Toyota Tacoma Vs. 4Runner

History

In this section, we’re tackling the histories of each model, including their initial releases and any generational revisions along the way.

Tacoma

While North America is no stranger to midsize Toyota pickups, at some point, the US market branched off from the rest of the world. Before 1995, Toyota produced the North American ‘pickup,’ a simple rebrand of the truck known elsewhere as the ‘Hilux.’ This pickup was small and utilitarian; however, the United States quickly outgrew the compact truck, driving Toyota to produce a larger, more comfortable midsize, and thus, the Tacoma was born in 1995!  

The Tacoma has experienced numerous revisions since its initial release, including four generations and at least one facelift per. These include: 

• 4th Generation: 2024 - Now 

• 3rd Generation Facelift: 2020 - 2023 

• 3rd Generation: 2016 - 2019 

• 2nd Generation Facelift 2: 2012 - 2015 

• 2nd Generation Facelift: 2009 - 2011 

• 2nd Generation: 2005 - 2008 

• 1st Generation Facelift 2: 2001 - 2004 

• 1st Generation Facelift: 1998 - 2000 

• 1st Generation: 1995 - 1997

4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner has roots dating back to the late 70s after Toyota discontinued sales of the legendary FJ40 Land Cruiser in North America. The FJ40 had significant traction in the Northern states; however, it didn’t sell remarkably well in other parts of the country, leading to its discontinuation. 

Unfortunately, this didn’t sit well with Jack Safro, owner of Jack Safro Toyota in Wisconsin, who viewed the FJ40 as one of the top vehicles in its class. Alongside RV manufacturer Winnebago, Jack Safro designed a modified Toyota pickup with a pass-through cabin and specialty fiberglass shell named the ‘Trekker.’ This limited release sold so well that Toyota designed and mass-produced its own version, leading to the all-new 1984 Toyota 4Runner! 

Throughout the 4Runner’s nearly 40 years of production, it’s gone through five significant revisions, including: 

• 5th Gen Facelift: 2014 - Now

• 5th Gen: 2010 - 2013 

• 4th Gen Facelift: 2006 - 2009 

• 4th Gen: 2003 - 2005 

• 3rd Gen Facelift: 1999 - 2002 

• 3rd Gen: 1996 - 1998 

• 2nd Gen Facelift: 1992 - 1995 

• 2nd Gen: 1990 - 1991

• 1st Gen: 1984 - 1989

Model Overview

In this section, we discuss the key characteristics of each platform, including some similarities and significant differences.

Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize, body-on-frame pickup truck offering a rugged construction, durable suspension, and sleek styling. This pickup has maintained a relatively similar form factor since its conception, focusing on size, comfort, reliability, and capability. Unlike the Toyota pickup, which the Tacoma replaced in 1995, the Tacoma is engineered specifically for the North American market, appealing to the uniquely American desire to use pickup trucks as not only utility vehicles but also daily drivers and family vehicles.  

Now in the model’s fourth generation, the 2024 Tacoma has a significant leg-up on the current generation 4Runner, which hasn’t had a major revision since 2014! The Tacoma features an all-new chassis, bodywork, powertrain, and interior, which makes it immediately more appealing than a nearly 10-year-old design.

4Runner

The 4Runner is, and always has been, truck-inspired. Like the Tacoma, the 4Runner features rugged body-on-frame construction, truck-inspired styling, and a heavy-duty suspension with strut-suspended IFS (independent front suspension) and a solid-axle rear. 

While not based on the Tacoma, the 4Runner shares several aesthetic features and offers some cross-compatibility with suspension components; however, any similarities are based on the previous-generation Tacoma rather than its exciting 2024 redesign. This being said, we can expect the new 4Runner to be released in the following year for a 2025 production run, so perhaps we’ll do another head-to-head then!

Specifications

Though we’ve covered some of the general features of each platform, let’s take a closer look at the specifications that set the Tacoma and 4Runner apart on paper.

Tacoma

4Runner

Which Platform is Right for You?

So, which model is right for you? The most significant difference between the 4Runner and Tacoma are their classes, as one is a midsize SUV, and the other a midsize pickup. If you need the added cargo space and practicality of a pickup, then you likely weren’t looking at 4Runners in the first place! However, they offer countless similarities if you aren't set on the bed. 

If you’re looking for 2023 models, the bed and rear suspension setup are the only significant differences between the two, as they both feature the same drivetrain, similar body-on-frame constructions, convenience features/trims, and capabilities. 

That said, if you’re looking at the 2024 Tacoma compared to the 2023 4Runner, it’s no contest. The all-new Tacoma offers Toyota’s brand-new TNGA-F Global Truck Platform, massive power potential from its new 2.4L i-FORCE powertrains, and a slew of new features you’d expect from a brand-new revision, compared to a nearly 10-year-old chassis. However, if you can stand to wait another year, we’d love to see what Toyota has in store for the redesigned 2025 4Runner; that’ll likely be a more fair comparison.

Top Products for Your New Toyota!

Whichever model ends up in your driveway, it’s best to take the proper precautions to ensure your new Toyota retains its like-new appearance for years to come! Luckily, RealTruck carries a wide selection of parts and accessories to do that! Check out some of our favorites below.

Seat Covers

Dirt and grime on your Toyota's body are inevitable, especially if you’re building an overlanding rig or weekend warrior. Luckily, it washes right off at the car wash! Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the upholstery. Stained, torn, and worn seats are a surefire way to detract from your Toyota’s aesthetics and resale value. 

The best solution for worn interior is prevention, and the best form of prevention is premium seat covers from RealTruck! We offer all the top brands and materials, offering different patterns and protection levels to suit every individual.

Floor Liners

Your Toyota’s upholstery isn’t the only wear-prone region of the interior; the factory carpeting is arguably more subjected to unsightly wear and tear from wet, muddy, and snowy boots. Prevent unsightly stains and matted carpet with a set of high-quality all-weather floor mats from RealTruck! 

Our selection of direct-fit, vehicle-specific floor mats offers a factory-style fit and finish and unparalleled protection, ensuring your Toyota’s carpet retains its like-new finish for years.

Racks & Carriers

Whether you’re piloting a pickup or an SUV, you can always use additional cargo space to mount gear, roof tents, awnings, and other accessories. If you need extra cargo space, check out RealTruck’s massive selection of racks and carriers for your Toyota!