First of all, Toyota Prerunner and Tacoma are both actually pickup trucks. And the Prerunner is a version of Tacoma that differs in the wheel and engine styles. So, lots of confusion can happen when comparing Toyota Prerunner vs. Tacoma.
This year, if you are just getting introduced to these models of pickup trucks, you won’t find many details. But we have seen modern car enthusiasts want to know details about how the models differ.
There are no more worries. In this post, we are going to cover everything that can satisfy you with enough data.
Short Brief On Toyota Prerunner
The Toyota Prerunner was first introduced in 1998 and continued till 2015. After that, it gained tremendous popularity among car lovers because of its off-road driving capability. You might be wondering what is a Prerunner is! A Prerunner is technically the car that is to check the track of the race before the actual race.
The car’s specialty is its 4×4 wheel-driven system that provides ample power to drive off-road.
As mentioned, its 4×4 wheels make it easy to drive on extreme terrains, including ice, snow, rocks, etc. It provides good traction on dangerous roads to ensure maximum safety for the users.
Today, the car is widely used for driving on the race track before the actual race. It gives a clear idea about the track.
The Toyota Prerunner later came on different trim levels with special features. You can check them out to learn the details.
Short Brief On Toyota Tacoma
While Toyota Prerunner is a particular type of version of Tacoma, Tacoma itself is the category of the pickup trucks from Toyota. The brand first introduced Tacoma in 1995. The pickup truck is made in America with Japanese technology.
If you check the old versions of Tacoma, you will see the same design pattern in all models. Toyota then gradually have upgraded the versions and has offered unique features in new packages.
Currently, you will find different variations of Tacoma, and the brand is working on new packages as well. Because of the powerful engine and extra load capacity, Tacoma is now top on the list for off-road drivers.
Features You Will Enjoy Only with Prerunner
So, you might have tons of questions and lots of confusion about the Prerunner and the Tacoma. Here we are going to discuss the features of these two variations. Check them out, and you will know why people used to look for the Prerunner.
Engine
If you compare the Toyota Tacoma base model and the Prerunner, you will see the similarities between the engines. With the Prerunner, you will see a 2.7L engine with 150hp power. Or, you may find another version that could feature a 3.4L v6 engine with 190hp.
But if you check the Toyota Tacoma base model, the engine will be slightly different. The base model featured a 2.7L engine with 180 pound-feet of torque.
So, whichever version you choose, there won’t be many differences in terms of the engine’s performance. However, the performance may vary slightly because of the rear and front design. Also, the load on the mini pickup truck plays an important role in the engine’s performance.
Suspension
Do you know what makes a good Prerunner for a truck? It is actually about the suspension of the truck. If you wish to drive the car through the desert, it needs a good shock absorber. That ensures comfort and better safety.
Toyota Prerunner does that perfectly with its wider suspension. So, when you are trying to drive fast without any risk, the wider suspension absorbs shocks and keeps the vehicle stable.
Rear Wheel Drive System
As the truck is to drive only off-road, it will need ample power. The good thing is Toyota Tacoma Prerunner features a rear-drive system. It means when you are driving the truck off-road, the rear wheels will drive the car. It gives more power to the vehicle to move over obstacles. Whether the track is smooth or rough, you will have the same performance as the vehicle.
Bed Length
When buying a new truck, the bed length should be a major consideration. The length of the bed varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer and the version. The same goes for Toyota Tacoma.
The average length of a Toyota Tacoma Prerunner bed is 5 feet to 6 feet 1 inch. It is not too long or not too short. The benefit is it won’t cause many issues while maneuvering it on extreme terrains. The standard size allows taking enough load while moving around. However, what you prefer most with your truck is up to you. You can check the detailed comparison between the short bed vs. long bed Toyota Tacoma to have a clear idea.
FAQs about Prerunner and Tacoma
If you have checked the above information, now you know most of the differences between the regular version of Tacoma and the Prerunner. But you might still have some queries. Here are some questions and answers to know more details.
Yes, mostly! Usually, you will enjoy all the common features of the Toyota Tacoma Prerunner with the standard packages. But the main differences are the shock absorption capacity, aggressive gear, and skid plates. You will enjoy them better with the Prerunner.
Toyota Tacoma is worth buying for any truck lover. At a moderate price, Toyota Tacoma can give you the best experience. Regardless of the terrain, you will have better control over the speed and balance.
A Toyota Tacoma used to last longer than regular vehicles. If the user takes proper care, it can serve its best up to 300,000 miles, which is better than the average lifetime (200,000 miles) of a regular vehicle. This is an interesting factor about Toyota Tacoma that made it so popular.
Buying a Toyota Tacoma package for the first time? Then the price of the vehicle may seem a bit overpriced at first glance. But you need to understand that it is not like a regular vehicle. It is an off-road truck that sustains more than other vehicles.
Wrapping Up
We hope now you have a clear idea of Toyota Prerunner vs. Tacoma differences and similarities. If you want to stay in the trend and don’t have a plan to drive off-road, go for a regular Toyota Tacoma package. And if you have a love for Prerunner and you like its unique style, go for it.
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