When it comes to overlanding vehicles, one of the age-old debates is Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota 4Runner. Both are titans of the off-road and overlanding world, and for good reason. They’re reliable, rugged, and come with a ton of aftermarket options to outfit them for just about any adventure.
As someone who’s a Jeep guy at heart, it’s tempting for me to toss in a Jeep vs. Toyota joke right here. (You know how Jeep folks are!) But, hey, there are Toyotas that I’d gladly take out on the trails. A good friend of mine has a 2013 Toyota with something like 189,000 miles on it, and it still runs flawlessly. And I’ve seriously been eyeing one of those new Land Cruisers…but that’s a topic for another day!
Let’s dive into the Tacoma vs. 4Runner debate and see which is the better overlanding rig.
Table of Contents
- Tacoma vs 4Runner: Overview of the Tacoma and 4Runner
- Tacoma vs 4Runner: Off-Road Performance and Capability
- Tacoma vs 4Runner: Storage Capacity and Overland Setup
- Tacoma vs 4Runner: Camping and Sleeping Configurations
- Tacoma vs 4Runner: Overlanding Accessories and Modifications
- Final Thoughts: Which is Better for Overlanding?
Overview of the Tacoma and 4Runner
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First things first—let’s set the stage. Both the Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner are known for their off-road capabilities and have solidified themselves as top choices for overlanders. Heck, I have a number of friends who drive these trucks. But there are key differences in how each one is built and how they perform in the wild.
The Tacoma, Toyota’s mid-size pickup truck, has been a staple in the off-road community for decades. Its durability and versatility make it one of the most popular trucks for overlanding, with a seemingly endless number of builds. Whether you’re looking at a 1st gen Tacoma overland build, a 2nd gen Tacoma overland rig, or the current 3rd gen models, the Tacoma consistently delivers on the promise of a reliable off-road truck. With various overland bed rack and camper shell setups, the Tacoma gives you plenty of room to create a custom overlanding rig that fits your needs.
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I really get why enthusiasts love these trucks. I remember my first love when it comes to Toyotas: the sweet Toyota pickup that Marty McFly had in Back to the Future. You know the one—the 1985 Toyota SR5 Xtra Cab? Oh man, I used to dream about having one of those. Talk about a sexy-looking truck that you just knew could slay the trails! That truck was an icon, and even today, seeing an old-school Toyota like that brings back all those nostalgic feels. Though I never got my hands on that SR5, the Tacoma is pretty much its modern-day successor, and it’s easy to see why people are obsessed with these trucks.
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On the flip side, the 4Runner is Toyota’s iconic off-road SUV. It’s built like a tank, with a rugged body-on-frame design that’s made it a favorite among families and solo adventurers alike. Just like the Tacoma, the 4Runner has multiple generations, with the most current being the 5th gen, all of which are capable overland vehicles in their own right. The 4Runner shines in its ability to combine comfort and ruggedness, making it a great option for those who want more enclosed cargo space without sacrificing off-road performance.
Off-Road Performance and Capability
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When it comes to off-road performance, the Tacoma is hard to beat. Whether you’re looking at a stock 2024 Tacoma overland build or you’ve tricked out your truck with all the bells and whistles, the Tacoma’s approach and departure angles, ground clearance, and availability of advanced off-road packages (like the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro) make it a serious contender on tough trails. Add a lift kit, bigger tires (Nitto Trail Grapplers, Milestar Patagonia MT2, or Interco IROK Super Swampers), and a solid set of KC lights, and you’re ready to tackle just about anything.
For overlanding, where you often need to carry heavy gear for extended trips, the Tacoma’s truck bed is a huge advantage. Slap one of those Tacoma overland bed racks on there, and you can load it up with a rooftop tent, water tanks, recovery gear—whatever you need for the journey.
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The 4Runner doesn’t shy away from tough terrain, either. In fact, many overlanders prefer the 4Runner because of its legendary reliability and off-road chops, particularly in the TRD Pro version. With a full-time 4WD option and impressive ground clearance, the 4Runner handles technical trails like a pro. Plus, the solid rear axle provides better articulation in rocky environments.
Where the 4Runner stands out is in its enclosed body. Unlike the Tacoma’s open bed, everything in a 4Runner is secure and protected from the elements. This can be a huge benefit if you’re traveling in unpredictable weather or carrying expensive gear. But for hauling heavy-duty overlanding equipment, the Tacoma’s truck bed usually wins in the capacity department. Level up your Tacoma with an RSI Smartcap or similar topper.
Comparison: In terms of pure off-road capability, both the Tacoma and 4Runner are exceptional. The Tacoma’s truck bed gives it an edge for those who need more storage or want to carry larger equipment like overland bed racks (which you can mount all sorts of stuff on) or a camper setup. The 4Runner, however, is better suited for those who want an enclosed space for their gear or to sleep inside the vehicle itself.
Storage Capacity and Overland Setup
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The 4Runner may not have a truck bed, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in storage. The enclosed SUV body offers secure and protected space for your gear, and many overlanders use rooftop tents or custom storage solutions to maximize the vehicle’s capacity. With a 4Runner overland build, you can add roof racks, storage drawers, and even sleep inside the vehicle itself (assuming you don’t have it full of other gear), making it an all-in-one solution for overland trips.
One downside to the 4Runner’s design is that it’s harder to carry large, bulky items like a Tacoma can. But if you’re looking for a more compact and organized overland setup, the 4Runner excels.
Comparison: If you need maximum storage space for large items, the Tacoma’s truck bed gives it an advantage. But for those who prefer enclosed storage and a more streamlined overland setup, the 4Runner’s SUV design might be a better fit.
Camping and Sleeping Configurations
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Tacoma Overland Camping Setup: Camping with a Tacoma often involves creative setups. With a truck bed, you have the option to mount an “overland Tacoma tent” on a rack or opt for a “Tacoma overland camper shell” build. Some overlanders choose to use a rooftop tent or even a bed-mounted camper, turning the Tacoma into a full-on overland rig. If you go with a “Tacoma camper shell overland” setup, you can sleep inside the truck bed, secure from the elements.
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4Runner Overland Camping Setup: The 4Runner offers a different style of overland camping. Many 4Runner overlanders use rooftop tents, giving them the ability to camp off the ground and away from critters. Others will organize the interior with sleeping platforms, allowing them to sleep inside the vehicle while using the roof for additional storage. This makes the 4Runner an excellent choice for those who want to keep their camping setup simple and compact.
Comparison: The Tacoma wins for versatility in camping setups, offering more options like rooftop tents, camper shells, and bed-mounted campers. However, the 4Runner provides more convenience for those who want to sleep inside the vehicle or have a more compact camping setup.
Overlanding Accessories and Modifications
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Tacomas have a massive aftermarket community, meaning you can find just about any accessory to outfit your rig. Popular Tacoma overland accessories include what you would expect… rooftop tents, bed racks, rock sliders, skid plates, and lighting setups. Whether you’re building a 3rd gen Tacoma overland build or tricking out your slightly older 2nd gen Tacoma overland rig, there’s no shortage of accessories to get your Tacoma ready for an overland adventure.
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Walk the grounds of any Overland Expo, and you will see very fast; like the Tacoma, the 4Runner also has a wealth of aftermarket accessories available, which really is no big surprise. From roof racks to lift kits, the 4Runner can be modified to tackle any overland route. So, slap a rooftop tent or install a lift kit for more ground clearance, and you are off on your adventure in style.
Comparison: Both vehicles have robust aftermarket support, so you won’t have any trouble finding the right gear for your overland setup. The Tacoma might have a slight edge here due to its flexibility with bed racks, campers, and storage solutions, but the 4Runner holds its own with plenty of accessories tailored for off-road and overlanding adventures.
Final Thoughts: Which is Better for Overlanding?
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So, which is better for overlanding—the Tacoma or the 4Runner? It really depends on what you’re looking for in an overland vehicle. Seriously, this falls into what you want to get from your overlanding experiences.
The Tacoma is an overlanding workhorse. With its versatile truck bed, countless build options, and ability to carry heavy gear in its open back, it’s perfect for overlanders who need more storage space and want to customize their setup. Whether your adventurist vision is telling you a full-blown Tacoma overland build is what you need or start things off with a more simple build and pick up a Tacoma overland bed rack and bolt on a few accessories, the Tacoma delivers.
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On the other hand, the 4Runner is the ideal choice for those who want more comfort and security in their overland setup. The enclosed body, combined with strong off-road capabilities, makes it a great option for overlanders who want a more compact and organized rig without sacrificing the ability to tackle tough trails.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either vehicle. The decision comes down to your specific needs and overlanding style. Do you need the extra storage and flexibility of a truck bed, or do you prefer the comfort and enclosed space of an SUV? Either way, both the Tacoma and 4Runner are capable overland rigs that will get you wherever you need to go, whether it’s a weekend trip or a cross-country expedition.
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Learn More:
- 4 Reasons Why the AT Overland Habitat is the Best Toyota Tacoma Topper
- Toyota 4Runner Rooftop Tent: 3 Great Options
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