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]

MPG on the Sequoia and Armada is worse though, and it will be our only vehicle thus the hope that a mid size SUV will suffice. I would love a van, but couldn't find an import with as much towing capacity and am done with American autos.

[jeffro61]

Does anyone know if the tow package on the 4runner and/or Pathfinder include items other than the transmission cooler (and hitch of course).

[Wishin]

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/14_flex_sep11.pdf

Towing capacity for the Flex is 4,500 max with either motor. They are nice but probably out of your price range. I looked at them and the quality ratings are all pretty good. I'm sure the Ecoboost model would tow nicer than either of your current choices.

If I had to pick between the 4Runner and the Pathfinder, I'd get a V8 4Runner.

I think APT's suggestion of a V8 Sequoia or Armada is a good one. Towing, the mileage will be similar to the V6 SUV's. If gas mileage is really that important, especially while not towing, get a V6 4Runner. A van would probably work as well. Definitely get the tow package no matter what you get if you're towing that many miles. If you can verify somehow that the only thing missing is a transmission cooler, which is easy to install later, then I guess you could pass on the tow package. Most include other items however.

[rjstractor]

Either vehicle should tow it fine, but if your 6x10 is a higher profile trailer like my 6x12 don't expect any gas mileage miracles. I would get about 12 mpg towing it with my 2500HD gas Chevy and I could barely tell it was there. Towing it with a 200 hp minivan netted the same 12 mpg and it was like dragging a boat anchor the whole time. My mom tows one with a 240 hp or so Ford Explorer and it pulls it great but still only 12-13 mpg. Don't expect any better with the Nissan or Toyota.

[wintersun]

The 4Runner has a conventional truck frame unlike most small SUV's that are use a car platform. The Toyota Highlander for example uses the same platform as the Toyota Camry and is not going to be as strong for towing.

Toyota definitely makes the most reliable trucks and I have owned trucks from Toyota, Dodge, Ford, and Chevy. JD Powers agrees and has rated Toyota trucks number one in reliability for the past 5 years in a row.

[Mvander]

I was kidding about the Flex but I think there's a guy here who towes a race car around with one. If you could do without the boost there are plenty around here with less than 70k miles for under $15k.

[APT]

I think the Flex tow rating is about 5000 pounds. Lower than the body on frame SUVs you listed for sure. High enough for a single axle 3500GVWR trailer? Probably. The Ecoboost is strong providing a lot of torque under 2000rpm where most people are happy. I test drove a couple EB F-150s and really wanted one. SUV won for us and Ford didn't have the EB in the full sized SUV. I think the Flex would tow that great! But I think you'd have a hard time finding one for $15k. They have not been around many model years and only came on higher equipped trim levels.

[jeffro61]

The Flex does look pretty cool (for a Ford!). Towing capacity is much lower though - would it really do as well as the Pathfinder and 4Runner? (I know nothing about the Flex)

[APT]

EB Flex would rock. Find him one for $15k and made by a Japanese OEM!

[Mvander]

Ok, that was a pot stir:B

[Mvander]

Eco-Boost Flex.

[jeffro61]

Thanks for all the help. Yes, for many non-towing reasons I'm set on a SUV or Van (no trucks) - though it does not have to be a mid size SUV. And we are pretty set on asian cars after approximately 10 bad US vehicles and 6 killer asian ones. Nothing against America, just past experiences forming a personal opinion resulting in personal choice. To be honest though we've never had a problem with an actual Dodge (just the Sprinter, as well as Chevy Trucks, Ford SUVs, and Jeeps)

What it comes down to is lightweight towing (2k lbs) but lots of miles (a few times across the country and lots of steady highway inclines). I didn't think that light load would necessitate a 3/4 ton - though interior space is nice on the long haul (spoiled by the Sprinter). I guess what I should really solidify from this here braintrust is whether a V8 is totally necessary or would V6 suffice?

[eluwak]

He's talking about towing a 2k lbs enclosed utility trailer all over the country, and sleeping in it. I would probably just get a LB truck with a cap, but either choice would be fine IMO. Just get the one that is more comfortable for you guys to be in.

If you get the last gen Pathfinder make sure you do the radiator bypass for the trans cooler... Also the rear end sags if you put a pillow in it, so look at airbags too.

[APT]

camp-n-family wrote:
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.

Not a matter of need. A matter of comfort. This isn't a weekender RV. This is cross country 10k miles of towing. Far more time towing a high walled (although not as high as a TT) trailer than most of us. He has already expressed concern based on towing with what he thought was an under-powered vehicle.

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.

I won't discuss diesel vs. gas. There are benefits to each that are well documented in other threads. Nothing in your sentence above is universally true.

It's simply overkill when just about any mid-size SUV would suffice.

Suffice? Sure! But for someone traveling that much time/miles, I would want something not as stressed out with mid-sized SUV/minivan V6 power.

APT must really have something against "imports", not sure why.

I have no idea why you conclude that. My DD is an import diesel and my TV is a domestic gasser. I have owned both imports and domestics. I buy what I think is the best in the market for my uses for the price offered. Brand/import/domestic has little value in that decision. I strongly oppose people that make blanket statements and dismiss any brand and manufacturer's country of origin.

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

I offered a varied list of ideas and options. I don't care what he buys. He already is dismissing all domestics which I think is asinine and based on anecdotal evidence. America is still kind of free so we can all form out own conclusions and spend our money however we choose.

$15k will not buy a 2010 Tundra with 50k miles, nor a 2010 Sequoia since he wants and SUV. More power than GM's 6.0L or not, they would all tow a single axle far better than what he has in the past. I offered the van option due to budget. The same money gets a far newer and therefore generally lower maintenance costs than something with 150k miles and 10 years old.

Everyone needs that payload. How much stuff does one take on cross country trips? OP said he would be sleeping and living out of it. His use case is not mine nor yours. My opinion is that "overkill" will make him far happier than something that will just suffice. Overkill interior space from a mid-sized SUV to full sized SUV or van. Overkill from a powertrain POV. Overkill for chassis to handle all that will be taken with.

jeffro61, the Dodge Sprinter is a rebadged Daimer designed and manufactured vehicle. I'm sorry you had a bad experience with it, but Chrysler had little to do with it unless your emblems fell off. 🙂

If you are limited to NisHonToy, I recommend a full sized flavor with strong V8. 2008+ Sequoia 5.7L or 2003+ Nissan Armada. Find one in good condition in the age/miles you can afford.

[crcr]

jeffro61 wrote:
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.

4th Gen 4Runner (03-09) -- Both V6 and V8 have a trans cooler housed inside the radiator. V8 model also has a small external trans cooler on front of radiator. I changed out OEM trans cooler on my V8 and installed a larger one, but I was towing much heavier than you, plus a full size travel trailer, so wind resistance was like pulling a barn door down the hiway. Plus I live in the extreme summer heat of AZ desert. So OEM cooling system may be quite adequate for your usage. I never overheated, just took precautions.

There is an excellent active 4Runner forum, T4R.org. There are many members there with 200K to 500K on the clock, and many towing. Very very reliable vehicles. Both the V6 and V8 in those vehicles are very good engines.