Decisions: 4Runner vs Tacoma vs JL

Well I’m writing this question to a4runner form so obviously I’m leaning toward the 4runner. I drove all three and I really liked the Tacoma but the 4runner fits better for the family.

I understand right now their is a $750 rebate which is from what I’ve been told unusual on the 4runner.

I’m passing over the wrangler JL due to unknown crash tests results and horror stories dealing with FCA. Does it seem unusual that IIHS has not released crash tests results on a 2018 car when the 19’s are about to roll out? Also the AC fan on the outside is very loud. I did like the ride quality vs the JK but down the road reliability ...

To get to my question, it’s hard putting down the money on a 2018 TRD off road premium that still does not have most safety features of today’s cars or even Toyota cars, no keyless start, an outdated infotainment center and subpar gas mileage: if you were in my shoes or if you can do it all over again right now would you wait to 2020 for the update ?

I know the trucks off road abilities are awesome that’s why I am considering it vs a crossover.

Would you wait ?

 

I bought a Tacoma (2017 Off Road) and traded it for my 4Runner 5 months later. Mostly I found I needed more back seat room for my growing kids. And, to be honest, the rattles and recalls on the Tacoma drove me nuts. I don’t think you’d be “settling” for a 4Runner. Older tech, sure. In my experience with both vehicles this year, I’d say that less is more. Good luck!

 

From an out of the box perspective the JL will walk around the runner hands down in an off road situation. I'd still get the runner over the Jeep though for a few reasons. You can mod the 4R and make it almost as capable if enough money is thrown in to it. It has a lot more storage room than the JL.

As far as crash ratings on the JL - IIHS probably isn't done testing them. Yes it's a 2018 but there are also 2018 JKs, so really it's a 2018.5 model year instead of a true 2018. The last JK rolled off the line maybe a month ago so they were still being made until recent.

If you want a reliable off road vehicle, get the runner. If you want a decently reliable vehicle more capable off road - get the JL. Don't think you can make a wrong choice imo, aftermarket support for both are pretty good.

 

I had a Tacoma and traded it for my 4Runner. The 4Runner is honestly better in every way. I also have a family and the 4Runner is much better in that regard as well.

 

I also had a Tacoma and moved to the 4Runner. The 4Runner is a better vehicle in pretty much every respect. I miss having a bed but it hasn't been something I can't overcome.

 

Ive got a 2018 4Runner and Tacoma. The 4Runner definitely has more room all around, more along the lines of a Tundra, and I prefer the drivability of the 4Runner of the Tacoma, especially maintaining highway speeds. I got both trucks for different purposes though. If you can go without a bed, get the 4Runner

 

I had a Tacoma and moved to a 4runner, and I haven't looked back. Being able to haul people and gear comfortably (the 4runner rear seats have way more legroom that the Tacoma) was the kicker for me.

 

I just purchased a TRD OffRoad Premium 4Runner this past June.

Sold the JK unlimited a few weeks prior thinking I was going the JL Rubicon route with a Diesel (2019). I was gonna wait.

The quality of the 4Runner is far superior. Put a nice suspension on the 4Runner and it will surprise you as to how capable these are. It is much more comfortable on the road and with more room.

Compared to a JL Rubicon (In my case) it is a LOT less $$$.

I don't miss the Jeep. At all.

 

I think waiting for the 2020 model may defeat the purpose of a 4runner. All the lack of tech is one reason the 4runner is so reliable. In my opinion, a lot of the new tech is to meet stricter fleet gas mileage numbers but not to our benefit, (kind of like the first 10 years of smog equipment). Turbo engines and 8+ speed transmissions give a couple extra mpg’s but added complexity. It is also possible the next gen 4Runner will be unibody and made in North America. The BOF and Japanese quality control are 2 more things that make the 4runner reliable.
If you are willing to wait and you want the tech, the new Bronco will be out in a couple years too. That should directly compete with the wrangler and 4Runner.

 

Just traded in our 2014 JK Unlimited on a 2015 4runner SR5. We also have a 2011 Tacoma doublecab. While I liked the Jeep, it had many mods when we traded it in....the reliability just wasnt there down the road. There is no comparison to the no top and no doors ride and the off road capability...but I just didnt trust it down the road years from now. The tacoma is great in a lot of ways and I have the use of a truck bed when I need it....but when I need to haul people comfortably with room to spare the 4runner is hands down the best. I love my Tacoma although it is a 2011 and I've made it what I wanted and cant bring myself to get rid of it. The room just isnt there if I want to haul adult people in the back seat. I've done it many times with no issues...but little things like the rear climate control and power outlets for passengers to charge their phones is missing...as well as them not being able to recline in the tacoma backseat. Just little things I guess....but the 4runner ride, the comfort, the room and reliability is all there....and its 4wd if I need it. So now I have toyota reliability in a truck and have a truck bed when I need it but also in the runner. I'd go with the 4runner myself. Best of luck in your decision!

 

Buy a 4Runner now. See what the new 4runner looks like in a few years. If you like the new one better, sell the old one for almost as much as you paid it for.

 

Add me to the list of people that bought Tacoma’s (2017 TTC-OR), and traded for a 4Runner. The 4Runner is a much better family vehicle, and in my opinion much nicer. It has a better ride, it has more rear leg room, the rear seats recline, the front seats feel bigger than the Tacoma’s, and the cargo area is large by suv standards. I also get the same mileage as the taco, (17/22) without the wind noise and constant shifting.

My preference, but I have no issues with the stereo, and I LOVE that the 4R has a key and basic knobs for the controls up front.

 

That's kinda the reason you buy a toyota right now though, they are reliable and have the same mentality they've always had - 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Nothing wrong with any late model toyota right now, they just don't have the bells and whistles and myself - I am alright with that.

 

I went from a 4 dr. Rubicon to an OR Premium and never looked back. The 4 Runner will do everything that the Rubicon would do, it was 1,000's cheaper and has more features.

As I do a lot of photography and want a safe, clean place for my gear, I prefer the 4 Runner over the Tacoma or the Rubicon. On a dusty road the rear of the Rubicon would fill with dust in just a few miles. As far as off road, the 4 Runner is very capable, and it has a shorter wheelbase than either the Tacoma or the 4 Dr. Rubicon although without a lift, it doesn't have the approach and departure angles that the Rubicon has. A 3" lift corrects that and the ride and handling are still better than the Rubicon and the investment is still considerably less.

If you are going to use the Rubicon for anything except off road consider that is doesn't handle as well on the highway, it has much more road noise, and the ride is harsher. My 4 Runner gets about 3 MPG better mileage than the Rubicon did. The Wrangler also has a pretty poor CR rating as far as reliability is concerned while the 4 Runner is top trier in the reliability department.

These are just my observations. Your mileage may vary.

Bill

 

I was in desperate need of a new car when I looked at the 4runer TRD pro, but it was very difficult to find one in my town. I was scheduled to go meet a dealer who said he might be getting one in. Before I drove out there, I watched a couple videos berating the TRD pro for its lack of technology - the same issues you are identifying. I started to have second thoughts. On the way to Toyota, I stopped at Land Rover. The next thing I knew I was putting an order in for a Range Rover sport. I never made it to Toyota.

A couple weeks later, I was driving around town wondering if my old highlander would last until the rrs arrived in 4 mos., when Toyota called to say they had the TRD pro in. I told the salesman that I didnt need it as I had a RRS on order, but he insisted I come take a look at it. Since I had time to spare, I drove out to look at it. The next thing I know, I am driving home in it!

What can I say? I LOVE this car! The lack of technology does not bother me a bit. In fact, I like that everything is simple and not too complicated. As far as I’m concerned, it’s less to break. Everyone who sees this car remarks at how beautiful it is. Last night I drove home from work in a massive storm. There was dirt, debris, branches all over the road. I felt so safe in my 4runner.

I’ve never had a car that I was so proud of and happy with. Everything about this car is perfect (except the gas mileage)- it looks hot, it is reliable, it has lots of room without being too big, it can handle just about any terrain. I am really happy with my purchase. In fact, I went to a nice restaurant the other day, and the valet parked it in the front next to the 100k+ cars, not in the back where my old car would have been parked.

 

Thanks everyone for their input and comments last night I drove home in a black TRDORP with 1 mile on it. Very nice. I took advantage of the rebate and pushed the deal as hard as I could. I liked the idea of getting a vehicle at the end of its gen where all the bugs and issues have been addressed at a deal vs the 1st gen run with no deal and beta issues. Also if the new one is that great then I can trade it down the road at the end of that current year. Also the radio sounds really good or better than expected.

Next are LED lights for the fog, HB, LB: any Amazon suggestions

 

congrats, now we need pics!

 

Pics and video review coming via youtube I will post link.