4Runner vs. Pilot
Please excuse me if this has been addressed many times before.
New member here with my first post. I am in the market for a new vehicle and had a chance to drive one a couple of months ago. I also test drove several other "SUV"s and thought I had my mind set on the Pilot.
Compared to other cross-overs the Pilot is my favorite. The Toyota Highlander rode slightly smoother and was slightly easier to handle, probably because of the slightly smaller size. Between the Pilot and Highlander I think the Pilot is the better and more efficient design. No other SUVs made my short list....until..
I drove the new 4Runner. Older 4Runners was too small and had too much of a truck-like ride for my tastes. The new 4Runner has a much better ride, although the Pilot is still more car-like. I have been driving a sedan ('92 Camry) for the past 13 years so I am a bit sensitive to lesser ride, handling, and response. I also looked and the similar Lexus GX470 and came away feeling the 4Runner was the better buy. The Lexus interior is first rate but I felt the 4Runner actually rode better and felt slightly less "tippy", perhaps due to the lower overall height. I hate the Lexus side opening rear door. The 4Runner rear door with the power window is a great feature. The 4Runner instrument cluster leaves much to be desired.
With 3 children and the need to sometimes transport my elderly dad, a third row would be nice. I live out in a rural area and drive into the city for work. Gas mileage is an issue but so is the ability to get around when the lake effect snow machine starts up in winter. We are fairly active and outdoor oriented. We camp (primitive) in areas where an SUV would come in handy. We have abused our Nissan Quest van for many years and i'ts time for something more road worthy. There are also places we would like to camp where 4WD is a must. After 25 years of tent camping we are planning to buy an A-frame camper next spring. Total packed weight of the unit will be in the 2800 - 3000# range. I have come to the conclusion that the Pilot is the best cross-over SUV for my needs and the new 4Runner is the best "real" SUV. I am comparing the Pilot EX-L and the 4Runner Limited V8. Sorry for the long post, but here are my issues and observations:
* The Pilot has the better ride, although the 4Runner felt "tighter". Acceleration is better with the 4Runner V8. Braking better in the 4Runner. Less lean in the Pilot. Better visibility int he Pilot
*Pilot has more interior room and an extremely user friendly layout. Great design for people and cargo needs. A better choice for the trips to Lowes and Home Depot.
* Exterior styling is always a personal issue and not a prime factor in my decision making process. I think both look nice, but the 4Runner has the edge IMHO, even more than the GX470). (Anything but a Pontiac Aztec!)
*The 4Runner seems to have better overall fit and finish (particularly the leather seats). I have owned Toyota and Honda products for many years (among other brands) and I would put them as #1 and #2 for quality/reliability. My 13 year old Camry with 157K miles has never had any major problems and runs as good today as it did new. The only major issue I ever had with a Honda was the tranny going out on my '85 Accord after 80K miles.
* For the occasional RV towing needs the 4Runner is obviously the better choice, especially the V8* version with the weight-distributing hitch and 7000# tow capacity. The Honda is rated at 3500# (for and RV) and would require a tow package. To be honest, the recent transmission problems has me wondering if the Honda tranny is really up to towing over the long haul. After many months of looking and lurking it seems that the Pilot has had more issues than the 4Runner. I am sure both are excellent choices vs. the rest of the market.
* The Pilot obviously has better gas mileage.
* A V8 4Runner the way I would like it equipped lists for about $5K more than the Pilot EX-L. I like the fact that many features I want are included with the 4Runner (fog lights, tow package, tow hitch and 7 pin plug, roof rack cross bars, etc.). Not insignificant but I do keep my vehicles for many years so the cost is amortized. (The 4Runner is also one of the best vehicles for residual value).
* While the thrid row seats in the Pilot are designed for small adults and children, they are much better than the optional third row in the 4Runner. I am interested in the 4Runner Limited and with the included sunroof, the third row seat is not an option anyhow. Glad to see Honda put in a sunroof for '95. Less headroom in the 4Runner but at 5'7" it's not an issue for me or the family. I wish both models included a fold down front passenger seat for longer cargo needs.
I would be interested in hearing more comparisions and comments re. these two vehicles. I am also going to investigate the new Nissan Pathfinder when it hits the showrooms. I am particularly interested in hearing from those of you who transport cargo and are more inclined to use their vehicles off the beaten path or in inclement winter weather.
I know many of you here are hard-core off roaders so please realize that I am coing from a more "midde ground" perspective. Also, I have posted similarly on the hondapilot.org forum.
Sorry for the "novel". I promise any future posts to be shorter!
Thank you in advance.
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