1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Looking at upgrading to a 4runner from a tacoma

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Jake_TRD, Jan 30, 2017.

  1. Jun 24, 2017 at 6:26 PM
    #31
    Clay

    Clay 4 RUNNIN

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2017
    Member:
    #3899
    Messages:
    136
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Clay
    Auburn, Wa
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    I have a 2016 Taco, Sport, Access Cab with 31,000 miles of smiles on it. This is my 5th Toyota Pickup and is certainly the best. Like all the others I have a Manual Transmission that has allowed me to skip all the complaints with the new 6 speed slush-box. As for the Engine - Yes, it's a high winder with a Hockey Stick power curve. Apparently a lot of people are more accustomed to slow speed engine sounds and get nervous when the see the Tach go past 3-grand. This is where the Manual shines as I am able to manage the gear ratios to achieve what I want at the time. I'm not one to give up my control to a computer. Read the thread about Manual Transmissions on the Tacoma Forum and you will find out that I am not alone in my thinking. My future calls for moving from a Camry (2010 LE) to a 2018 4R. We've driven the RAV (both kinds) as well as the highlander and the 4R is, hands-down, the cream of the crop. Just waiting for details on the new T4R. Clay
     
    Palerider likes this.
  2. Jun 24, 2017 at 6:50 PM
    #32
    HarveyElmore

    HarveyElmore New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4191
    Messages:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harvey
    Vehicle:
    Offroad TRD 17'
    I have a 2016 OR TRD AC until July 9. The 4Runner I have ordered (Offroad Premium) has KDSS, Moonroof, heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators and puddle lights, hood scoop, and rear spoiler; roof rails, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support; four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, Homelink® universal transceiver w/Auto-dimming rearview mirror, EntuneTM Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with Multi-Terrain ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Locking rear differential, Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control. I'm not trying to argue, just comparing what I thought was a loaded Offroad TRD truck to the new 4Runner.
     
    Palerider likes this.
  3. Jun 24, 2017 at 9:45 PM
    #33
    Clay

    Clay 4 RUNNIN

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2017
    Member:
    #3899
    Messages:
    136
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Clay
    Auburn, Wa
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    It's probably not fair to compare the two vehicles - The goals of the two vehicles are really different - Taco = Haul stuff, be off road capable, haul people. 4R= Haul People comfortably and be off road capable. If you have something dirty or large to haul - Taco= Put it in the bed....4R = Put in a trailer. In the category of people hauler - the Taco is should not be considered as a competitor. Start with the Back Seat - Taco Extra-Cab = Barely adequate, 4R = Nice.
    The list goes on. This is the reason that you will find Taco's -AND -4R's in many families. Clay
     
  4. Jul 8, 2017 at 6:12 PM
    #34
    HarveyElmore

    HarveyElmore New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4191
    Messages:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harvey
    Vehicle:
    Offroad TRD 17'
    After having my new 4R OR TRD for a week I concur with your findings. Also the KDSS suspension is nice.
     
    mcharfauros and jester243 like this.
  5. Jul 15, 2017 at 10:03 PM
    #35
    Rebelchurch

    Rebelchurch New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Member:
    #4387
    Messages:
    32
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRDOR Premium 4Runner
    N-Fab roof rack, N-fab steps, Fender Flares.
    I did that exact thing..... Today! Took my 2016 Tacoma and traded it in for a 4Runner.... Very happy with the decision, lovin the new 4Runner TRDOR Premium. No KDSS suspension for me, but lots of addons that I like (N-fab roof rack, N-fab steps, blackout package). Day 1 and no doubt I made a good decision to trade.
     
    mcharfauros, jester243 and josefmd like this.
  6. Jul 15, 2017 at 10:06 PM
    #36
    josefmd

    josefmd New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2016
    Member:
    #2752
    Messages:
    63
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 Cement TRD 4R Pro
    Today for me as well....:) Not even through day 1 yet...and I have no doubt I made the right decision!!
     
  7. Jul 16, 2017 at 6:21 AM
    #37
    HarveyElmore

    HarveyElmore New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4191
    Messages:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harvey
    Vehicle:
    Offroad TRD 17'
    Did your black out package include covering the TRD Off Road badges on the sides ?
     
  8. Jul 16, 2017 at 6:42 AM
    #38
    Rebelchurch

    Rebelchurch New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Member:
    #4387
    Messages:
    32
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRDOR Premium 4Runner
    N-Fab roof rack, N-fab steps, Fender Flares.
    Yes. All badges blacked out. 04acea603e24519231a145a1d3d282f2_73c7b7764ca5cea191de221b00f957b27b46d8ba.jpg9a41ce00c44ddfaae953d68dcd81ef79_f4e976f76ef2e7f8a0e8b0af8466d95107a3a700.jpg01fe870b9c830eaff58d07e3e4ab2293_001c69d494846c5c36c956492c3c9965b8c0a9c7.jpg
     
  9. Jul 18, 2017 at 4:33 AM
    #39
    Rebelchurch

    Rebelchurch New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Member:
    #4387
    Messages:
    32
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRDOR Premium 4Runner
    N-Fab roof rack, N-fab steps, Fender Flares.
    The side badges are wearing on me. May remove them soon as they look out of place there.... tinted the windows yesterday... and the changes/additions begin......a2d31b64dfd26d57bc6aae924b5aeb13_8e25574ab0da9516ca3d38e4498abce492391e15.jpg
     
    1BAMF, jester243 and Palerider like this.
  10. Jul 18, 2017 at 8:37 AM
    #40
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2016
    Member:
    #2304
    Messages:
    1,772
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Spokane, WA
    Vehicle:
    2016 4Runner Trail Premium w/ KDSS
    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh
    I don't like them, I'm really glad mine didn't have any there.
     
    Palerider likes this.
  11. Jul 18, 2017 at 6:01 PM
    #41
    HarveyElmore

    HarveyElmore New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4191
    Messages:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harvey
    Vehicle:
    Offroad TRD 17'
    Me too, wish I could find decals to turn them black or red in my case for a White 4R.
     
  12. Jul 19, 2017 at 4:41 AM
    #42
    Rebelchurch

    Rebelchurch New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2017
    Member:
    #4387
    Messages:
    32
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRDOR Premium 4Runner
    N-Fab roof rack, N-fab steps, Fender Flares.
    Easy enough. Badges are mounted with double stick tape. Peel em off and krylon them red, stick back on truck. Done. ;-).
     
  13. Jul 26, 2017 at 12:17 AM
    #43
    larramo

    larramo 3ed gen faithfully

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4363
    Messages:
    107
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    larry
    clearlake ca
    Vehicle:
    4 runner
    3" lift but mostly all stock not a scratch on it it is pristine condition amazing for being 19 years old.
    if you are going to get a used 4runner get the 3ed gen they are hands down the best built 4runner out there i have a 1998 4runner limited 327.500 miles on it yes i had to do ball joints and half shafts bearings timing belt water pump but i know i will get 500.000 miles out of it without a doubt there engines are built like a swiss watch. all you have to do is keep the oil clean and change the timing belt every 100.000 miles and you will have the most dependable truck ever. this is my 2nd 4runner i still have my first one but i only use it for trail running because it looks like shit but it has never left me stranded. but thats just my opinion. LARRY B
     
  14. Aug 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM
    #44
    6172crew

    6172crew New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4551
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Offroad
    Swapped my 2017 TRD Tacoma for the 2017 Off road last weekend. So far I am really happy. I did feel a vibration in the steering wheel on the way home that I hope is tire dressing stuff. I also own a 2013 TRD sport 4x4 tacoma so i still have a truck in the family.
     
  15. Aug 10, 2017 at 12:37 PM
    #45
    DollarDave

    DollarDave New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2017
    Member:
    #3736
    Messages:
    14
    Gender:
    Male
    I also swapped my 2016 Tacoma Sport last week for a 2017 4Runner TRD Off Road. Hated the Tacoma and had a couple prior. Worst drive train I have had in a vehicle, so I traded it in with just 15k miles on it. It looked good though.

    Waited since February for the Barcelona Red 4Runner with KDSS to get built and shipped here. Worth it.
     
  16. Aug 10, 2017 at 3:46 PM
    #46
    HarveyElmore

    HarveyElmore New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4191
    Messages:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harvey
    Vehicle:
    Offroad TRD 17'
    Nice choice. Mine's the same except White. I agree totally with your assessment of the drive train. I saw one with 275's today without a lift. Did not get to talk the guy but wonder if they rub ? Maybe down the road I'll lift it moderately.
     
  17. Aug 11, 2017 at 9:52 AM
    #47
    NTX4Runner

    NTX4Runner New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2017
    Member:
    #4560
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM 4Runner OR
    First post here. I just traded my 2016 DCSB SR5 Tacoma for a 2017 MGM 4Runner Off-road and love it.

    I've owned Tacomas for years. Loved the 2016 Tacoma but the first 5k miles until the ecu got flashed were awful. After that update it drove more like my 2012 DCSB OR. My Tacoma was in the group that got recalled for the differential leak. Mine wasn't leaking, just weeping in 3 places. Some Tacomas are having to wait over 2 months for parts. Some dealers have dozens of Tacomas in the repair lot waiting for parts-a new gasket and new nuts/bolts. Mine was headed that way. Now it looks like a possible recall for the crank position sensor. Plus, the new 3.5L Atkinson is a definite downgrade from the 2nd generation 4L. The 2017 4Runner is nothing short of outstanding-lots more power. We've also owned 3 FJ's beginning in 2007 and just sold a 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition. So we're Toyota people who think Toyota choked on the 3rd gen Tacoma. Looking forward to enjoying driving again.
     
  18. Aug 11, 2017 at 11:39 AM
    #48
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2016
    Member:
    #2304
    Messages:
    1,772
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Spokane, WA
    Vehicle:
    2016 4Runner Trail Premium w/ KDSS
    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh

    [​IMG]
     
    Bob likes this.
  19. Aug 11, 2017 at 12:25 PM
    #49
    DollarDave

    DollarDave New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2017
    Member:
    #3736
    Messages:
    14
    Gender:
    Male
    275's required some trimming of the inner wheel well plastic and a little off the mud flaps on my daughter's 2016 4Runner Trail. Didn't look all that good (in my opinion) until she and I put the lift kits in to raise it about 2 inches or so.

    I won't lift mine, I don't want some gal half my age taking a liking to me when she thinks I'm really cool and all that. My wife would frown on that, too. Blacked out logos and XD rims is as far as I better go.
     
    mcharfauros likes this.
  20. Aug 12, 2017 at 8:38 AM
    #50
    HarveyElmore

    HarveyElmore New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4191
    Messages:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harvey
    Vehicle:
    Offroad TRD 17'
    I'm waiting on the Tacoma decal guy to offer the black out decals like I had on my Tacoma. I also agree on the lift, though it would look nice, I will wait for my OEM tires to wear then install the next size BFG KO2's as possible. Between then and now other mod's as the wallet allows (Yakima load warrior rack is due Monday).
     
  21. Aug 13, 2017 at 7:03 PM
    #51
    Joshs68

    Joshs68 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2017
    Member:
    #4171
    Messages:
    19
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Vehicle:
    Stock 17 4Runner
    In case two pages of replies don't sway you, here is my 2cents.
    I traded my 17 TRD OR Tacoma for a 2017 SR5 4R and I am very happy.

    MUCH BETTER DRIVETRAIN!!
    More room up front and much more room in the back seat. Drives great. I'm very happy!
    I'll buy a POS truck or just a trailer if I need a truck but so far I have been fine without.
     
  22. Aug 14, 2017 at 1:30 PM
    #52
    Ex-MA Hole

    Ex-MA Hole New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2017
    Member:
    #4543
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner SR5
    Traded my 15 Access Cab Sport for a 15 SR5 a week ago tomorrow. Why the trade? No longer needed the bed, my 12 year old couldn't fit in the back and got tired of not having a place to lock things up. We went on vacation last weekend after picking her up from camp. All of the stuff from a week over overnight camp spent the weekend in the hotel room. It was smelling funky by the time we left. Also, all of the stuff we bought on the vacation was in said hotel room. It came time to leave, and I couldn't listen to her any more about the lack of leg room, etc. I stopped on the way home, looked at a 4 door Taco and a 4 Runner and took the 4 Runner home that night. No contest. More comfortable, quieter, FAR more room for her, lockable storage. I LOVED my Taco, but I have zero regrets. The 4Runner is far more practical for me.
     
  23. Aug 14, 2017 at 5:53 PM
    #53
    Ex-MA Hole

    Ex-MA Hole New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2017
    Member:
    #4543
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner SR5
    It's a 17 SR5...not a 15, not that it matters...typing faster than my brain....
     
  24. Aug 15, 2017 at 7:01 AM
    #54
    Riding Dirty

    Riding Dirty Sinner; saved by grace

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2017
    Member:
    #4416
    Messages:
    296
    Vehicle:
    2017 T4R Pro 040
    Is plasti-dip a mod?!
    i traded my 16 Tacoma for the 4runner......glad I did. The runner is soooooooo much better!
     
    DollarDave likes this.
  25. Sep 10, 2017 at 7:49 AM
    #55
    Cement4Me

    Cement4Me New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2017
    Member:
    #4721
    Messages:
    24
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Squirt
    Vehicle:
    13 FJ TT, 17 4R TRD Pro, 18 4R TRD Pro
    Nothing needed, just some stickers
    Who are all your friends going to call to help move if you get an SUV? Haha
     
  26. Sep 10, 2017 at 2:45 PM
    #56
    6172crew

    6172crew New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4551
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Offroad
    I have a 2013 Tacoma, the thought was the sell it after I bought bought the 2017 taco but couldn't take it anymore. The 3.5l in a fully loaded 4 door taco didn't work, even with the manual transmission. At least for me it didn't
     
    HarveyElmore likes this.
  27. Sep 12, 2017 at 7:23 AM
    #57
    T280AI

    T280AI New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2017
    Member:
    #4745
    Messages:
    23
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '17 TRD OR Premium
    I just got rid of my '17 Tacoma TRD OR for a '17 4Runner TRD OR Premium, should have bought one years ago. It is a far superior vehicle in every way. Except for the audio, the speakers suck compared to the JBL in the Tacoma. First tank of gas, with highway and some 4wd hi and low driving (out elk hunting) I got 20mpg. Second tank, normal driving, 22mpg. Sitting at 22mpg on my third tank so far. I also got the KDSS, nice feature. If you get one you won't be disappointed.
     
  28. Sep 12, 2017 at 8:24 AM
    #58
    Clay

    Clay 4 RUNNIN

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2017
    Member:
    #3899
    Messages:
    136
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Clay
    Auburn, Wa
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    Sounds like good mileage numbers. Understand that our new 4R will be replacing a 2010 Camry LE (with a 6 speed manual) The Taco is a keeper, am very pleased with it. These two vehicles have very different chores. The Taco is my work-truck that's used to access mountain top transmitter sites and haul stuff. The Radio/Display in the Taco is better than the one in the 4R- frankly, it looks pretty small in comparison. Will look nice with TWO Barcelona Red machines in the driveway- Clay
     
  29. Sep 24, 2017 at 4:22 PM
    #59
    rsimi72

    rsimi72 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2017
    Member:
    #4770
    Messages:
    246
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 Premium - Gray
    Hey. Did you ever get that steering wheel vibe worked out? I have the same on my month old SR5 Premium. I also swapped a 2017 TRD Tacoma.
     
  30. Sep 24, 2017 at 5:08 PM
    #60
    6172crew

    6172crew New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2017
    Member:
    #4551
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Offroad
    So far so good, I ended up swapping out the tires to KO2s and no vibes so far. I only have 40 miles on it and about 25 are freeway speeds but looks like the out of balance from the factory and me driving on them ruined them, even after rebalancing them. I think radial tires have issues with this that the bands get a memory and they can’t really be fixed after a certain amount of time bouncing along at 75mph. Anyhow; yeah I’m hoping all is well with this one and the new tires. I bought the C rated tires because I didn’t want the extra weight of the E rated. So far so good
     
    rsimi72 likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top