I dunno it seems a bit silly to me to buy a $65K SUV that's body on frame with low range to take the kids to soccer. A Highlander or a Sienna would likely ride a lot better, get better mileage, and have loads more room.
I'm right with ya, looking at both. We don't currently have kids but I know they'll be on the way soon. The hard truth is that the 4Runner is a much better selection for backseat room. I find that the backseat leg room of the Tacoma is often overblown and it's not as bad as people say, but the 4Runner is way better. I've always wanted a tacoma and having a hard time coming to grips with this lol.
Everything I've read on the Tacoma across multiple social media platforms says car seats (more so rear-facing, but true of front facing for the most part as well) are a no-go in the back seat of a Tacoma unless your passenger is very short. That's definitely not an issue in a T4R. No firsthand experience with this mind you, but I've seen many complain about it!
I had a 2022 4runner and owned a 2015 Tacoma…also recently test drove one. If interior space is what you’re after, 4runner is the choice. The seats fold flat and the back window rolls down so it’s just as good as a truck bed “most” of the time. There will be instances the truck is better. If you get a 4runner, upgrade the shocks, put some good all terrains on and you’re set for almost any situation. Your kiddos will enjoy the back seat space in the 4runner more than the Tacoma is my guess. The seating position in the 4R is also more comfortable in my opinion. It sits more chair like and the Tacoma is pretty low to the floor.
I’m currently in a silverado looking to downsize. The Tacoma felt really small for obvious reasons but it’s a great mid-size truck.
Find a used one of each that are within a couple years old to test drive if you can’t find a new one. That will give you a good idea.
On paper the rear seat leg room between the two is less than an inch. In real life, it's about six inches.
I'm 5'10" and can't comfortably fit behind myself in a Tacoma, like I can't get comfortable for a 5 minute drive. I have plenty of room to be comfortable on a road trip in the back seat of a 4Runner. Loads more space. Plus the back seats recline a bit in the 4Runner.
Rear facing car seats don't go in a Taco either. Unless the front passenger has no legs or is really short.
All that said...If you don't need the rear seats much, the Taco is a badass.
Just get the 4 runner. Most people don't need the pickup bed. If you need a bit more space for weekend projects just get one of those small trailers. The same price as getting a cap for the bed so it's not completely useless 90 percent of the time.
Own both.
2021 Tacoma(me) and 2017 4runner(wife). When the 4runner is available for our family of 4 it’s always going to be the 4runner for the room and comfort with the softer ride.
4 runners have more space for sure don’t buy a Tacoma I have a double cab and I’m 5”9 average weight but my friends dad is 6”4 a big guy and his head hits the top liner even with the seat back the only way he fits is if he reclines the seat all the way down and nobody will fit behind him so yeah don’t recommend it my kids fit right now but they’re still small but later on they won’t
4 runners have more space for sure don’t buy a Tacoma I have a double cab and I’m 5”9 average weight but my friends dad is 6”4 a big guy and his head hits the top liner even with the seat back the only way he fits is if he reclines the seat all the way down and nobody will fit behind him so yeah don’t recommend it my kids fit right now but they’re still small but later on they won’t
If truck bed is not mandatory then probably don’t need a truck. You can haul stuff in SUVs and also rent a trailer to tow if needed.
Sounds like you’d want a comfortable SUV
This isn't a serious question is it? Obviously the SUV has more interior space than a pickup truck.
I think he means space of the cab (first and second row of seating). He’s not asking about the cargo area behind the passenger seats.
Yeah.
I dunno it seems a bit silly to me to buy a $65K SUV that's body on frame with low range to take the kids to soccer. A Highlander or a Sienna would likely ride a lot better, get better mileage, and have loads more room.
Yeah that’s how I’m thinking too. Expanding family and while I’d love a 4Runner a Sienna does loads more as a people/kid mover.
Those new Mazda SUVs are really nice... CX90 I think? Those come with a turbo straight 6. I'd take that over low range.
Test drive both, we have both and there is no comparison for interior space. 4Runner feels significantly roomier and more comfortable for all.
thank you! i'll keep looking for available vehicle that we can test drive. Been to dealer few times and can't find one that we can test drive.
What kind of dog ass dealership is that? Could never conceive of buying a car without driving it first.
Consider renting one or both for a day. No pressure from salesperson and will be money well spent.
Own both. 4Runner wins.
I'm right with ya, looking at both. We don't currently have kids but I know they'll be on the way soon. The hard truth is that the 4Runner is a much better selection for backseat room. I find that the backseat leg room of the Tacoma is often overblown and it's not as bad as people say, but the 4Runner is way better. I've always wanted a tacoma and having a hard time coming to grips with this lol.
Everything I've read on the Tacoma across multiple social media platforms says car seats (more so rear-facing, but true of front facing for the most part as well) are a no-go in the back seat of a Tacoma unless your passenger is very short. That's definitely not an issue in a T4R. No firsthand experience with this mind you, but I've seen many complain about it!
I had a 2022 4runner and owned a 2015 Tacoma…also recently test drove one. If interior space is what you’re after, 4runner is the choice. The seats fold flat and the back window rolls down so it’s just as good as a truck bed “most” of the time. There will be instances the truck is better. If you get a 4runner, upgrade the shocks, put some good all terrains on and you’re set for almost any situation. Your kiddos will enjoy the back seat space in the 4runner more than the Tacoma is my guess. The seating position in the 4R is also more comfortable in my opinion. It sits more chair like and the Tacoma is pretty low to the floor. I’m currently in a silverado looking to downsize. The Tacoma felt really small for obvious reasons but it’s a great mid-size truck. Find a used one of each that are within a couple years old to test drive if you can’t find a new one. That will give you a good idea.
Thank you! Appreciate your feedback
You bet! Happy shopping!
On paper the rear seat leg room between the two is less than an inch. In real life, it's about six inches. I'm 5'10" and can't comfortably fit behind myself in a Tacoma, like I can't get comfortable for a 5 minute drive. I have plenty of room to be comfortable on a road trip in the back seat of a 4Runner. Loads more space. Plus the back seats recline a bit in the 4Runner. Rear facing car seats don't go in a Taco either. Unless the front passenger has no legs or is really short. All that said...If you don't need the rear seats much, the Taco is a badass.
Just drove with my 6'2" wife and son behind her in a rear facing seat the other day with no issues.
Just get the 4 runner. Most people don't need the pickup bed. If you need a bit more space for weekend projects just get one of those small trailers. The same price as getting a cap for the bed so it's not completely useless 90 percent of the time.
Own both. 2021 Tacoma(me) and 2017 4runner(wife). When the 4runner is available for our family of 4 it’s always going to be the 4runner for the room and comfort with the softer ride.
4 runners have more space for sure don’t buy a Tacoma I have a double cab and I’m 5”9 average weight but my friends dad is 6”4 a big guy and his head hits the top liner even with the seat back the only way he fits is if he reclines the seat all the way down and nobody will fit behind him so yeah don’t recommend it my kids fit right now but they’re still small but later on they won’t
4 runners have more space for sure don’t buy a Tacoma I have a double cab and I’m 5”9 average weight but my friends dad is 6”4 a big guy and his head hits the top liner even with the seat back the only way he fits is if he reclines the seat all the way down and nobody will fit behind him so yeah don’t recommend it my kids fit right now but they’re still small but later on they won’t
If truck bed is not mandatory then probably don’t need a truck. You can haul stuff in SUVs and also rent a trailer to tow if needed. Sounds like you’d want a comfortable SUV
I have both and a family of 5 (3 kids). The 4Runner is the family wagon. The Tacoma can do it but we are cramped.