Tacoma vs 4Runner???

I have a 2020 tacoma TRD off road that I've owned from new. I'm happy with it, and the only thing I did was but a better set of tires on it.

I've been thinking about trading it in on a new 4runner TRD off road. The only real reason is to get the old 4.0 v6. Something simple with no direct injection and possible carbon build up issues down the road.

I'm OCD about maintenance, and either of these are the last vehicle I ever plan to buy. I'm I over thinking the added complexity of the 3.5 and the reliability vs the 4.0?

 

In my opinion, the 4Runner drives better because it shifts better and acceleration reacts better. I have a 2023 Tacoma TRD OR and am going to be getting the OTT Tune soon as my warranty is up.

 

I thought the whole point of the D4S system in the tacoma was that it prevented carbon build up because its self cleaning. Personally, I wouldnt get a 4Runner because id def be wanting for the practicality of the truck. I also have a manual so the auto transmission gripes are a moot point for me.

 

What reliability issues are there with the 2GR-FKS? I know that some people dislike the automatic transmission, but what engine issues concern you specifically?

 

There are definitely reasons to choose between the 4Runner and the Tacoma, but I don’t think the engine difference should be the main focus.

I owned a 2010 Tacoma with the 4.0 and now own a 2021 with the 3.5 and I don’t pine away for my old engine. The new Tacoma works fine as a small, utility pickup.

I looked at the 4R when shopping for my wife’s new SUV a few years ago, and while I thought it looked great, as a dedicated people hauler it definitely is compromised by its old school design. She actually went with a Honda Pilot as it fit her requirements better than the 4R.

 

So you want to trade in for a 4 Runner for something that might (but most likely will not) happen to the Taco engine? Thats some bad financial thinking there brother.

 

I have owned a 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro and a 21 4Runner limited. I hated the Taco, primarily due to the constant drone of the exhaust, and I loved the 4Runner. I drive about 50K miles per year on the road and I think the 4runner is hands down better for the highway. I was planning on getting a new Taco when they are available, but I have decided to keep my 04 Taco DC 4x4. I have a good idea which vehicle will be easier to keep on the road without major expense over the next 20 years. That being said, the new TACO Trailhunter is truly a shinny object.

 

4runner is a better vehicle.

 

I wouldn't do it based on the engine. You are over thinking that.

The reason to do it would be because the 4Runner fits your use case, or desires, better.

Before our recent transition to GX460's, I had a nice 3G and wife had a 4Runner Limited. I was jealous of the additional comfort of the 4Runner and decided to sell the 3G and get one for myself. It was worth giving up the seldom used convenience of the truck bed in exchange for the daily benefit of the comfort of the 4Runner. It sounded so good to me I took it one step further and ended up with two GX's lol.

Of course, there's the "I just want to do it" factor that can drive a decision. And as far as I'm concerned that's a perfectly valid reason. If I want something and can afford it, I will get it. My field of f%$#s regarding what other people think has been barren for quite some time.

Good luck with your decision!

 

How do you like the GX? They have been on my radar for a while.

 

We have both vehicles. If you're focused on the engine you're overthinking it. The 4Runner is a little better on power on the low end while the Tacoma is better a bit higher in the rev range.

The Tacoma is direct AND port injected to prevent carbon buildup issues.

My wife likes the 4Runner and I like the Tacoma. We use the Tacoma at least twice as much in terms of miles. (45k in 4 years vs 105k in 3.5 years).

I'd focus more on your needs than anything. Do you need more space to haul people or haul things out of the elements? 4Runner. Are you going to prefer a longer wheelbase and want to haul taller or dirty things and not worry about it? Tacoma.

I would absolutely not recommend one over the other simply based on powerplant.

 

Aside from the carbon build up issue which to my knowledge isn’t really an issue with the 2gr, I’d say the 1gr is a more long term reliable motor, look up car care nut on YouTube he goes in to depth on both the 5th gen 4Runner and 3rd gen taco

 

4R is probably the most reliable vehicle
you can buy today.

Seating is more comfortable position, fully boxed frame, better acceleration, better people hauler, rear seats recline, better field of view for the driver, and manual T case on the OR and Pro.

But it isn’t a Truck.

I love my Tacoma and will keep it for the foreseeable future. I will also keep my wife’s 4R when she decides to move on from it.

They’re both really good vehicles but if you don’t need the box on the truck the 4R is a better vehicle in my opinion.

 

We love them. And to get the last of the V8 goodness...for us worth it. Should have done it sooner.

 

This was/is my experience with both vehicles.

 

Seems like a no brainer since they are around the same price as a 4runner but with way more luxury. Any reliability issues?

 

4Runner + utility trailer > Tacoma

 

If you like owning a truck wait a year and see how the 4th gen Tacoma works out.

 

Here is a fun non scientific activity you can do to gauge long term potential.

go to cars.com or auto trader

search and filter 3rd gen tacomas that are for sale across the whole country and sort it by highest mileage.

you will see many trucks with well over 200,000 miles, highest I saw was like 280,000 miles.

do the same with 5th gen 4runner. You’ll see about the same pattern even though they’ve been out longer.

 

So when was your first oil change ?