Navigating car lineups with expert guidance
Guide

Tacoma vs 4runner: which toyota suv is right for your adventures?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Tacoma gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
  • Some of the features that are available on the 4Runner but not on the Tacoma include a sunroof, heated seats, and a navigation system.

The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner are two of the most popular midsize trucks on the market. Both vehicles offer excellent off-road capabilities, but they also have some key differences. In this blog post, we will compare the Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota 4Runner in terms of performance, features, and price.

Performance

The Toyota Tacoma is available with a variety of engine options, including a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel. The 4Runner is only available with a 4.0-liter V6.

In terms of horsepower and torque, the Tacoma has a slight edge over the 4Runner. The Tacoma’s 3.5-liter V6 produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, while the 4Runner’s 4.0-liter V6 produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

However, the 4Runner has a better towing capacity than the Tacoma. The 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Tacoma can only tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Features

The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner both come standard with a variety of features, including air conditioning, cruise control, and a touchscreen infotainment system. However, the 4Runner offers a few more features than the Tacoma, such as a sunroof, heated seats, and a navigation system.

Price

The Toyota Tacoma has a starting price of $26,500, while the Toyota 4Runner has a starting price of $35,150. The price of each vehicle will vary depending on the trim level and options selected.

Which Vehicle Is Right for You?

The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner are both excellent midsize trucks. However, the best vehicle for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

If you are looking for a truck with excellent off-road capabilities and a low price, the Toyota Tacoma is a good choice. However, if you are looking for a truck with more features and a higher towing capacity, the Toyota 4Runner is a better option.

Off-Road Capabilities

Both the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner are known for their excellent off-road capabilities. However, the Tacoma has a few advantages over the 4Runner in this area.

The Tacoma has a shorter wheelbase than the 4Runner, which makes it more maneuverable on tight trails. The Tacoma also has a higher ground clearance than the 4Runner, which allows it to travel over rough terrain more easily.

Fuel Economy

The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner both have similar fuel economy ratings. The Tacoma gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Safety

The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner both have excellent safety ratings. The Tacoma received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the 4Runner received a four-star overall safety rating.

In a nutshell

The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner are both excellent midsize trucks. The Tacoma is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a truck with excellent off-road capabilities and a low price. The 4Runner is a better option for buyers who are looking for a truck with more features and a higher towing capacity.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a better towing capacity?
A: The Toyota 4Runner has a better towing capacity than the Toyota Tacoma. The 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Tacoma can only tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Q: Which vehicle has more features?
A: The Toyota 4Runner has more features than the Toyota Tacoma. Some of the features that are available on the 4Runner but not on the Tacoma include a sunroof, heated seats, and a navigation system.

Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Toyota Tacoma is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota 4Runner. The Tacoma gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Was this page helpful?

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
Back to top button