Pilot vs. Toyota 4 Runner

[Sportymonk]

Any comments comparing the Pilot to a Toyota 4 Runner? 4 Runner appears to be a Double cab Tacoma with bodywork covering the rear bed.

[cwa107]

Well, you'll have all the usual comparisons between a truck-based SUV and a car-based SUV. Better towing, better off-roading capability and a roll-down tailgate window are all strengths of the 4Runner. Where the Pilot fares better is in handling/ride quality, gas mileage, interior space and poor weather handling (4Runner is inherently RWD).

If what you really want is a good people-hauler with excellent all-weather capability, the Pilot is for you.

If you want to go off-roading and do a significant amount of towing, the 4Runner is a good choice (among many others).

[humanoid]

Check the 2 two previous threads below...

http://hondapilot.org/forums/showthr...&threadid=6843
http://hondapilot.org/forums/showthr...&threadid=4688

[Scoobs]

Originally posted by Sportymonk
Any comments comparing the Pilot to a Toyota 4 Runner? 4 Runner appears to be a Double cab Tacoma with bodywork covering the rear bed.

Or PM me with your questions.

As for the Tacoma comparison it would be more accurate to say that the Tacoma is a 4Runner without the extra bodywork covering the bed area. The 4runner and the Tacoma ( and lexus GX470 ) are now both based on the Prado, a vehicle which is unavailable in North America. The 4Runner was switched over to the Prado chassis 2 years ago while the Tacoma was just switched over this year.

And while I was editing my post Gromulus beat me to the Prado info.

[Gromulus]

I'll start off by saying that the new (4th generation) 4Runner is unlike previous versions. The new 4Runner and Lexus GX470 are based on the Prado sold overseas. The Runner has struck the balance between true SUV performance and good on-road handling and ride. It's a "do it all" vehicle with legendary reliability (being manufactured in what is considered the best quality automotive plant in the world).

You will want to test drive the Runner along with the Pilot (and perhaps the GX and MDX just for comparison). I reserched SUVs for over one year and narrowed it down to the Pilot (as a crossover) and the Runner (true SUV). Both good vehicles but somewhat different market niches.

Contact Scoobs. He owns both a Pilot and Runner and will give you a fair unbiased run-down on each.

I would also be willing to answer any questions you might have. BTW, I work for a company that supplies both Toyota and Lexus (and Honda among others) in Japan as well as Toyota and Honda/Acura in North America. I have been dealing with both companies from a supplier standpoint for awhile. I have also owned several Toyota and Honda vehicles in the past.

Hey Scoobs, I still own you pictures of my Titanium Limited V8 4Runner! We are getting snow this weekend in NE Ohio, but I will get pictures taken and sent iff to you. Thanks again.

[Scoobs]

Originally posted by Gromulus


Hey Scoobs, I still own you pictures of my Titanium Limited V8 4Runner! We are getting snow this weekend in NE Ohio, but I will get pictures taken and sent iff to you. Thanks again.

Happy to hear you made the purchase. I look forward to the pictures.

[Sportymonk]

Originally posted by humanoid
Check the 2 two previous threads below...

http://hondapilot.org/forums/showthr...&threadid=6843
http://hondapilot.org/forums/showthr...&threadid=4688

ooopps Thanks humanoid. When I went to the thread you linked to I noticed that it was in General Discussions - Comparisons but when I clicked and went to comparisons, it wasn't there! Clicked back and forth a few times and wondered why I couldn't see it. Then I saw the thing at the bottom set to 30 days and when I changed it to "from the beginning" it showed tons of posts instead of just four.

Thanks for pointing me there. Didn't mean to create a double post.

Maybe a Mod can merge these two?

[Sportymonk]

Wow! Thanks Scoobs for the detailed post on comparing the Pilot to the 4 Runner. When I clicked on that thread link and read it it was really a comprehensive reading. It answered everything I want to know.

Pilot is the way to go for me. I had just been passing by the local Toyota dealer and thought I would look at one and it looked very similar to the Pilot in size inside so I thought I would ask the experts here.

Thanks again Scoobs.

Again - for those investigating this topic. drop this thread and go to the first of the two links above.

[hlsess]

Thanks for all this info- I just found this site and I have been torn b/w these 2 and had finally decided on the Pilot- gotten lots of advice from folks who LOVE their pilot. I definitely need more room inside but very concerned about the 3rd seat which will only be used some. I think I'll go and get my Pilot this week!! YEAH!!!

[Scoobs]

The Pilot is great for long distance trips. I've driven down to Florida and back 2X in the Pilot now and it was a very relaxed drive both trips. The Pilot cruises effortlessly on the interstate and makes quick work of the mountains in W Virginia and Virginia even with two adults, two kids, all their luggage, and a roof box. I saw lots of Pilots on the way down and on the way back. I also noticed alot of 4Runners on the way. From Virginia south the 4Runner seems to be a very popular vehicle.