Lets get something going here… as I think my 94 4Runner is totaled.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/totaled-fixable-55018/

Let say you have some money and you looking at two Toyotas a 4Runner and a Tacoma.
I have driven a 4Runner for 3 out of 4 years; I had a one year setback with a Probe GT.

So let’s say you are looking at two 1998s one Tacoma (Extended Cab) and one 4Runner. Both specs: 3.4 V6, manual transmission, 4x4, 85,000 miles, SR5 (power window, locks), and cloth seats.

So which would you prefer to get?

 

It's Monday today, right? I'll go with the Tacoma.

 

Well I think it depends on what you do more, Tacoma will give you more "dirty" utility, 4Runner is better at hauling you stuff in comfort. 4Runner might end up being a little more expensive...

4Runner *might* come with different gearing, not sure on 3rd gens

Overall, I would go for the 4Runner, I like to be able to have all my equipment safely locked inside, and better back seats.

 

my motorcycles don't fit inside a 4runner

 

Owning both, I agree with what the others said. They're both awesome in their own ways. It's really hard to compare. When I need to haul a bulk load of mulch, it would be pretty hard to get it in and out of the Runner (and messy too!), but when we go on a little road trip the Tacoma just doesn't have enough interior space even though it is an extended cab. Figure out what your specific needs are, cause neither one is a bad decision.

 

Tacomas are killer but the extra cab isn't very big. And if you get the double cab the bed is too small.

If you need to carry dirty junk with a runner, they put this little square hole on the back of them.

Just get a small trailer and haul junk on that.


I vote for the 4RUNNER

 

I would get a 4Runner and a utility trailer with a hydraulic dump for those times that you need to do some dirty work!

 

If your other 4Runner met all your needs then stick with what was working for you.

 

4runner w/ e-locker

 

if you plan on doing any type of hauling, get the taco

 

Personally I like my taco for hauling and utility.....I can always just throw anything back there...bike, skis, bags, kayak, dirt, trash...anything - less hassle then doing the same with a 4runner......

Plus - when the weather is warm; the bed of a taco makes a mighty nice place to sleep under the stars or just relax in after a day of working outside....really nice to be able to throw the liftgate down - grab some beers and kick back.


Basically - the question you should ask yourself is : Do I need the passenger room? If 90% of the time you do not then get a Taco...if you find yourself driving people alot definetly go with the runner.

I love my Xtracab

 

You could get the PU and put a topper out back?

Kind of the best of both worlds - 4x4 fun and a out of the weather storage.

Ken vs dinking girl - I carry my KTM on a hauler that fits in to the hitch of my 4R.

Good luck

 

If you don't haul around people I would go for the Taco. You will be able to get a Taco for less than a 4Runner. If you need the extra space you can get a topper. Taco Taco Taco.

 

Forgot to mention, it will be easier to find a Taco with a locker compared to a 4Runner.

 

I agree with the tacoma and a topper. That's what I have and I love it. Here's what I did with my topper.


Great part is, no setting up a tent when I go camping, and I've got tons of storage under it.

 

Having owned both, and loved both, I would say to go for the Runner. Just to clear up, I had 2 tacomas, a 95.5 and a 97 both 4wd, 2.7 5 speeds, I now have a 2k 4Runner 4wd, 2.7 5 speed. The difference in ride between the two trucks is unbelievable, not to blast, but when I drive in friends Tacomas now they seem much cheaper than the runner. The Runner is more quiet and believe it or not it even shifts smoother than the tacomas, as in much less notchy. I have had some trouble with my rear diff and had to have 2 new ones in under 75k miles and seriously thought of ditching this Runner, but knowing that the only other truck worth buying, to me, is a last gen tacoma w/ the 2.7 I just stick w/ the Runner. Some may blast me, which is fine, I do like the Tacoma and recomend them to anyone truck shopping, but for me only a 4Runner will do now that I've owned one. And I don't need to hear about buying a car if I want a cushy ride, I like the utility and do use my truck to get to hiking destinations, and 4Runners don't ride like cars, just better than Tacomas.