Tacoma to 4 Runner

Alright peeps who’s done it? Any regrets? I don’t use my truck bed all too often. I was curious if the 4 runner can do truck things? If I need to rent a trailer I got no problems doing so. My son will be getting my 15 Tacoma possibly next year. How much crap have y’all hauled? Thanks.

 

Lumber (2X4’s) and Christmas trees on the OEM crossbars up top.

2x4’s sticking out the rear window.
Plywood in the cargo area.

Google 4Runner cargo area dimensions and you’ll get a good pic with dimensions.

 

Came from a '17 Taco. The 4R tranny is better, no searching for gears. The power delivery is a lot smoother. The seating position is higher with less blind spots. I love the roominess of the 4R. The 4R definately needed better springs. The nose dive when braking was crazy. I liked the taco's stereo better and the ECT button. I also miss the pick-up for hauling motos and gear. The 4R is more of an executives vehicle where the taco was a working mans vehicle.

 

Most people here report that they are happy with the transition.

 

I'm thinking another thread isn't really needed...

 

Obviously this is the 4Runner site, so we're all going to say it's great.

I did it, and only looked back once in two years (towing about 5k lbs). 4R is a much nicer vehicle compared to my 2012 Taco, and I've hauled just as much 3/4" plywood, siding, lumber, mulch, etc as the Taco (rear window helps a lot for lumber).

I like to make this comparison: 4Runner back seat is comfier than a double cab taco, and with the seats down, it has a longer "bed" than the short bed Taco. Parking and stuff is easier, too.

 

I was in two double cab Tacomas 2008 and 2010 had the 2010 for 8 years and traded it in for a 2018 TRD ORP, never did really haul anything so didn't miss the bed, I can tell you I don't miss looking through 3 back windows, Truck back window, Shell front window and the Shell rear window. Traded the 2018 in this year for a 2023 PRO, the 4Runners have done everything I need.

 

I appreciate it.

 

Kept the Tacoma and added the 4runner as the family hauler.

For projects around the house I love having the bed to haul the large and dirty stuff. For daily excursions for more than two people the 4runner is outstanding and our preferred choice.

For some reason I like the Tacoma seating position better than the 4runner despite it having electric seats. The wife and I are always changing the seat position in the T4R so I can never get it back to exactly as I like it, wish it had memory seats then it would be perfect.

 

Came from a 2011 DCSB and probably the only thing I miss is the utility and convenience of the bed even if I didn't use it that much. Was nice to be able to throw large odd shaped items back there, also was nice to not worry about how dirty something was and could just hose out the bed. That shortcoming could be fixed with a utility trailer if I really wanted to remedy that.

 

I swapped over from a 2016 DCSB Tacoma. I have a 5 x 10 ft utility trailer and don’t miss the truck at all. I use a hitch slide-in carrier for hauling deer and enjoy the roominess of the 4 Runner over the Tacoma. I also like the coil spring linked rear suspension over the leaf springs. If you need a bed the Tacoma is the way to go but for hunting and road trips I prefer the 4 Runner.

 

Currently own a 2020 Tacoma and 2023 4Runner. Honestly my wife’s Runner is a way nicer vehicle. I originally wanted a Runner but my wife wanted me to have a truck and not 2 SUVs as she owned an Explorer at the time.

If I could go back in time, I’d get a Runner instead of my Taco. I love my truck but the space in the Runner is superior. The ride and drivetrain is far superior in the Runner V Taco. The gear hunting in my Tacoma isn’t present in the Runner. I don’t think you’ll look back by making the switch!

 

why not both?

 

Agreed.