Hello all, I currently have a job that supplies me with a company vehicle (Colorado quad cab, 4wd). I am going to be changing jobs in the next few months, so I am going to have to get a vehicle. I’ve narrowed it down to these 2. For the Tacoma, I’m looking at either a SR5 short bed, 4 door, 4wd or a similarly equipped TRD sport. As for the 4 Runner, it’s either a SR5 or TRD off road.
Does anyone have any advice or experience they can share? I know, it’s a horrible time to buy a vehicle. I’m looking new because used prices are as much as new. I’ve found 2 dealers that are not marking up above msrp or adding a bunch of dealer installed options. I’m not looking for a bunch of whiz bang gadgets and I’m not going to be taking it seriously off road. I owned a Tacoma years ago and it was great. I’ve had 4 Runners as rentals and liked them as well. My main concerns are durability and reliability and I plan on keeping whatever I buy for a long time. From everything I’ve read, both fall into that category.

Thanks

My main complaint, of sorts, with the 4Runner, is that it's pretty ancient & due for an update.
The 4.0 V6 is solid, but the 5 speed trans hampers MPGs if that matters to you.

But, even still, between the 2, I'd lean toward the 4Runner over the Taco.

Brother in law had a 2016 TRD Sport 2wd ext cab & I just didn't like how it drove, the few times I briefly drove it.

The strike against the 4 runner is the 5 speed transmission which hurts mpg which is an issue with gas above 3.50 a gallon and rising. I briefly looked at a 4 runner until I saw mpg were only 1 mile better than my V8 Tundra. The Highlander might be a better option because it has a 8 speed transmission which provides superior mpg compared to the 4 runner. Ive never been a fan of mid sized trucks so the Tacoma is a no go for me but very popular with lots of folks.

That pretty much lines up with what I’ve read. Simple, old tech and crappy fuel economy.

I do not like the Tacoma.

I do like the 4Runner. The old tech is a plus in my mind. I also think the Engine and tranny are a perfect match. Mileage is not great. But if you want a sold, well built, totally reliable SUV that is still built as the more traditional SUV from yester year were built. A 4Runner is in a class by itself today.

My father has well over 300,000 miles now on his 4.0L 4Runner. That thing is solid and has been crazy reliable.

Been researching both these myself. Looking for my next vehicle to haul a 4000-5000 lbs camper (or so).

Tacoma:
1. Seats suck. There is a fix for this (booster mounts which are easy to install and correct the seat angle and allows mounting a molle panel at front).
2. Payload is a lot less than other trucks. Shows 1155 lbs but most vehicles door sticker reads under 1000 lbs (usually around 965lbs). For me going on a trip would max out the weight BEFORE putting a shell on or even putting items in bed.
3. Tow rating is around 6400 lbs.
4. Lots and lots of after market parts and accessories.
5. Toyota dependability and reliability. It will last 10-15 years easy and great re-sale value.

4Runner:
1. Better payload rating abut less towing capability (5000lbs towing).
2. Gas mpg sucks.
3. Old reliable tech, just what you need, not a bunch of glitz.
4. Lots of after market parts and accessories.
5. Big time Toyota dependability and reliability. Someone will be driving it well into the Apocalypse after the next one.

I’ve got a 2019 4wd 4Runner and 21 Tacoma TRD off road. Both get same mileage, 4Runner has more room, rides better, is a bit shorter than the 4 door taco and is generally in my opinion a better vehicle. I’d stick with the 4Runner.

Have you tried a Costco or Sam's Club discount? My 2007 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 long bed double-cab is pushing 210,000 miles and had its first real problem, my alternator died.

Personally, I'd suck it up and buy the 2022 and not a new 2023 as they are supposed to have a turbo charger which to me is an expensive part waiting to fail - especially on a new engine and model.

quote:

posted February 03, 2022 08:43 PM Hide Post
My main complaint, of sorts, with the 4Runner, is that it's pretty ancient & due for an update.
The 4.0 V6 is solid, but the 5 speed trans hampers MPGs if that matters to you.

But, even still, between the 2, I'd lean toward the 4Runner over the Taco.

Brother in law had a 2016 TRD Sport 2wd ext cab & I just didn't like how it drove, the few times I briefly drove it.

This right here and a few other statements by members are of course correct, but wrong as well for the aspect of reliability and longevity. The Fourunner is one of only a few, mostly Toyota SUVs that you can currently purchase that are a true body on frame design. Just like granddad purchased in the 60s. They are strong, reliable, and well built. Every other SUV is a car unibody with AWD.

The old tech, lack of cylinder de-activation, 5 speed transmissions etc are why these vehicles routinely last 300,000 plus miles without a significant overhaul. If you want to buy the vehicle and keep it for 20 years go with the toyota. If you are fickle and get something every few years, don't.

They are still made in Japan too right? (The 4Runner)

My '19 4Runner SR5 was made in Japan.

My 2021 4Runner SR5 was made in Japan.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
They are still made in Japan too right? (The 4Runner)

Yes, 4 Runners are made in Japan, the Tacoma is made in the states.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:

...I do like the 4Runner. The old tech is a plus in my mind. I also think the Engine and tranny are a perfect match. Mileage is not great. But if you want a sold, well built, totally reliable SUV that is still built as the more traditional SUV from yester year were built. A 4Runner is in a class by itself today...

Exactly.


...

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
Have you tried a Costco or Sam's Club discount? My 2007 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 long bed double-cab is pushing 210,000 miles and had its first real problem, my alternator died.

Personally, I'd suck it up and buy the 2022 and not a new 2023 as they are supposed to have a turbo charger which to me is an expensive part waiting to fail - especially on a new engine and model.

There is no discount to be had. Most dealers are charging $2500-5000 over sticker depending on trim level and adding $1000-2500 in dealer installed crap. I was lucky to find a dealer selling at straight msrp with no crap.

I definitely would be getting a 2022, I want nothing to do with a 1st year of production, 4cyl turbo, especially in a truck that heavy. I want simplicity and reliability, not bs.

Currently driving a 2021 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium. 100% all made in Japan even the tires! I get right at 15-20 in town depending on how I drive. I get 19-21 on the highway as long as I keep it at 70 or slower. Came from a 2011 GMC Sierra and the ride is a vast improvement.

4Runner

I love love love love 4Runners. I've owned two - a 1990 and 1998 (currently don't have one).

I could have saved myself thousands and thousands if I still had my 1990 SR5 with a 22RE and 5 speed.

It's the vehicle I never should have sold. I should still be driving it.

I've ridden in a couple of 2019's and I think they're perfect except for the lack of a manual transmission.

quote:

Originally posted by Rev. A. J. Forsyth:

quote:

posted February 03, 2022 08:43 PM Hide Post
My main complaint, of sorts, with the 4Runner, is that it's pretty ancient & due for an update.
The 4.0 V6 is solid, but the 5 speed trans hampers MPGs if that matters to you.

But, even still, between the 2, I'd lean toward the 4Runner over the Taco.

Brother in law had a 2016 TRD Sport 2wd ext cab & I just didn't like how it drove, the few times I briefly drove it.

This right here and a few other statements by members are of course correct, but wrong as well for the aspect of reliability and longevity. The Fourunner is one of only a few, mostly Toyota SUVs that you can currently purchase that are a true body on frame design. Just like granddad purchased in the 60s. They are strong, reliable, and well built. Every other SUV is a car unibody with AWD.

The old tech, lack of cylinder de-activation, 5 speed transmissions etc are why these vehicles routinely last 300,000 plus miles without a significant overhaul. If you want to buy the vehicle and keep it for 20 years go with the toyota. If you are fickle and get something every few years, don't.

You reminded me of the body on frame aspect, that is why I purchased my 4 Runner in the first place and one more reason I would pick that over a Taco. I am actually considering trading in my Taco for a 4 Runner. I can get what I paid for it 8 month ago on a trade in. When I bought it I wanted another 4 Runner but there were none in stock in 4WD.

Currently own a 21 TRD Off Road Premium. We have zero complaints and have put about 18k on it so far. Just enough tech stuff for us, except it does not have blind spot monitoring. A 22 might, not sure.

Very comfortable for long rides. That is even after I installed LT Yokohama mud terrains (factory size). It is a great vehicle for dogs as well with the ability of the rear window to be put down all the way. I paid 750 below MSRP and do not regret it one bit. It is one of the Toyota vehicles still made in Japan.
You should also consider a used GX460 that has not been modified. We had one and bought it for a little more than a comparable used 4Runner. More people realize the capability of them now so the used prices are probably creeping up. We only sold it because the mileage was getting up there.

Good luck.