Toyota Tacoma vs 4Runner: Difference and Comparison

If a person is really into the off-road scene, they’re likely to be aware of Toyota’s commitment to the stage. Toyota isn’t as well-known in the off-roading industry as Wrangler is, but it’s perhaps one of the most popular brands.

Toyota’s off-roading vehicles, the Tacoma as well as 4Runner, are now in the vanguard.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck, while the 4Runner is an SUV.
  2. The Tacoma offers better fuel economy and towing capacity than the 4Runner.
  3. The 4Runner provides more passenger and cargo space than the Tacoma.

Toyota Tacoma vs 4Runner 

The difference between Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner is that the Tacoma is significantly better for carrying cargo, tools, motorcycles, and anything else that fits in the bed. Whereas the 4Runner is geared mainly for families. If an individual is doing any light job that necessitates the use of a mattress, the Tacoma will be ideal, as long as the weight isn’t too heavy.

Toyota Tacoma vs 4Runner

Because of its more pragmatic base finish grade, Tacoma has a significant economic, competitive advantage over competitors. It has far more drivetrain components, including a 2.7-liter four-cylinder powertrain that outperforms its peers in terms of fuel economy.

The 4Runner is unique among tiny SUVs in that it is one of the few that can truly handle significant off-roading.

Furthermore, even in the cheapest configuration, it comes equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels, mud shields, a trailer hitch, hill-start assistance, LED headlights, a power tonneau cover window, a leather-wrapped steering column, and far more.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonToyota Tacoma4Runner
First Launched inThe Toyota Tacoma was launched in the year 1995 for the first time.Whereas, the 4Runner was launched for the first time in the year 1984.
InteriorThe interiors of Tacoma appears to be antiquated and uninteresting. It’s also claustrophobic, and if an individual is a little bigger or longer than6’0, they will be uneasy the majority of the time, which really is a typical gripe on car boards.In contrast, however unlike Tacoma, the 4Runner can easily seat seven occupants since it is an SUV.
Best ForThe Tacoma is clearly better equipped to towing gear, machinery, motorbikes, and anything else fits in the bed.The 4Runner is geared mainly for families. In the end, if an individual needs a pickup SUV, the 4Runner is a superior choice.
Price DifferenceThe Tacoma is a bit cheaper than 4Runner, given that it is a pickup truck.Whereas, the 4Runner is an SUV and is priced slightly higher than Tacoma.
Which one is BetterWhen it comes down to carrying a lot of machinery or heavy stuffs, Tacoma would surely be a better choice.On the other hand, since 4Runner is an SUV, it is the best for families out there who love to travel.

What is Toyota Tacoma?

The Tacoma is equipped with a 2.7-liter synchronous engine that makes 159 horsepower as well as 180 pound-feet of performance, which isn’t particularly impressive.

It’s preferable to opt for the extra 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which produces 268 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty of strength for just an up truck.

A six-speed manual or automatic transmission and back wheel or four-wheel-drive are available as choices.

Its six-speed conventional transmission is suggested, and 4WD is suggested if you anticipate performing any serious off-roading (and winter driving). Overall, the Tacoma is a disappointment if you go with the usual, lowest choices.

The Toyota Tacoma and has been for quite some time. It goes back to at least 1995, known as a Toyota Pick-Up. The Tacoma has progressed from little light-duty trucks to medium-duty trucks over the ages.

The Tacoma contributed significantly to the lightweight and medium-duty pickup automotive market.

toyota tacoma sr5

What is 4Runner?

The 4Runner is equipped with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 270 hp as well as 278 pound-feet of performance throughout a five-speed automated transmission. The torso design and general rugged feel of the 4Runner create it ideal for off-roading.

Meanwhile, it appears to be out of date, behind the times, and uneasy on the street. The Toyota Hilux has been the 4Runner’s sole inspiration at first.

From the dashboards forward, it looks exactly like a Toyota forklift. All of the alterations take place in the body’s back half.

Originally, the 4runner had a solid axles front chassis, but then in1986, this solid axle chassis was replaced with an autonomous suspension system.

Once Toyota released the second version4Runner, it marked a significant shift. Fortunately, it was still robust because the second generation was still built on a Toyota forklift.

We are now in the fifth generation of the 4Runner, which has been around for almost fifteen years. The fifth-generation 4runner is substantially greater than traditional generations. 

toyota 4runner scaled

Main Differences Between Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner

  1. The Toyota Tacoma was firstly introduced in 1995. The 4Runner, on the other hand, was firstly conceived in 1984.
  2. Tacoma’s furnishings appear to be outdated and dull. It’s also confining, and if someone is a little bigger or taller than6’0, they’ll be uncomfortable the bulk of the period, which is a common complaint about car boards. The 4Runner, on the other hand, unlike the Tacoma, can easily accommodate seven people because it’s an SUV.
  3. The Tacoma is clearly better equipped for towing gear, machinery, motorbikes, and anything else that fits in the bed. The 4Runner is geared mainly for families. In the end, if an individual needs a pickup SUV, the 4Runner is a superior choice.
  4. Because it is a big truck, the Tacoma is less expensive than the 4Runner. The 4Runner, on the other hand, is an SUV that costs a bit more than the Tacoma.
  5. When it comes down to carrying a lot of machinery or heavy stuff, Tacoma would surely be a better choice. On the other hand, since 4Runner is an SUV, it is the best for families out there who love to travel.
References
  1. Rollover risk of cars and light trucks after accounting for driver and environmental factors – ScienceDirect
  2. The effects of vehicle model and driver behavior on risk – ScienceDirect

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

dot 1
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

6 thoughts on “Toyota Tacoma vs 4Runner: Difference and Comparison”

  1. I don’t understand how the Tacoma can be considered outdated. It’s a reliable, practical, and affordable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

    Reply
  2. I find it hard to believe that an off-road enthusiast would consider the Tacoma to be a ‘disappointment’. It’s a highly capable and versatile vehicle.

    Reply
  3. The history and evolution of the Tacoma and 4Runner are fascinating. It’s interesting to see how they’ve developed and improved over the years.

    Reply
  4. This comparison table between Tacoma and 4Runner provides a clear understanding of each vehicle’s strengths and purposes. Very informative!

    Reply
  5. Toyota truly is a leader in this field. Their commitment to off-road vehicles is impressive and it really shows in the quality of their products.

    Reply
  6. There seems to be a lot of bias in this article. The 4Runner’s outdated design is not a downside for those who appreciate its rugged and classic feel.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!