4th gen 4runner vs 2nd gen Tacoma

[hoptroll]

So I have decided to get a new (to me) rig. I was originally looking for a 2nd gen Tacoma. I would love to have a Tacoma for the truck bed factor, but I would likely have a shell on it 90% of the time anyway. I like the 4runner because of the versatility and the fact that it is all one weathertight "box" if you will. 4runners are also much easier to find at a more reasonable price with low miles. Any thoughts? Anyone with experience with the 4th gen 4runners that can offer any advice?


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[matt marquardt]

I own a 4thgen 4runner and enjoy it. Didn't need the V8 and was happy to have a timing chain vs. the belt with the V6. The weather tight box idea I understand being I also have two trucks. I'm 6' and can sleep in the back.

 

[Finlay]

I have both a V8 4Runner and a second gen Taco. Personally, I much prefer the Tacoma. The 4Runner get slightly better mileage, and rides a lot better, but the Taco has better aftermarket support and I feel is more versatile.

That being said, they are both solid trucks and I wouldn't hesitate to take either one. You are right about 4Runners being a bit easier to get a hold of, so there is that.

 

[p nut]

I've always had the mindset that trucks offer much better versatility. And they probably do, but now a days, not thinking it's of as much benefit as I once thought. I think an SUV+trailer gives as much, if not more versatility. But this all depends on your intended usage. Some line of work, or lifestyle demands a truck. Unless you have that definitive need, I would get the best bang for buck option. Which in this case is the 4Runner.

 

[surlydiesel]

I'm a cyclist, so putting muddy bikes in an SUV is a no go for me. I also enjoy moving firewood and dirty camping gear in the back of my truck as well and not smelling any of it. Of course with a small hitch rack, you could carry your firewood and other stuff on the back. I think you'll just need to weigh your needs and go from there. Oh and the 4runner will be much more comfy overall but the truck will be more "useful" and or "utility" based. Oh and you could always toss a truck camper/flipac on the truck, not so much on the SUV.

Best of luck in your search, can't go wrong either way.

-jorge

 

[deadbeat son]

I own an '09 Tacoma DCSB and an '06 4Runner SR5 V6. I bought the truck because I wanted to be able to carry a dirty/muddy dog separate from the passenger cabin. I picked up the 4Runner early this year for my wife. Now that I own both, I really like the truck, but I think I prefer the 4 Runner. As mentioned, it rides a bit better and it gets slightly better mileage. The rear seat is also considerably roomier; it fits a child seat much better than the DCSB Taco if that means anything to you.

Regardless, they're both excellent vehicles, and there is no right or wrong answer. If you need the interior cabin space, go 4 Runner. If you need a separate storage compartment to keep messy things out of the cabin, go with the Tacoma. No preference? Go with the better deal.

Good luck!

 

[hoptroll]

Everyone makes very good points. I don't need the truck for work or anything, it is just very convenient for throwing dirty things such as bikes, filthy work clothes, and surf gear in. I do like the options that a truck offers as well as far as being able to put a pop up camper etc in. I do use the truck to haul things in on a semi regular basis, but my dad has a '97 F250 that I could use for that. I use my current truck ('00 Tacoma Access cab, 4x4 v6) to commute to work in, so the 4runner would be much nicer for that it sounds like. As far as aftermarket support, the 4runner offers more than enough of that stuff for me. If I go with a 4runner, I will likely add a mild lift and upgrade tires. For the trips that I do, the 4runner might be a bit small, but I think I could make it work with a roof rack or something along those lines. Based on the excellent feedback here, I think the 4runner is going to be a good choice and suffice my needs.

 

[p nut]

It's definitely nice to be able to throw in dirty crap right in the bed and not worry about it ruining the interior. From that aspect, the truck is so nice. I've learned to deal with having no bed in my current SUV (Landcruiser). For messy clothing, I got some Action Packers that do the job well. For really dirty stuff, I stuff it in the Action Packer and strap it to the roof rack. If you get a good roof rack, like a Gobi, it is almost like having a bed. Flipac's are nice as well. You can get a RTT, though. Or good ol' ground tent.

Good luck with the search.

 

[Mrknowitall]

Another factor may be how big potential back-seat passengers are/will be. The back seat in the Tacoma is short on leg room for adults on long trips, but fine for short trips or people. The 4R has better brakes. The 4R also has better on-road features w multi-mode 4wd and available fancy suspensions. OTOH, the Taco sits higher out of the box and many have he factory locker. Check with your agent about insurance rates, too. Those can contribute to ongoing cost differences.

 

[Martinjmpr]

One thing that's surprised me in the Denver area at least is that 4x4 Tacomas seem to be quite a bit more expensive than 4th gen 4runners. I don't know if it's just supply and demand or what, but it strikes me as a bit odd because 4runners are pretty "up-contented" compared to trucks (IOW, 4runners come standard with a lot of things that are options on trucks, like power windows, doors, keyless entry, automatic climate control, etc.)

Assuming you're buying used, it's pretty easy to find a 4runner that has spent its time as a "soccer mom mobile" and never been off road, whereas a truck will often have been used as a truck. Of course, with this particular vehicle that's something of a mixed blessing because the weak link is th electronic transfer case control. On some of the older 4th gen 4runners, if the previous owner never used low range or 4wd, sometimes the actuator will be 'frozen' and not want to move. I don't know if the Tacomas have the same issue, although I assume they do since it's the same kind of arrangement with the electronic t-case switch. Honestly, that's the only thing I don't like about this generation of Toyotas - seems like an unneccessary built in failure point.

Having said that, failure rates are still pretty low, and I've never had a lick of trouble with mine. Just make sure you test it in all possible modes before you buy.

 

[java]

Another happy 4th gen owner here too. v6 Sport. Only thing I will add is get an 04+ (v8) or 05+ (v6) with the 5 speed, thats the only thing I wish mine had.

I've gotten over the dirty stuff factor. Its a truck throw it in the back and be done with it. Really worried about it?, get a set of weather techs for the back.

 

[4Rescue]

I've not owned either, but I prefer the 4Runners in general for their "all inside" box features, but the 4th gen while it CAN be built out (several here have) was a real significant departure in terms of off-road capability from the 3rd gen. It got the V8 which is awesome (although not so hot on fuel mileage as some seem to say) and it's cool to know you could still get a manual and the E-Locker in them, but it was lower, and the most "car like" 4Runner they'd made to date. plus a LOT of the things they did to the 5th Gen were in direct response to people complaining about things they tried out on the 4th gen like the turn dial T-case and so on and so forth. Neither are bad vehicles by any means, but I see the Taco as having more utility with the P/U bed and leaf-sprung rear-end among other things, plus if you've got dogs who like to go play, it can be easier to keep their muddy feet/selves in the P/U bed then crawling through the 4Runners open lay-out. Just some things to think about. The 4th Gen will tow more with the V8 however and depending on how tall you are you can set it up to sleep inside it... It'll also be more nimble on trail (however it also has rear glass that the Taco wouldn't were you to run Canopy free) if you're comparing it to a long bed quad Cab Taco.

As always, test drive both and see which one "calls to you". You can literally build either out as lightly or as hardcore as you like, but if you go with the 4Runner and plan to really "buld it" I'd suggest staying away from the KDSS 'crosslinked" hydraulic suspension stuff. Great for a road vehicle, not so hot from what I've seen off-road.

YMMV

Cheers

Dave

 

[p nut]

Just a couple of minor corrections. V8's were all 5-speed (03+). And the last manual 4Runner was in 2000. All have been auto since then. KDSS not available for the 4th gen, so no issues there. Carry on.

 

[Clutch]

Everyone makes very good points. I don't need the truck for work or anything, it is just very convenient for throwing dirty things such as bikes, filthy work clothes, and surf gear in. I do like the options that a truck offers as well as far as being able to put a pop up camper etc in. I do use the truck to haul things in on a semi regular basis, but my dad has a '97 F250 that I could use for that. I use my current truck ('00 Tacoma Access cab, 4x4 v6) to commute to work in, so the 4runner would be much nicer for that it sounds like. As far as aftermarket support, the 4runner offers more than enough of that stuff for me. If I go with a 4runner, I will likely add a mild lift and upgrade tires. For the trips that I do, the 4runner might be a bit small, but I think I could make it work with a roof rack or something along those lines. Based on the excellent feedback here, I think the 4runner is going to be a good choice and suffice my needs.

We have a '02 Trooper and a Tacoma. I didn't realize how much I dislike SUV's until the Taco went down for 6.5 weeks for repairs...just happened to be super busy having to haul
a wide variety of stuff for that month and a half, it was anything from building supplies, to dirt bike gear, to an art installation for the girlfriend's thesis. I was destroying the interior of the Trooper in a very short time, and stuff wouldn't fit well. I do have a tailer as well, but some of the places where I had to haul, parking would of been a real pain in the butt. Here it is two months later, having to move a variety of things and whatnot again...now I have the truck back....so much easier! Decided I hate barn doors of the Trooper as well...give me a tailgate.

For me SUV's are great if you're only going to haul people and nothing else...beyond that I find them a bit irritating. Actually both my girlfriend and I do, she wants to get a truck of some sorts....say a full size extra cab short bed. They basically have the same rear seat legroom as our Trooper or 4Runner...yet have a 6.5' cargo area, which you can leave open, or toss a shell on it, or if you so desire slide a camper in there too. Can fit an awful lot of gear in a truck like that...no need for a trailer either. I don't mind towing a trailer, however they can add to the complications of traveling.

I've gotten over the dirty stuff factor. Its a truck throw it in the back and be done with it. Really worried about it?, get a set of weather techs for the back.

The girlie wasn't too happy with me trying to haul 10' steel stock sticks in her Trooper...trying not to get shipping oil all over the interior was a challenge...broke the windshield hauling 12' 2X6's...seems like I am always building something or have some project going on...it didn't like a couple few bags of concrete either...she wasn't happy with the concrete dust of me tossing the bags in there. Even with the rear seats folded forward...the thing is kinda useless. She couldn't wait for me to get my truck back...I was going to kill the interior of the Trooper right quick.

Given enough time, I would end up doing this.

 

[Arktikos]

I'm with the pickup plus car crowd. If you can swing having a third rig, that's where the SUV comes in.