From a Tacoma to a 4Runner

I've been a Tacoma owner for 20 years and my current truck is a 2023 Off Road Premium. I've always wanted a 4Runner and I'm considering trading towards a 2023-2024 Off Road Premium or either a 2025 SR5 or a 2025 Off Road.
I love having the premium package on my Tacoma but there no way that I can afford the 2025 4Runner Off Road Premium. I definitely can swing the 2025 SR5 and possibly the Off Road. So thats why I mention the 2023-2024 Off Road Premium.......that way I can still have the extra features. But I'm just not seeing any 5th Gen 4Runners even half as nice as my Tacoma; they are either high mileage or full of dings, dents & divits on the outside and/or the inside.
I hate dealing with dealers so I still haven't visited them people or test driven a 4Runner. I have been doing online research and visiting the lots after-hours but that only takes me so far. So I'm looking for feedback, especially comparing a Gen 5 vs Gen 6. Oh yea, I don't want the electric model and I'm firm on that. Thanks.

 

Welcome Good feedback here on both models you're looking at! Read up and ask questions. Folks here have good info!

 

Welcome

 

Uh, there isn't an electric model. Where'd you get that idea from? Did you mean Hybrid?

 

There is an electric motor and battery in the Hybrid, isn't there? I'm sorry, ......gasoline/electric model..... But I'll bet that you really knew what I meant.

 

Semantics, we got you either way.

There’s a lot of Gen 5 vs 6 comments out there but the biggest factor is likely price for features and rear seat folding.

If you aren’t crazy in love with the 4Runner, staying put would likely be the best option financially. If you have access to CarMax, I’d try there for test drives.

 

Welcome

 

That's me!. From 2 Tacoma trucks to a Minnie Winnie

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! We had a Tacoma and made the switch to a 4Runner, the fact that anything you want to put in the 4Runner is in a climate controlled, weather safe environment. We like the Tacoma, and we had several pickups, all with tonneau covers, some soft rollups, some hard tri-folds, but they never seemed to be "sealed" from the elements. I know someone will have the opposite view about sealing up the Tacoma, or any pickup with a topper or tonneau cover, the fact is that it is soooo much easier to just shut the rear gate and go. We also noticed the added features that our OR Tacoma had versus the 4Runner, but we have had the 4Runner, absolutely love it and might get another, but like many are waiting to see how the 6th Gen. works and what "bugs" they need to work out.

 

You state the biggest reasons for me wanting a 4Runner. I had a Leer fiberglass topper (cap) on my last Tacoma and had my sleeping setup laid out in the back. Next day I drove a 70 mile dirt road to get to the Eagle Lake locomotives up north in Maine. When I got there my gear was COVERED with a layer of dirt. Dirt, not dust. I've been wanting a 4Runner ever since.
Normally I avoid the first year of any vehicle but since the 4Runner is based on the Tacoma this would be year two for the running gear and similar features and design.
Oh, by the way, the 4Runner offers more security than a cap.

 

Welcome from Arizona!
It sounds like the 4Runner is what you are after.

 

Wife went from a Tacoma double cab (Sport Premium with manual transmission) to a 2024 4Runner TRD Pro. We would have been OK with an OR premium, but would have had to wait months. She had an OEM tonneau, and I added some sponge gaskets at the tailgate, but there was always a coating of trail dust on the cargo when we arrived at the lake.

The runner is a great option; and we still have my Taco for hauling large or stinky cargo. (..and Orion willing, an elk or deer)

If you can only afford one, I'd recommend the Runner and some good tarps.

 

Welcome! I took went from a Tacoma to a 4R.

 

Welcome to the forum from Wisconsin!

If you prefer having the premium package, I wouldn't settle for the base trim. Better to wait, or get a used vehicle with the features you want, than spend a bunch of money on a vehicle you won't be satisfied with.

Also, depending on what your needs and preferences are, maybe consider a used SR5 Premium.

 

Other than the Pro I don’t see a huge price difference between the other trims depending on the year and mileage. So I will stay with the off road premium. Then the next step is to find one in very nice condition. Most seem to be suffering from exterior and interior defects that detailing won’t hide. Patience is my ally. I will find what I’m looking for.

 

I wasn't suggesting that you look at SR5's to save money.

You said all the off-roads you're looking at seem to be dinged up. Opening up your search to another trim might give you more options to choose from.

If you prefer the ORP, then go for it. I would never encourage anyone to buy a vehicle they don't really want.

But, since you were willing to look at new SR5's, it would makes sense to also look at used SR5's.

 

I mentioned looking at a new 2025 SR5 or possibly an Off Road because the prices were so high for the new rigs. I mentioned buying a used Gen 5 Off Road Premium because I wanted the features. I see many ORP's listed on Auto Trader that I haven't looked at and others will become available. Patience is my ally. I will find what I’m looking for, new or used.

 

Yeah, that's fine. I'm just saying that if you're willing to settle for an SR5 new, you should be willing to settle for an SR5 used. Otherwise, you shouldn't be willing to settle for an SR5 at all.

 

I’d wait on the new ones for a couple years and find a low mileage 5th Gen. TRD Off-Road Premium for the win!
Welcome to the forum.

 

The dealer that I’ve been using for the last 20 years has two Certified 2024 ORP models on the lot. I like the simplicity of the Gen 5 both in and out and the controls are very familiar. I’m starting to like the idea of the Gen 5 only, not the 2025.

 

The dealer has a Gen 5 SR5 with less than 8k on the odo. I’m going to look at it today.

 

Nice! Hopefully it's clean.

 

Like others I went from many...many years driving a Tacoma. As I aged (not matured?) it was getting tougher for me to drive the the manual and the comfort even w/seat jackers was gone. Found a 5th Gen 2024 ORP and I'm really glad I made the change. Yes I miss being able to haul a load of wood, if necessary I rent a U-Haul trailer and the 4R does just fine with that!
Good fortune shopping and we all look forward to seeing what you acquire!

 

I'm driving my 2024 4Runner SR5 until both our wheels fall off. (I'm a spunky 72)

 

While looking at the lots for a mint Gen 5 Off Road Premium I was offered what I thought was a good deal on a Gen 6 ORP. Actually I took it for a rest ride and that's what sold me. Being an older guy the features and accessories were a big attraction.