Why I picked it over the new gen 4Runner (a good, 3rd party review that I 100% agree with).Originally Posted by BTLFED
Not to mention QX56s are problem filled in their own right. The Pathfinder is definitely a good choice IMO. That or a 4Runner....lol
EXTERIOR
Both of these vehicles received much-needed bold exterior redesigns, which is a welcome change from the vanilla styling of recent years. I think the more aggressive fender flares and stubbier hood on the Pathfinder give it a more muscular appearance than the 4Runner. The main exterior styling feature that I just don’t like on the 4Runner is the squared-off wheel wells. Normally, I like some contrast, but a round tire spinning in a square well is not one of them -- I think it is disruptive to the flow of the vehicle’s exterior aesthetics. The styling of the Pathfinder is very distinctive, whereas the 4Runner looks amazingly similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, both on the outside as well as in. Even though I find the Pathfinder’s rear section to be a bit boxy looking, I am giving the exterior styling edge to Nissan.
Advantage: Nissan
INTERIOR
Both vehicles have well-appointed interiors that feature a myriad of buttons, dials, and gauges. And to that mix, you can add navigation and rear DVD entertainment systems if you really want to make your ride high-tech. Of the two cockpits, I definitely preferred the Pathfinder. Both interiors are a bit claustrophobic feeling for my 6’ 5” frame, but that feeling was more prevalent inside the 4Runner because of the way the center console is angled toward the driver. This may be okay for smaller drivers, but I felt a little scrunched. The 4Runner’s 3-pod instrument cluster continues the claustrophobic theme with its “forced into place” appearance. Both vehicles are kind of narrow, but Nissan disguises that fact with better spacing of controls and gauges. And speaking of controls, I absolutely hated the A/C, heater, and fan controls on the 4Runner. They look like knobs, but they aren’t. They are buttons that operate like a directional pad on a video game controller. And as my wife correctly pointed out, they are confusing. On the other hand, the Pathfinder has “real” knobs that are easy to reach and intuitive to use. Another area that the Pathfinder is a hands down winner is with its steering wheel mounted controls for the stereo system and speed control. Toyota places theirs on the edge of the steering wheel hub, whereas Nissan places theirs on the steering hub. Again, they are easier to reach and more intuitive to use. And to top all of this off, the highly coveted third-row seating which is standard throughout the Pathfinder model line is an option on the 4Runner.
Advantage: Nissan
ENGINE
Both vehicles come standard with 4.0 liter V6, DOHC, 24-valve engines with variable-valve-timing paired to 5-speed automatic transmissions. The Pathfinder has a drive-by-wire throttle system and I assume the 4Runner still utilizes an old-fashioned throttle cable, since I could not locate information that says otherwise. Nissan gives you a bit more horsepower and torque, albeit at slightly higher RPMs, so I will call this a draw. Acceleration from both engines is strong, confident, and fairly throaty-sounding, but they quiet down when the speed is leveled out. The tests indicate that the Pathfinder is quicker than even the 4.7L V8 optioned 4Runner. Additionally, the 4Runner offers an optional 4.7 liter V8 that does have a drive-by-wire throttle system and boosts the horsepower from 245 to 270 and the torque from 282 to 330. Now that is some boat pulling power.
Advantage: Toyota
MY DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Both vehicles were driven on a freeway so I could get a decent feel for their acceleration and handling, and the initial test run on the 4Runner was a bit of a surprise. I had always held them in pretty high regard, but I was very disappointed once I got behind the wheel. As I said, the acceleration was crisp and quiet, but upon entering the freeway, I was greeted with handling that felt like a cross between a vehicle with mushy power steering and one in need of a front-end alignment. I really felt like I had limited control of where the vehicle was going. Between the exterior styling, cramped cockpit, and now this, it just about drove the last nail in the coffin for the 4Runner. The second test drive at the other dealership was much better, however, as it exhibited the type of handling I expect from Toyota. Unfortunately, at this point, the negatives were beginning develop in my mind regarding the build quality of the 4Runner. Both Pathfinder drives were extremely consistent in acceleration and handling. Being truck-based SUVs, the ride is always a bit stiff, but I thought the Pathfinder was more well mannered when traversing the wilds of the freeway. The steering provided a “just-right” level of feedback that made me confident that the vehicle would hold its lane and keep all four tires on the road. Although I thought the engine noise was louder when accelerating with the Pathfinder, I felt that that it did a better job of filtering out wind and road noises. All in all, with its more spacious-feeling cockpit and better handling, I really believe Nissan has not only closed the quality gap between them and Toyota, but they are perhaps beginning to pull away from them.
Advantage: Nissan
RESALE VALUE
When stepping on to the lot of a Toyota dealership, it would only take the salesmen about 5 minutes before they started touting the high resale value of their vehicles. And that’s okay, but I don’t go out to buy a new vehicle while also thinking about when I am going to sell it. According to the Kelley Blue Book website (kbb.com), the 5 year cost of ownership on a 4Runner Limited is about $37,000.00, of which $16,000.00 is depreciation. On the Pathfinder LE, those numbers are $39,000.00 and $19,000.00 respectively. Yes, the Toyota will depreciate less, but you will pay more for it initially, so, in my book, that’s pretty much a wash.
Advantage: Even
PRICING
The MSRP on the 4Runner Limited is already $1,270.00 more than the Pathfinder LE, but, to truly compare an apple to an apple price-wise, you will need to add some optional equipment to the 4Runner so it matches the standard equipment of the Pathfinder. You need to add a power moon roof ($900.00), an upgraded JBL audio system with 6-disc in dash changer ($725.00), front side curtain airbags ($650.00), and a third row seat ($1,195.00). That just added another $3,470.00 to the MSRP of the 4Runner, creating a price difference of almost $5,000.00. So your choice: buy an SUV, or buy an SUV and a jet ski to tow behind it. Oh, one other thing, you can’t get the upgraded JBL audio system with the third row seat, it’s one or the other.
Advantage: Nissan
COLOR OPTIONS
This may or may not be a determining factor to some buyers when choosing between these two vehicles, but it could be a tiebreaker if you liked each one equally. Both vehicles can be had with the standard colors of white, black, gray, and silver, but Nissan also dishes out a few unique and fresh-looking color choices like red brawn, woodland bronze, and one of my personal favorites, canteen. This is all personal taste, of course, but certain colors can really set off a vehicle’s appearance, and I think that the earth tones Nissan uses really accentuates the Pathfinder’s rugged, outdoor persona.
Advantage: Nissan
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 4Runner and the Pathfinder are both highly capable SUVs that have enjoyed long, rich heritages, but there is little doubt that Toyota has held the upper hand for many years. But the problem with being on top is that everybody is gunning for you, and it gets more difficult to fend off the challengers. Toyota has always had a rock-solid reputation for reliability, but the poor handling exhibited during my one test drive makes me wonder if they are not resting on their laurels a bit. I once considered the 4Runner to be a vehicle beyond compare, but after these test drives, I believe Nissan is turning the tide. The exterior design of the Pathfinder is a bit more aggressive and dramatic, the interior possesses a more refined feel and better ergonomics, the handling is smoother, and the ride a little more comfortable. It is always tough to take down a vehicle that has been on top for so long, but I believe Nissan has produced an SUV that has the potential of doing just that.
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