Toyota 4Runner 67·Toyota Tacoma 69on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Tacoma about $7,055 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,055 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Toyota 4Runner counters with more cargo room (48.4 vs 38.1 cu ft) and more power (278 vs 228 hp).
Go with the Toyota Tacoma for the better long-term value; consider the Toyota 4Runner if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Toyota 4Runner versus 2026 Toyota Tacoma.
Metric
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Tacoma
MotiveGrid Score
67
69
Cost of Ownership
81
84
Powertrain
64
63
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
39
39
Safety
68
73
5-Year Cost to Own
$50,829
$43,774
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,191
$7,495
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$17,319
$16,677
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,395
$9,470
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,305
$2,305
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$6,330
$4,882
Registration (5-yr)
$1,140
$945
Starting Price
$42,070
$32,445
Horsepower
278 hp
228 hp
MPG (combined)
22 mpg
23 mpg
Cargo volume
48.4 cu ft
38.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
2WD
2WD
Gas
2026$42,070
MSRP
$42,070
Mo · 5yr
$847
$50,829 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Gas
2026$32,445
MSRP
$32,445
Mo · 5yr
$730
$43,774 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Toyota Tacoma scores higher overall.
Toyota 4Runner
0
/ 100
Toyota Tacoma
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
4Runner
81
Tacoma
84
Winner: Tacoma
$7,055 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
4Runner
64
Tacoma
63
Winner: 4Runner
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
4Runner
43
Tacoma
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
4Runner
39
Tacoma
39
Evenly matched
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Tacoma is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,055 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Toyota 4Runner still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Toyota Tacoma
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Tacoma
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota 4Runner
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota 4Runner
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota 4Runner
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Toyota 4Runner
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$847
$50,829 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$847/mo
Toyota Tacoma
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$730
$43,774 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$730/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Tacoma comes out about $7,055 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
