Not a perfect fit but I just checked my OEM 5th gen 4Runner 17" wheels in the garage and a 14mm stud will fit no problem. You can use rings to fill the gap on the hub (assuming that they are hub centric), lots of aftermarket wheels require them, but some guys don't like them.
If you want a 4Runner for much less than MSRP, I suggest you bring a tent and a sleeping bag along with that sandwich. I hear you and it sounds like you are willing to wait a couple of years, which no doubt is what it will take.
Seems to me that the noise (at least the way I heard it in Kirk K's YouTube short) is coming directly from that high intake. I don't like the look of that intake or the sound that it makes. But some people may love both.
I've always disrespected the sliding tray in my 2010 Trail Edition because it is such a pain to clean underneath. But I didn't realize that it is what gave me the completely flat floor with the rear seats folded that I love so much. So now after almost 15 years I've finally given the cargo...
And if, as I suspect, you are waiting 10-12 months to get one in your driveway, you've got some time to save some extra loonies and for interest rates to come down and save you some money.
At the same trim/model level the last gen 4Runner was at least $5k CAD more expensive than the comparable Tacoma.
So, if the Tacoma Limited is $67K CAD plus the $5k 4Runner upcharge plus even more for a Platinum...
I can't speak for Jeep durability but in my 5th gen 4Runner with part-time 4WD, I just leave it in 4H in similar situations, did the same with previously owned Burb, Tahoe and Silverado all part-time 4wd. In cold weather even if it's dry the only time you NEED to be in 2wd is where tight...
The 5th Gen only had a rear locker in the Trail Edition/TRD OR and TRD Pro. The rest of the models including the full time 4wd Limited got an open rear diff with brake based traction control.
Also the locker only worked in 4LO.
This was more than fine for the freeway and Mall parking lot...
As I understand it the off road part time 4wd models lock the front and rear driveshafts whenever you are in 4HI or 4LO, so no need for a locker. It is why they bind when turning because they don't have an unlocked differential mode of operation.
At least that is how it is in my 2010 4Runner...