Toyota 4Runner VS Toyota Tacoma! (All The Differences) 

I test drove both vehicles and despite preferring pickup trucks over SUV’s and manual over automatic, I ordered a 4Runner Off-Road Premium. The size inside the cab of a Tacoma is just too small. I felt cramped. And the bed is comically small. I also prefer that 4Runners are still made in Japan and hold their value better than about anything. Both vehicles are very reliable and hold their value, but 4Runner is a little better overall. Either way it comes down to preference. You can’t go wrong with either choice.

4runner made in japan… no brainer!

Nice review! I have a 2018 SR5 Tacoma and love it. I want a 4Runner too!

The spoiler is on all models across the 4Runner line up....excellent review, keep up the good work

Nice video bro, to add to the 4runner list, if anyone looking to get a 4runner and has never owned a jeep wrangler before. The windshield is at a more straight up and down angle which can make it a little more prone to chips and cracks just like in the wranglers. I'm not sure if this is even a thing in the tacomas, but it's not the end of the world it's just a thing I wasn't aware of when purchasing. My winshield chipped in 3 spots within a month of ownership. The safelight guy told he fixes wrangler and 4runner windshields all the time. I wouldn't change my purchase at all, I'm very happy with my reliable sloth/4runner. Don't let this deter you, just wanted to share this small annoyance.

hey man I really enjoyed the video! Just wanted to throw out a few things with the 4Runner that has changed since the 2020 models to current. They have a full keyless key fob system now/push to start. Also that year the 4Runner got an updated/upgraded sound system and screen console.

Good video! Thanks for sharing. I’m soon to be the owner of both-for the first time.

Love my Tacoma. Wish the Tacoma back window went fully down like the 4Runner or tundra

You typically back in a Tacoma to park so the bed is over the curb. Generally sticks out of the parking spot less than even mid size sedans. Minor nitpick. Great video.

Great video !!

What tire size does this 4runner have and has any modification been needed to fit?

That 4Runner looks mean as hell! What a beast of a truck. These two are my two favorite trucks on the market. Already have the 4Runner, def want a tacoma to add to the lineup.

I have a 2020 Tacoma. My wife has a 2019 4runner. 4runner wins hands down. I love my truck but it's not even close.

It took me five seconds of sitting in a Tacoma to decide that the forerunner is for me, and as somebody has said made in Japan by people who really really care about what they do

Nice vid, I would only get a Tacoma as a work truck. The 4Runner will definitely be the beach bum mobile and grocery getter.

4Runner has a more simple (and reliable) powertrain if we're talking V6. The 4Runner is still assembled in Japan but the Tacoma assembled in Mexico, which is concerning. But the Tacoma has a ringer with the manual trans option. Tough call. It simply comes down to do you want a small truck or do you want a small SUV.

You’re not wrong about the mpg, I’m thoroughly enjoying my 16 mpg.

great vid!... been thinkin about a tacoma over the 4runner for a good bit now because of its 6400lb towing capacity..

What lift is that 4Runner on? What’s the offset on those wheels? Looks mean as hell!

We have a '22 4Runner and a '22 Tacoma 4x4 off-road and love them both...the 4Runner is more comfortable off-roading but the Tacoma is more fun to drive

I ended up ordering a 2022 Tacoma TRD Off Road double cab long bed Army Green . I’m coming out of a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring … just couldn’t live without a pickup truck anymore and I can’t wait to get back in a truck . So for me a 4Runner doesn’t do what I need it to do ( like hauling a big buck home in the bed , or a load of firewood , gas cans and chain saws , or sometimes taking my dirt bike places )

I need the mods on that 4 runner. I have the mgm but want the same look!

If you want to maximize the use of the bed for accessories the taco is probably for you. The 4runner is going to be better at everything besides fuel economy which both suck anyway.

Awesome thnx brother

I’m stuck between getting a Tacoma and a 4Runner, I enjoy hiking, biking and going on road trips , the biggest deciding factor for me is interior space and cargo room, just thought I’d ask someone and get there thoughts from it, just been having some trouble deciding what will be best for me, also just fyi I am a 19 year old , so I don’t have any kids to hall around I’d just be halling friends as well as a bicycle and everything else id need to hike and go on long road trips and etc.

the 4runner is really really really refine after almost 15 year of production

I’ve owned both and I like the 4Runner better!!!

Owned both and currently I own a 4Runner- I think the 4Runner has better all around attention to detail and the 4.0 liter with the 5 speed transmission is very smooth vs the Tacoma. the Tacoma is made in mexico with many parts made elsewhere and the 4Runner is 100 percent made in Japan-The 4 Runner wins big time!!!

I would think that the decision would be passengers vs cargo. For me, the suv would be ideal for surfboards and bikes since I could stop and eat without worrying about someone stealing my stuff. If I was a contractor or something like that, then a pick up makes sense.

Cool man!

Just scored a great deal on a '17 Tacoma and love it. Actually was considering the revamped Frontier as they've shown fairly food reliability so far and have 9spd and NA4.0L but couldn't pass on the Taco deal, but I digress. My friend has had several 4runners most recently a '13 & '19. Both were more powerful than my '17 Taco and they had larger tires to turn. Also undeniable build quality of 4runner coming from Japan vs Mexico...and 4.0 probably more reliable than 3.5 . All that being said, I still prefer the Tacoma since it is more utilitarian and I can haul my wife, 3 kids and still have the truck bed out back. Plus the 3rd gen aesthetics (especially the grille) appeal to me more than the 4runner, but that's just a me thing. Thanks for the comparison vid!

I own both vehicles in the SR5 class and love both of them.

Just replaced my 05 4runner with 250k miles with a 2022 TRD off-road Tacoma. I added a camper shell, and it feels like it pays homage to the OG 4runner. It's a compromise if ya can't decide which truck to get :P

Both are awesome vehicles.

What wheels are on the 4Runner?

I've had three tacomas, and one 4Runner now, let's just say I'll never go back to the Tacoma haha. The 4Runner just feels like a Better build, built like a tank. The only thing I miss is the manual transmission in the truck.. and in another opinion the 4.0 is way better than the 3.5 in the Tacoma.

Good comparison.

Good video..am always curious when I watch any review and the reviewer complains about gas mileage but doesn't suggest what they think is a good gas mileage..so I would like to ask what is a good gas mileage to have on your Tacoma and still do all the things it currently does.

Hello Marty from Mooresville NC

I still love my 18 4runner pro

Nice looking Taco

what roof rack is that?

Nice job on the video Marty. What size tires are you running on this specific 4runner and what’s the offset? Appreciate the feedback brother, enjoy…

Pick what you like!

What’s the name of that roof rack ?

Thinking of trading my 2015 Crewmax for a 4Runner. Bought it in 2020 and have used the bed for its purpose only twice, never towed anything. Thoughts?

Can mattresses or such as couches.. can they fit on a 4Runner?

I own a Tacoma so I’m a bit biased here but as an overall, the cost of ownership is going to be about $15,000-$30,000 more for the 4Runner over the life of the vehicle. That’s with an average gas price of $2.50-$3.00 and with the 4Runner costing about $6,000-$10,000 more than the Tacoma depending on the trim. When you combine the cost of ownership with the ability/utility of the truck bed(no matter how “small” it is it’s still a truck bed and can be used as so, for instance I just loaded up a crf450rl dirt bike in the back of my Tacoma which you’re not doing with a 4Runner) it gives the nod to the Tacoma. The only practical reason to buy a 4Runner is for the extra interior room or extra interior storage. But of course practicality isn’t always the determining factor when buyin a vehicle… looks and comfort are among other reasons. All being said, there were multiple reasons why I bought and love my 2020 Tacoma

Neither is better than the other. They are both terrific vehicles. One is just better for YOUR personal needs than the other.

What kind of wheels are those on the Tacoma?

So you dont have the tow package? Dont think I ever saw a v6 tacoma that came without it. All those with it can tow over 6500lbs. The 21 SR model I looked at even came with it.

PLEASE do a 3rd-Gen to 3rd-Gen comparison of these Two same Trucks

what size tires are you running on the TACOs

he is flexing on you with those mud tires lol

Btw, torque for both vehicles: Tacoma: 265lb-ft @ 4600 4Runner: 278lb-ft @ 4400 Slight edge to the 4Runner.

Just got my red 4runner trd off road. Coming from a 94 f150, any mpg is good mpg lol

I feel like you miss the 4runner. I can't decide between the two. I fly fish and camp and live in the wet/muddy PNW so I'm leaning towards the tacoma but the 4runner is so dope and I can sleep in it and put nasty things in a box on top. All I know is I want out of my gigantic tundra.

you own a 4runner and a tacoma? the 4runner is it an trd pro or off road? how come you bought both of these vs a rav4 instead of a 4runner?

Extra towing capacity and the moderate usage you’ll get out of a bed would be the only reason to get a Tacoma, IMO. 4Runner is built in Japan and it’s definitely built better, and has better resale. The utility of a wagon is probably more so than a small pickup (5ft bed on the TRD Pro) for most consumers. If you really need a truck then you’re probably looking at a full sized. 4 wheel disc on 4R and drum rears on taco. Made in Japan vs made in Mexico. It’s not even a contest. Do you NEED a truck bed and that extra 1500 lbs towing, but somehow you don’t need a full sized truck? Get a taco. If you’re literally anyone else, get the 4Runner. It’s really that simple :-)

Like GilligaN Island who do u like better Marian or Ginger ?? Hey baby u Cannot go wrong either way 😎😎😎😎

What brand tires are those on the 4runner? They're clean

Good video! What was your out the door price for the 4-runner and for the Tacoma?

Don't get the JBA /audio package, they don't sound much different from other models

What's the size of the tires in the 4Runner?

Tacoma is better off-road. The wheel base of Tacoma is somehow perfect and get stuck less. Tacoma also feels lighter in the trials.

The 4runner is offered in the limited trim with an epic TORSEN center differential made popular in Audi Quattro and US Military HUMVEE vehicles.

Tacoma I think is more versatile, but just comes down to how you intend to use these vehicles.

I did not fit in a taco at 6’2

My sister just picked up a brand new 4Runner TRDpro in the awesome green color, Toyota trucks just look so damn good. My fatass is drooling over the new Tundra and Seqouia 😆

You should’ve raced the two against each other

Trying to decide which one to get for my son's B-day. He is going to turn 27 and likes going out camping, in rugged terrain. He has mentioned wanting a Truck, but that 4Runner is pretty amazing looking and more comfy for a drive and storage/camping equipment. Hmmmm. I'm leaning towards Tacoma 22' TRD Sport 4x4 or the SR5 4x4 Premium 4Runner.

As far as build quality, the 4runner wins easily, but the Tacoma is no slouch...I mean, compare the 4runner to LC 200 and the LC is by FAR the better build.

The Tacoma tows 6,700+ not 5k

Just a heads up, I am pretty sure the Tacoma can tow 6400lbs

Get whatever you want . I have Tacomaaaaaa 4 runners dope also

Tacoma base is almost 10k less than 4 runner - a base Tacoma looks like a much better value?

Strange that you have the non 4x4 bed decal

Drum brakes on the rear of the Taco still!!?? And that's on the $50K TRD Pro. No Bueno.

You can literally only order the 4runner TRD PRO in an automatic they come to dealership in manual config.

Ride comfort. 4Runner all day

4runner is more roomy than the tacoma

Really ? I like comparisons.. but you either need/want a pickup bed, or you need/want an SUV. Comparing *one of each to each other* doesn't really mean very much for practical purposes. Nice to see the vehicle though. BOTH are really nice ..in their respective category :- ) The features roundup is interesting though. Nice job.

The 4Runner has a premium price over the Tacoma which is why I bought a Tacoma. Got $4k less than the 4Runner

I’ll make it ez Tacoma is assembled in Mexico and 4Runner is assembled in Japan. Guess which is better 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

With all things equal, what's the difference in $$$

my 4runner has a V8

I have an access cab the back seats on the 4 door Tacoma are useless

IMHO 4Runner is in the Valhalla of cars , nothing with 4 wheels is better.

Apples and snow shoes.

Truck, end argument

The Tacoma can toll up to 6800 pounds 6400 on your truck quite a bit more than the 4 runner!!!

I’m Marty don’t use my name lol

Additionally i get it these are your opinions but seriously heated seats all these gimmicks break..am curious is the benefit of having heated seats really a deal breaker..am making these comments because i wonder if the average Taco buyer cares for all these gims

2023 4runner ORP here. 4runner all day compared Tacoma, Tacoma was to cheap all around for me. Plus your comparing a pro to a sr5 dumb.

I MEAN IF YOU HAVE A EXTRA 20K PLUS TO SPEND ON THE 4 RUNNER GO AHEAD HAHAH

Neither.... Jeep's Dominate.lol

The Tacoma is a truck and the 4Runner is a SUV. Ok you don't have to watch the video now and you get to save 10 minutes 🤣

Tacos for boys and 4Runners for girls. 😂

The cabin on these is just way too small. If you’re over 5’8”, it’s just not gonna work