Toyota 4Runner vs Tacoma

If you’re wondering, why compare an SUV and a truck? We have the answer for you. They are both high-performance vehicles meant for off-roading while still being able to take family or friends along comfortably. So, because one has an open back and the other is enclosed, you’d be surprised to know how much they compare.

Let’s take a comprehensive look at both the 2022 Toyota 4Runner and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma and see which one stands up to the road test more.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner 

For the first time, the TRD Sport option from the Toyota Tacoma will be available on the 4Runner in 2022.

This model’s adjustable dampers set it apart from the rest of the 4Runner line (except for the luxury Limited trim). The TRD Sport’s interior features faux-leather upholstery instead of cotton.

High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights are standard on the 2022 4Runner. The V-6 engine in all 4Runners is combined with a five-speed automatic transmission, resulting in 270 horsepower. The only way to get better acceleration from the old engine is to use rear- or four-wheel drive.

Related: Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is rugged and flexible, with a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance technologies. Rather than the sluggish four-cylinder engine, I would choose the more powerful V-6 option. All variants come equipped with 16-inch wheels and black overfenders.

Numerous driver aids, an in-car entertainment platform with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that costs a monthly fee are all available.

In terms of seating capacity, engine, towing capacity, and adaptability, the Tacoma is very similar to the Gladiator of 2022.

The Tacoma can tow up to 6500 pounds with four-wheel drive and 6800 pounds with rear-wheel drive. A four-cylinder engine won’t give you a Tacoma full payload capacity of 1685 pounds, so you’ll need a V-6 variant.

With a 270-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic as an option, it’s the only one that still supports a manual transmission. This four- or five-seater vehicle, which starts at $26,700, has a combined city/highway mileage rating of 20 mpg. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 131 mph.

Related: Toyota Tundra vs Tacoma

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma vs.The 2022 Toyota 4Runner 

Warranty

There are three-year/36,000-mile standard warranties for both the Tacoma and the 4Runner, as well as a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner are also quite reliable. Both received a reliability rating of 81% from J.D. Power.

Price

The 2022 Tacoma or the 2022 4Runner is the most expensive Toyota model for the year. SR Access Cab starts at $26,700 MSRP and the TRD Pro Double Cab starts at $46,135 MSRP for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma. The starting price for the 2022 4Runner ranges from $37,305 MSRP for the SR5 trim to $52,120 MSRP for the TRD Pro trim.

Interior

The 4Runner has a leg up on the competition when it comes to interior comforts and technology. HD Radio, woodgrain inside trim, cooled front seats, as well as a seat memory feature distinguish the 4Runner from the Tacoma. A sunroof/moonroof is available on both the Tacoma and the 4Runner.

A work truck, the Toyota Tacoma’s cabin contains several top-notch features and space for up to five people. With a seven-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the base model is a step above the competition. There is also a third-row option for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, which has an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

2022 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2022 Tacoma: The Exterior Differences

While the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is 212-226′′ long, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is only 191-191′′ long, 76′′ wide, and 72′′ high. Toyota’s Tacoma and 4Runner both come standard with 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels.

The Toyota Tacoma has two engine options for the 2022 model year. Although only the V-6 is offered, it offers 278 horsepower and 265 pounds of torque, the standard four-cylinder engine is good for just under 150 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. In contrast, the 4.0-liter V-6 engine in all 4Runner variants makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque.

Engine and Fuel Efficiency

This year’s Toyota Tacoma has two engines to choose from; the 159-horsepower 2.7-liter Turbo 4-cylinder and a 278-horsepower V6. Both engines are rated at 20/23mpg in the city and highway, respectively. Both engines come standard with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission.

With a 4.0-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automated transmission, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner has 270 horsepower. It has an mpg rating of 16/19.

Ability Off-Road

In terms of off-road performance, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is a well-known nameplate. Those who wish to drive on the trails should opt for the TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro trims. A locking rear differential, performance shocks, and skid plates are all standard equipment on both vehicles. 

Off-roaders will like the high ground clearance of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The TRD versions offer even more off-road gear than the standard 4-wheel drive models, which come standard with a two-speed transfer case.

Toyota’s Tacoma and 4Runner are excellent off-roaders. Traction is enhanced by Toyota’s four-wheel-drive system, and both cars are tough enough to handle off-road driving.

In addition, both the Tacoma and the 4Runner have a TRD Pro variant, which comes equipped with a slew of off-road goodies. An electrically locked rear differential, a Multi-Terrain Monitor, and Crawl Control are a few examples.

Towing Capacity

It can tow up to 6,800 pounds with RWD or up to 6,500 pounds with FWD in the Toyota Tacoma’s new model year. It has a payload capability of up to 1,685 pounds. As long as the vehicle is properly equipped, the new 4Runner can tow 5,000 pounds.

Cargo Space and Seating

Both vehicles can accommodate five passengers. However, the optional third row in the 4Runner makes it possible to accommodate seven passengers. The Access Cab model of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma has a 6-foot-1-inch bed, while the Double Cab has a 5-foot bed as an option. 

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, has 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 88.8 cubic feet by folding those seats flat. With a three-row SUV, you’ll have nine cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats.

2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD

All TRD versions are intended for off-roading. The 4Runner, on the other hand, has fewer TRD-specific options than the Tacoma. Depending on how much off-roading you expect to do, you may want to go with the Pro model, Off-Road, or TRD Sport.

The Bottom Line

Comparing the new 2022 Toyota Tacoma and 2022 Toyota 4Runner, we’ve found that each Toyota model comes with its own set of strengths. Cost savings, safety, towing capacity, efficiency, and top performance are all features of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma. 

As a result of these differences, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner has several advantages over the current model. It’s here that the 4Runner, which is what I normally go for, comes up short. Toyota Tacomas are the way to go, in my opinion.