4Runner Vs. Tacoma?

How would you compare how the two drive? My wife has recently got a 4Runner and I love how it drives, power and shifting wise. I currently have a f250 and although I love the truck I just don’t haul anything regularly enough for it.

 

We love our runner, it’s a better vehicle, I do miss my Tacoma, miss the 09 4 banger more than 17 sport.

 

I have both a 2023 trd off road premium 4Runner and a 2015 Tacoma trd sport
Both have the 1gr, the 4Runner has vvti so has 40 more hp and 20 more ft pounds of torque and weighs about 200 pounds than my Tacoma

Tacoma feels a lot smoother especially when you accelerate and step on the gas, the 4Runner always has a slight lag

the 4Runner feels more tighter and refined but the Tacoma feels smoother and broken in like a high quality well used baseball glove if that makes sense

 

I opted for the 4Runner because I've wanted one since they first came out in the mid-80's. Gave serious consideration to a Tacoma, but after driving my friend's 2021 2.7L one time, I realized the thing was slow as hell and I also couldn't find a comfortable seating position. Felt like my legs were ways out in front of me like I was riding a gaited horse, and if I scooched the seat up in an attempt to be able to see over the hood, my knees were up to my chin. She traded that Tacoma in and got the 2023 6 cylinder Tacoma. Sadly, she passed away in April 2024, and to honor her I purchased a 4Runner because that's what she always wanted. RIP Sharon.

 

I’ve owned several Tacomas 2001-2011 and really loved them. I went and looked over a new one a few years ago… probably 2020 model year. It felt completely claustrophobic to me and I’m a diminutive 5’7 160lbs. I couldn’t do it and ended up with another Tundra followed by two 4R’s. The 4R feels very spacious to me even with the wife, 2 dogs, and a ton of gear.

 

If you look at the two vehicles the 4runner does everything better except for hauling junk, debris etc that you need a truck bed to hold.

In all other areas the 4runner is a much better option.

 

I have had both for several years now and the 4runner is just better overall. The taco is ok for all the homedepot stuff and hauling/moving but the 4runner is so much more comfortable specially for long trips.

 

Tacoma seating position was total garbage. Wanted one for years but just couldn't do it.

Looking forward to quality issues getting figured out and getting a 4th gen taco at some point.

For camping, wish I had a taco to just throw stuff in the back. Doing trips on rough, rocky dirt roads everything shakes around and I have to take a lot of care in how I pack the 4runner lest the plastics get all messed up.

 

Coming from a taco to the runner, drive a lot of dirt roads to get to camping, not having dust all over my stuff is a great improvement over the layers of dust in the bed of the truck.

 

I liked my 17 Taco, but agree with ThaCrow, seating was total ass. I'm not tall, only 6ft, but all in legs so my thighs kept rubbing on the steering wheel. And that year didn't have the power seats so couldn't lower it. But honestly do miss the open bed and just throwing things back there.
But driving my T4R is enjoyable enough that i deal with it. lol.

 

4R is a little shorter fits better in the garage.

 

I usually keep a few extra sweaters, a towel and a blanket in the 4Runner. I've used them as a buffer to protect the door panels from whatever is packed next to them at times.

A couple of cheapo towels or blankets from Walmart could be a good investment.

 

I gave up trying, after all I bought the runner to make our RV.

 

I like that.

I keep a cooler and a plastic tote in the back with a towel on either side of those to protect plastics. Then small backs behind those between them and the hatch. I throw jackets and blankets near plastic in front of all that and soft backs next to doors (when I have the seats down).

Went out these past few days. Had one of those tall yeti coffee mugs in my cup holder - bouncing around a lot though to now my cup holder is scuffed white.

 

the plastic marrs and scratches if you just look at it, my back pannel is pretty scuffed but it’s easily replaceable

 

True. I gave up early on keeping the cargo area nice. But, it seems to help with the door panels. Although, I'm a little more careful about what I pack next to the doors.

 

i removed the bottom part of my back seats so I always have my back seats folded down and I put some harbor freight moving blankets and suprisingly my totes don’t slide around even though it’s right next to my back passenger doors

I should put a pool noodle by the back hatch though because that back pannel does get scratched or scuffed, I used to keep a mountain bike pad that I used for my Tacoma tailgate that was the perfect size but it was kinda a hassle to carry it and like I said I can always buy a new back pannel from Toyota if I ever get that anal

 

Went from a 21 Taco TRD OR to a 24 4R TRD ORP. I'm in my early 60's and have always owned a full size truck. When we sold our boat towing was no longer a requirement but I couldn't get past the utility of a bed. After 3 years these are the shortcomings that made me jump to the 4R.

1. Interior space and comfort for front and rear passengers. IYKYK

2. Able to carry passengers in the 2nd row AND the dog in the cargo area.

3. Able to camp in the back of the 4R without having to deal with a tent with everything secured inside...12 volt fridge, battery, food

4. Drivability in stock form. The 4R is adequate but the Taco AT needed a tune (OTT) not so much for power but trans shift logic.

5. I considered a 4R in 2021 but couldn't find one without the ridiculous ADM!

6. I reserved a 2024 4R that the dealer offered well below MSRP. By the time it arrived (early May 2024) the valuation of the Taco went up. Dealer said it was due to the underwhelming demand for the 4th Gen Taco. Buyers were scrambling to find 3rd Gens.

Boiled down...If you're looking for a mid size truck a Taco is a solid choice. If a mid size SUV covers your needs a 4R is a great choice!
I could have made the Taco work for me but the 4R package is reliable, fun to drive, safe and comfortable for all, and more than capable for the off roading I do without mods other than tires.