I've been looking at options to replace our 2007 Titan.
The new Titan is out of the equation for us, I whittled it down to either a new F-150 or whenever the new Tundra comes out (possibly even the new Frontier).
I've only been able to price the 2021 F-150, and the spec I would get is called "XLT 301A" with a few options. This is roughly equivalent to my current 2007 Titan SE CC Big Tow that also had some upgrades. The F-150 XLT 301A is about $58K MSRP.
The other part of this discussion is that vehicle production is still being impacted by the CCP virus scamdemic and chip shortages. And for some peculiar reason people are still buying what's left, probably because of 0% financing. Heck, I looked at replacing my 2014 Q60 with a 2021 Q60 and I could get 72 months at 0%!
But, because of all of these factors, the actual selling price of both new and used cars is elevated. At least here on the West Coast, many cars have ADM applied, and the rest are good luck trying to get under MSRP.
Used cars are even worse, 3 y/o cars are basically selling for near their original MSRP....here on the West Coast.
4Runners are actually a good vehicle. Underpowered and usually driven by posers with roof top tents and high jacks mounted for daily driving, but a good vehicle nonetheless. Unlike the Tacoma, it still uses the good ol' 4.0 V6 and 5AT. A proven, reliable, long lasting powertrain. And resale is always good for these.
Back in 2009 I bought my Titan over a Tacoma basically because, like you said, you can get much more truck and a V8 for similar money. In 12+ years my Titan has been dead reliable, like any good Japanese vehicle.