On the Idea of New Vehicles

Not long ago I was talking about how I think the new 4Runners are a bit much in the money department for what they offer. They offer a lot mind you, but for $42K MSRP in top trim, hell that’s a substantial amount of a house in some parts, you know?

However, it occurred to me that a 4Runner is really in some respects a 4-door mid-sized truck with a built-in camper shell over an extremely short bed. In fact, the last generation of 4Runner was actually built on the Toyota Tacoma platform, so that really was an indisputable truth. The new ones are built on a larger frame than the Tacomas, but the idea is still the same, and it got me thinking: Couldn’t I trick out a new Tacoma and put a shell on it and be good? And in fact in some ways, better?

The answer is yes.

If we go Tacoma 4-door with shell, we gain better ground clearance, better weight (save over 400lbs), same door capacity, and actually the dogs would have more room in the back for themselves (even the short-bed is quite spacious compared to the 4Runner Cargo area capacity). Another thing that is great is that since the dog area is completely separate from the people place, cleanup is a breeze: simply hose it off. Since there’s no carpet to worry about, there’s no fear of doggy sheddings all in the fabrics, nor of any liquid seepage & subsequent funk, either.

There are downsides, however. You lose the option for the V8 motor, for one. Another is that you no longer have fingertip control over the dog’s climate, either. With the 4Runner, I can roll up and down the back window from the driver seat, so if it’s getting cold or hot, I can control airflow accordingly. Also, the Tacoma does not have a moonroof option. This would be missed for sure. And there’s certain creature comforts that would be given up, though maybe not really “missed.” For instance, the 4Runner Limiteds have Auto on/off headlamps, so you never have to worry about turning them on or off. And did I mention the moonroof? If not, hey, that’s awesome all by itself.

So space-wise & cleanup-wise, the Tacoma is really better for the dogs, however as far as climate control goes, the 4Runner is the favorite. But the dogs, they are hearty anyway; do they care much if it’s a little windier or not? And one has to wonder, after everything is considered and rolled into the price comparo, is the $11K difference in MSPR really worth a moonroof and roll-up back window and leather seats?

I don’t think it is, honestly. Though I’d miss the moonroof & back window control, I can’t say that an extra $11K later, I’d be happy with a decision in the 4Runner’s favor, all things considered.

Some might say “but you could skimp on some of the features of the Top-Trim 4Runner and bring the cost down to close to the Tacoma,” and you’re right, I could. But then I’m essentially getting the Tacoma anyway, but losing out on all the benefits of one. Except for the moonroof & back window, yeah, but the cargo area is a complete loss, and I’d still be spending more (in the neighborhood of $4-5K).

So it would still stand to reason: the Tacoma may be the way to go, even if the 4-Doors are ugly as all giddy-up.