Is the new TRD Pro 4Runner more capable than the TRD Pro Tacoma?

The 4Runner has 4 Coils, better approach/departure angle, and better weight distribution. Does this make it more capable than the Tacoma?

 

sure...

 

All I know is after all the years of pimping a double cab long bed, I loved the plush ride. I was blinded by this and now greatly prefer the 4Runner wheel base and maneuverability in comparison. I know the Taco Pro is short bed, so in reference to the question I think the 4Runner is bred from better off road history and lineage, diverging down a path that makes it better suited off road with manners that match. Pro for Pro, my money would be on the 4R.

 

I think I'd like to watch this thread on TacomaWorld just to see the reaction...

 

^Yeah, it would be hard to really get an objective consensus short of a head to head test. Many folks haven't driven both and would be biased as hell. It would be pretty cool to see someone put together a head to head video out in Moab, driven by the same person, running the same routes.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/17-taco-pro-vs-runner-pro-whose-king.472655/

this one is a long read though

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/in-a-serious-car-dilemma-help-wanted.472028/

 

Gotta be honest. Didn't think it would turn into a Jeep commercial.

 

Check out expedition offroad on youtube. they took two 4runners and a tacoma overland down through baja into south america. The tacoma was supercharged so it did somewhat better uphill. But I think the wheelbase of the runner and weight distribution would make it better "out of the factory".

 

yeah that just Tacomaword, always turning left when you think it will go right

 

At the level of vehicles that the new Tacos and 4Runners are, the vehicle amounts to about 10% of the overall "capability", the rest is driver skill. They are certainly capable off road, which is why that's all I've ever owned... But over the last decade+, all they've done is gotten bigger and heavier (but admittedly more comfortable, too). Not really what you want for serious off-road.

Even the Pro's don't really give you all that much off-road performance gains, mostly just looks (wheels and floor mats, etc...). Yes I know, you get bilstiens and better springs, but most guys are lifting them anyway.

For actual wheelin' performance, though, IMO you should be looking at a 1st gen taco (or even a pickup) or a 1st/2nd gen 4Runner. Smaller, lighter, less complicated, more maneuverable.

 

You do have a point on the older 4runners, but this comes from a 3rd gen 4runner owner with 180k miles. Old trucks off road are $$$. My 4runner has been treated great, but all sorts of things happen with age. Trim gets loose, oil pan and gaskets dry, hoses crap out, suspension components get tired, bushings crack, bearings get old, ball joints get dirt in them, and trannys go. The list goes on. As much as off-roading new cars might sound stupid to many people- off roading an old car is a break, replace situation which is very repetitive. I have sunk so much into my 3rd gen, and constantly random problems and sensors are going due to age. This is with very limited off-road use.

 

For the most part, yeah, older vehicles do break more stuff, but if you wheel hard enough, you'll break parts on any vehicle, new or old, and newer vehicles cost *a lot* more to repair.

Guarantee if you take an older vehicle, and replace ALL seals, gaskets, fuel lines, tires, ball joints, etc... and essentially make it like new, it won't come close to the $45k+ for a new TRD Pro.

Yeah I admit it, I'm pretty hesitant at wheelin' with a brand new truck, or one that is my daily driver because you do end up breaking stuff. I certainly have a new found appreciation for the rattle trap that my 04 Taco is, especially now that I have a new 4Runner.

 

a few weeks ago i stumbled upon an instagram account with a couple guys that had taken the tacoma, 4r, and tundra TRD pros all over hawaii to see how they all did against one another. i don't remember much because it was just the same old photos of these trucks, but if you can find it i bet there'd be a good writeup. motor trend did a piece last year on the same trucks. no real resolution on which was "best," though.

http://www.motortrend.com/news/toyota-off-road-warriors-tacoma-4runner-tundra/

 

The new Truck Trend isuue hammered the Trd Pro Taco pretty bad. Interesting read on the comparison of all the trucks they tested, worth picking up the issue. The Ridgline beat it out in points, crazy.

 

"And while the Tacoma and Colorado would surely walk away from the Ridgeline on a proper rocky trail where four-wheel Low is required, that’s not where Ridgeline owners are going to go anyway."

there's the rub.

 

Here's my take on it, driver skill notwithstanding:

The 4R is shorter, better balanced (aka weight distribution), better approach and departure angles, and better ground clearance (granted, only .2" better, but that's still better). 4runner wins.

Both have part time 4wd, ATRAC, and rear elockers. Tie.

4runner has the brilliant 4.0 engine mated to an auto tran. Taco has the 3.5 with a manual option. You could argue the auto is a better choice for off road and if you buy that argument and discount the 3.5 with manual then 4Runner wins.

 

I think it boils down to driver skills..