The Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck and Toyota 4Runner midsize SUV have a strong following. Much of this is due to their durability, capabilities, and off-road prowess. If you’re wondering about the differences between the two models, then we encourage you to check out this 2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner comparison.

2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner: What are the differences?

In our 2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner comparison, we evaluated several factors. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Tacoma vs. 4Runner: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma offers two engine options. The base-level 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and the available 3.5-liter V-6 engine generates 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, all 4Runner models feature a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, which produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

For efficiency, the Tacoma has an estimated fuel economy of up to 20 city/23 highway mpg. In comparison, the 4Runner has an estimated gas mileage of up to 16 city/19 highway mpg.

Tacoma vs. 4Runner: Towing

The Tacoma has the advantage for towing. It has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, while the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Tacoma vs. 4Runner: Off-road capabilities

The Tacoma and 4Runner are great options for off-road adventures. Both Toyota vehicles offer a traction-enhancing four-wheel drive system and have the durability to handle the rigors of off-road use. 

Also, for the pinnacle of off-road prowess, both the Tacoma and 4Runner offer a TRD Pro model, which has a multitude of off-road features. Examples include Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control, a Multi-Terrain Monitor, and an electrically locking rear differential.

Tacoma vs. 4Runner: Safety

The Tacoma has a slight edge for safety. For NHTSA crash tests, both Toyota vehicles earned four out of five stars for frontal barrier crashes and five stars for side crashes. However, while the Tacoma has a four-star rating for rollover tests, the 4Runner has only a three-star rating.

Tacoma vs. 4Runner: Interior features and technologies

For interior features and technologies, the 4Runner has the advantage. Unlike the Tacoma, the 4Runner offers HD Radio, woodgrain interior trim, cooled front seats, and a seat memory feature. Both the Tacoma and 4Runner offer a sunroof/moonroof.

Tacoma vs. 4Runner: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the Tacoma and 4Runner have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Tacoma and 4Runner are also very reliable. Both earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81/100.

Tacoma vs. 4Runner: Price

Which Toyota vehicle costs more: the 2022 Tacoma or the 2022 4Runner? The starting prices of the 2022 Tacoma range from $26,700 MSRP for the SR Access Cab trim up to $46,135 MSRP for the TRD Pro Double Cab trim. In comparison, the starting prices for the 2022 4Runner range from $37,305 MSRP for the SR5 trim up to $52,120 MSRP for the TRD Pro trim.

2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner: What Toyota vehicle is better?

In our 2022 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner comparison, each Toyota vehicle has various advantages. For the 2022 Tacoma, advantages include maximum horsepower, efficiency, towing, safety, and a lower price. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 4Runner include base-level horsepower, base-level and maximum torque, and interior features and technologies.