Pathfinder vs 4Runner for towing
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 ...
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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.
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.
