Looking at upgrading to a 4runner from a tacoma

I have a 2016 Taco, Sport, Access Cab with 31,000 miles of smiles on it. This is my 5th Toyota Pickup and is certainly the best. Like all the others I have a Manual Transmission that has allowed me to skip all the complaints with the new 6 speed slush-box. As for the Engine - Yes, it's a high winder with a Hockey Stick power curve. Apparently a lot of people are more accustomed to slow speed engine sounds and get nervous when the see the Tach go past 3-grand. This is where the Manual shines as I am able to manage the gear ratios to achieve what I want at the time. I'm not one to give up my control to a computer. Read the thread about Manual Transmissions on the Tacoma Forum and you will find out that I am not alone in my thinking. My future calls for moving from a Camry (2010 LE) to a 2018 4R. We've driven the RAV (both kinds) as well as the highlander and the 4R is, hands-down, the cream of the crop. Just waiting for details on the new T4R. Clay

 

I have a 2016 OR TRD AC until July 9. The 4Runner I have ordered (Offroad Premium) has KDSS, Moonroof, heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators and puddle lights, hood scoop, and rear spoiler; roof rails, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support; four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, Homelink® universal transceiver w/Auto-dimming rearview mirror, EntuneTM Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with Multi-Terrain ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Locking rear differential, Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control. I'm not trying to argue, just comparing what I thought was a loaded Offroad TRD truck to the new 4Runner.

 

It's probably not fair to compare the two vehicles - The goals of the two vehicles are really different - Taco = Haul stuff, be off road capable, haul people. 4R= Haul People comfortably and be off road capable. If you have something dirty or large to haul - Taco= Put it in the bed....4R = Put in a trailer. In the category of people hauler - the Taco is should not be considered as a competitor. Start with the Back Seat - Taco Extra-Cab = Barely adequate, 4R = Nice.
The list goes on. This is the reason that you will find Taco's -AND -4R's in many families. Clay

 

After having my new 4R OR TRD for a week I concur with your findings. Also the KDSS suspension is nice.

 

I did that exact thing..... Today! Took my 2016 Tacoma and traded it in for a 4Runner.... Very happy with the decision, lovin the new 4Runner TRDOR Premium. No KDSS suspension for me, but lots of addons that I like (N-fab roof rack, N-fab steps, blackout package). Day 1 and no doubt I made a good decision to trade.

 

Today for me as well.... Not even through day 1 yet...and I have no doubt I made the right decision!!

 

Did your black out package include covering the TRD Off Road badges on the sides ?

 

Yes. All badges blacked out.

 

The side badges are wearing on me. May remove them soon as they look out of place there.... tinted the windows yesterday... and the changes/additions begin......

 

I don't like them, I'm really glad mine didn't have any there.

 

Me too, wish I could find decals to turn them black or red in my case for a White 4R.

 

Easy enough. Badges are mounted with double stick tape. Peel em off and krylon them red, stick back on truck. Done. ;-).

 

if you are going to get a used 4runner get the 3ed gen they are hands down the best built 4runner out there i have a 1998 4runner limited 327.500 miles on it yes i had to do ball joints and half shafts bearings timing belt water pump but i know i will get 500.000 miles out of it without a doubt there engines are built like a swiss watch. all you have to do is keep the oil clean and change the timing belt every 100.000 miles and you will have the most dependable truck ever. this is my 2nd 4runner i still have my first one but i only use it for trail running because it looks like shit but it has never left me stranded. but thats just my opinion. LARRY B

 

Swapped my 2017 TRD Tacoma for the 2017 Off road last weekend. So far I am really happy. I did feel a vibration in the steering wheel on the way home that I hope is tire dressing stuff. I also own a 2013 TRD sport 4x4 tacoma so i still have a truck in the family.

 

I also swapped my 2016 Tacoma Sport last week for a 2017 4Runner TRD Off Road. Hated the Tacoma and had a couple prior. Worst drive train I have had in a vehicle, so I traded it in with just 15k miles on it. It looked good though.

Waited since February for the Barcelona Red 4Runner with KDSS to get built and shipped here. Worth it.

 

Nice choice. Mine's the same except White. I agree totally with your assessment of the drive train. I saw one with 275's today without a lift. Did not get to talk the guy but wonder if they rub ? Maybe down the road I'll lift it moderately.

 

First post here. I just traded my 2016 DCSB SR5 Tacoma for a 2017 MGM 4Runner Off-road and love it.

I've owned Tacomas for years. Loved the 2016 Tacoma but the first 5k miles until the ecu got flashed were awful. After that update it drove more like my 2012 DCSB OR. My Tacoma was in the group that got recalled for the differential leak. Mine wasn't leaking, just weeping in 3 places. Some Tacomas are having to wait over 2 months for parts. Some dealers have dozens of Tacomas in the repair lot waiting for parts-a new gasket and new nuts/bolts. Mine was headed that way. Now it looks like a possible recall for the crank position sensor. Plus, the new 3.5L Atkinson is a definite downgrade from the 2nd generation 4L. The 2017 4Runner is nothing short of outstanding-lots more power. We've also owned 3 FJ's beginning in 2007 and just sold a 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition. So we're Toyota people who think Toyota choked on the 3rd gen Tacoma. Looking forward to enjoying driving again.

 

275's required some trimming of the inner wheel well plastic and a little off the mud flaps on my daughter's 2016 4Runner Trail. Didn't look all that good (in my opinion) until she and I put the lift kits in to raise it about 2 inches or so.

I won't lift mine, I don't want some gal half my age taking a liking to me when she thinks I'm really cool and all that. My wife would frown on that, too. Blacked out logos and XD rims is as far as I better go.

 

I'm waiting on the Tacoma decal guy to offer the black out decals like I had on my Tacoma. I also agree on the lift, though it would look nice, I will wait for my OEM tires to wear then install the next size BFG KO2's as possible. Between then and now other mod's as the wallet allows (Yakima load warrior rack is due Monday).

 

In case two pages of replies don't sway you, here is my 2cents.
I traded my 17 TRD OR Tacoma for a 2017 SR5 4R and I am very happy.

MUCH BETTER DRIVETRAIN!!
More room up front and much more room in the back seat. Drives great. I'm very happy!
I'll buy a POS truck or just a trailer if I need a truck but so far I have been fine without.

 

Traded my 15 Access Cab Sport for a 15 SR5 a week ago tomorrow. Why the trade? No longer needed the bed, my 12 year old couldn't fit in the back and got tired of not having a place to lock things up. We went on vacation last weekend after picking her up from camp. All of the stuff from a week over overnight camp spent the weekend in the hotel room. It was smelling funky by the time we left. Also, all of the stuff we bought on the vacation was in said hotel room. It came time to leave, and I couldn't listen to her any more about the lack of leg room, etc. I stopped on the way home, looked at a 4 door Taco and a 4 Runner and took the 4 Runner home that night. No contest. More comfortable, quieter, FAR more room for her, lockable storage. I LOVED my Taco, but I have zero regrets. The 4Runner is far more practical for me.

 

It's a 17 SR5...not a 15, not that it matters...typing faster than my brain....

 

i traded my 16 Tacoma for the 4runner......glad I did. The runner is soooooooo much better!

 

Who are all your friends going to call to help move if you get an SUV? Haha

 

I have a 2013 Tacoma, the thought was the sell it after I bought bought the 2017 taco but couldn't take it anymore. The 3.5l in a fully loaded 4 door taco didn't work, even with the manual transmission. At least for me it didn't

 

I just got rid of my '17 Tacoma TRD OR for a '17 4Runner TRD OR Premium, should have bought one years ago. It is a far superior vehicle in every way. Except for the audio, the speakers suck compared to the JBL in the Tacoma. First tank of gas, with highway and some 4wd hi and low driving (out elk hunting) I got 20mpg. Second tank, normal driving, 22mpg. Sitting at 22mpg on my third tank so far. I also got the KDSS, nice feature. If you get one you won't be disappointed.

 

Sounds like good mileage numbers. Understand that our new 4R will be replacing a 2010 Camry LE (with a 6 speed manual) The Taco is a keeper, am very pleased with it. These two vehicles have very different chores. The Taco is my work-truck that's used to access mountain top transmitter sites and haul stuff. The Radio/Display in the Taco is better than the one in the 4R- frankly, it looks pretty small in comparison. Will look nice with TWO Barcelona Red machines in the driveway- Clay

 

Hey. Did you ever get that steering wheel vibe worked out? I have the same on my month old SR5 Premium. I also swapped a 2017 TRD Tacoma.

 

So far so good, I ended up swapping out the tires to KO2s and no vibes so far. I only have 40 miles on it and about 25 are freeway speeds but looks like the out of balance from the factory and me driving on them ruined them, even after rebalancing them. I think radial tires have issues with this that the bands get a memory and they can’t really be fixed after a certain amount of time bouncing along at 75mph. Anyhow; yeah I’m hoping all is well with this one and the new tires. I bought the C rated tires because I didn’t want the extra weight of the E rated. So far so good