4runner TRD Pro initial thoughts from a prior Tacoma owner

Thanks gang. I have 2 toyota dealers in a 35 mile radius. I made an appointment at the other service department after review of comments.

Thanks again

 

So did you get your bulge decal from the link in my post that you quoted?

 

I think that the Taco is just pretty much terrible at everything except going off-road.

The fake scoop sucks. It’s on many 4Runners. It’s only purpose is to direct sunlight into your eyes.

 

I had a 2019 Cement OR, bought the wife a 2020 TRD ORP in Aug 2020, I started having issues with my Tacoma making belt idler noises and traded it for a 2021 OPR 4R, so we have 2. Dumping diffs, transfer cases today while the weather is nice. Here in CO.

 

Not directly.. but it appears that we did both get it from the same place... here is my original post on March 2nd (in a different thread) the day I installed mine... this was 3 days before you posted the same link here.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/wh...h-gen-4runner-today.2261/page-649#post-328052

 

Thank you. I just ordered one.

 

Excellent. The paper that comes with it talks about 'dry' and 'wet' installation. Do the "wet" it is much easier and (I think) will yield better results. Just a spray bottle with some soapy waterto spray the sticky side. This allows you to slide it around to get it into place nicely before it starts adhering. Also, be careful with anything you use to "squeegee" it with (I used a plastic pot scraper with a paper towel wrapped around it, and used it gently). then once you have the bubbles out, use a hair dryer on low setting to "set it". after about 24 hours it was all nice and dry and no bubbles or scratches. I also made sure I had a couple of dry days after installation, just in case... but not sure if that's necessary.

 

Let's both carry 4, 5 gallon jugs of gas, and 3 sacks of rotten fish 980 miles down a windy highway. Then tell me tacoma is "just good at offroad"



Oh and this... this is huge.



Good luck getting 3 humans, 6 Rubbermaids and 4 bikes, one metal detector, 2 rifle cases and one Australian Shepard (in tent) in that 4runner.. hint, you can't, hence why I have them all.


Like I said.. I love my 4runner.. this is what it does best. The 4runner 2021 traction control and weight distribution is better then either of my tacos at ice and snow, especially in wind

 

Thanks for the tips. I have something similar to this, which might work ok:

$11 Zanch Mini Squeegee Rubber Squeegee Window Tint Tools Vinyl Squeegee Tool Window Tint Film Squeegee, Different Hardness Water Blade PPF Squeegee Window Tint Squeegee for Window Tint Home Tint Decal

https://www.amazon.com/Zanch-Protec...cint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138873605450

 

yes.. that should be perfect for this job.

 

The 4 door is too small for me and the short bed is not enough to use as a truck for my needs. The long bed 4 door is essentially a yacht.

I had a 2010 four-wheel-drive MT with the two-door cab which was a mountain goat off-road in Hawaii but had zero passenger space.

The bed was useful for hauling crap to the house though.

I feel like with a Tacoma you’re always compromising passenger space, off-road capability, and cargo space, and there really is no model which is a good compromise between the three.

The access cab has some useful space behind the front seats, but is useless as more than a 2 passenger vehicle.

 

I just got rid of my tacoma since the wife didn't like the 4runner(to big for her). So I took over the 4runner and we traded my truck in on a subaru outback.

I had a couple of modifications done to the tacoma that really helped. I did have it ovtuned but still couldn't hold overdrive, it was always down shifting. I'm also 6' 2" and the tacoma just seemed small on the inside.

Now with the 4runner, it holds gears on the highway(even with the 285s) and its roomier.

One awesome thing is I got to swap over the wheels/tires and dd fogs.

Yeah I loved my tacoma, but the 4runner is fucking awesome in my eyes, and it'll be even better next weekend(suspension changes are happening). Only thing i regret is no having a rear locker. But i guess the oem locker only works in 4 wheel low, so i was ehhhhh about it. I look forward to owning this 4runner until it rusts into the ground

 

I had my first experience with this.

Though I think more the problem is if you have a measurement system, stick to that system. I entered a garage where at the door it said 8 ft 5 inches. I took that to mean the whole garage was 8 ft 5 inches. No second level and up were 7 ft.

Even worst was Exit signs were hanging below the 7 ft warning measurement signs. So what is the point then?

 

My wife's 2022 Tacoma is far better in build quality and interior squeaks/rattles then my 2019 4Runner. Her truck was silky smooth right from the dealer and never has had the steering wheel wobble that mine and many other 4Runner owners have experienced.

I prefer the engine/transmission on the 4Runner over the Tacoma. I read many complaints about the transmission logic in the 3rd gen Tacoma but to be honest, it does not bother me at all. I fit in the 4Runner better as well.

 

Man, first time I've ever heard that. My 4Runner's overall build quality and fit/finish absolutely blows the doors off my '21 Tacoma ORP. Steering wobble is definitely a real thing in the 4runner though, no arguing that. They are insanely sensitive to wheel/tire balancing.

 

It is just my observation. The 4Runner is well made, body lines are tight and every door shuts well. Perhaps because her truck is new...like them both though.

 

I agree with the OP’s observation, and have similar set ups with the TRD Off Road. My wife’s 2022 4Runner ORP is roomier, feels slightly better built and easier for family trips. The brakes are grabbier too. The transmission is pretty responsive, and the torque kicks in much earlier. My 2017 Tacoma is a manual, so it’s not a perfect comparison but power doesn’t really come in until after 2500 RPM. Since the Tacoma is based on a newer platform, it has some creature comforts like auto headlights and auto climate control, but overall they are pretty close. The 4Runner does have a more upscale feel to it. Our original plan was to sell my truck to get a fun to drive sedan, but I’m having a hard time letting it go (we won’t need the truck bed). I’ll probably wait and keep it for now since there really aren’t any cars out there that I want to switch into.

 

I traded my 2018 TRD Sport Tacoma for a 2022 SR5 4Runner and in addition to the various things already noted, I find a couple additional very small differences I preferred with the Tacoma:

1. My Tacoma Entune system took a time signal from a digital FM station. Not terribly inconvenient, but with two different clocks in the 4Runner, and the switch-over to Daylight savings in the recent past, it was easier to just let the clock reset itself in the Tacoma.
2. I do not like the left foot pedal e-brake of the 4Runner, I much prefer right hand brake layout of the Tacoma. I don't have need of e-brake turns often, but I just don't like not having the capability.
3. The center dash cubby is plain useless, unless someone is aware of a cell phone holder that fits in there

And, now for a couple 4Runner preferences:

1. I love the iCarPlay option, I know that would have been available in a new Tacoma too, but I flat love it.
2. The keyless lock and unlock from passenger door is a thoughtful convenience.

 

Like the OP I took advantage of the current sellers market and was fortunate to sell my 2020 Tacoma TRD OR to Carvana for almost exactly what I paid for it 21 months ago.

My internet search for a black Pro was time consuming, but I finally found a dealer in Maryland willing to lock one in for me with a $500 deposit and an estimated 3 month wait. Once it arrived I booked my flight and flew up to DC, signed the papers, and took an awesome 8 hour test drive back home to Western NC.

I loved my Tacoma but my 2 youngest kids are 4 and 7 now and the Tacoma backseat was becoming cramped. I’m 6’4” so I basically drive from the backseat. Hands down the 4Runner wins on backseat space, but this isn’t about one being better than the other. We have an Odyssey for our family ride, but I was looking to transition to a 4Runner for better cabin space and a chance to grab a 5th Gen before the inevitable change comes next year or in 2024?

I’m excited to join the forum and look forward to many years of happy 4Runnering!

 

Quoted my own post, and added another minor inconsistency (in Red) And, yes, I am very aware these are very minor things. But, they are things in my mind.

 

in my experiences my brother's Tacoma has been a great Fishing/Beach truck. Anytime dealing with a multitude of wet items its easy to just soap and spray that bed off. Easy to toss crap in the back with easy cleanup.

Away from the beach and in-land travel my 4Runner has been more useful to me by far. This past weekend I slept in the cabin in Arkansas and had no tent to pack, it was a breeze to just park, open my awning in the rain and cook under there.

They are both fantastic vehicles. I just think you are bound to find people with uses that will find one truck more beneficial than the other.