Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Tacoma
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Tacoma contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Tacoma.
When we compare the Toyota 4Runner's and the Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, the Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Toyota Tacoma has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Toyota 4Runner's and the Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Tacoma is a better car than the Toyota 4Runner.
Pricing: A used 2024 Toyota 4Runner ranges from $44,999 to $59,806 while a used 2024 Toyota Tacoma is priced between $42,393 to $57,585. For a new model, the Toyota 4Runner's price is between $44,699 and $58,164, with the Toyota Tacoma priced between $38,704 and $55,362.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota 4Runner loses 29.1 percent of its value and the Toyota Tacoma loses 22.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Tacoma retains 6.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Toyota 4Runner.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.7 out of 10 while the Toyota Tacoma's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 6 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Tacoma being ranked 2 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 9.4 out of 10. For the Toyota Tacoma the reliability rating is 9.2 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota Tacoma.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota 4Runner’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the Toyota Tacoma base engine makes 228 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Tacoma have the same average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,699 - $58,164
Starting MSRP:
$40,705
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$38,704 - $55,362
Starting MSRP:
$31,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$33,975
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$29,500 - $39,750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$51,048
Price Range:
$44,999 - $59,806
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,042
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,141
# Good or Great Deals:
56
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$48,981
Price Range:
$42,393 - $57,585
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$47,535
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$40,919 - $57,389
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
15,192
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
278
# Good or Great Deals:
339
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$12,137
Depreciation %:
29.8%
Resale Value $:
$28,568
Residual Value %:
70.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$7,210
Depreciation %:
22.9%
Resale Value $:
$24,290
Residual Value %:
77.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
22.9% - 39.1%
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota Tacoma Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
92.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Tacoma
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.2 - 14.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
79.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.5 - 15.8
Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Toyota Tacoma Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
Summary Review
Toyota’s Tacoma has been the sales leader in the midsize segment for decades. While other brands quit this market, Toyota continued to polish the gem that is the Tacoma pickup.
Pros and Cons
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Pros and Cons
- Wide range of trim levels and styles from affordable barebones to serious off-road
- Best in class retained value
- Strong track record of overall reliability
- Composite bed eliminates corrosion concerns
- Beware the recent few used years with transmission issues with some recent models
- Interior oddities like a low, flat seat
- Not as refined as most competitors, overdue for a full update
- Towing capability less than segment best
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
60.3 inches, 73.5 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, TRD Sport, Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road
Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels
Limited, SR, SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
278 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Max Payload:
1700 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
243 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1460 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 19 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 437 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Available
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
47.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
89.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4400 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4200 lbs
Width:
76.9 inches
Height:
74 inches
Length:
213 inches
Wheelbase:
131.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
10.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
245/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Underground
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Underground
Red
Supersonic Red
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand Beige
Black
Black/Graphite
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
