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Powertrain-wise, you won't notice much difference between the 13 Tacoma and the 5th gen 4runner. The 4.0l v6 saw a slight bump in terms of horsepower, but same basic engine and transmission (if going with auto). The 5 speed auto is a limiting factor for fuel economy and top end speed; the 4.0l...

The 5.9l's are good engines...the 6.7l's are improvements (despite the emissions). The trucks the 5.9l's are housed in haven't aged well...go with the 6.7l's.

The 4runner is ultimately a better-built vehicle...that's not to say the 3rd Gen Tacoma is crap. 4runner rides nicer, carries a heavier payload (in theory), offers a more comfortable seating position and better NVH/insulation comfort and has somewhat better build quality (subjective on my...

Eh...give it time. Compared to when these new emissions systems first came out (circa 2007), these modern ones are relatively refined and reliable. There will be further improvement down the road. Based on the needs of the trucking industry alone, the big OEM's and engine makers will have a...

I don't hear many complaints about Tacoma's "wearing" out. What are you referring to? I'm also curious to see how the Ranger's efficiency fares when it starts getting modified for overland travel. The engine is a BMW-derived design. The underlying platform has a lot of influence from...

Yes they are...and they're generally not well-regarded as truck engines. Really? I have to elaborate why a spartan Toyota 4x4 has "charm" but we all seem to assume that same "charm" exists for a Wrangler or modified Colorado? The removable top might add to the "fun" factor but it certainly...

Frankly, I don't care if you like or dislike the same vehicles that I do...but if you're going to call a vehicle "soulless" or "boring" without providing any context for that assessment, then be prepared to get some questions thrown your way. All of Toyota's 4x4's are very capable and very...

I don't know what you or the OP mean by "boring." What BOF SUV isn't "boring" as compared to the 4runner and please explain the reasons why. The Tacoma's AT hunts somewhat, the manual works just fine and is arguably the better way to go.

The transmission hunts because it's a 5 speed. The newer transmissions on the Tundra and Tacoma have 6 gears and generally have less gear hunting. As for 4runner not "exciting" you....then why are you looking to replace it with another SUV or pickup? It's a body-on-frame SUV...it's not fast...

Sales are strong in the midsized market...I'm not sure why you think there is a lack of demand in the midsized market. Also the Top Gear Hilux you're referring to is world apart from the modern Hilux being offered in most regions....to include Europe. The simple and spartan Rangers and Hilux's...

When desire induces people to spend their money, then desire = demand. There is a demand for more capable midsized trucks in the North American market. It really doesn't get better fuel economy, but go ahead and tell yourself that. A better tower, I agree... ^This. Overseas, hilux and...

Yes, but the whole reason why Ford's "new" Ranger got so much fanfare, and the whole reason that iconic vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Power Wagon are so praised and valued is because of their offroad prowess. Even if most owners have no intention of ever going offroad, they're buying the...

I did say similar, didn't I? With all the emphasis that Toyota places on QDR and manufacturing optimization, are we really going to pretend that Toyota uses completely different components and design philosophies between the Hilux and Tacoma for axle and chassis components? Even if one model...

Lol, if us Toyota fans are getting 'soft' for wanting a dampened tailgate, what does that say about the average 1/2 ton (to include F-150) owner who has come to expect power-everything and 360-degree camera's and massaging seats? Dampened tailgate is NOT an "offroad" feature, but it is a...

More than a few auto journalists (4x4-focused) have commented on how the Tacoma's 8.8" rear axle is very similar to the one used by the Hilux, 4runner/LC Prado. Exactly the same? Perhaps not, but very similar nonetheless in terms of design and materials. This is nothing new by the way...it's...

No, he is very much right...America's "truck culture" is more fascinated with 0-60 times, heated seats, and update infotainment systems....the rest of the world is more focused on range/efficiency, working capabilities and durability. There is a tremendous difference in how we use trucks in...

The frame may look the same but it is a newer design using newer materials. I would love to see the Tacoma go fully boxed, but I honestly don't consider the C-channel frame to be a limiting factor for payload or longterm durability. The 3.5l v6 on the other hand...I totally agree with you...

I was thinking something similar. I'm sure this engine will be a decent workhorse, but it's an OHV engine that will produce decent torque and will likely be just as thirsty (or more so) as everything else on the market. It really doesn't seem to be breaking any new ground...but maybe I'm...

Are the torque and HP RPM stats even out yet? Does anyone know how the torque curve will look like? I'm sure it will be a decent engine, but from the way some people are getting excited about it, you'd think that Ford did something that's never been done before.

I don't think Tacoma's are nearly as coveted overseas as Hilux's are here in the North America. The difference in ride is marketing drivel on Toyota's part...suspension tuning could easily adjust the ride quality. The Hilux comes with higher (more luxurious trim levels). And Toyota could...