YouTuber Answers Timeless Question: 4Runner or Tacoma?

You really can’t go wrong picking up a 4Runner or Tacoma. Both rigs have plenty of reason to claim King of the Hill.

Choosing between a 4Runner or Tacoma is like choosing between a vacation in Japan or Australia. No matter what, you’re gonna win.

But, YouTuber Mike C set out to answer his most constant question. Which is best? In the video, Mike C gives the pros and cons of his sibling Toyotas and offers up his ideas on which one to go with… if you can only have one.

Should you buy a 4Runner or Tacoma?

“This is my 2016 Toyota Tacoma,” starts Mike C “And it is a great vehicle all-around. It’s stylish, it’s rugged, it’s capable, it’s durable. And I like it so much, that I also bought one of these.” Mike C gestures to his gorgeous Super White 2017 SR5 Premium 4Runner. “This vehicle is great for many of the same reasons that we see with the Tacoma. Now, a question that I often get owning a Tacoma and a 4Runner is ‘Which one do I like more?'”

Mike C shares a list of minor modifications made to his 2016 TRD Off-Road Tacoma as well as to the 4Runner. Some of which include a lift, 17″ VTX Rogue wheels, and a hidden winch for the Tacoma. The 4Runner boasts TRD Pro wheels and a front-end lift. On both rigs, Mike C swapped in LED low-beams and fog lights.

Styling

For Mike C, styling is an area both vehicles truly shine. He shares the 5th-gen 4Runner is very likely a modern classic, with sales continuing to rise even after 10 years on the market. With the Tacoma, it’s 3rd-gen model has also been a hit due to its handsome athletic appearance.

“This one is completely subjective. You may think that that the Pontiac Aztek is the best looking vehicle of all time. Or maybe you think that the Nissan Juke gives it a really good run for its money,” share Mike C “But for me personally, I really can’t choose between the 4Runner and the Tacoma. I think that they are both equally good looking.”

Interior

When it comes to the interiors, “The Tacoma wins hands-down when it comes to overall appearance and available features,” Mike C explains that while both vehicle do not share the same packages, each one is a mid-level trim.

For the Tacoma, it’s strong suits are its sleek and modern styling, large display screen, push-button start, and wireless charging. Overall it’s a better bargain for the tech received.

With the 4Runner, it’s a bit dated inside. Clunky knobs, a small display screen and awkward 4WD selector are obvious negatives. But, where the 4Runner shines is in its build quality. Mike C feels the difference in materials is quite substantial, but the Tacoma still wins this segment.

Ride Quality

When it comes to ride quality, “The main difference for that is the rear of the 4Runner, we’ve got coil springs, whereas the Tacoma’s got leaf springs in the back,” tells Mike C “Likewise, we’ve got a bed in the back, which is very lightweight. So, when you’re driving down a bumpy road, through undulations, curves… the Tacoma‘s gonna bounce around a lot more in the back than the 4Runner.”

All of this means the 4Runner is a far-better ride than the Tacoma. It has better weight distribution, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a better rear suspension. Here, the 4Runner takes the cake.

Powertrains

In the powertrain category, the winner comes as a bit of a surprise. The Tacoma houses a 3.5 L V6, with 278 hp. It’s capable of towing 6,800 lbs and gets 16 mpg city and 23 mpg hwy.

The 4Runner, on the other hand, uses the same 4.0 L V6 used in the 2nd-gen Tacoma. It makes a respectable 270 hp, but only tows 5,000 lbs. It also has a lower combined fuel mileage with 17 city, 20 hwy.

But for Mike C, the Achilles heel of the Tacoma is its automatic transmission. Mike C cites it as unimpressive, disappointing over mountain passes, and hills, as well as issues with surging.

“Yes, we get better performance numbers on this vehicle than the 4Runner. But, if you ever drive at highway speeds, if you ever tow, if you ever drive over mountain passes, you’re probably gonna be a little bit disappointed with the transmission in this vehicle,” says Mike C “It surges around quite a bit. Seems to shift somewhat inconsistently at times. And just doesn’t really seem like Toyota figured things out before they put this transmission in the vehicle.”

The 4Runner’s powertrain, while dated, is simply better suited to its vehicle.

Off-Road

Off-road, both are very good, but one shines brighter out on the trails. The shorter wheelbase, ride quality, weight distribution, and power transfer are all better on the 4Runner. Given that the 4Runner is bred specifically for just such a purpose, this comes as no surprise.

Verdict: 4Runner or Tacoma?

The Tacoma boasts a modern interior, better tech, and fuel economy. But, the 4Runner has a superior build quality, performs better on and off-road, and has a more well-suited powertrain.

So what’s the verdict? “Honestly, it’s a win-win situation,” claims Mike C “Both the Tacoma and the 4Runner are excellent vehicles all-around, and you really can’t go wrong… But, if we have to choose a winner, the honor does go to the 4Runner.”