The Eternal Grudge Match…4Runner vs. Pathfinder

[mtbnole]

I came to this 4runner after having 3 nissans (2005 altima s, 2007 titan se, and 2007 Xterra SE 4x4). The Xterra was built like a tank and was tight as a drum at 70K miles. The main issue with both the Titan and the Xterra (especially the Titan), was the interior that scratched if you looked at it to hard. I test drove a pathfinder last year, and liked it, especially the 08 or newer with the new interior and big center info screen with backup camera. I wanted an Offroad, or v8 4x4, but it was not meant to be. when I bought my 4runner 2 weeks ago, I didn't even look at the pathfinder because i know the back seat was too tight, the gas mileage was a joke, and that the truck is now 6 years old. Nissan is just behind by 2 years. If they do it right, they can make the pathfinder great again, it's just old.

 

[USMC_4runner]

on this comment, i know it's kinda of irrelevant but I have a 1995 Nissan Maxima still running with no problems w 200k miles, i mean I Am nissan biased but like, atleast give people the credit they deserve, bc all japanese cars are good, nissan honda and toyota, and the pathfinder both stock base models, the pathy gives you more, and outperforms it.

How did you end up on this forum?? One post and it doesn't even make sense. If you want to actually stand up for the pathfinder, a little bit of grammar and proper English go a long way....Oh and as far as the performance goes, maybe on road but off road I'm pretty sure my stock 4Runner would win hands down! :gun6:

 

[Antman]

My wife had a Pathfinder (traded it in for an Odyssey- Ironic...) and hated it. I actually liked the performance, and I thought it was a nice looking, riding vehicle. It did develop alot of rattles rather quickly, even after trips to the dealer to get them looked at. The worst part was the gas mileage- 4.0 v6, mixed average was around 17. I get almost 22 in my 4Runner, and it's not even broken in yet... That is a big deal these days @ $4.00/Gallon

 

[Insane]

I have have driven both and can say that while the PF feels faster off the line it is not by that much. I am on my second 4R and love it and really wish I would have kept my 07 instead of trading it in and have two 4Rs. The build quality of Toyota is hands down better than nissan. Another thing is the paint on Nissans dont hold up as good as Toyotas. And yes you get more bells and whistles for your $$ with nissan but unless they have improved on the BT hands free phone system it is garbage, the one in my 4R is ten times better than the BT systems in my infiniti and in my nissan I had. Also Nissan oem radios if you plan on not changing it out tend to break right after the warranty expire just my .02 from my expierience. dont get me wrong they are both very capable vehicles but as far as value and quality Toyota is hands down in the lead. Oh and another thing I love about my 4R is the fact that you dont see too many of the 5th gens out there... unlike the PF that is almost like the Altima (everyone and their mamma has one)

 

[Vanuatoo]

I currently own 2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 and have to say that this is a great vehicle and was troublefree for me.

It's comfortable, smooth, capable (handled well in mud and snow) and reliable.
It has automatic climate control and BOSE Audio system.

I use it as a family vehicle, I don't tow but haul some heavy cargo several times a year.

When I was choosing between 3rd gen 4runner and my car 4runners were 1000$ expensive. I'm happy I chose pathfinder because it's a beautiful vehicle, has enough ground clearance for me, comfortable and reliable.

I don't have any problem with my car but already looking for a good replacement, because I love to plan ahead.

Until now my favorite was 4th gen 4runner and the last 3 years I've been browsing this forum everyday 4runner is a pretty vehicle (rear end not so much) and technically is advanced than my current car on every front, BUT more I read this forum, more I fear to have problems with either frozen calipers and/or 4lo actuator switch. I don't live in USA, I won't be under warranty and I definitely know those repairs will cost me an arm and a leg.

So after that I started looking at current gen pathfinder and recently at 5th gen 4runner.

Looks: Both are ugly vehicles. pathfinder's designer probably was on drugs when designing the rear of the vehicle. It's just a box, no esthetics. And compared to 4th gen 4runner, 5th gen is a complete disaster. Of course both vehicles grow on you, but initial reaction is puke.

Features: I don't consider leather interior, because don't find any advantage over cloth (If someone enlighten me, I will be glad). So If we compare SR5 4x4 to SV 4x4, pathfinder beats it with ease. SR5 lacks automatic climate control (which is a must in my case and shame to toyota that they downgraded it from previous gen.) and rear view camera as a standard equipment. Pathfinder has dual zone climate control + Big screen rear view camera, but you cannot have bluetooth unless you upgrade to Silver Edition.
On the other hand SR5 can be equipped with in-mirror backup cammera+blue-logic bluetooth or a more advanced bluetooth+mp3 with usb.
Pathfinder has standard 3rd row seats and bigger interior but second row seats are designed for children in mind only.

Reliability: If we consider that pathfinder is at the end of the generation it's quite reliable. 2005-2006-s have some radiator problem and up until 2011 vanos system could develop a whine because of plastic tensioners. If you buy MY 2011 pathfinder it probably be more reliable than 2011 4runner, because 4runner is a new model. Also as others mentioned in other threads I don't think frozen caliper issue has gone away.

In summary If I had 35k today and you ask me what car should I take, I would take pathfinder, because It has more features, is (sufficiently) reliable and I can compromise on the looks.

But It would be better to wait a year or two and see what 4runner redesign brings to us. If frozen caliper issue is admitted and fixed, automatic climate control is standard and the vehicle's style is refined, that would be my bet.

 

[scanny]

Iut It would be better to wait a year or two and see what 4runner redesign brings to us. If frozen caliper issue is admitted and fixed, automatic climate control is standard and the vehicle's style is refined, that would be my bet.

Automatic climate control is standard on 4Runner Limited and rear view camera is standard on all 5th gen 4Runners. But I hope that style would be more or less the same in next generation I don't like rounded crossover style.

But why do you consider 4Runner if you don't live in North America? It would be hard to get any warranty services, harder get spare parts when you need it etc, I would probably get local version of 4Runner I think it called Prado everywhere else.

 

[Vanuatoo]

But why do you consider 4Runner if you don't live in North America? It would be hard to get any warranty services, harder get spare parts when you need it etc, I would probably get local version of 4Runner I think it called Prado everywhere else.

It may sound funny but 2011 prado with 2.4 4 cyl engine costs here 43k and I beleive 4.0 version will be around 54k, because prado is more expensive vehicle than 4runner and our dealer (we have one for the whole country) has the stupid policy to have preconfigured models. For instance I can not have 4.0 version without leather and all the bells and whistles like Air suspension, KDSS, Rear seat entertainment, etc. That's why it's priced at 54k.

For me it's better to buy used (<3 years) low mileage 4runner, import it and live without warranty, rather than buy 4cyl POS prado.
As for parts, basic maintenance is not a problem, like filters, belts, fluids, brake pads, all can be imported. We even have a local shop that sells US Mobil 1 . Suspension parts may be compatible with prado or I can also import them from US.
It's really a concern here to have and maintain a car, this is a sad reality.

Automatic climate control is standard on 4Runner Limited and rear view camera is standard on all 5th gen 4Runners. But I hope that style would be more or less the same in next generation I don't like rounded crossover style.

Site lists it as optional for SR5 4x4 as well as Automatic climate control. I don't consider other trims.

 

[adoihcj]

Here are links to the data that we used when finalizing our decision to go with the T4R over the PF. When we saw the safety and JD Powers ratings it solidified the decision for us. We are VERY happy with our decision to go with the T4R.

JDPower.com | 4Runner

JDPower.com | Pathfinder

2010 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2010 Nissan Pathfinder

I realize that some people will argue the validity of these ratings, but I honestly feel that these organizations (JD Powers and NHTSA) are the best sources for unbiased information available to the consumer today. Hope this helps.

I can attest to the safety part. This past weekend, I was driving around 75 MPH and had to full-on slam the brakes because someone crossed into my lane around a bend. The 4R stayed straight and I was unbelievably surprised that I didn't lose control whatsoever. If I would have made the same move in my '03 Explorer, I would have rolled it guaranteed and probably wouldn't be typing this right now. Best decision I ever made was the 4R.

 

[scanny]

Site lists it as optional for SR5 4x4 as well as Automatic climate control. I don't consider other trims.

Oh I have Canadian edition of SR5 with Upgrade package - I have rear camera and parking sonar. But it doesn't make sense to buy t4R in Canada, my SR5 here cost as Limited in US. I had automatic climate control on my previous truck and I didn't really use it.

 

[crunchcity]

Isn't the Xterra Nissan's more off road worthy offering for comparing?

 

[Johnny Utah]

did the OP ever decide on a 4runner or a pathfinder?

bearshrimp? what did you get?

 

[philsey]

did the OP ever decide on a 4runner or a pathfinder?

bearshrimp? what did you get?

Disappeared back in Nov ... must've bought the Pathy.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Disappeared back in Nov ... must've bought the Pathy.

he'll regret that decision!

sucker!

 

[Ttn333]

he'll regret that decision!

sucker!

I sure did til I traded it in for t4r last year.

By the way, Bose stereo was crap. I prefer the stereo on my Trail. But that's not saying much. Nissan customer service was horrendus. Will not buy a Nissan ever again after having to deal with their dealers all the way up to their corporate chain.

Funny thing though, a week after I get the t4r, they decided to do the right thing. Too little too late.

 

[thebwlife]

The Pathfinder almost seems like a crossover now.

Preach, Preacher!

Check out my Join Date verse's my post - congrats to me. LOL, thats called keeping your mouth shut.

 

[Jerrydog]

Oh where do I start? I just bought my 2005 4Runner to replace my 97 Pathfinder and here are a few of my observations and opinions.

I put 304k miles on my pathfinder and never had it towed and it never not stated or left me stranded. Thats 14 +/- years.

It never had a major malfunction. It had the original engine tranny alternator calipers, lines, water pump, starter just to name a few of tha parts I never replaced.

I did replace the exhaust from the cat back 3 or 4 times due to rust, I put 3 timing belts in it with cam seals etc. New rotors once. Pads a few times, rear shoes once, a ball joint, hoses, struts stuff liek that and I smashed up the passengers front end and had that fixed. At least 5 sets of tires....

I sold it last week because the week before the tranny finally started to flare a little going into OD and I knew it was time. I also had not changed the fluid in over 100k miles so amybe thats my fault... We had bought the 4runner when the Path hit 300k because my wife and I agreed we would be on borrowed time after that.

So there can't be any doubt about quality. Nissan Pathfinder quality is as good or better than the 4runners especially from what I have read about problems people have had with their 4R like siezed calipers at 36k, transmissions at 60k, siezed calipers again at 90k.....just to name a few.

What I didnt like about my pathfinder was it had no guts. It had torque all day long but would not get out of its own way.

I do like the 4runner, I like that its a little bigger, it has a smoother ride and it has get up and go. I dont like the way the tranny shifts, I want to reprogram it in the worst way. I do not like dial 4wd shifting, my path had a shift lever but even the new paths havea dial so... Not a fan of the locking center diff, I'm fine with 4wd on or 4wd off. My rear defroster is terrible, it takes a long time to melt frost. I do like the rear side window defrosters except they dont work.

I dont like the new look fo the Pathfinders which is the sole reason I didnt buy one. For that matter I dont like the new 4R either. I got the 2005 version because it most reminds me of the styling of the older Paths.

So thats my .02 but I have to say you can't beat the quality and relaibility of the Pathfinder I had not a chance, not on your life.

 

[Jerrydog]

One big peeve of mine with the 4Runner is this. Why do they put like 5 power points in a serious off road SUV, but can’t put in a volt meter or oil pressure gauge? I would gladly trade the “party mode” speakers for a full set of gauges.

Becaue its NOT a "serious off road vehicle" Its a luxury truck with 4wd.

 

[Jerrydog]

Nissan's build quality is poor. They have good ideas, just poor execution.

100% false.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Oh where do I start? I just bought my 2005 4Runner to replace my 97 Pathfinder and here are a few of my observations and opinions.

I put 304k miles on my pathfinder and never had it towed and it never not stated or left me stranded. Thats 14 +/- years.

It never had a major malfunction. It had the original engine tranny alternator calipers, lines, water pump, starter just to name a few of tha parts I never replaced.

I did replace the exhaust from the cat back 3 or 4 times due to rust, I put 3 timing belts in it with cam seals etc. New rotors once. Pads a few times, rear shoes once, a ball joint, hoses, struts stuff liek that and I smashed up the passengers front end and had that fixed. At least 5 sets of tires....

I sold it last week because the week before the tranny finally started to flare a little going into OD and I knew it was time. I also had not changed the fluid in over 100k miles so amybe thats my fault... We had bought the 4runner when the Path hit 300k because my wife and I agreed we would be on borrowed time after that.

So there can't be any doubt about quality. Nissan Pathfinder quality is as good or better than the 4runners especially from what I have read about problems people have had with their 4R like siezed calipers at 36k, transmissions at 60k, siezed calipers again at 90k.....just to name a few.

What I didnt like about my pathfinder was it had no guts. It had torque all day long but would not get out of its own way.

I do like the 4runner, I like that its a little bigger, it has a smoother ride and it has get up and go. I dont like the way the tranny shifts, I want to reprogram it in the worst way. I do not like dial 4wd shifting, my path had a shift lever but even the new paths havea dial so... Not a fan of the locking center diff, I'm fine with 4wd on or 4wd off. My rear defroster is terrible, it takes a long time to melt frost. I do like the rear side window defrosters except they dont work.

I dont like the new look fo the Pathfinders which is the sole reason I didnt buy one. For that matter I dont like the new 4R either. I got the 2005 version because it most reminds me of the styling of the older Paths.

So thats my .02 but I have to say you can't beat the quality and relaibility of the Pathfinder I had not a chance, not on your life.

pretty good review of your pathfinder. I'm glad you got that many miles out of it. That is insane. I hope i get half that out of my 4runner. I traded in a 2002 xterra with 93,000 miles on it. It needed a little bit of work to keep her in tip top shape, but, i just decided that it was time to upgrade to a nicer vehicle. See ya

 

[aspade]

100% false.

Nissan's build quality in Japan is great. Those 2nd gen Pathfinders went forever.

The only similarity with the 3rd gen built in Smyrna is the name. The trucks coming out of there have had a lot of real problems, especially the first couple years.