4runner, pilot, or xterra

[JJMAC]

This is a 4runner forum so most will tell you to get the 4runner.

I will not. I would get the Xterra. I had a Frontier and I liked it leaps and bounds over our 2011 4runner.

Problems with 4runner:
-Storage
-Sway
-Rear Sag when Towing
-AC needs to blast to get cool. (living in AZ)
-No Driver Controlled Dome Light. Horrible if you have young children.
-No 3rd row dome light.
-Rear Cargo has weak lighting.

Pros of 4runner:
-3rd row seat.

Pros of Xterra:
-Stick Option
-Engine is alot more responsive than 4runner
-Storage

 

[Crissyphotog]

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

Yep, my daugther is only 18 mths and 23 lbs so she will be in her seat for quite a while and it will be the same seat she is in now which is a monster but great safety ratings. Its a Recaro ProRide and I'll be using it until she is 70 lbs

On phone with our sales man now, pilot has a button VTM4 lock to engage in 1st/2nd or reverse up to 18mph which will get the pilot out the water with 4wd.

 

[Crissyphotog]

This is a 4runner forum so most will tell you to get the 4runner.

I will not. I would get the Xterra. I had a Frontier and I liked it leaps and bounds over our 2011 4runner.

Problems with 4runner:
-Storage
-Sway
-Rear Sag when Towing
-AC needs to blast to get cool. (living in AZ) I AM IN LOUISIANA SO THIS WOULD BE A PROBLEM HERE TOO
-No Driver Controlled Dome Light. Horrible if you have young children. I have an 18 mth old and we would be using this for driving on trip from say new orleans to louisiana
-No 3rd row dome light.
-Rear Cargo has weak lighting.

Pros of 4runner:
-3rd row seat.

Pros of Xterra: i scratched this, 2 adults and car seat didn't fit well
-Stick Option
-Engine is alot more responsive than 4runner
-Storage

 

[philsey]

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.

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

Based on this, I rescind my remarks on towing your boat with a Pilot. A 185 is an ~18' boat, most likely on a single-axle trailer. That's a no sweat tow for a Pilot. I would NOT however want to rely on any FWD (only) vehicle to pull a boat up a slippery ramp. Sorry to confuse things.

Agree with your husband - get what you want. Pilot and 4R are your two best choices.

As to JJMAC's remarks: Agree, that you'll get highly favorable remarks from this forum, very high percentage of happy owners (me too).

Apparently, the Xterra didn't make your second cut. Too small?

 

[zachb_NW]

This is a 4runner forum so most will tell you to get the 4runner.

I will not. I would get the Xterra. I had a Frontier and I liked it leaps and bounds over our 2011 4runner.

Problems with 4runner:
-Storage
-Sway
-Rear Sag when Towing
-AC needs to blast to get cool. (living in AZ)
-No Driver Controlled Dome Light. Horrible if you have young children.
-No 3rd row dome light.
-Rear Cargo has weak lighting.

Pros of 4runner:
-3rd row seat.

Pros of Xterra:
-Stick Option
-Engine is alot more responsive than 4runner
-Storage

4runner has way more cargo room/storage then the xterra.

I def would not buy a SUV with a stick

engine might be more responsive but 4runner beats it on MPG's

How is it a problem to not have a 3rd row dome light if the xterra doesn't even have a 3rd row? Don't think anyone would base a car purchase based on lighting. You easily fix all that.

I get less sway then any other suv or most cars i have driven, Xres!

 

[jbmccul]

I loved my xterra, but I had the first gen('04) with the 3.3l v6. Not as robust as I would like. The new 4.0L in the xterra and pathfinder has some getup. My only problem I've found with the xterra is it's not very comfortable in the backseat with 3 people or a long car ride. However, it's a great car

 

[philsey]

^^ Zach, pls edit out the negativeness ... you're gonna sidetrack an otherwise informative thread.

 

[zachb_NW]

^^ Zach, pls edit out the negativeness ... you're gonna sidetrack an otherwise informative thread.

Wasn't trying to be negative, but wasn't the information negative and false I was commenting on?

 

[Crissyphotog]

Wasn't trying to be negative, but wasn't the information negative and false I was commenting on?

I didn't find anythign negative. So far everyones replies have been very informative and helped me alot.

My current list is:
Pilot EX 4WD
4runner

 

[Fishpilot]

I looked at all of these during my search as well and am glad I went with the 4R.

The Ridgeline is a cool idea but from what I hear it gets horrible mileage, I know second hand knowledge is worthless but I'd trust that over a dealer or window sticker.

The Pilot is a cool vehicle but I stopped looking before I test drove it due to a dealer comment about having to do a lot of work on the differentials in the Pilots. He warned me about it and told me as long as you keep it serviced it shouldn't be a problem. That wasn't the reliability I was shopping around for. Search for "Pilot rear end noise" and you'll find a more thorough description.

The Xterra was a close second to the 4R everywhere but the engine, it has a slight edge there. I'm not a drag racer and prefer Toyota quality over speed any day. One major issue with the X is the backseat access, the door has a huge cut out for the wheel well and makes it very tough to get in and out let alone work with a kiddo filled car seat on every trip.

I also looked at the Ford Escape and actually liked it plus I felt bad about only looking at foreign cars. Still ended up with a Toyota but check it out.

Good luck on your search and come back here when you make the right choice!

 

[greasypaperbag]

Fishpilot brings a good point about test driving the trucks.

When I first test drove the 5th gen. 4runner, I didn't like the ride and how it handled those Bmore pot holes. This was an SR5. One month later, I test drove the TE and it was completely different.

Another option not mentioned is the Toyota Landcruiser albeit 2x more expensive. It has a standard third row seat and all the features of a Limited and TE 4runner as standard. Sometimes dealerships have a new older model in inventory and mark it down. You just have to move fast because they don't stay on the lot very long.

 

[jbmccul]

Plus I know earlier you talked about a highlander, don't know if you crossed it off or not. But my dad got a 08 with the V6 AWD, badged 4wd but no selector, and it's got plenty of go. Plus I've seen them towing similarly sized boats no problem

 

[wjb4000]

I looked at all of these during my search as well and am glad I went with the 4R.

The Ridgeline is a cool idea but from what I hear it gets horrible mileage, I know second hand knowledge is worthless but I'd trust that over a dealer or window sticker.

The Pilot is a cool vehicle but I stopped looking before I test drove it due to a dealer comment about having to do a lot of work on the differentials in the Pilots. He warned me about it and told me as long as you keep it serviced it shouldn't be a problem. That wasn't the reliability I was shopping around for. Search for "Pilot rear end noise" and you'll find a more thorough description.
The Xterra was a close second to the 4R everywhere but the engine, it has a slight edge there. I'm not a drag racer and prefer Toyota quality over speed any day. One major issue with the X is the backseat access, the door has a huge cut out for the wheel well and makes it very tough to get in and out let alone work with a kiddo filled car seat on every trip.

I also looked at the Ford Escape and actually liked it plus I felt bad about only looking at foreign cars. Still ended up with a Toyota but check it out.

Good luck on your search and come back here when you make the right choice!

Not to get off topic, but I've been a Honda Dealer Mechanic for 8 years and the only service you have to do to a rear diff on any Honda is change the fluid. Drain and refill every 15,000-30,000 miles. If you start getting noise from it, you just have to change the fluid and drive it around. It goes away. I've never had to replace/rebuild/or even open up a rear diff on any "4wd" Honda ever. I'm not sure what the dealer told you, but it sounds like it's a bunch of bunk. Not trying to come across mean or hateful, and sorry if I did, was not my intention. Was just curious about what was said to you....

OP, whatever you buy, just keep it serviced and it will last you longer. The Pilot "4wd" can be locked in below 18 mph in 1st and 2nd. The Pilot is a dependable well built vehicle. I don't own one nor do I own a 5th Gen 4runner yet, but I'm also in the market and have driven all sorts of SUV's. I'm getting rid of my 08 Wrangler 4 door for my wife to get something. We almost pulled the trigger on a 2011 4runner Limited this week, but found out the salesmen were jerking us around on price and kept talking in circles, so we bailed. We even had money down on it. We were quite pissed at them and now she's looking at the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. I know a lot of people have issues with Chrysler products, but check out the new Grand Cherokee. Fully loaded, it's the same price or cheaper with more options. Just to throw another option into the mix!! LOL :bash: I'll probably get lynched here for refrencing a Jeep amongst Toyotas!!!! LOL

 

[4ShoreRunner]

I came from a 2005 Element EX and couldn't have been happier with the choice to go T4R.

I've never driven the Pilot so I can't give you a comparo there - I can, however, compare my experiences with the Element for 5 years and having the Trail for 1.

1) I don't agree with the "A/C Issue" mentioned earlier. The A/C in the 4Runner is about 10x better than the one in the Element. Honda A/C systems have never been their strong suit, mine would take forever to get cold whereas my 4Runner gets cold immediately.

2) Storage - yes there is a lack of storage in the 4Runner and I miss that about the element sometimes. I don't have the updated sound system in mine so I get some extra cubbies in the way back which are helpful.

3) Speaking of the sound system.... sound system in the Element was way better than the non-JBL 4Runner. So it may be worth it to upgrade to the JBL if thats important to you (but then you'll lose some storage).

4) I don't miss the 4 seat seating capacity or the suicide doors, those things were a PITA.

5) The element was a lot more comfortable on long drives; however, I wouldn't say the 4Runner is uncomfortable.

6) You'll hear people complain about the "sway" at highway speeds or the affect the wind has on it...all I have to say, is that if you've been able to handle the toaster, you'll have no problem controlling the 4Runner. I felt like there was a sail attached to my Element sometimes and the 4Runner is a piece of cake in comparison.

7) Was your element 4wd? Sorry if I missed that - but it was nice having the automatic engaging of the Element 4wd system vs the part-time 4wd in the Trails/SR5 - if you are going with a limited then it shouldn't matter.

Anyway, I'm not sure how attached you were to your element, I was a big fan of mine, but in the end it was time for the upgrade. You won't be disappointed with the switch but there will be some things you miss.

I hope this helps! Were you over on the Element Owners Club Forum?

 

[Crissyphotog]

No american, husband won't let and with past resale value and trade in, I want to stick to toyota or honda.

Would I be crazy to add Subaru Outback to possible list? I haven't done ANY research just saw it has good resale value. I need to see how many it fits (5 is my guess), how big cargo is, and if it can tow boat.

ETA: We do keep up our vehicles. My husband is VERY VERY VERY anal about cars, be it his 02 Tundra or our Civic Mugen.

I came from a 2005 Element EX and couldn't have been happier with the choice to go T4R.

I've never driven the Pilot so I can't give you a comparo there - I can, however, compare my experiences with the Element for 5 years and having the Trail for 1.

1) I don't agree with the "A/C Issue" mentioned earlier. The A/C in the 4Runner is about 10x better than the one in the Element. Honda A/C systems have never been their strong suit, mine would take forever to get cold whereas my 4Runner gets cold immediately.

2) Storage - yes there is a lack of storage in the 4Runner and I miss that about the element sometimes. I don't have the updated sound system in mine so I get some extra cubbies in the way back which are helpful.

3) Speaking of the sound system.... sound system in the Element was way better than the non-JBL 4Runner. So it may be worth it to upgrade to the JBL if thats important to you (but then you'll lose some storage).

4) I don't miss the 4 seat seating capacity or the suicide doors, those things were a PITA. Two MAIN reasons I am getting rid of Element and not getting another one

5) The element was a lot more comfortable on long drives; however, I wouldn't say the 4Runner is uncomfortable.

6) You'll hear people complain about the "sway" at highway speeds or the affect the wind has on it...all I have to say, is that if you've been able to handle the toaster, you'll have no problem controlling the 4Runner. I felt like there was a sail attached to my Element sometimes and the 4Runner is a piece of cake in comparison. Good to know

7) Was your element 4wd? Sorry if I missed that - but it was nice having the automatic engaging of the Element 4wd system vs the part-time 4wd in the Trails/SR5 - if you are going with a limited then it shouldn't matter. Not 4wd, an 06 EXP (first year of painted panel option)

Anyway, I'm not sure how attached you were to your element, I was a big fan of mine, but in the end it was time for the upgrade. You won't be disappointed with the switch but there will be some things you miss.

I hope this helps! Were you over on the Element Owners Club Forum? No, for me it was a work vehicle more than anything. Our fun vehicle is our Civic SI Mugen which I used to go to 8thcivic a good bit

 

[zachb_NW]

Drive the Highlander!

 

[greasypaperbag]

I drive my dad's '09 Outback all the time when in Bmore, but for your needs it could be cramped inside. With 5 adults riding, it's really tight and pushing the levels of comfort. With a car seat and 4 adults, it's doable. The back is spacious and has reclining back seats. Not quite sure how much you could fit back there. Downside: you wouldn't be able to tow much with it. Upside: it's fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and has pedal shifters on the steering wheel.

 

[Crissyphotog]

What gas mileage are y'all getting?

I drive about 40 miles on interstate (75ish mph) to get to work then lots of stop go from house to house in neighborhoods then the same interstate ride back. I drive about 600 miles/week and am currently getting 18/19 mpg in the Element.

 

[philsey]

1) I don't agree with the "A/C Issue" mentioned earlier.

Ditto. I find myself having to throttle it back sometimes - no complaints at all.

.... The Pilot "4wd" can be locked in below 18 mph in 1st and 2nd. The Pilot is a dependable well built vehicle. ....

Good info. I learned something. This means you'll have 4WD when extracting your boat.

 

[Crissyphotog]

Ditto. I find myself having to throttle it back sometimes - no complaints at all.



Good info. I learned something. This means you'll have 4WD when extracting your boat. and regular gas mileage driving will be that of a 2wd with the extra weight from the 4wd additions

I am going to call my local toyota and see if they have a 3 row 4 runner I can come get for a couple hours this afternoon and I'll drive it around town a bit with my supplies and car seat and see if I can find 2 people willing to get in back seat and ride around with me. Then, whenever I have time, do the same with the pilot but the closest Honda is 40 mins away.