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4RunnerGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota 4Runner.
This is a discussion thread titled "2005 4Runner vs Tundra and Tacoma?", within the 4Runner forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
Considering the three have alot of similarities sharing engines, trannys ect. I was wondering if anyone wants to comment on how well the 4Runner stacks up to the pickups. For example, how does it handle, accelerate and off road next to a comparably equipped Tacoma or Tundra?
I was in the same position one and a half years ago and it came down to, what was the primary need for the truck/SUV. For me it was a single all purpose family vehicle for the first 5 years and then mine to abuse after that.
I decided on the '04 V6 4 Runner for the following reasons:
The '04 tacoma was too compact for a family vehicle. I have sat in the new tacoma and while it is larger I still find the back seat too cramped. I find the 4 runner has more room behind the driver seat adjusted for myself than the new tacoma
I like the size of the Tundra Access Cab but the back seat was inappropriate for a family vehicle. I loved the Double Cab, but it was just too damn big. I just couldn't justify the need for a 6 foot bed. Most of the time I would just be chasing groceries that slid all over the bed.
The 4 Runner was the best fit for me. The 4 Runner also has an AWD option that the pick-ups do not, I love this ability. I found that the 4 runner handled better than the tacoma and both tundras. I would say that the V8 4 Runner had the best acceleration, hands down.
You are really splitting hairs when it comes to off road capability. I feel that the shorter wheelbase of the 4 runner will help you out in more situations than the longer and much longer wheelbases of the tacoma and tundra D-cab will. The 4 Runner has a more sophisticated 4WD system. It also has more standard off roading features that you will never use if you know what you are doing.
I have owned all three/ I have had 3 Tacoma's, one Tundra DC, and a 4runner sport v8 now. I like the 4runner the best. It feels like it is well built, and handles better than all three. I havent taken mine offroad yet since i am a bit scared taking it offroad until i make the first payment.
I have owned all three/ I have had 3 Tacoma's, one Tundra DC, and a 4runner sport v8 now. I like the 4runner the best. It feels like it is well built, and handles better than all three. I havent taken mine offroad yet since i am a bit scared taking it offroad until i make the first payment.
Thanks for the replies. Part of the reason I posted this thread is because the complaints against the 4runner seem to be a fraction of the 05 Tacoma and just about every year Tundra. No one to my knowledge has really brought this up yet, on here. Partly I think because the 4runner is all Japanese and the other two are mostly made in the U.S. save for some components, V6 engines and trannys. Maybe there is a quality difference but you can also argue that the 4runner is likely used more gently, not loaded down and worked like the Pickups? But I'm getting somewhat off topic on my own thread
I've owned both a Tacoma and a 4Runner. Currently I drive an '03 4Runner SR5 V6. I use it to tow a 3500 lb. car and it performs beautifully. I traded in my '03 Tacoma on it because a) I never used the bed of my Taco, but always use the interrior space of the 4Runner 2) Taco was tooo cramped for me. I like a lot of room and the 4Runner has plenty for me.
I didn't have any problems with the Tacoma, so I couldn't say anything bad about it there. But what it really comes down to is what you plan on using the vehicle for. Most of the stuff I use the cargo space for needs to be carried inside anyway, so the 4Runner made more sense.
As far as using the 4Runner gently..... well, let's just say, my 4Runner has already been through a skid plate and has seen quite a few runs down at the local drag strip. It currently has 45k miles on it and still runs perfect. In short, I beat the H*ll out of it and it doesn't miss a beat...
I'm trying to decide between the 05 Tacoma dbl cab or a 05 4runner. My needs are very similar. Family. What about cargo area? I was thinking the bed combined with a waterproof lockable cover on the Tacoma would net much more cargo area than the 4runner area behind the rear seats. Can anyone comment on this?
I'm trying to decide between the 05 Tacoma dbl cab or a 05 4runner. My needs are very similar. Family. What about cargo area? I was thinking the bed combined with a waterproof lockable cover on the Tacoma would net much more cargo area than the 4runner area behind the rear seats. Can anyone comment on this?
Why not get the Tacoma DoubleCab Longbed? I would also think that with a hard tonneau cover with a lock this might prove to be more square footage with less "worry" factor about dinging up the headliner in the 4Runner.
On the flip side of this, the Tacoma is a new redesign, while the 4Runner has been around a few years in its current form. Also, no dealer is really willing to give up much in the way of deal on the Tacoma now, I know, I've been trying to get one.
It all comes down to choice, I would definitely use the pickup bed more than an SUV cargo space. Both are outstanding trucks, but its all what you need it for.
__________________ "Si vis pacem, para bellum"-Vegetius
2005 Tacoma Doublecab TRD Offroad 4X4 shortbed - Modifications - Fog light mod, Debadged, Black Toyota grille emblem, Map Light Mod, DRL mod
Factory Accessories - Tacoma Bedmat, Extra set of D-rings installed in front bed bolts, Extra set of factory tie downs
Optional Options - FilterMag, Fumoto valve, Westin Suregrip running boards w/LED lights, WeatherTech Floorliners, WeatherTech window visor vents, Prestige remote car starter w/keyless entry, SilverStar headlight and turn signal bulbs, Toytek 2" lift, Muth heated signal mirrors, WAAG grille guard (center only, I'm old school), Taillights tinted by JonsTintedTails.com, Anthracite FJ Cruiser wheels w/ 265/75r16 BFGoodrich A/T
Why not get the Tacoma DoubleCab Longbed? I would also think that with a hard tonneau cover with a lock this might prove to be more square footage with less "worry" factor about dinging up the headliner in the 4Runner.
On the flip side of this, the Tacoma is a new redesign, while the 4Runner has been around a few years in its current form. Also, no dealer is really willing to give up much in the way of deal on the Tacoma now, I know, I've been trying to get one.
It all comes down to choice, I would definitely use the pickup bed more than an SUV cargo space. Both are outstanding trucks, but its all what you need it for.
Well I test drove a dbl. cab prerunner today. I love it. The rear view mirror is too low on the windshield. That's my only complaint. Anyway, the truck is big and doesn't turn on a dime. I'm sure a long bed is worse and probably won't fit in my garage. I didn't test drive a 4runner today but it looks more compact and I'm hoping it has a more nimble feel to it. I looked in the cargo area. Not big at all. A 1 week vacation with the wife and kids plus a stroller and cooler ain't happening....
A hard cover + the dbl. cab tacoma may be my only choice...I need to test drive the 4runner now to make sure.
The 4runner is built in the top rated auto plant in the world (Tahara) and is built side by side with the Lexus GX470. It uses the same engine and transmission as the Lexus LX470 and Gx470 and the Toyota Landcruiser (if you get the V8) It is a GX470 in V8 form with better looking sheet metal. If you need a pick-up truck pick the size you need and passenger holding size you need and go with the PU truck. Can't go wrong.
As far as using the 4Runner gently..... well, let's just say, my 4Runner has already been through a skid plate and has seen quite a few runs down at the local drag strip. It currently has 45k miles on it and still runs perfect. In short, I beat the H*ll out of it and it doesn't miss a beat...
---Ron
I know that might be beating up vehicle for an average joe, but not to me. Have you seen toyota pickups thats are all beaten down with dented bodies and everything? I BEAT my toyota trucks and they always run no matter what. My trucks are used for commercial use and all of them are dented up. I even hauled a pallet full of bricks that was sagged the back end almost all the way down and the truck was struggling to climb a hill, but yea thats abuse for me.
One word to differentiate the 4Runner from the Taco or Tundra. XREAS. This system is awesome. Having had a '02 4Runner Sport, my '03 Sport w/XREAS handles like a sports car. I throw my rig into turns and curves that I would not have dreamed of in the older version Runner or a pickup configuration.
I have hauled everything in the back of my Runner. I have a husky liner and it catches all of the dirt, water, grime that would be in the back of a pu. Plus the rear window in the Runner goes down, so for that once/twice a year trip to the home goods store I can always stick something out the back window if needed. Or the roof rack that holds 100lbs.
It really comes down to your basic needs. If you haul heavy stuff or oversized stuff regularly (bricks, mortar, wood) probably the pu, but for a family vehicle with unlimited capability, I highly recommend the Sport 4Runner with the V8. I have 37K miles and it gets better every day.
I have driven and owned over 18 brand new vehicles in my driving career. This '03 Sport feels like an extension of my personality and needs. I love it. I usually find a reason to drive it, which is not good given the price of gas.
As Pitbull pointed out, I am driving a Land Cruiser and Lexus for $31K. I don't need Corinthian leather, Zimbabwe wood accents or an ego to match. I don't understand the people who plunk down $50K+ for a GX470 or even $5K more for a Limited model 4Runner. You don't get $5K in mechanical advantages by choosing the Limited or GX, it is all cosmetic. Some people like it and pay it and that is fine.
One word to differentiate the 4Runner from the Taco or Tundra. XREAS. This system is awesome. Having had a '02 4Runner Sport, my '03 Sport w/XREAS handles like a sports car. I throw my rig into turns and curves that I would not have dreamed of in the older version Runner or a pickup configuration.
I have hauled everything in the back of my Runner. I have a husky liner and it catches all of the dirt, water, grime that would be in the back of a pu. Plus the rear window in the Runner goes down, so for that once/twice a year trip to the home goods store I can always stick something out the back window if needed. Or the roof rack that holds 100lbs.
It really comes down to your basic needs. If you haul heavy stuff or oversized stuff regularly (bricks, mortar, wood) probably the pu, but for a family vehicle with unlimited capability, I highly recommend the Sport 4Runner with the V8. I have 37K miles and it gets better every day.
I have driven and owned over 18 brand new vehicles in my driving career. This '03 Sport feels like an extension of my personality and needs. I love it. I usually find a reason to drive it, which is not good given the price of gas.
As Pitbull pointed out, I am driving a Land Cruiser and Lexus for $31K. I don't need Corinthian leather, Zimbabwe wood accents or an ego to match. I don't understand the people who plunk down $50K+ for a GX470 or even $5K more for a Limited model 4Runner. You don't get $5K in mechanical advantages by choosing the Limited or GX, it is all cosmetic. Some people like it and pay it and that is fine.
Your a very very smart man I have a 2004 SE V8 and a 2003 350Z and I like driving my SE more then the Z.
I have a 2003 Tundra V8 4x4 limited and my mom has a 2004 Runner v8 limited.
Overall both trucks are well built with the 4runner being a little bit better built. Both trucks are very quiet but the 4runner does have more wind noise on the highway compared to the Tundra.
Handling goes to the 4runner but the Tundra doesn't handle all that bad itself.
Interior. I like the interior of the Tundra better. More room and more spacious. The materials are a little bit better in the 4runner and build quality is a little better in the 4runner but Tundra interior is still well built.
One major design flaw in the interior of the 4runner is the location of the window switches. Way to low and out of the way in the 4runner.
Overall both are very good trucks with different purposes.
Considering the three have alot of similarities sharing engines, trannys ect. I was wondering if anyone wants to comment on how well the 4Runner stacks up to the pickups. For example, how does it handle, accelerate and off road next to a comparably equipped Tacoma or Tundra?
Last month traded '92 4Runner for '05 Tundra Access cab. Carefully considered Taco and 4Runner. IMHO the newer 4runner is the best built of the three - BUT - the Tundra SEEMS pretty close. I got the Tundra 'cause I spend some time mtn biking and kayaking and having an open bed to toss the muddy junk into is absolutely unbeatable .... The Taco was OK, but with the composite bed there are no stake pockets so you can't mount a ladder rack for your boats .. Also the Taco tailgate was REALLY flimsy - no way I was going to be able to stand on it to load up the boats. Finally, the Taco actually cost MORE than my Access Cab TRD 4WD Tundra ....
Happy? Love driving the truck but it's developed the dreaded dash-rattle that's been mentioned before. Also, front R speaker blew out pretty quickly. Hopefully dealer will step up to the plate on these 2 issues ...
Again - I don't think that any of the '05's have the quality my old 4Runner did. But new 4runner seems closest. If you don't NEED a pickup bed - get the 4runner. It's a great truck. My wife cried like a baby when we traded ours in .....
2005 4Runner vs Tundra and Tacoma?
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