Towing: 4Runner vs Pathfinder and V6 vs V8
- Thread starter NinjaPyrate
- Start date
bergs
New member
You don't have to. It comes with a badge proudly hung on he grille....and speaking of hung, as soon as you have the V8 your pants are instantly tighter!
:thumb3:
My point of reference in the thread is this, OP, at that weight the V6 4Runner is perfectly capable.
Personally, I chose the 8 cylinder 4R because it offers much more than my 4.0L V6 Ranger ever did and still gets equal or better fuel economy...that and I like tight pants.
EDIT: Never cared for Nissan products so I have nothing to offer there
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Martinjmpr
New member
Getting back on topic...
I know, crazy concept, right?
Anyway, I should have mentioned that if you aren't "locked in" to the 4runner (which it sounds like you are not if you are also considering the Pathy) the 1st gen (01-07) Sequoia is a great tow vehicle. has the same chassis as the Tundra pickup, 4.7 v8, and if you get the 05-07 models, it has the same 5 speed auto as the 4runner. Available in 2wd, though I don't know how common 2wds were (around here in CO, they're pretty rare.) The Sequoia has a longer wheelbase than the 4runner, which should make for a smoother towing vehicle.
One thing I've noticed is that Sequoias are significantly less expensive for the same year and miles. And every Sequoia I've seen is set up for towing.
Just something to consider.
:
I know, crazy concept, right?
Anyway, I should have mentioned that if you aren't "locked in" to the 4runner (which it sounds like you are not if you are also considering the Pathy) the 1st gen (01-07) Sequoia is a great tow vehicle. has the same chassis as the Tundra pickup, 4.7 v8, and if you get the 05-07 models, it has the same 5 speed auto as the 4runner. Available in 2wd, though I don't know how common 2wds were (around here in CO, they're pretty rare.) The Sequoia has a longer wheelbase than the 4runner, which should make for a smoother towing vehicle.
One thing I've noticed is that Sequoias are significantly less expensive for the same year and miles. And every Sequoia I've seen is set up for towing.
Just something to consider.
:You V8 4R guys crack me up. Really. There is a guy in this thread who speaks of the "insane amount of torque" Another one posts "that much power from that small of an engine" What are you guys smoking because I want itLet's do some basic arithmetic. 270 HP from a 4.7L is marginally better than 50 hp per liter. I say that's mediocre, unless you are from the 1960s. Then, even if all 320 ft-lbs is delivered at zero RPM (which it is not, just giving you that for effect), you are talking about 320 ft-lbs in a 4000+ lb truck. It is the definition of mediocre.
Bottom line - those that like the 4.7 V8 probably don't have a very good frame of reference. Try and drive a German V8 if you get a chance. Or even another modern Toyota V8 and you will agree. There is a reason the engine reached "its end of life" Plenty of old engines still being made, including the V6, the 4.7 just isn't worthwhile anymore. If I got it for free, I'd take it. Hey, I have nothing against it. But I am so tired of you 4.7 guys trying to turn a square into a circle. Oh, yes, the V6 is even more yawn inducing and boring than the V8. But at least, I don't have a V8 just to tell everyone I have a V8.
Also, to the gentleman who asked if I have driven a V8, I have owned 4 AMGs over the years, and have owned everything from 3 cylinders, I4s, V6s, flat 6s, V8s. Only reason I mention this is to say I have a frame of reference.
I didn't say "have you driven any V8" but you need to drive "THIS" V8. I've driven M5s and Corvettes which make a ton of power up top, but neither of those make as much torque down low. Truck V8s with wide torque bands and lower amounts of top end HP are designed differently with a greater bore to stroke which robs power up top, but creates a significantly wider torque band
Again, why do you think all the 4th to 5th gen people are crying over the loss when they have more upper end hp:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ad-4th-gen-what-do-like-what-do-you-miss.html
rileyru
New member
I own THREE (3ea) V8s... 2008 4runner, 2009 F150 and 2006 Mustang.
Test drove both a 4th gen V6 4runner and a 5th gen 4runner. On the same test course (including merging onto a highway) the V6s absolutely got the job done, they just SEEMED like they worked a lot harder to do it (noise and revs before speed).
In contrast, I LOVE all my V8s because in the exact same situation, the engine revs stay much lower, the noise is much less and the acceleration feels almost effortless.
I have towed with the F150, but haven't towed with the 4runner. Yet I can only imagine how the V6/V8 4runner experience would be magnified with a lot more weight behind it.
NOTE that I feel any 4runner would get the job done!
Test drove both a 4th gen V6 4runner and a 5th gen 4runner. On the same test course (including merging onto a highway) the V6s absolutely got the job done, they just SEEMED like they worked a lot harder to do it (noise and revs before speed).
In contrast, I LOVE all my V8s because in the exact same situation, the engine revs stay much lower, the noise is much less and the acceleration feels almost effortless.
I have towed with the F150, but haven't towed with the 4runner. Yet I can only imagine how the V6/V8 4runner experience would be magnified with a lot more weight behind it.
NOTE that I feel any 4runner would get the job done!
progress4m
Member
To OP: First of all I am recommending 4runner over Pathfinder; I have nothing against Nissan product and actually love them (my wife drives Nissan Altima and it proved to be great car), but IMHO 4runner is just simply better truck in almost all aspects;
Considering that you will be towing 2,000 lbs. 6x10 cargo trailer I would say that V6 and (obviously) V8 4Runner will do it with no problem;
With that weight of trailer (and assuming that it will have low profile trailer: no air resistance forces) the only times you will feel the difference is when you are towing for long distance (100-200 miles and more); it is not necessary the lack of low end torque or less HP on V6 vs. V8 but it is how it behaves when it has an extra weight it needs to carry;
With V6 you will have to push the accelerator pedal a lot more often as well as downshift more frequently (especially if you come across hilly terrain);
On the short distance that is not an issue at all, but longer you drive this will fatigue you and eventually create an unpleasant driving experience; just my $0.02;
Considering that you will be towing 2,000 lbs. 6x10 cargo trailer I would say that V6 and (obviously) V8 4Runner will do it with no problem;
With that weight of trailer (and assuming that it will have low profile trailer: no air resistance forces) the only times you will feel the difference is when you are towing for long distance (100-200 miles and more); it is not necessary the lack of low end torque or less HP on V6 vs. V8 but it is how it behaves when it has an extra weight it needs to carry;
With V6 you will have to push the accelerator pedal a lot more often as well as downshift more frequently (especially if you come across hilly terrain);
On the short distance that is not an issue at all, but longer you drive this will fatigue you and eventually create an unpleasant driving experience; just my $0.02;
Basically...
The V6 has MORE THEN ENOUGH power (torque and HP) to tow the 2000 trailer.
And the V8 has MORE THEN MORE THEN ENOUGH power.
To Say the V6 can't TOW just plain stupid. The V8 is a GREAT engine. And you really want one for towing 5000lbs or more. But you DON'T need one for Class-II towing. Or even class-III if you don't tow every weekend like I do.
The V6 has MORE THEN ENOUGH power (torque and HP) to tow the 2000 trailer.
And the V8 has MORE THEN MORE THEN ENOUGH power.
To Say the V6 can't TOW just plain stupid. The V8 is a GREAT engine. And you really want one for towing 5000lbs or more. But you DON'T need one for Class-II towing. Or even class-III if you don't tow every weekend like I do.
grey_ghost
New member
Great comment! I have to say the day i bought my T4R, I went out and test-drove two cars; the '13 Pathfinder and the '13 T4R SR5. The Pathy was great and had a new more economical engine but bottom line reason I didn't buy the Pathy: it looked like a soccer-mommy car!
My .02 on the OPs question: I'd pay close attention to the timing belt issue; on a used vehicle, the replacement cost can come close to 1/10th the value of the vehicle. if you do go with a V8 where someone claims the belt "was done recently", make sure you have proof/documentation of it- with a VIN number, a dealership will often confirm a timing belt job.
Good Luck!
daka320
New member
Ok here is my 2 cents worth:
Pulling a 2000 lb trailer will not make much difference on engine size for the 4runner. Find a vehicle that has been well maintained with plenty of progressive maintenence that is in good condition. That would be the important thing to look at to fit your bill.
I've pulled a 2500 lb popup with a v6 over 15k miles over the past 2 years through all conditions except ice through all temperatures up to 115 degrees and from sea level to over 10,000 feet. It has performed like a champ!!!
Best upgrades I have made was to the popup. Installed a sway bar and brakes. As anyone who has towed much, it is more about control and stopping than accelerating.
Pulling a 2000 lb trailer will not make much difference on engine size for the 4runner. Find a vehicle that has been well maintained with plenty of progressive maintenence that is in good condition. That would be the important thing to look at to fit your bill.
I've pulled a 2500 lb popup with a v6 over 15k miles over the past 2 years through all conditions except ice through all temperatures up to 115 degrees and from sea level to over 10,000 feet. It has performed like a champ!!!
Best upgrades I have made was to the popup. Installed a sway bar and brakes. As anyone who has towed much, it is more about control and stopping than accelerating.
NinjaPyrate
New member
Getting closer to purchasing! I have it narrowed down to three vehicles in my area and am horrible at making decisions like this:
2006 4Runner SR5 V6 23k miles - $18k
2007 Pathfinder S V6 55k miles - $12k
2010 Pathfinder SE V6 36k miles - $16k
What would you do? :der:
2006 4Runner SR5 V6 23k miles - $18k
2007 Pathfinder S V6 55k miles - $12k
2010 Pathfinder SE V6 36k miles - $16k
What would you do? :der:
BlackWorksInc
New member
How nice is that '10 SE Pathfinder? That seems like a pretty damn good price for such a new vehicle compared to the 8 year old base model SR5 with a V6 that has a 2k premium for 13k less miles.
NinjaPyrate
New member
The Pathfinder is totally plush! I guess I'm struggling with the 4Runner's 5 star reliability vs the Pathfinder's 3 star. I drove a comparable 4Runner today and it was nice with a car-like ride. I'm driving the Pathfinder SE tomorrow morning.
NinjaPyrate
New member
I found a few cheaper but they were 2004's with 50k or more miles.
grey_ghost
New member
One big factor is; realistically how long do you intend to keep this vehicle? I'd agree that 2010 pathfinder is very tempting. The reliability issue might only be more of a factor if you plan to put a couple hundred thousand miles on it. Also going from 06 to 10 probably adds some very significant convenience features...
I test drove both a v6 pathfinder and a v6 4runner when I was buying. The pathfinder did seem to have more pep off the line. Went with the toyota due to features: sunroof, rear glass that rolled down, power seats, shift on the fly 4wd. Also i found the headroom situation to be better.
Not to drag us all back into the v6 vs v8 thing, but here's my perspective: after driving the v6, i didn't consider looking for a v8. in my mind, the v6 was adequate for its intended purpose and the v8 wouldn't have been worth the MPG penalty.
Not to drag us all back into the v6 vs v8 thing, but here's my perspective: after driving the v6, i didn't consider looking for a v8. in my mind, the v6 was adequate for its intended purpose and the v8 wouldn't have been worth the MPG penalty.
bergs
New member
As someone who considers mileage secondary to overall vehicle condition, I wouldn't say 50k is a whole lot.
Using myself as an example, I just turned 200,000 on my 2005 last week. I bought it with something like 116,000 a little over 3 years ago for about $10k. Granted the seller wasn't completely honest about the timing belt but this Toyota has otherwise been an exceptional vehicle. I take it offroad, tow with it fairly often and have been commuting with it about 600 miles a week. The only items I've replaced have been wear items (brakes, altermator, tires, etc).
Point is, 50k miles really is nothing if the vehicle is in good shape.
NinjaPyrate
New member
I drove the 2010 Pathfinder SE V6 (36k miles - $16k) today, and have to say that I actually liked it more than the 4Runner. It felt more powerful, and more like a truck - both of which are good for my towing purposes.
However, the independent lot I went to turned out to be horribly shady. They failed to mention either time I called them with questions that it was certified, which cost an additional $3k. They also said that their lenders could match my pre-approved rate (2.79% at 48 months), but when their numbers came in they offered me a 4.99% loan at 75 months with $700 fee and non-negotiable terms. I could of course decline and pay them in cash - though their cash price was $6k more than their financed price. So the $16k Pathfinder was actually $19700-$22k. I walked out and called the other lot with a near identical 2010 Pathfinder listed at $17k and asked if their price had any hidden fees, and they were nice enough to not waste my time by telling me that their internet price was financing only, and did not include a $2k additional down payment.
No more independent Brooklyn/Queens lots for me. On Monday I'm headed to a Nissan dealership and hope that they are not so shady, to look at the 2006 4Runner SR5 V6 (23k miles - $18k) and 2007 Pathfinder S V6 (55k miles - $12k).
However, the independent lot I went to turned out to be horribly shady. They failed to mention either time I called them with questions that it was certified, which cost an additional $3k. They also said that their lenders could match my pre-approved rate (2.79% at 48 months), but when their numbers came in they offered me a 4.99% loan at 75 months with $700 fee and non-negotiable terms. I could of course decline and pay them in cash - though their cash price was $6k more than their financed price. So the $16k Pathfinder was actually $19700-$22k. I walked out and called the other lot with a near identical 2010 Pathfinder listed at $17k and asked if their price had any hidden fees, and they were nice enough to not waste my time by telling me that their internet price was financing only, and did not include a $2k additional down payment.
No more independent Brooklyn/Queens lots for me. On Monday I'm headed to a Nissan dealership and hope that they are not so shady, to look at the 2006 4Runner SR5 V6 (23k miles - $18k) and 2007 Pathfinder S V6 (55k miles - $12k).
T4R2014
Elite Member
The majority of those independent Brooklyn/Queens are shady as hell, especially when they have a body shop attached.
Like I said, one is Japanese built while the other is built in the States. I always hear that these Pathy's get issues often. That 06' 4Runner has some crazy low miles for the age. As for the "truck-like" feel, the independent rear suspension in the Pathy will be squatting down when you hook up that trailer.
Like I said, one is Japanese built while the other is built in the States. I always hear that these Pathy's get issues often. That 06' 4Runner has some crazy low miles for the age. As for the "truck-like" feel, the independent rear suspension in the Pathy will be squatting down when you hook up that trailer.
