4Runner or Tacoma? Need Advice

[Dougnuts]

I've driven both in the past week and I would get the 4Runner, hands down. I'm not sure where the rear seats were set when measured for the previously posted specs, but the 4Runner obviously had more rear leg room. The one I drove had the optional 3rd row, so the second row could be moved fore and aft and also reclined quite a bit.

 

[p nut]

...I'm not sure where the rear seats were set when measured for the previously posted specs, but the 4Runner obviously had more rear leg room. The one I drove had the optional 3rd row, so the second row could be moved fore and aft and also reclined quite a bit.

Definitely, factory specs vs actual may feel quite different. Especially considering other factors, such as the more open feel of the 4Runner as the other poster mentioned. When you sat in both, did you set the front seat at the same position? Just a couple of inches could make a huge difference.

But I'll post these specs again (both from Toyota). I don't know where the front or rear seats were set, but it does indicate more room up front for the Tacoma.

.......Tacoma (16)..4Runner
HR - Front 39.7...39.3
HR - Rear 38.3...38.6
LR - Front 42.9...41.7
LR - Rear 32.6...32.9
SR - Front 58.3...57.8
SR - Rear 58.9...57.8
HipR - Front 57.2...56.5
HipR - Rear 56.3...55.7

 

[PWP]

The DC Tacoma's backseat is not all that big when it comes time to put car seats back there..... Something to think about for the future. We love our Tacoma, but it has some drawbacks as a family vehicle with young kids.

I have an '11 DC, and previously an '03 DC. The backseats are in no way convenient for long-legged adults with kids in car seats; however, now that my boys are out of the car seats it is tolerable. We also have a '12 4Runner, and previously an '05 GX470. Back seat room is better in both, but I would not get the third row seat as it is not worth anything at all!

The 4Runner rides better, but the Taco drives better and feels much more solid on the trails.

 

[Dougnuts]

Definitely, factory specs vs actual may feel quite different. Especially considering other factors, such as the more open feel of the 4Runner as the other poster mentioned. When you sat in both, did you set the front seat at the same position? Just a couple of inches could make a huge difference.

But I'll post these specs again (both from Toyota). I don't know where the front or rear seats were set, but it does indicate more room up front for the Tacoma.

I drove them both and then sat behind the drivers seat. Rear leg room measurements are a black art, both complex and not as standardized as I would expect. Although I would think Toyota would measure all of their cars the same, it is common for the numbers to be confusing and the advice often given is to go and sit in them.

 

[Jared1956]

No better place to make my first post on this forum! I've owned an 05, 12, and 15 Tacoma and currently own a 16 4Runner. Regardless of specifications listed, the rear passenger area of the 4Runner feels several inches larger than that of the Tacoma. In fact, I traded my 15 Tacoma in on the 4Runner because a rear facing car seat would not fit in the Tacoma and leave enough room for a front seat passenger. The exact same car seat fits in the 4Runner with zero issues.

Beyond that, the new 3.5 engine in the Tacoma is causing all kinds of drive ability complaints due to its low rpm torque, or lack thereof. Just google 2016 Tacoma transmission and you'll see tons of complaints. Better yet, go drive one and pay attention to low speed parking lot on/off throttle situations and highway passing situations. The engine just isn't going to work in this truck, they are going to have to address its lack of performance.

The 4Runner is still using the 4.0L engine that has been around forever. Loud and low on power, but bulletproof and works well.

Having owned both, the 4Runner is hands down my choice.