I have a 1998 4Runner (3rd Generation) which should have a drive train similar to the same generation tacoma and it is dangerous on a slick roads in 2WD. Just a wet road from rain will cause it to fishtail on sharp turns and snow is just a no-no in 2WD. I have no problem with it because I know its issues and how to deal with it.
Now put it in 4WD and you have a great vehicle on slick roads and snow, the issue is it is part time 4WD (just like a tacoma) and therefore cannot be run in 4WD in rain covered roads or roads that have spotty snow or ice.
My granddaughter will be driving soon but I would not put her in my 4Runner. A new driver would not know how to react to a fishtail situation. An AWD vehicle such as a Subaru would be much safer than my 4Runner.
I would assume a Tacoma would drive similarly, or even worse with the lighter rear end, but I very well could be wrong.
Just food for thought.
