Looking at upgrading to a 4runner from a tacoma

Hey guys.

I'm posting this because I'd like to hear some info/insight into going from a Tacoma to a 4runner. I currently own a 16 Tacoma TRD OR model. While overall all I like the truck it just doesn't have the room or the engine I wish it had.

I'm looking at either upgrading to a 2017 4Runner or Tundra. I'm aware of the interior space and engine will obviously be better and more powerful in a full size truck vs the 4Runner.

But one thing I'm not sure of is the interior space of the 4Runner? Is it equivalent to the interior space in the Tacoma? Having my head an inch from the roof in my Tacoma is getting old, lack of seat adjustments make it even worse.

For those that have owned or maybe do own both (3rd gen Tacoma and 5th gen 4Runner) are the driver and passenger interior spaces the same?

Just looking at the body's of both vehicles I don't see where the 4Runner is larger in any way to be honest, in my head I imagine the interior room is the same just with an enclosed bed making the it an SUV.

 

owned multiple 2nd gen tacos and a 5th gen 4R .. 4runner ride is better in every way, it's interior is quieter, it's more roomy front and back seats, it just doesn't have a bed. But if you are concerned about space, get the tundra hands down

 

Owned both a 2016 4R and a 2005 and 2016 Tacoma. The 4R is far more comfortable and powerful. I use a utility trailer when I need a bed. Power seats on the 4R are hands down better than the low seat in the Tacoma.

 

this, also in the 4runner you lose an inch or so with a moon roof if you go with that option. Otherwise 4runner all day over a Tacoma for me...

 

Yea, I've noticed that too. Toyota is throwing moof roofs in all these Tacoma models and its taking up some much needed head room.

 

I owned a 16' Tacoma OR and like you didn't like the engine & transmission. Got a 16' Limited and don't regret it one bit. I find the 4runner much roomier inside. I gained a few inches in knee room in the back seat which was awesome. I, being only 5'9" have plenty of headroom. The engines have about identical numbers...4 Runner -8 on HP & LBS. But the power is there where the Tacoma's wasn't. There was a lot of wind noise in the back seat of my Tacoma. Not so in the 4runner. I was doing the same comparison between the 4runner and Tundra. Back seat in the Tundra 4-door was definitely bigger than both but so is the whole truck. I started out test driving the Tundra, test drove the 4runner I wanted, then test drove the Tundra again just to make sure. More wind noise in the Tundra, didn't like the mpgs, and have more room to carry my dogs with the 4runner.

 

I converted from an 05 Tacoma. Very happy with the decision and I also have a 5x8 utility trailer. The new model Tacoma was not even an option with the current state of engine/trans combination plaguing that platform.

 

i've read about the 3.5 atkinson but no issues, may i ask what plagues the new gen Tacoma

 

Apparently the auto trans hunts gears badly. Lots of people over on Tacoma world are unhappy with that engine transmission combo

 

thanks for the head's up, haven't been on TacoWorld since last summer, guess i'm not that bad off in a manual 4.0, only thing i've heard about the m6 is worn out shifter fork (at 200k kilometers) so i've been subconciously shifting gentle...funny how the things we hear affect us. The new 4 Runner tomorrow is auto, we gave back the wife's Subaru Outback, i didn't like the 170hp CVT. It was always manual transmissions before i was given an auto 5th gen Maxima few years back and was amazed how it tricked me into really liking it.

 

I just got rid of my 16 taco for the tranny/power issues. The 4 runner has more front seat room and way more rear seat room. At 6'4", I have more headroom now too.

Every time the tranny shifts like it should, I smile to myself. I don't regret ditching the truck one bit.

 

I came from an 09' DCLB Trd Sport. Loved the truck, but got to the point where 4wd and dry storage was sorely needed with our frequent camping and fishing expeditions. Looked at the 3rd Gen Taco, and quickly learned the current state of engine/tranny combo woes and bagged the idea. Started looking for a 15' DCLB in 4x4 OR or Sport model with intentions of going with a topper for the dry storage I needed.

I got sick of looking for the combo and also realized that the huge influx of 3rd gen's getting traded in was directly the cause of me not finding a decent low mileage 15'. Everyone was bailing on the new ones and trying to get back into a late 2nd Gen!

I snapped out of it and realized for what I was going to spend on a low mile 15' Taco, I was only 5 grand shy of a new 4Runner Trail- Made in Japan quality, well established and refined engine/tranny combo, leather, roomy interior for all, premium sound, with off road capabilities and manners that frankly run circles around a Taco. Etc, etc, etc......

I'll buy or rent a small trailer if ever needed.

I briefly thought a Tundra, but between gas mileage and trying to park that thing around a hospital parking garage I decided against it.

 

Same as many people on here. 3rd Gen. Tacoma has power but it doesn't feel like it wants to give it to the driver. It likes to tow at a high RPM. Empty 10 ft utility trailer at 3500rpm. Transmission is constantly searching for the right gear. Gears needed to be stretched out a bit. On any incline it doesn't know what to do. Felt to me as though Toyota was trying to squeeze every MPG out of the engine/transmission combo possible and performance took a hit. I hear many people with the manual transmission love it though.

 

How tall are you?

 

5'10

 

Mostly an opinion of what they expect it to be like, and what it's actually like. Personally, I love my 3rd Gen. Transmission doesn't really hunt as much as they say, and when I tow it's in 4th gear sport mode anyways with ECT and it's got tons of pulling power, better than my 2 previous 2nd Gen Tacomas.

I still personally prefer my 4Runner for road trips.

 

So am I. The moonroof and headroom is a non issue for you. Unless you're an ostrich.

 

2 words: Do it!

I had a '16 Taco TRD OR and while I liked some of the new refinements, the tranny and engine combo just didn't work for me. It gear hunts on the highway, which is especially pronounced at 75+, when heading into the wind or on slight uphills. It finally wore on me, so I traded it for a '16 4Runner Limited. So much better and the build quality on the 'runner is head and shoulders better than my built in Texas Taco was. I'm 6'1" and the headroom with a sunroof is not an issue for me at all.

 

I agree with mcadori 100%. My TRDP Tundra is nice but quality is not as good as the runner. I'm sure the Taco would be in the same category.

 

I made the switch from 2013 Taco to the 2017 T4R OR. The ride quality, interior space and finishes are an upgrade. The sacrifice is the truck bed but the pros to me outweigh the cons. Another thing to consider when looking at the 4Runner is the maneuverability - the Tundra may not fit as nicely down all the little trails, back roads, and switchbacks you may have taken in the Taco and could again take in the Runner.

 

Sold my 2016 Tacoma and bought a 2016 4Runner. Absolutely hands down better in every way. Tacoma died with the 3.5 and 6 speed. Terrible combo and the 3.5 is absolutely not a truck engine. Do it, you'll never look back.

 

Absolutely do it. I just traded my 2009 DCSB for my 2010 SR5. I didn't ever realize that I was cramped in my Taco, until I drove this! I'm only 5'7 so I've never had a headroom problem with anything but my friend is 6'1 and he rides with me frequently and has never had a complaint.

I've driven a handful of 3rd gens, before finding my runner and I can say the japan quality of the runner is much more refined. It rides much smoother, it's quieter, and honestly just feels more stable going down the road. I can't remember the name of the thread but there was a thread just a few weeks ago on Tacoma World, directly comparing the 3rd gen vs 5th gen runner and I was quite surprised just to see how many 3rd gen owners wish they'd bought a runner or were considering making the switch. I say do it, unless you need a bed every day you won't be disappointed.

 

I had, and shouldn't have sold a 2011 Tacoma Off Road. I went with a 2013 2DR Rubicon, but sold it when I moved to a new area.
As I prepare to come back to Toyota soon, I'm going to the 4Runner and not looking back.

It's just a matter of when. That's why I signed on here, to figure if a 4Runner Trial or Pro is the best start.
I'll just add a winch, rear carrier and be done.

 

Both are great choices. Would have gotten the Pro, but a sunroof is not an option in the US, [only Canada].

 

Getting ready to do this in a few weeks when my 4Runner comes in.

 

I just did this 2 weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. The 4Runner is 10 times the vehicle. I hated the transmission, rattles, recalls and all of the TSBs. I also needed more interior room for my 3 boys. The 4Runner is way easier on me for long drives. I am getting almost 21mpg too, which is not far off what the taco was getting. I highly recommend doing it before the dealers figure out the 3rd gen Tacos and turds.

 

This is what made me pull the trigger when I traded back in December, 2016. I watched the problems and the complaints about the 3.5 Atkinson/6-speed auto in the Taco and figured that at some point, despite the rep the Taco has, resale would suffer. I took my TRD OR back in, picked out a '16 Limited and proceeded to verbally beat the hell out of the sales manager about the Taco. That got me to a decent deal on the 4runner and I walked away a happy customer. My guess is that Toyota will eventually sort the new Taco engine/tranny combo out, but I wasn't willing to wait. I don't even know what kind of mileage my Limited gets; I'm just happy to drive a vehicle I feel was a good purchase.

 

I traded a 2008 DCSB sport with 150k on it for a '16 T4R trail. Miss the bed and standard tranny. That's it. Plus for camping, I have more room in the 4runner than the short bed of the Tacoma with a cap on it. I'll always miss my tacoma, but after hearing all the issues with the 3rd gens, I am not sorry in anyway for going with a 4 runner.

 

I really can use the bed since I have two dirt bikes, but alrdy bought a used $300 Harbor Freight fold up trailer to pull with the 4R. As with 3rd gen issues my Pro has been great. No issues really. The tranny is a little frustrating, but using the ECT button or selecting sport/man mode it's tolerable. The ride with the Fox suspension is awesome, and it pulls my boat great as well.

 

Switched from 2015 Tacoma to 2014 4Runner last year and haven't regretted my decision one day. I say go for it. I guess it all depends on how often you NEED the bed, and it'll get you out of a lot of moving days.