Pathfinder vs 4Runner for towing

[jeffro61]

I'll be towing a 6x10 cargo trailer around the US quite a bit - the trailer weighs approximately 1k, the gvwr is 3k and I probably have approximately 1k of merchandise or so inside. I'm looking for a reliable mid size SUV to tow it with, and have landed on a Pathfinder or 4Runner from the last 10 years, maximum price $15k?(not interested in American Chevy's, Fords, Jeeps, Dodges, etc - I've had my share). I was hoping to go with a RWD V6 to keep gas mileage down as it will also be my only vehicle, but also don't want it to be underpowered. Any thoughts on which would make a better tow vehicle, or anything else I should consider? Also, should it definitely have the tow package? I'm not sure if the tow packages ad a tranny cooler and/or if I can add get one installed if not.

Background info - I towed the trailer with a Dodge Sprinter last year. Love the Sprinter, but it didn't really like towing across all of those subtle inclines of middle America, and definitely not steeper inclines, and it was a borrowed vehicle so time to get my own.

[jeffro61]

Still on the fence here, also about v6 vs v8 and if the tow package is crucial for these particular vehicles or if I can add a transmission cooler and call it good.

[jeffro61]

It wasn't just my bad luck with American made vehicles - it was the bad experiences that my family as well as my girlfriend and her family have had. After switching to Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, and Nissans or troubles all stopped. That said none of us were towing, but my only towing experience had been with a Dodge Sprinter which also was not great.

Anyways, I do really appreciate all input and advice, but trucks are not an option for me - only SUVs and vans.

[crcr]

4Runner, stellar, bullet-proof. V8 model as well as V6 produced from 2003 thru 2009. I have had both the V6 and V8. Difference in mileage is only 1 to 1.5 mpg, so I recommend the 4.7L V8, has 7000 to 7300 lb towing capacity (depending if 2wd or 4wd). V8 model also has OEM true frame hitch. V6 model OEM hitch is attached to the rear crossmember and rated towing capacity is 5000 lbs.

[camp-n-family]

You don't need a 3/4 ton truck to tow a <3000lbs cargo trailer around and it certainly won't have a more comfortable chassis than a mid-size SUV. The stiff suspension of the bigger trucks will shake and rattle the******out of that little trailer. Even if the diesel gets better mileage, any savings would be offset by the higher price of diesel fuel and maintenance, especially models that old. It's simply overkill when just about any mid-size SUV would suffice.

APT must really have something against "imports", not sure why. OP has his reasons for not wanting a domestic as others do for not wanting an import. Don't know why these forums always have to turn into a sales pitch when a poster says they don't want certain brands. Nothing wrong with the American made Tundra if he needed a truck 😉

$15k can get you into a 2010 GM 3/4 ton 6.0L/6-spd trans under 50k miles

This I don't understand. Sell him on a domestic with a diesel because fuel mileage will be better but then finish with suggesting a 3/4 ton with a 6.0 gasser? The same money will get you into a nice Tundra of that puts out more HP and torque than the 6.0 and will get better mileage while doing it. OP is towing a small trailer, he doesn't need the extra payload. Just say'in

[APT]

jeffro61 wrote:

APT - the Rams and Fords you mentioned - are those trucks? Looking specifically for SUV/Vans - and have never had any luck with American vehicles or known anyone who did.

Yes, American based pickups, heavy duty ones at that. They will likely get the best towing fuel economy and allow you to tow comfortably with cruise control at 65mph up nearly any grade. It's too bad about your luck. The domestics sell about 2million pickups each year compared to the Japanese at about 150k per year. If they were so unreliable, the market would not be what it is.

Any V6 IMHO outside of Ford's Ecoboost will provide similar towing experience. You'll tow at 2500rpm on flat land, 12mpg, and downshift to 4000-5000rpm for hills. The only problem with that is some people mentally cannot handle it. If that's you, then 4-Runner, Pathfinder, minivan, etc won't do it. Nissin Titan or 2007+ Tundra 5.7L would hold closer to 3000rpm up those grade because they have far more torque at 2000-3000rpm.

$15k can get you into a 2010 GM 3/4 ton 6.0L/6-spd trans under 50k miles. The drivetrain is nearly bulletproof. You'll get the same towing fuel economy as the V6s with a lot more comfort. You have literally a ton of available cargo to put the the climate controlled back.

[camp-n-family]

Another vote for the 4Runner, although I have no experience with the Pathfinder to compare. I've had both an '03 V6 and an '04 V8 4Runner. Both were fantastic vehicles that I wished I had kept but my needs grew.

If you want to stick with a V6 then the Toyota 4.0l is a strong engine. More horsepower and only slightly less torque than the 4.7 V8. For a $15k budget you would be in the 4th generation models ('03-'09) My only suggestion is to make sure you go '05 or newer as it comes with the better for towing 5 speed trans vs the 4speed in the older ones. I towed a 3800lbs hybrid with the V6 and it handled the weight fine but the tranny struggled to hold gears in headwinds. The 5 speed (same as in the V8) was much better and towed my 5500lbs TT like it wasn't even there.

Personally I would opt for the 4.7l V8 4Runner. Might be a little overkill but the engine is bulletproof and was only 1mpg worse than the V6 non towing but had the same or better mileage while towing.

[rexlion]

Either one should do well for you. I would recommend finding out ahead of time what the tow package for each of those models included, so you know what you are missing if you look at one without the package. Extra cooling for engine and/or transmission are biggies, and you probably can add some in aftermarket, but make sure there aren't other things. Like, do they change the rear suspension, put on a bigger alternator, or something you'd miss having.

2008+ Highlander is another one to consider, if you value a carlike ride. Mine has 160k and 3/4 of those miles were towing cargo or travel trailers. That said, I'd like to upgrade to a V8 for my next tug. Think about what people are telling you... we've "been there, done that" and we want more power. There's a reason for that.

[ArcticDodge]

jeffro61 wrote:
and have never had any luck with American vehicles or known anyone who did.

Seriously? You must not know many people....
My US cars have served my very well. My sons Subaru has been the most problematic $$$$ car I've ever owned and I just spent $2500 for maintenance, radiator, clutch, slave cyl, engine seals on my Mazda. My Dodge Durango has been 100% trouble free over the 7 years we've owned it.

A V6 SUV will get poor mileage when towing close enough to what any typical V8 will get to not even worry about. The advantages of V8 power makes cross country travels much nicer.

[jeffro61]

Would love a minivan as we'll be sleeping in it quite a bit, but not so sure about the 3500 lb towing capacity. I've made the drive many times now and there are a lot of inclines and passes involved.

APT - the Rams and Fords you mentioned - are those trucks? Looking specifically for SUV/Vans - and have never had any luck with American vehicles or known anyone who did.

[Mvander]

A mini van. Oddysee, Sienna, Quest. All different options with the same/simillar output, more/different utility and likey better MPG's. All could tow a 3K cargo trailer without much trouble.

[APT]

For that many towing miles, I'd look for an early 2000s Ram 5.9L diesel or 99-03 Ford 7.3L diesel. You'll have all the power you want, a much more comfortable chassis, and far less fuel usage. A 6x10 enclosed cargo trailer is not as hard as a TT, but there is still a lot of aero drag.

[bmanning]

I vote 4Runner, based upon personal experience alone.

Had a 1997 4Runner that was flawless, and am on my 3rd Land Cruiser. I've had stellar service from Toyota SUVs.

Don't rule out a Land Cruiser if you find one in your price range. Not that much larger than the 4Runner, V8 engine, full-time 4x4, and only a few MPG less than a V6 4Runner. My 1999 is squeak and rattle free with over 160k miles on the clock.

Good luck in whatever you choose.