2005 Pathfinder
Not a frequent visitor to this forum, but I have driven the new Pathfinder. Below are some of my observations. This ias a "cut and paste" from a post of another thread of another forum I visit. For what it's worth.
Comparison
With the advent of so many "SUV"s on the market with greater design variations, I think the "practical" distinction between crossover and true SUVs is becoming blurred. I guess what I am saying is don't go into comparison testing with too many preconceived notions of truck-based vs. crossover SUVs.
I have been "SUV" shopping for some time now and had it narrowed down to the Pilot EX-L, Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited, Lexus GX470, and possibly the new Pathfinder. I have posted in these forums as well as others on the net.
Just this past weekend I test drove all the above for the second - third times (with the exception of the Pathfinder LE which only arrived at the dealer a few days before). I wanted to drive each the same day so that they were fresh in my mind for logical comparison.
Without going into too much detail, I was not as impressed with the Pathfinder as much as I thought I would be. I had hoped that it would be a compromise between the minivan/car based Pilot with greater room and the truck based 4Runner and Lexus cousins with tougher frames, better off-road capability, and higher towing capacity. The Pathfinder is built on a truck frame but has an IRS which allows for the fold down third row seat and supposedly more car-like handling.
The Pathfinder has a nicely arranged interior. Front seat cushions were a little shallow and headroom was low (lower then the 4Runner), but all in all a nice interior. I am comparing the Pathfinder LE to the 4Runner Limited - both with sunroofs which diminish headroom. (The GX has more headroom than the 4Runner due to higher overall height.) The Pilot has the most cabin space. The Pathfinder's Interior quality seemed equal to the Pilot and slightly lower than the Runner. (I don't have to mention the Lexus interior!) Lexus leather s the best in the business, but the 4Runner was noticeably better than the Pathfinder and especially the Pilot (cheap leather!) The Pathfinder's second row compared to the 4Runner in overall room and comfort - both less roomy than the Pilot. The third row was less roomy than the Pilot, it can only seat two. It was much better than the "bolt on" third row options for the Toyota products however. These are not viable alternatives to me. The third row folded into the floor and the second folded nearly flat. (A nice feature on the SE off-road version are the easy clean plastic seat backs and cargo trim). Capacity with all seats down was slightly more than 4Runner/GX but less than Pilot. A couple of inches more than the Runner between wheel wells but several inches less than Pilot.
Exterior styling is personal, but IMO the 4Runner has them all beat. The GX is OK but I like the styling of the 4Runner better. I imagine most people will with either love or hate the Pathfinder (and Armada) styling. I fall into the latter group. The Pilot is neutral with somewhat of a minivan look. The Pathfinder does have a swing open rear window, unlike the Pilot. The 4Runner has them all beat with a power rear window. Skid plates are only available on the Pathfinder SE off-road. All 4Runners and GX models have factory skidplates. Not available on the Pilot.
Very important to me are ride quality and handling. After driving them all on side roads and highway, I came away with some concrete impressions. The Pilot has a softer car-like ride with "bulkier" handling. The GX is also soft - but has less road feel than the 4Runner. The Runner felt tighter and inspired more confidence. It is slightly lower in height than the GX and feels less tippy. BTW, I am comparing the V8 Limited Runner with the Yamaha X-REAS suspension system. The steering and overall handling of the Runner impressed me. I was able to throw it around more. The Pathfinder rode as well as the 4Runner on side roads but seemed to wander more on the highway. I really disliked the steering feel through all speed ranges. As far as ride quality and handling, I saw no advantage to its IRS compared to the live rear axle of the Runner and GX. The Pilot was softer on the highway, especially over rough road. As far as road and interior noise, the GX has them all beat with the Runner coming in next. The Pilot followed and the Pathfinder came up last. The Pathfinder has an especially loud exhaust note.
I came away feeling more respect for the Runner and Pilot and less for the GX and Pathfinder. IMO the GX doesn't do anything for me over the Runner. The interior is gorgeous and amenities are abundant, but I like the driving dynamics and styling of the Runner more. The Pilot is probably still the best crossover vehicle out there. The Pathfinder is a nice package but it doesn't seem to offer me what I am looking for. Less cargo and overall passenger room than the Pilot with inferior ride and handling vs. the 4Runner (IMO). The Pilot is the the most efficient and logical choice, and a good minivan alternative. Almost as much room as a minivan with a softer ride than some of the other "SUVs". Hmmm, maybe I should buy an Odyssey. Even more room with better gas mileage and arguably better ride quality. Oh yeah, I would be without AWD and higher ground clearance for my backwoods and camping adventures. I will tow a camper and while the Pilot should be able to handle it, I know the 4Runner will do it with less strain and wear and tear. I do still worry about Honda transmissions - can't get it out of my head. I have owned many brands but IMO Toyota still reigns at the top for reliability. Honda comes in next with Nissan third. I do wish the Runner had more cargo and passenger room. A third row would be nice but with my kids getting older this is becoming less of a requirement. It is the best driver of the bunch for my tastes. I guess you can see where I am leaning!
Sorry for the rambling...................
Your mileage may vary.............
