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Tacoma VS 4Runner

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Rockanock, Jul 6, 2019.

  1. Jul 6, 2019 at 4:45 AM
    #1
    Rockanock

    Rockanock [OP] 21 Chevy 2500

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    So my wife and I are looking a possibly getting another Toyota and we are between the 4Runner and the Tacoma. It must be 4x4. We would both prefer the look of the TRD off road but an SR5 4x4 is okay too. We are trying to weigh the pros, and cons on each. I’ll drive it more than she will and I do occasional truck stuff. We love to take trips. Would the 4Runner be a better trip vehicle? I also am in the outdoors a lot. I think both being 4x4 would be just fine. We are planning on having kids in a couple years so there’s that to the equation as well. Gas mileage is basically the same and online the truck shows a tad bit better. I have never not had a truck and I really like both of these models. I think I might be happier with the Tacoma but then again I might be just as happy with the 4Runner.

    For those of you who own one or both. What’s the best all around. Don’t think I can go wrong with either.
     
  2. Jul 6, 2019 at 4:49 AM
    #2
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    I like the 4Runner myself.
     
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  3. Jul 6, 2019 at 4:54 AM
    #3
    Mnorris1206

    Mnorris1206 Super white is fast as f***

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    I say the 4-runner. They are really nice not only that you have a truck so why not.
     
  4. Jul 6, 2019 at 4:58 AM
    #4
    Mnorris1206

    Mnorris1206 Super white is fast as f***

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    You will still have the tundra also ?
     
  5. Jul 6, 2019 at 4:59 AM
    #5
    RickC

    RickC NOT a new member

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    I would say the 4runner. Believe it or not, it probably has more hauling room than the tacoma. Mechanically, they are the same, but the 4runner is very versatile.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2019
    Metro14536 likes this.
  6. Jul 6, 2019 at 5:42 AM
    #6
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    A lot of people are complaining about the transmissions in the latest Tacoma. Apparently they are under geared.

    Between the two, I'd definitely go with the 4Runner, especially since you plan on having kids. You'll need the extra cargo space. The crew cab Tacomas really aren't very spacious in back.
     
    Metro14536 likes this.
  7. Jul 6, 2019 at 5:50 AM
    #7
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

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    From the sounds of it the 4Runner would suit you better IMO. I had a mid-size SUV with a third row when my son was born, and it was the perfect vehicle for my needs at the time. Once kiddo was about 3 I was able to move to a Taco, which had considerably less interior space.

    My $0.02
     
  8. Jul 6, 2019 at 5:55 AM
    #8
    msbaugh440

    msbaugh440 2019 limited, TRD package, cement

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    Wrong. The 4Runner still has the very reliable 4.0 and the better transmission, where the Tacoma now has that stupid 3.5 Atkinson engine. Definitely go with the 4Runner. The 4.0 is way better, 4Runner still 100% made in Japan, and you can still get it without all of the safety tss stuff
     
    JC303, equin, BestGen and 4 others like this.
  9. Jul 6, 2019 at 5:59 AM
    #9
    nowayout

    nowayout New Member

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    Mechanically not the same, 4runner has the 4.0 V6 and 5spd Auto compared to the dog of a drivetrain in the Tacoma.

    4Runner all the way, we bought the wife a 2018 TRD off road and I love driving it more than my Tundra.
     
  10. Jul 6, 2019 at 6:32 AM
    #10
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    If you need a pickup then a tough choice otherwise an easy choice. 4Runner Offroad! I had an 09 Taco and really liked it a lot although I had the 2.7L four cylinder with manual tranny so a bit under powered. I've heard too many issues with the new gen Tacos. Have you checked any 4Runner forums to get more insight?
     
  11. Jul 6, 2019 at 7:05 AM
    #11
    Outbound

    Outbound SSEM #2.5, Token AmeriCanadian

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    4Runner or even a crewmax Tundra would be my choice. With Toyota's unfortunate bungling of the latest Tacoma transmission, I wouldn't even consider one at this point.
     
  12. Jul 6, 2019 at 8:00 AM
    #12
    Samoan Thor

    Samoan Thor God is technically an alien

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    The 4Runner is built Better than the taco, but it is small interior wise which leads to why I suggest a Sequoia. It’s pretty much a tundra in an SUV body, the taco is small not really ideal for family. We’re looking for a vehicle for my wife and I try to point out to her the vehicles in our family need to be able to go off-road so if something happens and I’m not with her I know the vehicle can do it and get off the pavement and get her to where she needs to go if the pavement is crowded with zombies. Consider the Lexus GX460, another solidly built in Japan off-road SUV, although the 3rd row is for small kids and in-laws you hate
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2019
  13. Jul 6, 2019 at 8:10 AM
    #13
    Borgs

    Borgs New Member

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    Tacoma back seats are very tight, may not work well with car seats.
     
  14. Jul 6, 2019 at 8:45 AM
    #14
    Black@Blue19

    Black@Blue19 Old Salt

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    To much to list:)
    4Runner for sure, hands down especially if the fam is going to be a part of it. Much better ride and more room!:)
     
  15. Jul 6, 2019 at 8:46 AM
    #15
    YsoSeRiouS!

    YsoSeRiouS! A good day...for a good day

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    With kids that involve strollers, I would go 4runner because you will need access to kids stuff in the back without stopping( means wifey climbs her ass back there to get stuff ha ha). But my kids no longer need strollers so i went with a tundra for more cabin space. I had a 2004 4runner before I purchased the tundra. I gave the 4runner to my lil brother who now uses it as the delivery truck for the brewery
     
  16. Jul 6, 2019 at 9:01 AM
    #16
    Rockanock

    Rockanock [OP] 21 Chevy 2500

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    Yes we will have kids and climbing back there for her would be easier for sure
     
    YsoSeRiouS! likes this.
  17. Jul 6, 2019 at 9:46 AM
    #17
    Samoan Thor

    Samoan Thor God is technically an alien

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    https://youtu.be/wqxV8HaiBqg
    I like this review, the best part is the washboard road test where it tests how well put together a vehicle is and it was quiet on his test no rattles. He took a tacoma through the same thing and you could hear rattling, 4Runner is much more solid!
     
    Watt maker likes this.
  18. Jul 6, 2019 at 11:12 AM
    #18
    Metro14536

    Metro14536 New Member

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    Sequoia :amen::thumbsup:
     
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  19. Jul 6, 2019 at 12:03 PM
    #19
    ARES35

    ARES35 New member for life

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    I vote Runner. Ordered a MT DCSB OR back in 15. That 3.5 wore at me even with a OVtune thus the reason I traded for a Tundra
     
  20. Jul 6, 2019 at 12:21 PM
    #20
    Rockanock

    Rockanock [OP] 21 Chevy 2500

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    Not a huge fan of the sequoias
     
  21. Jul 6, 2019 at 12:35 PM
    #21
    Tacotundra

    Tacotundra New Member

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    I had a Tacoma crew cab and now we have a 5th gen 4runner. Initially traded the Tacoma for the Tundra best move ever if I say so myself. Then the wifey traded her Camty for the 4runner and its and awesome vehicle. Fit and finish is head and shoulders above the Tacoma, it's a monster offroad. If I would to do it again I would definitely start with the 4runner first. Just my 2 cents.
     
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  22. Jul 6, 2019 at 7:39 PM
    #22
    Rockanock

    Rockanock [OP] 21 Chevy 2500

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    Well my wife came to me tonight and said I need to keep the Tundra..... thank goodness. She said she can stand her car a little longer until it’s paid off then she will get the 4 runner. I’m very happy with that outcome
     
  23. Jul 6, 2019 at 7:43 PM
    #23
    markg

    markg New Member

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    4 Runner for sure.
    You already have a truck.
    The back space will be worth it when it comes to the future kids stuff.
     
  24. Jul 6, 2019 at 8:06 PM
    #24
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 Gott Mit Uns

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    If you need another vehicle with a bed, get the Taco. Otherwise I think that the 4Runner would be a better choice.
     
  25. Jul 9, 2019 at 6:56 PM
    #25
    RickC

    RickC NOT a new member

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    I guess I should have said prior to 2016 they are mechanically the same. I know they went with the different drivetrains in 2016 which affected the shifting apparently, but I haven't owned the 2016 and later Tacoma. I don't think they are unreliable however, which is what I meant by mechanically the same. I think either would be reliable, but the 4runner would be my pick of the two, regardless of the year of the Tacoma.
     
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2020
  26. Jul 9, 2019 at 8:18 PM
    #26
    TundraDude18

    TundraDude18 Deus vult

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    I have the premium off-road version, and it's been a super vehicle.

    IN EVERY WAY, the new 4runner is a better vehicle than the new Tacoma: and it's more practical [a built in, covered storage area].

    Now, if the Tacoma was considerably cheaper than the 4runner, I could at least understand why someone might want it.

    Not impressed with the fit/finish/mechanics of the Tacoma compared to the 4runner.

    Of course, you could buy TWO TUNDRAS:bananadance::cool:
     
    Black Wolf[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Sep 1, 2020 at 11:03 AM
    #27
    gjcarving

    gjcarving New Member

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    Curious if you still have the 4R and why you enjoy driving it more than the Tundra?
     
  28. Sep 1, 2020 at 12:18 PM
    #28
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    Sit in both and see how you feel. The 4Runner feels more like a Tundra inside. The Taco is so small inside and feels like you're sitting on the floor. I feel like my wife's Corolla has more space inside.

    I would also say that the 4Runner would be better off road than the truck.

    Edit: sorry, didn't realize this was an old thread.
     
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2020
  29. Sep 1, 2020 at 1:47 PM
    #29
    Jernik

    Jernik New Member

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    Good plan. We looked at Tacoma and Tundra. Have your wife sit in passenger seat of the Taco and imagine being there for a few hundred miles. Mine did, and after about 5 seconds said "No way, thus ain't gonna work." So we got a Magnetic Gray Tundra to compliment our Magnetic Gray 4Runner.

    The only possible downside with the 4Runner... the "Premium" models (and Pro, I think) have "softex" seat covers. While comfortable and durable, they don't breathe - you will sweat in them when the temp outside is anywhere above about 70. lol Unless you stay base or go Limited, in which case the softex is no longer an issue.
     
  30. Sep 1, 2020 at 1:51 PM
    #30
    Hartsy8

    Hartsy8 Resident Hockey Guy

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    You will love the 4runner :) good luck!
     

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