Toyota 4Runner vs. Honda Pilot - Honda Pilot

seraphim · 07-08-2003, 07:42 PM

I'm trying to decide between the two. If you had the choice, which one would you take:

a) Toyota 4Runner, V6, 4wd, Sports Edition (sticker price $31,100)
b) Honda Pilot EX (sticker price $30,500)

Pilot4Biking · 07-08-2003, 08:13 PM

I cringe every time I see the back of a 4Runner. Looks like a goofy grin or something.

Fender flares are over done too. Too much plastic.

seraphim · 07-08-2003, 08:34 PM

From the back, it doesn't look all that great, but from the sides it looks a lot better than the Pilot.

davemac · 07-08-2003, 09:03 PM

Should be a fairly simple decision- based on your needs & tastes. New 4Runner continues to be more "truck like" with legitimate off road capabilities. Not much cargo space. Personally I find the new design to be a little too "cheezy" with that trendy plastic cladding, also think interior space is still a little tight with lots of plastic... but how I miss that power tailgate window!

Assess your needs, then drive them both. Prices are comparable (especially if you add towing pkg to Honda)- so that should not be too big a factor. Both should retain value pretty well.

Some questions to ask yourself:

Gonna Tow? edge to Toyota
Gonna go off road? edge to Toyota
need more cargo/ interior space? Pilot
need third row seat? Pilot
Styling? thats up to you
like truck ride or plusher? thats up to you

RipRocK · 07-08-2003, 09:04 PM

seraphim, I was just wondering, have you had a chance to test drive the two? If you had done so, I don't think you'd be asking this question. I testdrove the new 4Runner, just the V6 SE, and for me, there was no comparison at all. The Pilot handled better, sounded better and cornered and accelerated better. I already had the Pilot when I testdrove the 4Runner, but wanted to see what it was like.

Of course, once you take it off the road, the 4Runner will outperform the Pilot, so your decision would be mostly dependent upon for what you're going to use the vehicle for.

I don't ever expect to go serious off-roading such that I'd have to discern between Pilot's and the 4Runner's chassis differences, suspension differences, torque distribution difference and etc. to decide which makes for a better off-roading vehicle.

If you're considering the Pilot, then may be the car you should be comparing is the Highlander. Or if you're really considering the 4Runner and wanted something from Honda to compare against, well, actually Honda doesn't have anything that will be a fair, "apples to apples" comparison to the 4Runner.

beowulf777 · 07-08-2003, 10:02 PM

GM must have planted some design engineers in the Toyota organization to make them think plastic cladding was a good idea. They wanted some one else to make the Avalanche mistake.

Now the Lexus version of the 4runner is nicely done, but way over priced.

shutrbug · 07-08-2003, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by seraphim
I'm trying to decide between the two. If you had the choice, which one would you take:

a) Toyota 4Runner, V6, 4wd, Sports Edition (sticker price $31,100)
b) Honda Pilot EX (sticker price $30,500)

I haven't driven the 4Runner, but I did sit in it at the dealer. As I recall, the door entry wasn't tall enough for me to easily get in and out without bending my neck to avoid hitting the roof with my head. I couldn't see dealing with that day in and day out. Just my $0.02.

- shutrbug

P.S. I'm only 5'10" tall.

GreenMachine · 07-09-2003, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by beowulf777
GM must have planted some design engineers in the Toyota organization to make them think plastic cladding was a good idea. They wanted some one else to make the Avalanche mistake.

Now the Lexus version of the 4runner is nicely done, but way over priced.

Toyota actually "fixed" that cladding that most complained about... Before only the Limited models benefitted from paint cladding. Now, even the SRS can be had with painted cladding so it looks just like the Limited model, which looks the best IMO. Only the Sport model retains the standard gray plastic cladding, and I don't think you can get it painted even if you wanted to, from Toyota anyway.

Toyota still should have made a third row seat an option, just like it is on the GX470.

Ziploc · 07-09-2003, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by seraphim
I'm trying to decide between the two. If you had the choice, which one would you take:

a) Toyota 4Runner, V6, 4wd, Sports Edition (sticker price $31,100)
b) Honda Pilot EX (sticker price $30,500)

As a part of your decision process (if you haven't already), check out the August issue of Consumer Reports. One of the vehicles they reviewed this month is the 4Runner.

wwong · 07-09-2003, 10:46 AM

I had a 93 4Runner with 160,000 miles before I got the Pilot. I looked at all the SUVs and narrowed down my choices to the 4Runner and the Pilot. I went with the Pilot for one main reasons. It used regular gas.

tracy · 07-09-2003, 02:50 PM

Well, you need to keep in mind most people are here because they preferred the Pilot, so what do you expect them to say?

You really have to drive them both. The 4Runner is truck-based and will perform more like a truck. The Pilot will perform more like a car.

raleighpilot · 07-09-2003, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by seraphim
I'm trying to decide between the two. If you had the choice, which one would you take:

a) Toyota 4Runner, V6, 4wd, Sports Edition (sticker price $31,100)
b) Honda Pilot EX (sticker price $30,500)

I too came down to these two cars - bought the Pilot for three reasons:

1) Gas mileage - 4runner gas mileage was significantly less than Pilot
2) Insurance cost - 4runner insurance cost was SIGNIFICANTLY more than Pilot
3) Ride - 4runner is great if you're looking for a nice truck - Pilot is a car/truck.

Basically you should go with your gut - which one will provide you with the highest 'grin factor'. My feeling is that if the car won't make you grin when you climb into the seat

- it's probably the wrong car..

JJ

74PILOTMOM · 07-09-2003, 06:49 PM

We too were considering the new 4 runner. I went with the Pilot because of the seating and cargo space. Just made a lot more sense for everyday driving with occasional AWD needs. I was really disappointed in the looks. I think the last gen 4runner was perfect, this one is too cheap and exagerrated. I can't understand the angled C pillar on a square vehicle, or the ridiculous hood scoop. Side cladding is very Pontiac-ish...Vibe/Matrix are Pontiac/Toyota- so I'm sure beowulf777 is correct in his assumption about the design engineers.

I'm honestly glad I went with the Pilot, no buyers regret when I see a new 4runner. If my need were for a truck, then my story may be different. But I'd go for a Tundra in that case.

beowulf777 · 07-09-2003, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 74PILOTMOM
I think the last gen 4runner was perfect, this one is too cheap and exagerrated.

I agree completely. If the last gen 4runner was still being sold and it had a third seat, my decision may have been different.

jay · 07-09-2003, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by beowulf777

I agree completely. If the last gen 4runner was still being sold and it had a third seat, my decision may have been different.

The last gen 4-Runner was a very narrow vehicle. Even a 2nd gen RAV4 has a wider stance.

07-08-2003, 07:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
seraphim Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Toyota 4Runner vs. Honda Pilot I'm trying to decide between the two. If you had the choice, which one would you take: a) Toyota 4Runner, V6, 4wd, Sports Edition (sticker price $31,100) b) Honda Pilot EX (sticker price $30,500)

07-08-2003, 09:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
davemac Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NE Mass Posts: 385 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Should be a fairly simple decision- based on your needs & tastes. New 4Runner continues to be more "truck like" with legitimate off road capabilities. Not much cargo space. Personally I find the new design to be a little too "cheezy" with that trendy plastic cladding, also think interior space is still a little tight with lots of plastic... but how I miss that power tailgate window! Assess your needs, then drive them both. Prices are comparable (especially if you add towing pkg to Honda)- so that should not be too big a factor. Both should retain value pretty well. Some questions to ask yourself: Gonna Tow? edge to Toyota Gonna go off road? edge to Toyota need more cargo/ interior space? Pilot need third row seat? Pilot Styling? thats up to you like truck ride or plusher? thats up to you __________________ current: '11 Acura MDX previous: '11 Pilot EX-L '04 Pilot EX-L '03 Pilot EX-L

07-08-2003, 10:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
beowulf777 Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 95 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	styling GM must have planted some design engineers in the Toyota organization to make them think plastic cladding was a good idea. They wanted some one else to make the Avalanche mistake. Now the Lexus version of the 4runner is nicely done, but way over priced.

07-09-2003, 10:46 AM	#10 (permalink)
wwong Super Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,368 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I had a 93 4Runner with 160,000 miles before I got the Pilot. I looked at all the SUVs and narrowed down my choices to the 4Runner and the Pilot. I went with the Pilot for one main reasons. It used regular gas. __________________ Custom Non Slip Foam Pads for the Honda Pilot, Click here to visit my website 2003 Honda Pilot EXL-NAV, Starlight Silver, #86733 "Featured Pilot March 2004" EXTERIOR-Perfect Fit Hood Guard, Lower Trim, Lower Trim Garnish, Bumper Garnish, Fog Lights with Eurodezigns H3 bulbs, Wheel Locks, Fender Flares, Crossbars, Door Mirror Covers, Vent Visors, Running Boards, Rear Splash Guards, Trailer Hitch, Pilot #PM555 Stainless Steel Exhaust Tips, Euro Dezigns H4 replacing Sylvania Silverstars, Tire Minders, EX emblem, Third Brake Light Decal, Michelin CT, Chrome OEM Wheels, Muth Signal Mirrors, Sylvania #885 Back Up Lights INTERIOR-Wooden Shift Lever, Wood Grain Interior Trim, All Weather Mats, Cargo Cover, Cargo Organizer, Cargo Tray, Cargo Liner, Trunk Organizer, Broadway Optics Mirror, Raybrig R130 ELECTRONICS-Networkcar, Power Inverter, Nav DVD upgrade V.2.11C, Rear View Camera CUSTOM ACCESSORIES- Door Edge Guard, Foam Pads for Center Console and 2nd Row Activity Tray, Foam Pads for Doors and 3rd Row Bins and Cupholders, Dead Pedal Cover, Cargo Storage Pad, Padded Glove Box, Sunglass Holder Pad, Pillar Protection Tape, Fog Light Covers, Door Reflectors, Cargo Liner Velcro Replacement Kit, Chrome h-p License Plate Frame, VTM-4 emblem, Chrome Accent for the OEM Lower Trim, Chrome Accent for the OEM Running Boards, Chrome Grille Accent, Navi Screen Protector, Non-Slip Pad for the OEM Cargo Tray, hp.org sticker and tee

07-09-2003, 02:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
tracy Super Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,349 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Well, you need to keep in mind most people are here because they preferred the Pilot, so what do you expect them to say? You really have to drive them both. The 4Runner is truck-based and will perform more like a truck. The Pilot will perform more like a car. __________________ And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile... And you may ask yourself, "well, how did I get here?" No longer a wannabe! 06 Sagebrush Pearl AWD EX-L w/Navi

07-08-2003, 08:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
seraphim Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	From the back, it doesn't look all that great, but from the sides it looks a lot better than the Pilot.

07-08-2003, 09:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
RipRocK Super Duper Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Edmonton, AB., Canada, eh!! Posts: 2,388 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	seraphim, I was just wondering, have you had a chance to test drive the two? If you had done so, I don't think you'd be asking this question. I testdrove the new 4Runner, just the V6 SE, and for me, there was no comparison at all. The Pilot handled better, sounded better and cornered and accelerated better. I already had the Pilot when I testdrove the 4Runner, but wanted to see what it was like. Of course, once you take it off the road, the 4Runner will outperform the Pilot, so your decision would be mostly dependent upon for what you're going to use the vehicle for. I don't ever expect to go serious off-roading such that I'd have to discern between Pilot's and the 4Runner's chassis differences, suspension differences, torque distribution difference and etc. to decide which makes for a better off-roading vehicle. If you're considering the Pilot, then may be the car you should be comparing is the Highlander. Or if you're really considering the 4Runner and wanted something from Honda to compare against, well, actually Honda doesn't have anything that will be a fair, "apples to apples" comparison to the 4Runner.

07-09-2003, 06:49 PM	#13 (permalink)
74PILOTMOM Super Mom Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 1,997 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	We too were considering the new 4 runner. I went with the Pilot because of the seating and cargo space. Just made a lot more sense for everyday driving with occasional AWD needs. I was really disappointed in the looks. I think the last gen 4runner was perfect, this one is too cheap and exagerrated. I can't understand the angled C pillar on a square vehicle, or the ridiculous hood scoop. Side cladding is very Pontiac-ish...Vibe/Matrix are Pontiac/Toyota- so I'm sure beowulf777 is correct in his assumption about the design engineers. I'm honestly glad I went with the Pilot, no buyers regret when I see a new 4runner. If my need were for a truck, then my story may be different. But I'd go for a Tundra in that case. __________________ '03 PILOT Starlight Silver EX-L FormFit Air deflector, Splash Guards, Honda hitch, Honda All Weather Mats, dead pedal cover from wwong, Westin Oval Sidesteps, MICHELIN Cross Terrains ----------------------------------------- '08 RIDGELINE RTL Formal Black hitch only so far... ----------------------------------------- '02 XR50R The cutest honda ever. -----------------------------------------

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