4 Runner compared to Tacoma (V6) quality

A few of the common problems with the Tacoma V6 are the needle bearings, timing cover oil leak and plastic coolant manifold on the rear of the engine. The last two require engine removal to repair. The 4 Runner shares the needle bearing issue. From my reading and Tacoma ownership experience, it looks like there are far fewer 4 Runner timing cover oil leaks than Tacoma V6. Does the 4 Runner have a plastic coolant manifold? Or is it aluminum? Also, the Tacoma V6 has a plastic intake manifold. Does the 4 Runner have a plastic intake manifold? Thanks

 

You would need to be more specific as to what year(s) you are looking at. The two platforms shared the same 1GRFE motor thru 2015 when the Tacoma migrated to its current 3.5L 2GRFKS. So, they haven't had the same V6 for the past 8 years.

Timing cover leaks on the 1GRFE seem to have been more prevalent pre 2010, but I still see them reported.

That said, the 4Runner's 1GRFE does indeed have a plastic intake manifold. Not sure about your coolant plumbing question.

 

Thanks, the plastic intake manifold does not appear to have been a problem for the Gen 3 (2016-2023) Tacoma. But the plastic coolant manifold , located behind the engine on Tacoma V6 has been known to leak. It shows up as pink coolant running down the transmission housing. According to the Car Care Nut, it requires removing the engine to repair.

 

I have 130k on my 2016 4Runner. No oil leaks or coolant leaks. No squeaks or rattles. I did have to replace 2 needle bearings on the driver's side both under 60 k and also the rear differential. All was covered under the drive train warranty.

 

Are you considering buying a Tacoma or a 4Runner?

If you're looking for reliability, the Toyota J150 Land Cruiser platform with the 1GR-FE engine and A750 transmission is the way to go. This platform, engine and transmission combination are legendary around the world from the Middle East to Australia where it is badged as the Land Cruiser Prado and in the USA as the 4Runner.

The 1GR-FE engine is so damn good that it's standard on the new 300 series Land Cruiser throughout the Middle East as well as standard on the Land Cruiser Prado (in Australia they use diesel engines). It's that good. On the other hand, the 2GR-FKS is quite different. The only truck you'll find it in (as far as I know) is the Tacoma. Otherwise it's a car engine also found in some crossovers. The 1GR-FE, however, is only found in trucks and SUVs and was specifically designed for this application.

The 4Runner is built at the famous Tahara Lexus plant in Japan. (David from Automotive Press Youtube channel has a lot to say about that plant.)

The Tacoma is currently made in Mexico.

The Care Care Nut posted a video on the Tacoma two days ago. Highly recommended. Also his series on the 4Runner. Wow.

 

I’ve owned both (a 2018 Tacoma trd off road) and a few 5th gen 4Runners

4Runner is fully boxed frame while the Tacoma is a partially boxed and c channel frame, the 4Runner is superior build quality wise although I had 60k trouble free miles with my Tacoma and a truck bed does come in handy. Both great rigs