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Toyota 4Runner vs. Nissan Pathfinder
It's time to lease a new SUV, after an exhaustive search, it's down to the Pathfinder and the 4-Runner.
Pathfinder LE with Nav
4-Runner Limited V8 with no Nav
Lease numbers are within $25/month of each other.
I really could care less about long term durability, it's gone after 36-48 months
Any input on the way to go?
Pathfinder LE with Nav
4-Runner Limited V8 with no Nav
Lease numbers are within $25/month of each other.
I really could care less about long term durability, it's gone after 36-48 months
Any input on the way to go?
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Here's why I chose the Pathy over getting another 4Runner: Ride, Noise, and Horsepower is all comparable. Pathy V6 vs. Toyo V8- While towing numbers are a plus for the Toyota, 7300 lbs, while the Pathy is 6000, I think MPG is the better compromise. How often do you tow? I got a 22 ft ski boat and I take it out 6 times a year. 6000 is respectable while still 1000 more than a Toyo V6. Getting 4 MPG more(Pathy V6 vs. Toyo V8) is a good trade off. Seating: You get 7 seats standard, optional in the Toyo. And saying "you can only fit children in the 3rd row" applies to both vehicles and most SUVs in the midsize class. Driver Position: In the Toyo you sit in a very low-to-the-floor seat. The Pathy is more of a chair, where your legs are closer to vertical rather than horizontally streached out. Controls: I never really liked the Toyo's set up for HVAC control. I don't have Navi on my Pathy, so I'm not sure if the controls are melded into that system or not. Cargo Space: The Pathy is better in this respect.
The Toyo does have better 2nd row sholder room. But I'm never back there, so what do I care, right? Lol. I'm not sure if you're getting any premium sound with the 4Runner, but the BOSE in my Pathy is KILLER. I sat in the back with my daughter the other day in a mall parking lot watching a DVD while the Mrs. was shopping, and I couldn't believe how good the sound was. It gives my home setup a run for the money.
All things considered, I feel I made a great choice and love the styling. The engine is super torquey and gets great mileage while being able to tow a decent load.
Went to the local Toyota dealership on Saturday. I had already called several stores and they ALL were very difficult to deal with. Upon our arrival, the salesperson I was e-mailing was tied up, so they sent over another rep.
He was the ultimate in "cheesy" salesman. After 2 hours of pulling teeth, we sat down to run some numbers. Before they would quote me, they insisted in a credit app being filled out. I informed him of our credit score, and told him that we would not buy that day. We were only going to compare the price of the Toyota vs. the Nissan. He went to "check with the manager" if he could even quote us a price! After waiting around for 30 minutes, we got up, walked out, and drove to the Nissan dealership and bought the Pathfinder.
Funny thing is, we liked the 4-runner a little more, and may have went with it, if it wasn't for the dealership experience.
I have been looking at this extensively for weeks -
The V8 toyota to v6 pathfinder is closer to apples to oranges than apples to apples.
two major differences between the two is the wheelbase and inrerior layout with the all the seats down.
The pathfinder has a 4+ inch longer wheelbase than the 4runner.
To me, that has got to be a noticeable difference in ride, and also in less rollover potential
In terms of cargo - with all seats folded down - the pathfinder length of cargo area is a full 7+ inches longer - I say plus+ because the tailgate is rounded and bulges another inch longer in the center to give you 8" - I actually measured this on both vehicles
If you compare the 4.0 liter path, to 4.0 liter toy - the pathfinder comes far out better, IMHO.
What I did, was go to a local Carmax for weeks, and kept driving and trying them, along with comparing specs - I also wanted to see what they felt like with around 30K on them.
The Toyota is a tighter, more solidly built, more solid feel and quieter engine - plus has better resale.
The Pathfinders (compared 4 liter to 4 liter) are more powerful, better braking, more towing, more hauling -
the pathfinder is a slightly larger vehicle - the pathfinder is closer to being a small suburban than 4runner is -
As an old fart that has put many, many road miles on his life - if you're on the road much, those 4 inches of wheelbase are going to mean more than most people realize.
While I just made a deal for a used pathfinder with everything on it but the leather package - I didn't really compare amenities - I am interested in performance, towing, size, wheelbase -
None of this may matter to you, but these were considerbably important differences to me.
Last but not least, one other thing I noticed that is also a common user complaint - pathfinder is somewhat noisy under hard acceleration - On the other hand, hard accelaration was surprising - that thing will fly and get up there quickly - I wasn't expecting the very quick way one of the 4 liter pathfinders will move out -
Whle the two are similar - the mechnical and technical differences are pretty noticeble to me
Hope this helps
I also noticed the louder acceleration from the Nissan, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I really liked the seating height better, and the overall dealership experience is what sold it.
As far as resale, and holding up after 5 years, I could care less if the doors fall off the day after the lease it up!
Pathfinder is 2+ inches longer wheel base than 4 runner - got that confused with another vehicle I was looking at
actual specs are
4Runner
Wheelbase109.8 track Track
(Front)62.0Track (Rear)62.0
OA Width75.2
Pathfinder
Wheelbase112.2 Track (Front)61.8Track (Rear)61.8
OA Width72.8
Making the pathfinder 2.4 inches longer, with a slightly narrower width and track
I am in the same boat. I have a 4Runner coming off lease and Toyota has the stereotypical sales force waiting to pounce on uneducated customers. (I suggest you read Edmunds.com "I became a carsalesman for 6mo.")
I am between Pathfinder and Landrover LR3. I have discounted Toyota as the price is not with the value. I think you get better value with Pathfinder, more options for the dollar and equal quality. I do not like the third row seat on 4Runner as Nissan has a workable third seat.
I know Nissan's sales numbers are down and hope to get a great lease deal. Here the Nissan stores are easier to deal with.
As for the LR3, the jury is out on the build quality.
How is your Pathfinder for wind noise on the freeway?
Is the motor noisy at xway speeds as on acceleration?
Thanks
Freeway noise not a problem, but my previous vehicle was bad, so may not be a good reference. Was a lot easier for me to talk to my wife
The "annoying noise" that they are known for is mainly under hard acceleration, not that bad, it just takes a little getting used to. Actually, since I have been prone to speeding tickets in the past, I'm thinking it may not be a bad thing.
I drove a bunch of cars at CARMAX, trying to determine what I wanted, with cars that had some miles on them.
One possibly underated area is the Pathfinders brakes - they seem to have the "drive by wire" thing down pat. The pedal feel is perfect during hard panic stops (which I did in everything I drove) - you can easily and quickly take it right to the edge of losing traction and keep it there for a short quick stop.
Harder to try to write about than it is to do _grin_
I used to work for a dealer, cars are pretty "generic" tools to me. So, I was pleasantly surpised at the ergonomics, handling, ride, gauges, instrument panel. All in all, pretty well done.
I bought a 4wheel drive - the ride is a little stiff - but hey, if it wasn't, it wouldn't do well in 4 wheel situations.
In all honesty - a 4Runner feels tighter and better to me at first. However, the pathfinder feels and acts really good, and compares quite favorably with some miles.
PS - if I was disappointed, I would say that too!
Thanks for all your informative posts! I've always wanted a 4runner for over 10 years now, but am kind of disappointed in the current body style the last couple years. I am now in the market to buy a brand new SUV probably in June or July once I move back to San Diego from Hawaii. I am now open to a Pathfinder since it's comparable in price...but am also liking the Toy Sequoia and Nis Armada but are more expensive and worse on MPG. I'm afraid that if I buy that Toyota will come out with the new 4Runner...anyone know anything about a new 4Runner coming out anytime soon?
4Runner MF=00181 or 4.34%.
March was almost the same.
Anybody got any advice/words of wisdom? :confuse: What kind of gas milage are you all getting with the Pathfinder?
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
As it was, I drove between 60-70 MPH and had to be careful not to go faster! Not a bit of sway!!
Whoever said the shorter wheelbase made a difference, must have been driving a replication of a 4 Runner....it was GREAT experience!!
To add to the other comments in the topic, I liked the Pathfinder better. The 4Runner is a fine vehicle and I haven't had any problems out of it, but I liked the way the Pathfinder drove and rode better. I do think the 4Runner is probably a little better quality, I had a few problems out of the Pathfinder, but I still liked it better and wish I still had it. My lease is up in about 20 months, I'll probably go back to a Pathfinder at that time.
The 4Runner has smoother engine/transmission and I think a better suspension, particularly with X-REAS. However, it is still somehow not very satisfying to drive. It can be nervous on the highway and very susceptible to high winds. The Pathfinder's steering feels less precise, but you can drive with one finger even in windy conditions. The 4Runner feels faster, but the Pathfinder is actually faster.
One other thing to note: these cars are within inches of external dimensions, but the interior of the 4Runner feels like a cockpit while the interior of the Pathfinder is more like a Lazy-Boy chair. The 4Runner feels and drives smaller than it is, while the Pathfinder feels bigger than it really is. Go figure.
In the end, choose your favorite. I'm happy with the Pathfinder.
Does anyone have any information on this?
I'm still wondering why Toyota's 4.7L engine isn't more powerful. Doing the math, if they can get 381 HP out of their 5.7L, they should be able to get about 314 HP out of their 4.7L.
Any comments?
2) My 2003 4Runner V8 has "only" 235 hp and still does 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds. How much faster do you have to go in an SUV?
The problem I run into is with vehicles in front of me in narrow canyons that have very limited passing sections. Many drivers will go very slowly for the entire time you can't pass, only to speed up on the very limited passing sections.
More power/torque means more safety margin in a wider range of passing scenarios.
I've got the '03 V8 as well but I'm looking for sub 7 second 0-60.
My wife and I are both tall and were a bit cramped when we test-drove a 4Runner. The upright seating position in the Pathfinder was much more satisfying to us.
Presumably you've already made your purchasing decision since a few months have gone by, but hopefully this posting will be of use to future buyers.
Four major problems. The first is pretty obvious - poor fuel mileage and $75 to fill up. Ouch!
The second is build quality/body integrity. Squeaks and rattles galore, especially from the dash.
Third: really poor ergonomics. The door handle hits me in the leg and leaves a crease. The front passenger seat leans slightly forward and forces you to plant your feet into the floorboard to stay seated. Lots of hard plastic in the cabin. Steering wheel controls not lit at night.
Fourth: powertrain hunts for gears while towing. Holds gears too long and refuses to upshift when prompted to do so.
Perhaps some of these problems have been corrected since the 2004 model, but Consumer Reports doesn't seem to think so.
If you don't need offroad capability, I'd look at a cross-over or minivan. You'll get more room inside and less of the drawbacks of a body-on-frame SUV. Look at GM's Acadia/Outlook/Enclave.
she liked the first one she had when she was in college. ( 1997 Model Year )
Her 2004 lease is up and at this moment looking at another SUV. Her experience with the Pathfinder and re-acurring engine noise problems, Cd changer problem, the high service costs ....and the way she was treated by the Valley Stream, Long Island NY dealership service left her negative about Nissan.
She had a standard 30,000 mile service checkup that cost $600.00. three weeks later when she had and she had to renew her inspection sticker, They found
two badly worn belts ( $150.00 )that had to be replaced...Three weeks after the
the service done at Nissan !!!!
I have had six Toyota 4-Runners since 1989. Had few if any problems over the years
and will buy another one when my 2006 expires. This has been a reliable SUV
and I would highly recommend it.
Thanks
Karen
I haven't seen many folks talking about the '08+ Pathfinder here which received an updated dash/exterior so I thought I would chime in.
I have owned a lot of Toyota's over the years. Wife has a GX470 currently and I was coming out of a Tundra. Never owned a Nissan before.
The 4R is very aged in the dash/controls/layout department. Someone said it looks like a cockpit and that's about right. Fairly straight-up dash with small buttons, old-school HVAC display, and not much beyond the basics. PF has a nice big LCD screen which gives you mpg, maintenance reminders, actual psi in tires, XM song name/artist, etc. You can control a lot of features through the menus, like auto headlamp timing. Nice touches on the SE include auto-dimming review mirror, power pedals, backup camera, and full power seat.
PF interior is not as high of a quality materials as 4R. The PF has a great design though with very good style and good controls. The only neg to the PF ergonomics is the knob to roll through XM/FM channels is a bit of a stretch (and I have long arms). You can roll through the presets with the steering wheel button, but not all channels. The other neg to the 4R to me is that it just felt smaller inside and more enclosed. Seems like the windshield was too close or something.
The cargo area on the PF with 3rd row seats folded is nice utility grade plastics, but stuff slides around really easy. The 3rd row seats on the 4R aren't useful at all in my book because they don't fold flat which is where I want them 80% of the time. With 3rd row out, 4R has better cargo area and is carpeted which I prefer.
I was only shopping V6 models. I won't tow more than 5k with this and it's mainly my daily-driver. While I need good performance (I do a lot of short two-lane passing) the V6's are both adequate. PF V6 is stronger than 4R in most every category, although the 4R transmission is a better shifter. It holds gears longer and downshifts just when it should. PF has a good manual mode though which makes up for some of that. It's clearly geared more toward fuel economy as it likes to stay in the upper gears more but it's not hard to convince to downshift either. PF makes more noise at WOT than the 4R but it's not a bad noise at all. In fact the PF V6 has a nice growl when you get on it but otherwise is very quiet. Highway cruising, both are reasonably quiet.
Handling is also a big deal for me because my commute is 60 miles of twisty mountain 2-laners. The 4R Sport had excellent handling and ride control, which was largely due to the XREAS suspension. Very impressive however I've seen a lot of failures of those shocks which are expensive and don't have aftermarket options. I probably would have bought that feature though simply because it was probably worth any potential problems. Comparing base suspension, the PF handles better than 4R but it's not quite as sophisticated. It has a little more hop when you hit bumps and not quite as controlled of a ride. Steering in the PF is very good, maybe a little tighter than the 4R but again the slight hop when hitting bumps comes through the steering more. Both are very good, particularly considering they're riding a truck platform. Yes I probably would have appreciated something like a Murano or Highlander more in the handling/ride department, but neither meet my needs for 4x4 or towing.
Deal breaker: Seat comfort
I have read a lot of complaints about the seats in the 4R. Once sitting in them, I couldn't believe how bad it was. Seat is not upright enough and headroom is tight. Also, the seat cushions are very short and provide no thigh support. My wife has a GX470 (same platform as 4R) so I really couldn't imagine there was that much of a difference, but apparently the GX and 4R are completely different in the seats and head room. I drove every model 4R out there and the seats were the same regardless of cloth/leather/power. I'm tall so I'm sure that makes it worse, but it basically ruled out the 4R for me regardless of anything else. PF seats had more power options, good lumbar, bigger seat, and more upright. Between all that and the power pedals there is no problem finding a very comfy spot.
Had the seats been more comfortable it would have made a more difficult decision but I think I still would have gone for the PF. The extra features, better performance, and nicer interior really was hard to pass up.
Found a very low mileage private party 2008 PF SE with even more features than I wanted for about $8k off a new one. Got 22mpg on the trip home so can't complain.
I really haven't had any wonderful experiences with Toyota since about 1994 so I don't buy into the reliability thing. Our GX470 has had quite a few more repairs than expected (including a transaxle at 70k miles) and the steering rack was on it's way out on my Tundra at 50k miles. I'll go with what I like best and let the reliability chips fall where they may. I have some other reasons I leaned towards the Nissan over Toyota this time but they don't directly play into this comparison. If I was sold on buying new, it would have been a more difficult decision.
I am in a market to buy a new 2010 TE 4Runner and I am still in agreement with you. Wrt reliability, I have a 1993 4Runner since brand new and I am hoping somewhat of similar results.
All my family and friends own Toyota and I must say I agree that Toyota’s quality has been dimensioning from experience as well as reviews. My wife’s 2007 V6 Camry Sport is an example. However, similar to agnosto I have had poor experience with Nissan. I do not like change or regularly repair vehicles as I see them as functional products. Not get me wrong, looks are important but secondary to me personally. As I said I have been running my 4runner for 17 years using it for every day use as well as hunting and fishing though out year.
In my humble view, here is how two compare:
Nissan PF,
Modern stylish looks – internal & external
Much better options
Better on the Road performance
Very poor gas mileage
Poor longevity
Average reliability
Toyota 4Runner
Best off road performance
Best longevity
Best fuel economy in its class
Ugly styling – in and out
Poor options
Below average on road handeling on base model
Average engine performance – power and acceleration
Wrt to gas mileage, my friend owns one which we use for soft outdoor activities. Gas consumption is very poor.
As for rental, be VERY CAREFUL. These vehicles are part time 4WD and should not be driven in dry road condition. Failure to do so will cause serious and costly damage to drivetrain. The damage often shows itself in later years of ownership. People renting 4x4 vehicle often know very little about them and experiment on these trucks.
Wrt car fax, this report ONLY shows what has been reported. Accidents are often unreported and resolved between two parties to avoid increase in insurance premiums. These accidents will not appear since they have not been reported.
Good Luck,
Ray