pretty equal unless you load up the Tacoma with 700 pounds of stuff.

 

[doro89]

I don't have any experience in towing, but, I can barely go up steep hill at highway speeds. My truck is almost empty so I can't even imagine towing anything. I do know that there are lots of 4runner owners who have small "teardrop" camper trailers and are fine with it. If you plan on towing 5k pounds quite often better look at V8 engines.

 

[Cymon]

Here is a question I haven't seen discussed:

There is a lot of chatter about the weak engine of the new Tacoma. The 4R definately seems more powerful to me.

The 4R has a tow cap of 5000, and the new taco is > 6000lb.

Anybody actually think the 4R can tow BETTER than the taco, because it is a beefier engine?

Planning on towing a 5k pound boat, not sure if the taco or the 4R is more appropriate for this.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

If you’re constantly towing 5k lbs, you should look at a different class of vehicle. The question should be, Tundra, F150, Silverado, Ram vs Sequoia, Expedition, Tahoe/Suburban, Durango R/T.

Taco has better tow rating because it is lighter, it also has a longer wheel base which helps. FYI...while you continue to ask these questions a quick google search will get you your answers. I typed in “why does a Tacoma have a better row rating than an 4runner?” and got over 1000 results.

 

[Signess]

So a quick check of Autoblog shows that the 4Runner weighs 6300 pounds and the Tacoma (4wd Double Cab) weighs 5600 pounds... the 4Runner has 278 torque and the Tacoma has 265. I would consider that pretty equal unless you load up the Tacoma with 700 pounds of stuff.

4runner weighs 6300 pounds? Subract 2000 pounds from that number.

 

[epjfsa]

4runner weighs 6300 pounds? Subract 2000 pounds from that number.

They posted GVWR. Tacoma curb weight is around 4,000-4500 lbs, 4runner is about 4500.

 

[GB-man]

I’d be looking at full size truck for towing that load.

 

[philsey]

If you’re constantly towing 5k lbs, you should look at a different class of vehicle. The question should be, Tundra, F150, Silverado, Ram vs Sequoia, Expedition, Tahoe/Suburban, Durango R/T.

Taco has better tow rating because it is lighter, it also has a longer wheel base which helps. FYI...while you continue to ask these questions a quick google search will get you your answers. I typed in “why does a Tacoma have a better row rating than an 4runner?” and got over 1000 results.

@OP. The answer to your question has been answered ^^. When you think you're going to tow a 5000# boat, that's only the beginning.

 

[mrblah]

If you are going to tow, I'd look into another vehicle. Tundra or sequoia if you want to stay with toyota.

Otherwise, there are many others out there f150/f250, silverado's, etc.... Basically, anything with a v8 or a diesel. As someone mentioned, if what you are towing is 5k lbs, you are going to actually need a vehicle that has a far higher tow rating to tow it comfortably.

I loved my tundra for towing, and for just driving it around in general. Now parking is another story.

 

[KWSRStorm]

Id go taco for the towing that much. I tow a jetski in the 4runner and it tows great. But if your gonna be right at the edge of the towing capacity id be worth it to go taco and be able to tow more.

Also what mrblah said. Go v8 and problems solved....till you have to park

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[Deserter]

I just got rid of my 2016 standard trans Tacoma as our 4runner was so much more powerful and nicer to drive, the power in a Tacoma{newer one} comes when you rev it higher, as said above I live in BC and to get over the mountains I had to gear down to 4th and it was really struggling if I'm honest so doubt in real world terms you could tow much

I had a v8 1500 GMC Sierra before that, I'd look at something like that to tow 5000 lbs consistently

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

Tacoma rated to tow more because of:

-stiffer rear springs mostly, which reduces sway (but hurts passenger ride, especially offroad)
-longer wheelbase, also reduces sway.
-that's pretty much it. goes to show how NOT-weak the 4runner engine is, that a truck with ~20 torque less (on 91 octane at least) can still tow 6,000+ lbs just fine.

 

[JSparky]

I don't have any experience in towing, but, I can barely go up steep hill at highway speeds. My truck is almost empty so I can't even imagine towing anything. I do know that there are lots of 4runner owners who have small "teardrop" camper trailers and are fine with it. If you plan on towing 5k pounds quite often better look at V8 engines.

If that’s you’re experience I suggest shifting into sport mode and downshifting manually. These motors don’t mind being rev’d and you’ll find that accelerating uphill at 70-75 is no problem. Products like the Sprint Booster can help open up the throttle as well so it doesn’t feel like you’re forcing the power as much. It’s not a V8 but the 4.0 is plenty strong in my opinion.

 

[Decipher]

If your boat is 5,000 pounds you’re already at capacity. Add gear and people and you’re over capacity so I’d consider another vehicle as suggested.

Now, I’ve pulled close to the 5,000 mark without an issue at all. I do exactly what was suggested and go to sport mode. The transmission changes shift points and it’s not constantly pecking for the right gear.


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[Havik]

I had a 2013 Taco with the 4.0L V6 and currently own a 2015 4Runner with the 4.0L V6. The Taco had a higher towing capacity than the 4Runner. I think if towing is a big concern, go with a Taco. I was able to tow 2 RZRs without issue with mine up and down the Grapevine here in Southern California:

 

[WNY PAT]

If you’re only towing a few times a year, you’ll be fine. If you’re towingnregularly, especially in hilly terrain, I’d think about a Tundra or Sequoia. 5,000 pounds plus trailer, plus fuel and gear in a boat adds up quickly. The center console I ran for many years (and towed each use) had a 108 gallon fuel tank. Gas is about 8 lbs per gallon so that almost 1,000 pounds most people don’t account for. Add in 4 passengers, a couple coolers, skis or a tube and rope amping others, and as was said earlier, that 5,000 pound boat quickly becomes 6500 or 7,000 pounds of actual weight. I tow quite a bit with my Tundra and it does great up to about 7000 pounds, no issue at all. Brakes are fine, no sway, plenty of power. If I get closer to 9,000 pounds, there’s a noticeable difference and anything near 10,000 isn’t comfortable. Once my wife’s 4Runner gets some miles on it and is broken in, I’ll hook up a 5,000-5,500 trailer and take a spin. My guess would be that with the shorter wheelbase and smaller motor, the 4Runner is going to feel comfortable at 3,500-4,000 pounds and will struggle at or around 5,500 pounds. But that’s just a guess.

 

[manofsteele2003]

God damn spam, it's getting ridiculous!

Anyways, I've towed with all three, my '14 4Runner our old '16 Tacoma and the replacement '17 Tundra, and obviously hands down the Tundra is the best. If you're planning on pulling 5,000lbs then you're close to the max and I would look into a full size.