Tacoma or 4Runner

[hikingff77]

I'm sure this has probably been discussed before, but which would you buy? A Tacoma with a shell or a 4Runner? And why?

I've had a Tacoma before, a 1996 standard cab and put 150000 miles on it. I know the reliability and dependability. I loved how it worked in the snow, it was like it rode on rails.

I'm a big guy, 260, 6'3" and have three kids.

I love the 4Runners looks and specs, just not sure of the size of the vehicle.

Thanks!

 

[Clawhammer]

Yup, been down this road a few times. The consensus seems to be (and I agree); If you need the room or the hauling capability of a pickup, get the Taco. The 4runner has better build quality, however (made in Japan).

 

[DaveInDenver]

If you need a pickup bed, get the Tacoma. If need the interior space, get a 4Runner.

 

[davis31052]

I went from a Tacoma TRD/Off Road with a shell to a 4Runner SR5. Other than being more conscious about putting dirty, smelly stuff in the cargo area, I haven't missed my truck. The back seats in the 4Runner are adjustable and recline, so more room for folks in the back seat. I also have a couple of trailers too, so hauling big stuff isn't a problem. Not that you can haul much in a Tacoma 5ft bed anyway.

 

[(none)]

Went through the same dilemma a few months ago. I've always wanted a Tacoma, but when it came time to pull the trigger, I had to re-evaluate. I would hardly ever use the bed. the first thing I'd probably do is install a cap, just as mentioned. Even then, I usually carry very little. When I do have a large or dirty load, its just as easy for me to hook up my small trailer and use it. I went with the 4runner, below is pretty much the list I made.

Tacoma:
Pros: -Higher towing capacity (even though the 4runner had the same motor/trans, now has a more powerful motor and trans, and the 4runner has bigger brakes).
-Throw the dirtbike in the bed (only if I don't have a cap/toneau cover
- Slightly cheaper (TRD taco vs 4runner trail)
-Manual trans available (big plus)
Cons: -Longer overall, longer rear overhang, more difficult to fit in the garage
-I really have to use for the bed very often
-New motor and trans haven't received the best reviews yet.
-Drum rear brakes? Why?
-No longer a fully boxed frame

4runner:
Pros: -Able to secure items easier, haul people and cargo more easily
-Looks better (IMO)
-Larger brakes stock
-Coil sprung 5 link rear suspension
-t-case lever
Cons: -"only" 5k trailer capacity
-have to use a hitch hauler or trailer for dirt bike
-Hard to find them in the color combo/options I wanted (I got lucky and found one at port exactly how I wanted)

I've been able to work around all of my "cons" with the 4runner, so I am still very happy with my purchase. I was mostly set on the Taco TRD going in because I wanted the off-road goodies (rear diff lock, a-trac, bigger tires). I thought only the 4runner TRD pro had the rear diff lock until I found the Trail. All the goodies, with less of a price demand and a better color (inferno was gone , Barcelona red is only now being offered in the TRD pro), I have been happy.

 

[Happykamper]

4-runner and a cheap hauling trailer! Dilemma over

 

[p nut]

Three kids? Get a Tundra Crew Max or Land Cruiser. Unless you love listening to kids fight while getting continuously kicked in the back of the seat.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Three kids? Get a Tundra Crew Max or Land Cruiser. Unless you love listening to kids fight while getting continuously kicked in the back of the seat.

Just saw that about the 3 kids. No way on Tacoma. My sister has 4 kids and a 4Runner. They bought a mini van for daily use since they need the 3rd row (2 humans per row) for their tribe, so the 4Runner is occasional use only.

 

[Chili]

I'd do the 4Runner but only because we have big dogs and would prefer to keep them in the climate controlled passenger compartment. I would suggest the same for 3 kids.

We also have 3 kids but two are college boys now, and don't ride with mom and dad anymore. That's why I recently downsized from a Suburban to a Jeep JKU!

 

[dman93]

My Ford Ranger, SuperCab with rear jump seats, lasted until our kids were 2 and 4 years old. Bought an SUV (Land Cruiser) and didn't look back for the next 12 years. Moved away from 4WD for a while, but now both kids are grown and we're back to a pickup. So my advice, buy the 4Runner now, and wait on the Tacoma till your kids are grown.

 

[hikingff77]

Thanks for the replies. The Crewmax is a dream of mine but just too damn expensive and the gas mileage sucks something fierce. I don't have 3 kids all the time one of my step daughter and she has occasionally with her father and does not go on trips with us that are very long. I don't really need a full size pickup truck at the moment , another reason why I don't want the Crewmax

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[sn_85]

I would do a test drive of both. A lot of people complain about the seating position in the Tacoma which can be problematic for taller people. Likewise, the 4Runner doesn't have a tall head area either. Only way to know is to test drive them and see how it feels. If you really think you need a truck bed then get the Tacoma. Otherwise all other areas the 4Runner is just a better vehicle and value.

 

[washington taco]

Go 4 Runner, higher payload, better ride IMO, made in Japan, can be purchased with a third row, looks better, fully boxed frame.

 

[RobertD]

After you figure out the 4Runner is the way to go, do yourself a favor and get a Lexus GX470 instead.

 

[River19]

After you figure out the 4Runner is the way to go, do yourself a favor and get a Lexus GX470 instead.

That is what I just did last month, couldn't be happier with my 2009 GX......more interior space than a 4runner, real interior, etc.

But every vehicle has pros and cons.....to each their own.......some people can't get past the rear door configuration on the GX.......it really doesn't bother me......