Pilot AWD vs. Toyota Sequoia 4WD?

[04pilotexl]

My friend has a 2004 Toyota Sequoia with it's nice 4WD system that has all the gadgets: low range gears, locking diffs, and armored undersides.

I have a 2004 Honda Pilot with it's AWD system (probably identical drivetrain to the 2004 MDX). My friend wants to go offroading and we're curious about the capabilities of my AWD Pilot vs. the 4WD Sequoia.

Obviously, I don't have the low range gears and armored transfer case, etc. But I do have a button that seems to lock the AWD system into 4 wheel drive mode at low speeds. Is there a big difference between the Pilot in this mode, and the Sequoia in 4H?

My friend says we wouldn't be doing anything "too nasty" that would require 4L. But he does lock his diffs to get through the trail.

Having never seen the trail, what does everyone think? Is AWD good enough to follow the 4WD through the dirt? I wonder also about entry and exit angles, but the Sequoia can't be much different than the Pilot in this regard.

Cheers.

[devin1955]

I say go for it, but bring a good tow strap so if you get stuck he can pull you out.

Something like this:
http://performancelifts.com/cgi-bin/cart/EXP230000.html

Or this:
http://www.globalindustrial.com/gcs/...tNumKey=294355

Absolutely worth having if you go offroad.

[tlaudio]

Please, Please take pictures!!

TL

[PNW-Pilot]

If your heading out to the desert, just deflate your tires and you will do just fine for 90% of the time. the 10% that is climbing dunes I would not bother.

If your heading to the mountains you should be fine so long as your not going rock crawling.

Just keep in mind that his sequoia has a body on frame design and will handle the rough stuff better. But if it's nothing more then a logging trail/fire trail you will do just as fine as him.

[GreenMachine]

Keep in mind the Sequoia probably has an inch or two more ground clearance on top of those skid plates that protect the undercarriage.

As mentioned before, take pics!

[74PILOTMOM]

If you're heading into mud...back out if you have the goodyears. They're terrible in mud. The Sequoia no doubt has better tread. But I have to say that the VTM-4 system (even unlocked) is amazing. Especially in snow.
Practice putting your shifter into 1st and 2nd...it's tricky, and you'll need to put it in those gears (or Reverse) before you hit the VTM4-LOCK button.
Have fun, and tell us how she does! Pics would be great if you take any, we'd all love to see. Do us proud!

[Titans Fan]

Have fun! I can't wait to hear how it went. Looking forward to some pictures, too.

[osteome]

I have taken a few relatively mild to moderate off-road excursions in our Pilot. I would definitely not go to certain places that I did when I had my Wrangler, but still managed to have fun. I will echo the belief that you should bring a nice tow strap along just in case. You will find that your "bravery" to seek out more challenging terrain will be augmented by having a second vehicle (a true 4wd at that) along to assist you should the Pilot get in over its head.

The shot below was taken from a little side trip in far northern NH on one of the many abandoned fire roads. The track does not too bad, but there were sections that were more rock than dirt. Being patient and exploring the road on foot if it looks questionable is extrememly helpful. Select your track through the rougher stuff and be wary of any water crossing that looks deep. I also made mental notes of how far I was from a wider portion of the trail that would accomodate a 3 point turn if the trail got bad in a hurry.

You will find a small selection of off road pictures in this thread.

Good luck and be sure to add to the gallery of shots if you go on the trip.

[rocky]

add a recovery point, eg Class three hitch to rear of vehicle, warn shackle receiver recovery point and tow strap (20,000lbs. If you really want to go nutz replaced the tires with 235/70 BFG at or MT,

[rocky]

Ok I finally test drove these two
Pilot EXLnav v Sequoia SR5, back to back despite the pouring rain here.
Boch (Norwood) makes it easy to comparison shop by having the two dealers side by side.
SR5 is much roomier based on the sitting behind myself test. Wondering if Pilot fudges its data on interior dimensions. SR5 is slower than the Pilot, guzzles more gas, costs more, poorer thought out console.
Pilot has a thicker steering wheel, which I like, NAV is something I might like. Seats/ride equal as best as I could tell. Oddball cheapskate touch on sr5 was the rear wiper, cheapo metal, while the Pilot is plastic covered more substantial. Pilot is a little more awkward to get in to. Thought it was odd but just chatting to a neighbor I discovered he has the same experience with his Sisters Pilot.

Have to get the wife and kids out to try them both.

[2ndhonda]

I am attaching pictures of my 05LX that got stuck about a month ago. I have had great luck with it, but this snow was two deep. I had the VTM button on, and was chugging up the mountain, when "flump" I sunk in the snow. I left it for the 2 days i was at the cabin, and wehen we tried to leave, my wheels were frozen solid in ice....took a long time and the same tow strap broken 3x to get it out. I will opt to stay in the less deep snow in the future.

[2ndhonda]

i am having trouble loading my pictures. I am attaching them, but it won't show up on my post?

[knhellesky]

Originally posted by 2ndhonda
i am having trouble loading my pictures. I am attaching them, but it won't show up on my post?

The pix might be to big (more than 200kb). Try resizing them.

[jay]

Originally posted by knhellesky


The pix might be to big (more than 200kb). Try resizing them.

And don't preview a post if you're attaching a picture. This version of the vBulletin software has a bug in it that loses the picture if you preview your post before actually posting it.