Ok. tough call here
Love the FJ and love the Tacoma double cab
gotta have 4 wheel drive and must seat family of 4 comfortably
trd package is a must
FJ or Tacoma???

 

tacoma, i've had 2 but never an FJ

 

FJ Cruiser

 

Depends, need a bed-then get the truck. I had 2 trucks and drove my parnts suv's alot. If you ever ned to carry anything even a small bed pickup is way better to have than an suv unless you got a small trailer.

 

dang. I know it's gonna be a 50/50 split
I like them both and am leaning to the FJ for it's innovation and off road designs, however the tacoma is just as off road capable and has a truck bed to haul extra stuff

 

From what I understand, the new Tacoma's manual tranny does not mate perfectly with the engine. If you want an auto, then nevermind. I envy the decision that you get to make. Congrats either way.

 

I went with the taco, although the fj was calling my name. Ours is our family car and it has been great. Much better for the family than my 4runner was.

 

They are both great. If you just need a bed occasionally for hauling stuff around, going to home depot, etc. I find that pulling a little utility trailer works great with my SUV (LX450). The utility of a bed, with a low load height, and removable sides, tilt trailer for $200 used, even a nice new ~4'x8' trailer would be less than $1k. It's a very practical way to go, and works great in suburbia. Of course you don't have to be practical when buying a vehicle, and it might not be the best idea in a very urban setting.

 

Having a truck is always handy.

 

Test drive both with your family; then decide which one suits you best.

 

Depending on the age of your kids, getting car seats in and out of a DC is gonna be a lot easier IMO than with an FJ..a lot of people (magazine reviews) are complaining about the blind spots of an FJ.
We use our '05 DC for just about everything..With three kids and 3 dogs, the DC with a canopy on the back has proven a great investment. Has great towing capacity etc...
Like previous posts, test drive it with your family and see what you like.
Check out the folders on both vehicles at ttora.com. Lots of good info there like there is on yotatech...
Late Tacoma: http://ttora.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=157
FJ Cruiser: http://ttora.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=139