As soon as I can I am getting back into another Toyota 4x4. I think I will get a Taco but only ext cab. In my opinion double cab is pointless. Not enough bed space to justify. I also love the 4runners but I love trucks and want to be able to throw my bike in the back without having to pull a trailer. I am living in an apt while looking for the right house so keeping a trailer there is out. Plus the taco's are just dead sexy

 

You just don't want to be like Chase

 

You gotta be kidding me. There is no way that the 4Runner has the same cargo capacity as a Tacoma—even with a 5’ bed. The problem is, the 4Runner’s cargo space is limited by the side windows and the roof, whereas the Tacoma is not. I’ve fit a king-size bed, boxspring, frame in the back. Also 2 couches. Wouldn’t have been able to do that in the 4Runner.

And I’m not ragging on the 4Runner. I’ve had two and loved them. They are very nice and ride a bit better, IMO. Which to get really depends on the person’s intended usage. For me, I bet I could do with a 4Runner just fine ~70% of the time. However, the other 30%, it wouldn’t be as easy. I just ripped out two walls in my basement and had to haul that in my truck. I was so glad I had a truck bed. I would’ve had to get a trailer for the 4Runner if I had to carry that stuff. Same with muddy/wet clothing, boots, gear, etc. from hunting, biking, skiing, etc. I don’t want to breath or smell that stuff. I can also fit MUCH MUCH more stuff in the Tacoma. Also, the double cab allows me to carry up to 4 other passengers. It’s perfect for my needs.

IMO, if you can get one for a good price, you should get a DC Tacoma and get a shell. That way you can lock up some stuff in the bed. Also, remember that although Tacoma’s are more expensive up front, they also sell for more (and faster). And the rust issue shouldn’t be relevant, since Toyota is taking care of it, either by a buy-back or a NEW frame replacement.

But either way you go, you will enjoy it. You can’t go wrong with either. As far as reliability, they’ve pretty much got the same components and are very reliable. All of my 3.4L Toyotas have been solid.

EDIT: Oh, I haven't noticed any ill handling differences between the 4Runner and Tacoma. They're both fine to me.

 

Don't tell him though! lol... I can find 4runner much cheaper around here so if it boils down to cash then 4runner it may be. I love them too, just would prefer a truck. as long as I get out of this God forsaken jeep I'll be happy.

 

Most camper shells offer keyed locking options, and there are also options for tailgate locks. If you're handy at all you can fabricate storage with concealment for the bed, making it whatever you want it to be. It might be pure luck, but even in questionable environments my trucks' beds/camper shells have never been broken into, locked or not, with valuables in plain sight or concealed. I wouldn't let that be deciding factor.

It really just comes down to personal preference, and you'll probably get split opinions on here. Just pull the trigger on one or the other. Sounds like you'll appreciate the pros of whatever you wind up with, and find a way around the cons.

 

See my sig for the vehicles I own.

I agree completely with cackalak han. I did pay less for my 4runner but its older with 40K more miles. They both have the 3.4L and the Taco seems to have more power though I'm not sure if this is because its a newer model than the 4runner or that the truck is lighter.

I think the Taco rides better, but it already had the bilstein leveling struts on it when I bought it so I can't speak for the stock ride.

When I first bought them I thought the 4runner would hold just as much stuff, but after experience there's no way. I can haul way more stuff in the truck, with all the benefits everyone has mentioned.

Also, I shopped for a while a picked up my Taco for less than 10K on ebay and it already had the ARE camper shell on it. I originally thought I would not keep the top due to storage space issues, but I have yet to haul something that wouldn't fit....my lawn mower (with handle folded down) and all lawn supplies fit fine. If I have to haul furniture I can always take it off, but I have come to enjoy the weather protected locking storage of the camper.

Someone even said you can't camp with the 5' double cab bed. But, my wife and I spent a whole weekend on the river, sleeping in the bed with the tailgate and camper closed (it was cold). Granted I am short (5'9") and my is only 5' and we had to sleep diagonally, but it worked and we were comfortable. If it had been summer we would have had the tailgate down and had tons of room.

So I am a truck guy so you know my vote, but honestly:

Versatility: Taco
Overall storage: Taco
Dry storage: 4runner (unless you have the camper)
Ride quality: 4runner
Power: Taco (because of weight)
Cost: 4runner
Mileage: Taco (though from what I've read here, my 4runner gets
unusually bad gas mileage at 14-15mpg, Taco getting 19mpg in town)
Also note I haven't tracked the 4runners mileage since I did a tuneup.


With either vehicle you will probably need a trailer for a 4wheeler unless
its a smaller one. Ride quality and power are so close I wouldn't think it would be a deciding factor for anyone. More what you use it for. I would not put my lawn mower and dirty equipment in the 4runner even if I could find a way for it to fit, and imagine you feel the same about deer guts and remains, but wouldn't think twice about throwing it in the bed of a truck, rinsing it out, and then going camping.

Love em both, you won't go wrong either way, just carefully evaluate how you're going to feel when it doesn't quite meet your needs and how it fits you financially, but you're already doing that so good luck.

 

There has been a lot of great pros and cons in this thread! Guess I'll throw my 2 cents in since I have owned 2 Taco's and 2 4runners. I currently own an 02 4Runner that I have only had for about 6 months. I sold an 01 Tacoma 4cyl to get it. Basically got a great deal so I made the switch.

I can honestly say that I miss my Tacoma and will probably be looking for another in a few months. The Runner is nice and all but my Taco was just more functional for what I do. I love to camp, hike, fish, and hunt. With my truck I could just throw crap in the back and forget about it. Now there always seems to be crap in the back seat of my 4Runner and very back. I also have to worry about what I'm throwing back there because I don't want to mess up the seats or anything.

My 4Runner rides good but my Taco rode about the same. I really like the yota 4cyl over the V6's as well. Both are very reliable but in 01-04 taco's came with 4.30 gearing in the 4cyls which seemed to be perfect for me and I even ran 255/85's for about 15k (some 4Runners come with 4.30's as well).

You also mentioned that you hunted. Even with a double cab you could just chunk a deer and your stand in the back and forget about it. Hope this helps. Here are a couple pics.

 

Also, I'd add:

Resale Value: Tacoma
Off-road capability stock: 4Runner (shorter wheel base)


Yeah, put it in the back and fuggetaboutit. Had to haul some of this today for my yard. This doesn’t apply to everyone since not a lot of you may haul dirt, drywall, yard waste, etc. But for every home owner, a truck is almost a must, IMO.

 

x2 doesn't happen but once a year for me, if that, but when its time to haul dirt and
fence posts/lumber I'm glad I have the truck.

On a side note, due to the last 2 posts, I think I'm gonna have to paint my TACO and T4R rims black soon.