Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Tacoma
In comparing the Toyota 4Runner to the Toyota Tacoma, the Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score 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, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Toyota 4Runner versus the Toyota Tacoma, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Toyota 4Runner versus Toyota Tacoma Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Toyota 4Runner ranges from $32,994 to $48,973 while a used Toyota Tacoma from the same model year range is priced between $27,997 to $44,724. For a new model, the Toyota 4Runner's price is between $41,515 and $56,044, with the Toyota Tacoma priced between $30,236 and $48,067.
Toyota 4Runner versus Toyota Tacoma Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota Tacoma's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 3 out of 25 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Tacoma being ranked 2 out of 11 Best Midsize Trucks.
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 159 horsepower. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. The Tacoma is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 485 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Toyota Tacoma, a midsize truck, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$41,515 - $56,044
Used Asking Price:
$32,994 - $48,973
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
24.7%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$30,236 - $48,067
Used Asking Price:
$27,997 - $44,724
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
13.8%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
22 out of / 25Ranking
23 out of / 25iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 10Summary 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)
60.5 inches, 73.7 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
TRD Sport, Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, 40th Anniversary Special Edition
Trim Levels
TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport, SR5 V6, TRD Pro, SR V6, Trail Special Edition, Limited, SR5, SR
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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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:
Not applicable
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
180 foot-lbs @ 3800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.041 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload :
1685 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:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 23 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
422 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
34.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
24.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
85.6 cubic feet
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:
3915 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
70.6 inches
Length:
212.3 inches
Wheelbase:
127.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R16
