Toyota Tacoma Versus 4Runner in Moab: Which One Is Right for You?

In the world of modern trucks and SUVs, Toyota continues to offer some of the best all-new options. Whether you want a classic-style SUV with the brand new 4Runner or a lovely mid-size pickup in the Tacoma, both will tackle all the hardest trails and off-road paths you may find yourself on. 

A Special Off-Road Review by The Drive 

Recently The Drive got a chance to take the all-new 4Runner and the Tacoma on the trails of Moab in Utah to check out the differences and the similarities for buyers to know which one is best for their particular lifestyle and needs. So which one should you buy? 

Meet the Toyota Tacoma 

The latest and all-new fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma debuted for the 2024 model year and has already become beloved. It was the 17th best-selling vehicle in 2024. The 2025 Tacoma starts from $33,085 and is available in 11 different trim levels including SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX, TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX, Limited, Limited i-FORCE MAX, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro. Rear-wheel drive is standard while four-wheel drive is optional.  

Engine and Trim Choices 

A buyer can choose his or her Tacoma with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces either 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque (base SR trim), 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque (all other trims when equipped with an eight-speed automatic), or 270 horses and 310 lb-ft (six-speed manual). The Tacoma is the last truck offered with a classic manual gearbox. Those that want a more futuristic engine will love the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter hybrid turbocharged engine that delivers 326 horsepower and 426 lb-ft of torque (323 ponies in Trailhunter trim). Both engines can accept 87 octane, so no need to worry about having to put high-test in these trucks.   

What The Drive Said about the Tacoma at Moab 

During their drive, writer Andrew P. Collins and his colleagues had great things to say about the Tacoma, saying, “The low-end torque on this thing is bountiful, making light work of heavy climbs. The gigantic infotainment screen, which I find pretty annoying in normal driving, becomes quite helpful coming over blind crests in camera mode. Low-range engages effortlessly. The main gauge display can be configured to report a lot of useful information (various temps, tire pressures).” 

Meet the All-New 4Runner 

For 2025, the 4Runner is all-new for its sixth generation. Like the Tacoma, the 4Runner is also available in a wide array of trim levels—this time 12—including the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX, Limited i-FORCE MAX, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. Pricing starts at $42,270. Once again, rear-wheel drive is standard with four-wheel drive optional.  

Engine Choices 

The 4Runner also shares its engines with the Tacoma, offering the 2.4-liter turbo-four with 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, or the i-FORCE MAX turbo hybrid with 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission offered is the same eight-speed automatic.  

What The Drive Had to Say about the 4Runner 

Overall, the 4Runner and Tacoma are very similar, so Collins and his fellow writers found both vehicles fitting for any off-road adventure, saying this about the 4Runner: “Good ride, it was easy to keep track of where the tires are, and I even felt like I had better traction than I did in the Tacoma, especially on downhills. That retractable rear window is still a delight. Yeah, dust occasionally blows in. But when you’re underway, it gives you a lot of the breeze-benefit of a convertible without the sun beating down on your head. Power felt pretty much the same from the pickup to the SUV.” 

Which One’s Right for You? 

So, which is going to be the best for you? Well, if you find yourself doing a lot of weekend projects where a truck bed is necessary to carry loads of trash, wood, tools, and other materials, the Tacoma is the perfect fit. However, if you feel like you need the enclosed cargo space area and want a rear window that slides down, then you’re a 4Runner customer.  

Ground Clearance Differences 

There is one area where the Tacoma will shine for certain buyers: ground clearance. Two-wheel-drive Tacoma models have up to 11.0 inches of ground clearance, whereas 4×4 models have 10.7. The 4Runner SR5 features 8.1 inches of clearance that increases to 8.8 on Sport, Premium, and Limited models. Off-Road trims have 9.1 inches, and the TRD Pro and Trailhunter feature 10.1 inches.  

Towing Capacities 

Both vehicles are able to tow similarly, with the Tacoma towing up to 6,500 pounds and the 4Runner able to handle up to 6,000 pounds.  

The Drive’s Conclusion 

“Today’s Toyota trucks pretty much do what ’90s Land Rovers promised—providing a refined experience in rugged arenas. If you just want to hit the trail, an old SR5 base model with good tires will get the job done. If you want the full arsenal of toys straight off the showroom floor, a new Trailhunter is the ticket.” 

Sharp Automotive Has the Tacoma or 4Runner You’re Looking For 

If you are in the market for one of these fantastic vehicles that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, Sharp Automotive is the best place to find your next truck or SUV at the right price. Come test drive both the Tacoma and 4Runner back-to-back to know for sure which is right for you.  

Why Choose Sharp Automotive  

At Sharp Automotive, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services around. With dozens of new and used vehicles to choose from, our excellent sales team and finance department will work hard to ensure you drive away happily. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own. We look forward to serving you soon.