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4Runner Vs. Tacoma?

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by The last breed, Feb 13, 2022.

  1. Feb 13, 2022 at 3:42 PM
    #1
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    Why did you choose 4Runner over Tacoma? In my case I want 4Runner because I could put a mattress in the back to sleep on during road trips and my cargo is safe from weather. Thats the biggest reason. Other reasons are I find 4Runner more old school. It is also a very handsome vehicle. Nothing like it. One other reason it is made in Japan.
     
  2. Feb 13, 2022 at 3:43 PM
    #2
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    It is very handsome, no doubt.

    20211018_175121.jpg
     
    Patch999 likes this.
  3. Feb 13, 2022 at 4:14 PM
    #3
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    Tacoma is a fantastic looking truck. I test drove one, I actually wanted one before I wanted a 4R.

    I didn't care much for the driving experience. The seating position is way too low, and I did not like the driving feel of 3.5/6AT combo at all.

    The more I thought about it, the more I realized a SUV fit my needs better, hence the 4R. I can sleep in it, there's plenty of room for dogs, and I can throw my mountain bike in the back if I'm going to be leaving it.

    4R also has a more comfortable interior space for front and rear passengers.

    Oh, and between ruling out the Taco and deciding on th 4R, I had briefly moved on to wanting a previous gen GM fullsize pickup. With the cost/mpg of the Taco, a fullsize just seemed like a much better value.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  4. Feb 13, 2022 at 4:20 PM
    #4
    KYFHO

    KYFHO Generic Scumbag

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    It was a matter of back seat space. I brought my son with me (8 at the time) to test out the rear seat space. It was clear that he would be cramped back there within a couple years. Plus, I didn’t really need a bed, since the only thing I ever hauled in the bed of the Tundra I traded in was surfboards. No regrets.
     
  5. Feb 13, 2022 at 4:23 PM
    #5
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    Because I see no purpose for miniature trucks. Lol

    I had a tundra. I wouldn’t go smaller than that.
     
  6. Feb 13, 2022 at 4:36 PM
    #6
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    2021 4Runner: King Coilovers King rear shocks Camburg UCA’s Spc rear Trail arms Icon 52700 rear springs Icon panhard bar SCS Ray10’s Rci Sliders Rci Full Skids 2022 Tacoma Offroad: King Coilovers King rear shocks Deaver leaf springs Camburg UCA Scs Gen 5 Bamf front hybrid bumper Rci Full Skids Rci Sliders
    I have both. Both have their uses. My wife drives the 4runner and I drive the Tacoma. It’s wonderful having a truck bed for stuff.

    I almost got a ram 2500 however I don’t tow anything on the regular, or use the bed for heavy objects to justify a full size or a diesel.

    The 4runner is a wonderful family vehicle. Has good size and is larger interior than the Tacoma.

    551F6C5C-B998-4E90-90C9-3CDC669447DA.jpg 10F679AB-0F91-4DD6-9E80-F9404436B0F2.jpg
     
    JK BRO, Toy4X4, LA260 and 2 others like this.
  7. Feb 13, 2022 at 5:35 PM
    #7
    wdsteven

    wdsteven New Member

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    I had a 2018 Tacoma TRD Pro with the 6 speed manual Transmission great looking truck and it was fantastic off road it got me everywhere I wanted to go no problem... But it was a little hard on me being 6'2 and the 3.5 engine just well really didn't do as well on the mountain roads towing a boat So I got the 2020 TRD Pro 4Runner and it is a world away better for what I need.

    IMG_2874.jpg IMG_4645[144].jpg
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  8. Feb 13, 2022 at 6:15 PM
    #8
    TRDLE

    TRDLE New Member

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    If I needed a truck bed I'm not sure I would have gotten a Tacoma. But I wanted an SUV so I never really had to consider one.
     
  9. Feb 13, 2022 at 6:28 PM
    #9
    2Toys

    2Toys Imperial Star Cruiser

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    I have the last good model year Tacoma, a 2015 TRD Sport 2WD. It is my daily driver. When I bought my 4 Runner in 2019, it really exposed the cheapness of the Tacoma. The 4 Runner is quiet inside, and the build quality is excellent - and lighting everywhere inside and out. The Tacoma is loud inside (no insulation unlike the T4R) and the wind caused "kazoo" noise at the drivers window and / or rear sliding window is very aggravating. The reliability is there though, and that is what I bought it for. And I really like the oil filter on top.
     
    The last breed[OP] and glwood54 like this.
  10. Feb 14, 2022 at 4:40 AM
    #10
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

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    We have had both. There are pros and cons to each, just ended up with 4Runner only. We have other options when it comes to hauling "oversize" things that the 4Runner can't. A small trailer behind the 4Runner is the solution to the "oversize" stuff. Both are good vehicles though.
     
  11. Feb 14, 2022 at 6:47 AM
    #11
    K-Paul

    K-Paul Looking for a water crossing

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    The Tacoma back seat is torture for your passengers. Legs are cramped. And anyone over the age of 40 is bound to be sore like a Mother after offroading back there for anytbing longer than 30 min.
     
    ChessGuy and The last breed[OP] like this.
  12. Feb 14, 2022 at 7:00 AM
    #12
    J-trac

    J-trac New Member

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    I had a 2014 Tacoma. It was a good little truck, and I had a canopy on it to keep storage in the bed dry. Could have put a mattress in it for sleeping. But when we had the 2nd kid, the back seat space was too cramped so I sold the Tacoma and bought the 4runner. I've got to say I now prefer the 4runner over the Tacoma, based on drivability and features.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  13. Feb 14, 2022 at 8:08 AM
    #13
    Chris In Milwaukee

    Chris In Milwaukee New Member

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    I looked at both. In the end I chose the 4Runner for covered interior space. Dogs :)
     
  14. Feb 14, 2022 at 8:12 AM
    #14
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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    I would have bought another Tacoma but the Turd gen isn't good IMO. I had a 2nd gen before that took me everywhere but it was totaled because someone decided to run a red.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  15. Feb 14, 2022 at 8:14 AM
    #15
    surfermonkey

    surfermonkey New Member

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    Had a 19taco. We get preggers, so we got a new Tundra. Tundra needed warranty repair so traded it for a 4runner cause we needed interior space. If there was no kid on the horizon, i would have kept the taco. Miss it every day. As soon as funds allow im getting another.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  16. Feb 14, 2022 at 8:39 AM
    #16
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    I'm still very interested in Tacoma TRD manual trans and offroad tech with locker. A small truck works best when mrs needs garden stuff from Lowes / Home Depot. I feel sad the way she puts in the clean 4R.

    So why I didn't buy Tacoma?
    (major) I needed secure and weather proof cargo area when we go on trips.
    (major) Rear seating is small
    (major) Based on my Tundra experience 2wd traction in wet roads not good

    (minor) When I take wife's 4Runner it would be difficult for her to drive the manual trans Tacoma. (I prefer manual trans Taco vs the complaints I see with 6spd auto on Taco)
    (minor) Ride comfort was not good as 4Runner and Tundra
    (minor) With smaller roof safety on a rollover is a little concern
    (minor) Headroom was less and not sure it would be an uncomfortable feeling for long trips? (Tacoma was only a test drive didn't had for little time to put to test)
    (minor) Tacoma is Made in USA vs 4Runner made in Japan so I expect tiny bit of better quality on 4Runner. But with not so happy experience with my 4Runner TRD PRo that feeling is faded due to quality issues vs my previous 4Runners.

    Those are the points I can remember since it was like 3yrs ago.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  17. Feb 26, 2022 at 6:00 AM
    #17
    VaRunner

    VaRunner New Member

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    I chose both, just several years apart. 1st Gen Taco, 4th Gen 4R.
     
  18. Feb 26, 2022 at 6:39 AM
    #18
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    Same thing here. Although my 1st gen Taco is currently awaiting a trip to the car doc for a new water pump...:(
     
  19. Feb 26, 2022 at 6:56 AM
    #19
    VaRunner

    VaRunner New Member

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    Mines got the hiccups. I can’t seem to track down the random misfire but haven’t put a lot of time in it. 283k though. Paid $19k brand new and a fella offered my $7k a few weeks ago. Crazy times.
     
  20. Feb 26, 2022 at 7:21 AM
    #20
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    156k on mine. Still runs like a top...I'm not really sure why they say that, though...anyway, WP developed a leak. In looking back at the maintenance records, PO replaced the timing belt at 129k, but not the water pump. Bad idea. Don't do it, folks, just don't.
     
  21. Feb 26, 2022 at 7:33 AM
    #21
    ChessGuy

    ChessGuy New Member

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    Too many..... Performance: • Magnusum Supercharger • Gibson exhaust with dual black tip • Pedal Commander * PowerBrakes • Suspension – Old Man Emu BP-51 front and back with Medium load coils • Tires: AT3 Faulken Wildpeak – 285/70/17 • Wheels: Relations Race Wheels, RR7-H with -12 offset • Full roof rack and ladder by Westcott Design (removed the stock Yakima basket) • Molle storage panels by Rago fabrication • Front light brackets by Rago • Illuminator light bracket by Rago (roof rack location) Lights • Morimoto front and back with sequential signals • Morimoto fog lights and side mirrors with sequential signals • 40” Baja design light bar for roof rack • 20” S8 Baja design driving combo (winch location) • Squadron sport baja design ditch lights • S2 Chase lights by baja designs (mounted on roof) In the bay: • Odyssey 34-PC Battery • SDQH Aluminum billet battery terminals and bracket • Switch Pro 9100 with aluminum tray • Anytime front and back camera • ARB twin compressor Recovery & Protection: • Smittybilt X20 synthetic rope winch • Factor 55 fairlead and flatlink • Southern Style Off-road (SSO) low profile bumper • SSO stage 2 high clearance wings • Weekend warrior recovery kit by treaty oak • RCI – skid plates – entire vehicle + catalytic converter protection wings Interior: • Nano Ceramic IR – Avery Dennison Window tint – all windows • Several phone mounts • Upgraded Rear Hatch lift gate struts (ladder is heavy) • Boom blaster horn switch (featuring La cucaracha)
    We got both...and the space on the 4runner is so much better. Although it feels to me that the Taco handles better....even though it has the same specs engine..etc..etc. maybe is all in my head.

    20220226_092951.jpg
     
  22. Feb 26, 2022 at 10:37 AM
    #22
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    2021 4Runner: King Coilovers King rear shocks Camburg UCA’s Spc rear Trail arms Icon 52700 rear springs Icon panhard bar SCS Ray10’s Rci Sliders Rci Full Skids 2022 Tacoma Offroad: King Coilovers King rear shocks Deaver leaf springs Camburg UCA Scs Gen 5 Bamf front hybrid bumper Rci Full Skids Rci Sliders
    engine, suspension and weight are different. So it’s probably a placebo. I have both as well and prefer the 4runner over the Tacoma. They both have king suspension and ucas etc. But the 4runner feels more refined to me.
     
  23. Feb 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM
    #23
    2Toys

    2Toys Imperial Star Cruiser

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    I would do a compression check. After 283k miles, you may have a leaking valve seat.
     
  24. Feb 26, 2022 at 1:25 PM
    #24
    telkins88

    telkins88 New Member

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    We have both. 2022 4Runner and 2021 Tacoma
    4Runner has more interior space and better seating position in my opinion.
    We prefer using the Tacoma for travel because we can fit more stuff in the bed under the locked hard bed cover, but the backseat could be tight for taller passengers. I like the handling of the Tacoma better, seems more planted in corners. The Toyota phone app for Tacoma has more features (start, lock, unlock etc)than it does for the 4Runner. Tacoma has wireless phone charger. Tacoma LED headlights are superior to the 4Runners.
     
    4runGirl88 likes this.
  25. Feb 26, 2022 at 3:05 PM
    #25
    crashnburn

    crashnburn New Member

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    Kyx nerfbars, TRD roof rack.
    I have 2 kids and a grandson we like to have over. I wanted enough room to fit them. I actually looked at the Tundra for a little more backseat room but thought the Tacoma could get a little cramped when our grandson gets bigger. He is coming up on 3 years.
     
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  26. Feb 27, 2022 at 2:27 AM
    #26
    suaveflooder

    suaveflooder New Member

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    dead on. I’ve had both. Same experience
     
  27. Feb 27, 2022 at 6:00 AM
    #27
    Spare Parts

    Spare Parts New Member

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    We currently have a 2017 taco. When I bought this one, the wife said get a 4Runner. Well manual transmission won. Didn’t check out the 4Runner, as taco is available in manual. The 17 replaced my 09 access cab 4 cylinder, that replaced my 95.

    in 2020, we bought a used 2017, limited runner that had been modded. It was nice, very comfortable as our family of 4 and a big dog, pulled a pop up back and forth across the country in under 3 weeks. Not sure if it was the super charger or not, but the runner wanted to do 80 plus, if not the engine ran high rpms and the exhaust was loud, thankfully it had a nice stereo.

    The runner was very capable and I wouldn’t be upset if we still opened it, but we traded it in for a Rav4 prime and made 4K. I still prefer to drive the Taco, I like it’s handling. That being said, I enjoyed driving the 4 cylinder 09 more than the 6 cylinder 2017. Both Tacomas have taken us camping and adventuring many places, and we have been very happy and thankful.

    so, now we are in search of a new 4Runner. 1-more comfortable on long journeys and this runner will be built to take the wife and I cross country (possibly yearly). 2-in my head being manufactured in Japan I’d better than being built in Texas. There are a few things I am not excited about on my taco (probably not build quality, but shitty Toyota choices) and I believe more effort is put into manufacturing the runner. 3-cold mornings and getting older have my considering the auto transmission, so that puts the runner on the shopping list. 4-the biggest reason, the 4Runner has been proven and continues to thrive with the current generation. I missed the 2015 Tacoma and wish I knew better then. So, I plan to get a new runner and trade in my taco. Down the road, I hope to find a single cab taco to add back.
     
  28. Feb 27, 2022 at 6:07 AM
    #28
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I don't really think it's 4Runner VS Tacoma, but rather what suits you better. There's pros and cons to each, but they're both good vehicles.

    The 4runner is a pinch better for off-road use. The Tacoma is better for hauling. The 4runner has better back seats, which was one thing that brought me back.
     
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  29. Feb 27, 2022 at 1:14 PM
    #29
    alittleoff

    alittleoff New Member

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    What pushed me from my old '14 Tacoma, TRDOR to the '16 4R TP was the gear ratio in the Tacoma's 6sp manual.
    I'm spoiled by my '03 Jeep TJ's, non-stock axles & Atlas T/C, 98:1 crawl ratio.
    The Taco's high geared T/C and 1st through 3rd manual, to me, were too fast to have fun trying to crawl. And 4th through 6th were like overdrive on the highway.
    These engines are designed to sing, not lug.
     
  30. Feb 27, 2022 at 2:58 PM
    #30
    BourbonNcigars

    BourbonNcigars New Member

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    I have several friends with a truck I can haul something with in the bed if needed (best bud across the street has a '19 Taco). I don't know anyone who will lend me an SUV for a week or so to go on a vacation in. And honestly I just like SUV's.
     
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