Driving cross country take 4runner or tacoma?

Driving across country for a bit have a 22 4runner pro and 22 tacoma pro. Not sure which to take. I was thinking of putting a softopper on back of the Tacoma. Anyone here driven both on long journey's.

 

I would think a 4R would be better for long distance because of the better seating position and greater interior space.

 

It will really be determined by the purpose of your trip. If you’re sleeping in the car, the 4Runner is a better option. If you’re hauling tons of stuff for a move or something, then the Tacoma. So many situations and variables out there.

 

I drove my pre-taco SR5 pickup on several long hunting trips. OK but just so-so. Take the 4Runner ('19 SR5) on a 3K trip each year. The 4Runner hands down. If going out west, consider the light weight in the rear. We always put 300 lbs or so of sand in the back= still kinda snowy and slick out here!

 

Ahat exactly are you doing? I’d consider renting a fuel efficient vehicle for the trip and saving the wear, tear and miles if you’re not doing something that needs your specific vehicle.

 

I don't have a Tac, but one of my close friends does (TRD Pro model). So, I spend time in both. To me, that decision lies in what you're going to carry with you. If you think you'll be carrying a lot of cargo that can handle heat or cool (reminder that a dark color soft tonneau attacts heat), and might pick up some additional cargo along the way (shopping and finding the ultimate antique chair, etc.), take the Tac - it just has more capacity. But, if you're carrying less cargo and/or want to make absolutely sure everything stays dry and cool, take the 4R.

What would I do if it were me: I'd take the 4R and if I bought anything along the way, I'd have it shipped home.

Good luck with your trip! Sounds awesome! Also, very cool that you actually have a Tac and a 4R and get to have fun weighing the decision!

 

I make at least 6 trips of 3000 miles+ every year.

The only downside to those trips is the crappy 4Runner head unit and the cumbersome, inaccurate navigation system. In Mar of 22 I got stuck in a blizzard near Amarillo. "Ol' Hoss" performed flawlessly, as usual... While the Fords and Jeeps were stuck in ditches I was on my way to a warm, dry, beer joint...

 

May be not much relevant my points but I like to take my own vehicle that is setup for touring starting with small things like additional phone chargers, tablet mounts to important things like better tires, upto date maintenance, vehicle monitoring unit like a scanguage, emergency communication like Garmin inreach (yes, can be moved but charging ports already setup in own vehicle). Also have heated blankets with 12v spliter running under seat to rear 12v outlet, also got heating pad for child seats with same wiring, food warmer, etc.. Also knowing the capability of my vehicle when exploring unknown trails you see along the road, also not too worried about little bit of damage, etc. Just wanted to remind the mods that we do to our own cars for better traveling experience vs rental and trying to move stuff that is possible to move.

As for Tacoma vs 4Runner. I like the 4runner where we were able to throw cloths, blankets, shoes without thinking about the weather and was able to wear jackets under the hatch without getting wet when its snowing. And things like that. Just trying to remind a good thing about that hatch.

Not sure, May be my points sound like BS.. LoL..

Edit -
Speaking of touring, today I'm searching for swing out cargo carrier. With our new born now the dog has to go to cargo area. So my options for our bags are on the roof for cargo carrier on hitch with swing out so our dog can go for potty breaks without any trouble

 

LMAO, you could have done without that last sentence, makes you look foolish. If they were in ditches, its driver error, not vehicle (driver error extends to tire choice). My F150 was every bit as good in snow as my 4Runner...

 

We drove our 2019 4runner TRDOR from California to Moab - it was bank-vault quiet, very comfortable and with a thule box on top, had enough space for food, clothes and offroad gear.

 

Sorry if its out of topic. If not offroading (other than gravel roads / forest roads) would you prefer hitch mount cargo or rooftop cargo carrier? I'm debating myself which one to buy. If its hitch mount I would need a swing out to let the dog out from cargo area. So swing out + cargo tray cost similar to roof count Thule. So not sure which route to go. What do you think?

 

I absolutely loved my soft topper. Hands down the best thing I bought for my tacoma.

For a road trip the 4runner would be my choice.

 

Having owned a Tacoma before my Runner, the Runner is a million times better for a road trip.

 

4 Runner definitely. Safer to sleep in since you have easer access to the driver seat.

I did a multi month trip all along the East Coast in my 4Runner, was awesome!

 

4Runner has comfortable seats imo

 

Stuff in roof top will stay cleaner than hitch cargo area on dirts roads.

 

I have both.....but for long trips the 4R is the one to take. The mpg is low though on the 4R in my case but that's a diferent story.

 

4runner is more comfortable for long haul trips and will keep everything dry in the rain unless you have a bed shell. I'd only take the Tacoma if I have too much stuff to fit in the 4Runner.

 

One consideration is a cooler. We have to take insulin with us on our trips. It has to be kept cold=we use a cooler that uses the ac current.

 

I think you will be more confortable in the 4R.

 

Definitely rooftop in our experience. We use the heck out our roof with a family of five. Our little thule sidekick swallows big bulky gear and sleeping bags

also, having tried the swingaway life, we really despise anything in the way of our rear hatch since we’re in and out of it all day whenever we’re on the trial, getting gear, drinks, food, etc.

 

It wasn't a "swing-away" but we had a bumper mounted cargo rack=totally in the way=never used it but once when we had a carload of people, fishing gear and an ice chest!

 

Since dog needs to go in the cargo area now (with the 2nd kid) I have to have a swing away option if I go that route for the dog to go for potty breaks. it will probably have could of check in bags and stroller. Quick snacks / food will be in the 2nd row seat.

Else if I go roof cross bar cargo option I would need to put the cloths in multiple smaller bags so I could take then to the hotel room. Stroller will be up there too. Its the same car seat used on the stroller. So don't mind too much getting the frame wet.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

Not a stroller but we took my walker a couple of years ago and put it up top (3 of us adults inside)

 

I've driven both on on long journeys (750+ miles each way) and would choose the 4Runner every time.

 

Are you towing or hauling anything? If not, I would take the 4Runner. Loved my Taco but the 4Runner is GOAT!

 

I drove my 2019 4Runner from East coast to West coast and back recently, and it held up just fine. The only problem was a flat tire from running over a screw. Night time temperatures got as low as 24 degrees F, and we were fine sleeping inside the vehicle with warm sleeping bags.

 

Agree with other posters that 4runner > Tacoma for longer trips, having put 80k on my 2nd gen Tacoma before I sold it and 10k in the first year of owning my 4runner.

....although OP hasn't been back to this thread in a month so I'm not sure he'll see this...

 

We always take the 4Runner over the Tacoma on trips.