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Toyota 4Runner v Nissan Pathfinder

51 messages,  Last post on Dec 06, 2010 at 12:30 PM

You are in the Nissan Pathfinder Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 5

#1 of 51 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER by jackel142

Feb 12, 2007 (4:51 pm)

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?

#2 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [jackel142] by newpathowner

Feb 12, 2007 (5:53 pm)

Replying to: jackel142 (Feb 12, 2007 4:51 pm)
How funny. Just got out of a 2004 4Runner V-8 Sport Edition. I purchased a 2007 Pathfinder SE with Comfort, Premium and DVD packages.
 
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.

#3 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [newpathowner] by jackel142

Feb 19, 2007 (8:38 am)

Replying to: newpathowner (Feb 12, 2007 5:53 pm)
Follow up on the 4-Runner VS. Pathfinder.
 
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.

#4 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [jackel142] by pathfinder5

Feb 19, 2007 (5:52 pm)

Replying to: jackel142 (Feb 12, 2007 4:51 pm)
They're slightly different animals.
 
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

#5 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [pathfinder5] by jackel142

Feb 19, 2007 (6:01 pm)

Replying to: pathfinder5 (Feb 19, 2007 5:52 pm)
Thanks for the research!
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!

#6 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [jackel142] by pathfinder5

Feb 21, 2007 (2:50 pm)

Replying to: jackel142 (Feb 12, 2007 4:51 pm)
for clarity and to correct an error in my previous post -
 
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

#7 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [jackel142] by 50k

Feb 23, 2007 (8:07 pm)

Replying to: jackel142 (Feb 19, 2007 8:38 am)
jackel142,
 
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

#8 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [50k] by steve_ HOST

Feb 23, 2007 (10:05 pm)

Replying to: 50k (Feb 23, 2007 8:07 pm)
Confessions of a Car Salesman is a great read!

#9 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [steve_] by pathfinder5

Mar 01, 2007 (11:41 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Feb 23, 2007 10:05 pm)
Just put 200 miles freeway on a used 2006 pathfinder that I picked up.
 
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!

#10 of 51 Re: 4-RUNNER VS. PATHFINDER [pathfinder5] by t4rsearch

Mar 23, 2007 (7:49 pm)

Replying to: pathfinder5 (Mar 01, 2007 11:41 am)
Hi All...
 
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?

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