Good post. I have been a 4Runner owner my entire life (1999 SR5, 2014 TEP, 2016 TEP, 2017 SR5P, and 2023 SR5P). I currently own the 2023 SR5P 4Runner and a 2013 Tacoma DCSB. Both are pretty modded out. The 4Runner is superior to the Tacoma regarding interior comfort for sure - even newer models. It's more spacious, has more creature comforts, and is very practical for daily driving. The 4Runner can carry a ton of cargo in the cargo area. I've fit full-length 8' lengths of lumber out the back window more times than I can count. And it's a great platform for off-roading and overlanding. I would rather have a 4Runner for off-roading and overlanding over a Tacoma.
Konrad (@trail_tacoma) and I go back and forth all the time. He thinks Tacoma is superior, and I think 4Runner is superior.
From a functionality perspective, the Tacoma can do more when it comes to larger items; motorcycles, lumber racks, etc. But if you have a camper system or a topper, you take all that away.
For the
2024 Tacoma vs. the 2025 4Runner - I am still going with the 4Runner. I will be first in line at the dealership to buy a new 4Runner. I've never been afraid of new models with Toyota. They're pretty dialed regarding recall-prevention and testing these hybrid motors in other platforms before they globally release it on a platform like the 4Runner. Will it still have recalls? Probably. Is it still a Toyota at the end of the day? Yes. That interior is amazing. It's still a body-on-frame platform and it's still a 4Runner at the core.
You have to admit it though, the new Tacoma looks pretty aggressive. Toyota killed it on the front end of that truck.