Should You Buy a Toyota Tacoma or 4runner? The Pros and Cons of Each

Explore a side-by-side comparison of two massively popular Toyota vehicles as we help you to answer the question: Should you buy a Tacoma or 4Runner?
Written by Jason Crosby
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Comparing vehicles can be really difficult; and when it comes to looking at two of
Toyota’s
most popular models, the decisions don’t get much easier. It’s a classic question: Should you buy a Tacoma or
4Runner
? Both of these vehicles offer outdoor fans plenty of off-road capabilities. 
Even those who won’t be adventuring in their Tacoma or 4Runner will benefit from the brand’s well-known reputation for making rugged, dependable vehicles. So which model will it be? America’s best-selling midsize pickup? Or a more dependable, but more expensive, midsize SUV? 
The Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner actually have a lot of similarities.

First up: The 2022 Toyota Tacoma

According to
Consumer Reports' comparison tool
, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma isn’t recommended by the third-party consumer watchdog, but that hasn’t slowed down the Tacoma’s popularity. The 2022 model starts at $26,700 and offers: 
  • The choice of two engines; either a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, or a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 
  • A 6-speed manual transmission (not a common option) or a 6-speed automatic 
  • Standard forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), and pedestrian detection
  • A drab interior that skimps on style, but received perks from Consumer reports on its usability and intuitive driver controls 
  • An optional extended cab that drastically improves the amount of second row space for passengers 
In this comparison, the 2022 Tacoma is ideal for drivers who want a rugged and capable midsize pickup—from Toyota. The 2022 Tacoma does fall behind in towing capacity, pulling less than the Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger, yet the Tacoma’s formidable resale value (best in its class) makes it a strong investment. 
But in the Tacoma or 4Runner debate, the Tacoma can’t quite keep up
 
MORE: Why Toyota's Fourth Gen. 4Runner Is the Best of Them
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The 2022 4Runner: Winner in most categories

When choosing between the Tacoma or 4Runner, the midsize SUV beats out the 2022 Tacoma in most categories, including its overall score from Consumer Reports. 
Scoring a 61 out 100, the 2022 4Runner has a lot going for it, even though it starts at a higher price than the 2022 Tacoma at $37,605. Compared to the Tacoma, the 2022 4Runner offers buyers: 
  • A more eco-friendly smog rating
  • More trunk and cargo space 
  • More interior cabin room in both the first and second rows
  • A more comfortable ride, with a less-aggressive suspension system and less noise 
  • Higher quality headlights that provide more visibility during varying weather conditions 
  • A more reliable and responsive transmission 
  • Higher owner satisfaction and reliability ratings 
When it comes to choosing the Tacoma or 4Runner, the 4Runner wins, except in a few areas. It does have reduced towing capacity (5,000 lbs, as opposed to 6,400 lbs with the Tacoma), and is outpaced by the Tacoma’s more powerful V6 engine. 
But for those who don’t need a mid-size pickup, but still want something off-road worthy, the Tacoma or 4Runner debate is clearly won by Toyota’s long-standing midsize SUV. 
 

Whether it’s a Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner, get it insured with Jerry’s help

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help, you can download our app, and receive quotes within minutes. Start saving and stop worrying about whether you’re overpaying when you insure your Toyota with our expertise.
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