Tacoma vs RAV4

BenK wrote:
One is a true truck with a ladder frame that the body sits on

Other is a CUV derived from the Carola

I'd choose the truck over the monocoque car derived any day

In theory yes... In practice the 4 cylinder Tacoma has marginal power, a rather lame transmission (4 speeds), and is coarse and unrefined. The frame is weak, and rust-prone, and lacks rigidity, which results in a lousy The unloaded ride.
The Rav4 on the other hand is a slick machine, which in theory should not be as well suited to the task.....Except.... It is. Is a much more comfortable vehicle with over 100hp more and a vastly superior transmission.
I have owned 2 Tacomas (a 2009 4 cylinder, 2010 TRD offroad V6). The Tacoma is pretty badly out of date. I found even my V6 Tacoma to be a questionable tow vehicle. The Tacoma is really more of a jacked up conveyance than a real truck.

One is a true truck with a ladder frame that the body sits on

Other is a CUV derived from the Carola

I'd choose the truck over the monocoque car derived any day

according to tacoma booklet the V6 is rated to tow 6,500 lbs. and the 4 cy. 3500?
bumpy

The V6 of the RAV4 will pull better, however they also need to consider trailer tongue weight/weight of passengers/cargo weight vs vehicle payload rating. The Taco could end up being the correct choice given what it can safely haul vs tow. Just depends on the payload factor....

as a V6 Tacoma has about 6,000 lbs. capacity, is the tranny and rear end the same as with the 4cy? if so that should be stouter than the RAV4?
bumpy

I've towed an Escape 17B (2100 lbs dry, 3000 lbs packed for a long trip) 33,000 miles with a 2010 RAV4 V6 with tow package. I love the combination & compared to the 4 cylinder far more pulling power. I've had no stability problems with crosswinds, trucks, etc. I do use a weight distribution hitch since the RAV4 is essentially a front wheel drive vehicle.

That said, I do miss having a truck bed for things I don't want to put inside the RAV4, and the ground clearance of the RAV4 limits some of the "jeep trails" I might be able to drive with a truck.

Do be sure the RAV4 has the tow package. Without it the V6 is limited to 2000 lbs.

The RAV4 has a 5 speed transmission, and Toyota recommends towing in 4th. I get 25 MPG unhitched, and 15MPG towing the Escape, mostly on secondary roads at 55 - 57MPH.

I would go RAV 4. The V6 will make a big difference and it probably has a 6spd tranny over a 4spd on the Tacoma.

If the RAV4's towing capacity is 3500 with the tow package it has, then that's what the engineers have spec'd for it. The only advantage of the Tacoma I could see is that it is heavier than the RAV4 (I would think, but maybe not with the 4 cyl engine), and the wheel base is longer, so the truck may be a little smoother when towing and handle a little better. I don't know these vehicles personally, so perhaps someone else with experience on these two can shed more light.

I would prefer the 6 cyl of the RAV4, but would also prefer the longer wheelbase of the Tacoma for a more stable towing experience. Sorry, not much help ;-)