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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pathfinder vs 4Runner for towing | Good Sam Community

jeffro61
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
I drove the 2010 Pathfinder SE V6 (36k miles - $16k) today, and have to say that I actually liked it more than the 4Runner. It felt more powerful, and more like a truck - both of which are good for my towing purposes.

However, the independent lot I went to turned out to be horribly shady. They failed to mention either time I called them with questions that it was certified, which cost an additional $3k. They also said that their lenders could match my pre-approved rate (2.79% at 48 months), but when their numbers came in they offered me a 4.99% loan at 75 months with $700 fee and non-negotiable terms. I could of course decline and pay them in cash - though their cash price was $6k more than their financed price. So the $16k Pathfinder was actually $19700-$22k. I walked out and called the other lot with a near identical 2010 Pathfinder listed at $17k and asked if their price had any hidden fees, and they were nice enough to not waste my time by telling me that their internet price was financing only, and did not include a $2k additional down payment.

No more independent Brooklyn/Queens lots for me. On Monday I'm headed to a Nissan dealership and hope that they are not so shady, to look at the 2006 4Runner SR5 V6 (23k miles - $18k) and 2007 Pathfinder S V6 (55k miles - $12k).
gregrc75
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
My vote would be the 2010 Pathfinder SE. I had an 08 Pathfinder SE and it was a great vehicle. Also had an 06 Frontier which is the pickup version of the Pathfinder. Same engine etc. I towed a 19' hybrid travel trailer with an empty weight of 3200 lbs. towed it quite nicely with little strain. I am sure the Toyota would be excellent too, I just don't have any experience with the Toyota to comment on.
Santa_Fe
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
Love my 4Runners! I've had two (1999 and 2008) and would recommend one with no questions. My V8 tows my 4500lb HTT with no issues and is very comfortable. It really is the perfect vehicle for me!
jeffro61
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
I drove a comparable base model 4Runner today and it was nice and car-like, and I'm driving the Pathfinder SE tomorrow - which is way more plush with a lot more features. But the 4Runner has Toyota's 5 star dependability, and the Pathfinder only gets a 3 star rating - which is what is making it a hard decision.
camp-n-family
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
Tough call. Normally I'd say 4Runner but a 4 year newer Pathfinder for $2k less would be tempting especially with leftover warranty.
jeffro61
Explorer
Mar 07, 2014
Getting closer to purchasing! I have it narrowed down to three vehicles in my area and am horrible at making decisions like this:

2006 4Runner SR5 V6 23k miles - $18k
2007 Pathfinder S V6 55k miles - $12k
2010 Pathfinder SE V6 36k miles - $16k

What would you do?
road_freedom
Explorer
Mar 02, 2014
The 2014 Pathfinder is now FWD and has only 5,000 lb. towing capacity.
crcr
Explorer
Feb 28, 2014
Fast Mopar wrote:
Lots here seem to agree on a V8 4Runner. Just use caution because that 4.7 V8 uses rubber timing belts. I don't know what the replacement schedule is (maybe 80K miles?????), but it should be followed. FYI - just something to think about.

Toyota recommends changing the timing belt on the V8 at 90K.
Fast_Mopar
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
Lots here seem to agree on a V8 4Runner. Just use caution because that 4.7 V8 uses rubber timing belts. I don't know what the replacement schedule is (maybe 80K miles?????), but it should be followed. FYI - just something to think about.
eluwak
Explorer
Feb 26, 2014
jeffro61 wrote:
Does anyone know if the tow package on the 4runner and/or Pathfinder include items other than the transmission cooler (and hitch of course).

Every previous gen Pathfinder comes ready to tow. The V6 has a 6000 lbs cap, and the V8 has 7000 lbs cap.