4runner, pilot, or xterra

[Crissyphotog]

I have been a Honda Element EX owner since 2006 and its time to trade in.

What I want:
Something that sits 2 adults and 1 recaro carseat (fairly large carseat) comfortably in 2nd row.
Radio controls on steering wheel
Cargo space to fit my cleaning supplies for my business (1 upright vac, 1 backpack vac, 3 caddies, 3 mops/bucket, broom, and feather duster) and for weekends something that fits our camping gear for tent camping
If we get something that can pull a 3500 boat than we can trade in Element and Tundra and go down to one vehicle bc we also have a Civic Mugen SI

Now I think I have it narrowed down to (all 2011)
4runner (went see today) 2nd row seems to be one of the widest and most comfortable for what I need
Pilot (like the extra storage such as underneath floor in back)
Ridgeline (my supplies almost all fit in trunk in bed then mops and broom in actual bed so I would need a bed cover ASAP and I love how roomy the backseat is)
Xterra (very roomy and seems to be closest to my Element as far as durability of inside goes)

I've also looked at/considered the following but think I have marked all these off my list
Kia Sportage (love it and fits cleaning but wouldn't work for camping gear)
Kia Sorrento (NO cargo space as 7 seater and 2nd row seems tight for 2 adults and carseat)
Toyota Highlander (hate the cloth they use on seats)
Nissan pathfinder (not much storage)
Rav4
CRV

This is the first time I am buying a vehicle and not knowing exactly what I want bc I can't find what I want in one vehicle. Basically it needs to fit my cleaning supplies and 4 adults plus one carseat at the same time and get the best gas mileage possible but they all seem to be rated about the same. I get 18ish in my Element.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

The 4runner could pull that boat pretty easily. I would also think it would get better than 18 MPG.

3,500 pounds would be pushing the limits of the Pilot.

I'd go with the 4runner and get rid of both the Element and Tundra. Save some money on insurance and get into a real SUV.

 

[StevieT4R]

It's no contest. I would not even consider the others. It's just what color/model 4Runner to get! The 4Runner is the best bang for the buck!

 

[Crissyphotog]

I am leaning towards 4 runner but my husband nor I like big vehicles we just need one. He would only own a S2000 if his choice.

I know i can look this up but easier to ask ya'll. What model do I need in order to get steering wheel controls? My local deanship have 6 4runners, none had steering wheel controls and sticker on all was $32......one had 3rd row others were 2 rows.

I really don't care about options but I need my steering wheel controls

And I want silver in my next vehicle.

 

[DaveS]

I would look at the Trail Edition in part because the seats have a water resistant cloth which is more in line with the Element, and I think it comes with steering wheel controls. You won't necessarily need KDSS which would save a few bucks as well, although most do report it improves the drive on road as well as off.

Hate to add to the mix, but did you consider the Tacoma DC ? I am not so sure the DC would fit two adults in the back + car seat but if you are looking at Ridgeline, Tacoma is worth considering (If you go for a Ridgeline negotiate v hard - it's expected this will be the last year for it due to flagging sales).

Good luck!

 

[Jin]

Crissyphotog,

nice collection of honda's. my wife drives a 2008 civic SI sedan in black.
I had a silver s2000 for a while until i needed a bigger car (i loved that car).
Also rode a black CBR 600 RR...until about a year ago; when we had our first kid.

 

[Jin]

but, i just picked up a SR5 4X4. i alos looked at the xterra and pilot...but i mainly chose the 4Runner because i love the way it looks. I have about 400 miles on it so far...and i'm getting 17.8 MPG overall (that's what the dashboard says).

 

[zachb_NW]

I would 100% say buy a slightly used 4th gen 4runner limited! Way better then what you will get in a new SR5.

Hope this doesn't make anyone mad.


PS: Just sold the s2000 for the 4runner

 

[Johnny Utah]

I'm coming from an Xterra and although i liked it, and it was a great truck, i honestly don't think it's in the same class as a 2011 4Runner. Just my 2 cents.

When you see the 4runner did you notice that the back seats recline? I think it's an awesome feature and i wish i could ride back there!

 

[KCcarguy]

Can't lose with any of those. I think the Ridgeline offers a lot of versatility. Especially if you want an area to carry dirty or wet gear, and you don't do any serious off-roading. The all wheel drive on the Ridgeline is nice too; you have to get a Limited 4runner to get that.

 

[Ramzey28]

I had a ridgeline, great vehicle with little depreciation for me. Extremely versatile. I wanted a more 4wd capable vehicle and more of a suv. I will miss having the bed....used it a lot. Test drove the xterra because it was about 8 k cheaper and very 4wd capable....but easily not in the same class ( gas mileage sucked in it too) I get 20 with my 4 runner.

 

[wjb4000]

If you are thinking about going with a Ridgeline, I work for Honda, and our District manager told me that Honda is going to cut the Ridgeline because it's not meeting all the fuel mileage restrictions and all this other crap. She didn't say when the last year model is going to be, but it's coming unless they COMPLETELY redesign it which isn't very likely. Good luck with your decision. Sounds like a tough one.

 

[Crissyphotog]

New list, I really want the pilot due to storage in the back under the floor but I don't want the 4wd and am worried about the 2wd towing our 3500 bayliner.

Pilot - What I want bc in specs it has most hip room in 2nd row AND it has storage compartment under back floor where I could keep extr...a towels/supplies and get rid of 2 caddies with no problem. Also has most storage cubbies in front but might be iffy on pulling boat out of water and I would need to get EX model to get steering wheel controls

Pathfinder - No underfloor storage and not as many cubbies in front. Would EASILY pull boat and I think basic model has steering wheel controls

Highlander - Would have to upgrade to V6 towing package and no underfloor storage

4runner - easily pull boat but no underfloor storage.

 

[wjb4000]

New list, I really want the pilot due to storage in the back under the floor but I don't want the 4wd and am worried about the 2wd towing our 3500 bayliner.

Pilot - What I want bc in specs it has most hip room in 2nd row AND it has storage compartment under back floor where I could keep extr...a towels/supplies and get rid of 2 caddies with no problem. Also has most storage cubbies in front but might be iffy on pulling boat out of water and I would need to get EX model to get steering wheel controls

Pathfinder - No underfloor storage and not as many cubbies in front. Would EASILY pull boat and I think basic model has steering wheel controls

Highlander - Would have to upgrade to V6 towing package and no underfloor storage

4runner - easily pull boat but no underfloor storage.

How much stuff are you wanting to put in the underfloor storage of the Pilot? The storage isn't really all that big. It's big enough to fit the 3 headrests from the 3rd row seat in there and that's about it. If all you're putting in there are towels, that should be fine, but other, bigger things, you may want to go find out if they'll fit. Just food for thought. I would go with the 4runner out of your choices. It sounds like it's the one that would fit what you're wanting the most. Again, good luck.

 

[greasypaperbag]

Of all the cars you've listed, I would easily chose a 4runner for your needs, especially the Trail Edition. Though I'm partial to my own TE, the 4runner will be more versatile and can easily accommodate to your needs --- i.e your business and a growing family. As a woman, I highly recommend any 4runner, used or new. To give you an idea as to how much the '10-'11 4runner can fit inside, here is a list of stuff I've managed to haul around one time or another:
-Rayleigh roadster bike (with all the seats down)
-Queen size headboard and baseboard
-5 ft secretary desk
-sofa (of course with the back door open)
-large reclining chair
-4 military-sized trunks weighing a total of 400 pounds (this is light)
-2 small yorkies
-3 dudes with an average height of 6' and crap load of tailgating gear (including tent and large grill)

The TE is a workhorse but forgiving and looks good.

As for the other vehicles you've listed, I considered those same trucks before getting the TE...and this is how I reasoned purchasing a TE:
Pilot - do you really want to get stuck in the mud with a CUV when you go camping?
Highlander - A good second choice to the 4runner, but you may be regretting that you didn't get the 4runner. Plus it's not made in Japan.
Pathfinder - it's okay, but looks too much like a smaller Armada. Hence, I would never want to be seen in it.

Good luck!

 

[Socco]

When you see the 4runner did you notice that the back seats recline? I think it's an awesome feature and i wish i could ride back there!

LOL, I thought the same thing. But it will be a few years before the kids car seats are out of the way!

 

[philsey]

New list, I really want the pilot due to storage in the back under the floor but I don't want the 4wd and am worried about the 2wd towing our 3500 bayliner.

Pilot - What I want bc in specs it has most hip room in 2nd row AND it has storage compartment under back floor where I could keep extr...a towels/supplies and get rid of 2 caddies with no problem. Also has most storage cubbies in front but might be iffy on pulling boat out of water and I would need to get EX model to get steering wheel controls

* I very nearly bought a Pilot. I'm a boater too, and no way would I tow more than, oh, 2500# with it. It's a great vehicle but is just not robust enough (unibody) for a tow vehicle. And, frankly, you seem to be putting an awful lot of emphasis on the underfloor storage. (IMO) Lastly, the Pilot is not a true 4WD (esp. important when hauling boat from water - it's essentially FWD with a slip detection clutch which only engages the rear wheels upon slippage

Pathfinder - No underfloor storage and not as many cubbies in front. Would EASILY pull boat and I think basic model has steering wheel controls.

* This would be my second choice. I owned 2 PFs and they are/were quite robust, but it is my understanding that quality has slipped in recent years. Plus resale sucks.

Highlander - Would have to upgrade to V6 towing package and no underfloor storage.

* No way Jose.

4runner - easily pull boat but no underfloor storage.

* If it weren't for boat towing, I'd say buy the Pilot since you prefer it, but the boat's a critical element here. 1st choice IMO.

EDIT: If Bayliner nomenclature is like other boats, this is a >30' boat. I'm really interested to know the weight of the whole rig. loaded boat + fuel + trailer.

 

[VNT]

T4R is probably ur best bet, if the lack of the floor storage compartment is ur concern than I wouldn't even worry about it

 

[Crissyphotog]

How much stuff are you wanting to put in the underfloor storage of the Pilot? The storage isn't really all that big. It's big enough to fit the 3 headrests from the 3rd row seat in there and that's about it. If all you're putting in there are towels, that should be fine, but other, bigger things, you may want to go find out if they'll fit. Just food for thought. I would go with the 4runner out of your choices. It sounds like it's the one that would fit what you're wanting the most. Again, good luck.

I currently have 4 caddies in the Element but I was figuring I could get rid of 2 of my 4 caddies by keeping dust towels and a few extra cleaning supplies like a spray bottle of bathroom cleaner and an extra pledge.

 

[Crissyphotog]

I think I will need to scratch the Pilot. My husband wants me to get what I want to be happy which is the Pilot but if he is getting rid of his truck too then I need to make sure what we get will tow the boat and it seems the pilot won't.

As far as fitting stuff inside, I think my requirements are slightly different than most. Its not the size of stuff (such as a bike) but the fact I need to fit 4 adults plus one car seat and cleaning supplies (which means 3rd row will be folded down) hence why I am pushing the pilot. If I can put dust towels and 2-3 bottles of cleaning supplies in back under floor then I can only put down one seat and one adult can sit in 3rd row making it alot more comfy on 2nd row with car seat.

Now I did notice while the 4runner didn't have any storage under floor it did have a little on the sides.

BTW, what's your whole rig weigh - boat loaded/fuel/plus trailer?

I have no idea, I hear my husband tell people 3500. Its a bayliner 185 I think, either an 06 or 07.