Tundra to 4Runner????

Currently driving a Tundra Limited TRDOR, 3-1/2 years old @58K miles. Truck is all paid off.

It's decision making time.

I'm at the point where I can trade her in on something new while there's still a good chunk of trade in value or where I commit to a few more years of ownership. If I keep it, I'll be looking at a couple grand this summer for tires and brakes.

Thing is, while I LOVE the truck, I'm getting a little tired of the size. I might want to downsize a bit. I don't really use the bed anymore and the only towing I do (which I do quite often) is with an aluminum trailer and Polaris RZR. Total weight is about 2,000 lbs.

Not a huge fan of the Tacoma honestly and the 4runner has me intrigued. I might add that the only one in contention is a TRD Pro. I've done a lot of comparing and I don't want any other trim level.

Will I be in for a disappointment going from a Tundra to 4R? It's a couple inches narrower, but 4 feet shorter so I would be getting a little more room in my driveway and negotiating parking, etc. I know this is a 4runner enthusiast forum so you all love the truck, but I'm hoping for some honest feedback, in particular from anyone who made the same switch.

 

It all depends on what you really need.

I had a 2010 Tundra before switching to the 4R.

The power difference is obvious and the bed space.

Although I do not need bed space all the time it is a downside when I would like to pick up something large. I need to go borrow the in laws truck.

Curious why only the Pro.

 

First off, not gonna lie: Style / coolness factor. But I also want the Dual Zone Climate Control and I think the only other option for that is the Limited. Not a fan of 20" wheels and the "AWD" system in the Limited.

How much does the truck suffer by having only a 5 speed? Not really worried about fuel mileage (obviously). My truck is 6 speed auto and cruises on the highway at low RPM. Does the runner scream at 75 mph?

 

I came from a crewmax tundra last year.

I really miss the power and exhaust note and all of the inside room, but, I absolutely love my runner. It’s so nimble, and offroad capability is fantastic. I do not regret changing to the runner.

 

Had a 2008 Crewmax and it was the best truck I have ever owned. I had a lot of fun in that thing. Only had to get rid of it because of a nasty divorce.

I love my 4 and it is a great vehicle but if I had a paid off Tundra that wasn't even broke in yet like you do, I would keep it for the next ten/fifteen years and then pay cash for the next vehicle. Or retire early, whichever comes first.

 

Hmm. You have a good point. I know it can last forever, I guess I'm just bored.

Thank you for the honest answer.

 

I can understand that very well. Not going to go into a financial lesson or anything but in my case, looking back, I could have retired by now if I didn't get bored. . I have bought and sold so many new vehicles in my lifetime if you look up financial idiot in a random dictionary you may see a picture of me. Even now I constantly look, but the difference now is I just look, eventually think of said past idiocy, an move on. The quest for the absolutely perfect vehicle that does not exist has cost me a lot of money.

 

It's a tighter fit, no doubt. Some test drives will help you see if this works. The ride is very different too. Not necessarily worse, but very different. The Tundra to me feels like an old school Lincoln Towncar. Power to spare and takes up the full lane. If you like the power and acceleration or need to tow, you'll miss this dearly. But the 4R has some really nice features you may grow to love in spite of its differences and drawbacks.

No getting around the Pro looks great (minus the new roof rack), and the LE has a face only its mother could love, but you may want to read more if you misunderstand the LE's "AWD."

I don't think the 5 speed transmission is a drawback on the 4R, but rather it's not built for passing speed. If it had more gears it would still be "slow" but would also hunt for gears. It's actually great on the road, but it takes some adjustment, and many prefer the computer alteration (pedal commander, etc) and some add power via Magnu$$on, but if you're looking for speed, you might be best looking away from the 4R. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to this rig.

 

I don't know you, but chances are you'll be bored of the 4R in 3-4 years also. Not that it's the wrong decision, but still γνῶθι σεαυτόν.

 

Well I don’t feel there is a black and white answer to this question... I went from a 2nd 4.0 Tacoma DCSB to the 4R. I also tow a trailer and ATV but my setup weights about 1k so half of what your pulling.

Every day driving will be much better in the 4R. Much more nimble and comfortable. Parking/navigating tight streets/ETC.

Towing wise I feel you are going to be unimpressed with the 4R especially coming from a Tundra. I was very surprised at how different my 2nd gen felt than my current 4R even with such a light load and with nearly identical motors. I drive about 62 to 64 mph when my trailer is attached and rarely any faster. The 4Runner hunts for gears a lot more than my Tacoma did on the same routes. And both trucks have/had Michelin Defenders LTX 265/70R17. The Taco pulled better off the line with a load as well.

I have zero regrets trading my pickup in for the 4R because it just makes family daily life so much easier. Now when I tow I drive at 60 mph so it hunts less. Additionally I only two about 4 to 5 times at year for 400 to 500 miles. So wasn’t a deal breaker for me.

 

Yep this, had an '04 Sport 4 Runner, have a '14 SR5P with mild mods and a 19 CM Limited Tundra. I keep telling the wife I want to get rid of the Runner for another Tundra. I get bored driving the same stuff all the time. The Runner is a no frills vehicle needing so updating.

 

to be honest, I only traded in because I fell in love with the voodoo blue. Didn’t want the tundras trd pro

 

I came from a 2015 Tundra doublecab to a 2015 T4R TRD Pro.

What I liked about the Tundra was the raw V8 power and sound with my BAmuffler exhaust set up, spacious cabin, and the 6.5ft bed space when I needed it.

What I didn’t like about the Tundra was the door dings I would get in crowded small space parking lots due to its wider size, harder to maneuver in crowded parking lots, etc., harder to get in and out of while holding the door so it doesn't hit the car beside it, and the drivers seat was uncomfortable to me.

What I like about my T4R is now I can park in my garage (Tundra could not fit and was parked outside at all times), easier to maneuver in crowded parking lots, etc, easier to get in and out of, the drivers seat is way more comfortable to me than the Tundra, and the Bilstein suspension feels way more plush on the road than the Tundra to me.

What I don’t like about the T4R is the MPG’s is very close to the Tundras V8 MPG’s. The power and sound is not as good as the Tundra, no 6.5ft bed space when I need it, like hauling wood, large items like refrigerators, treadmills, soil, rocks, etc., and the cabin is not as spacious as the Tundra.

Overall, I love the T4R more than my Tundra. For me, it fits my needs more. I’m glad I switched over.

Edit: also forgot to mention for the T4R the annual CA DMV vehicle registration is cheaper and auto insurance is also significantly cheaper, well for me that is. YMMV.

And the obvious, the T4R gets slightly better MPGs than the Tundra but not by much depending on how you drive and if you’re weighed down with amour and other gear. My average MPGs for the Tundra was 14.9, in the T4R its getting an average of 16mpg. Both are with mixed city and hwy driving. Mostly city though.

So it seems like the overall cost of ownership of the T4R is cheaper than a Tundra.