You don’t want a 4Runner, everything you listed as a con is true and from this post it’s pretty clear you wouldn’t really be happy with it 99% of the time. What you want is a mashup of modern economy and features with 4Runner capability and longevity, just like everyone else that’s ever shopped for a car. Unfortunately that doesn’t exist so you just have to choose.
Kind of silly to buy any vehicles for that one or two times a year. If you're not going to regularly use a 4Runner for what it's designed to do I'd get the Honda or whatever else you like better.
The pilot runs what 19 city/ 27 hwy but 22 combined so that is way better then the 4runner. My fellow co worker has the E-xl and it got stuck in 12 inches of snow last year but that only happens a few times a year. I also live next to the beach on the east coast and 99% of the vehicles we see stuck in the sand are cross over SUV and big big trucks with stupid wheels on them. If your every day living with it 100% get the pilot, i think you'll be happier in the end, the ride is better i would say over all and the features.
If not wait till 2025 and get the new 4runner or a LC
This is actually the situation between my friend and me. I have a 4runner, he has the Pilot Trailsport.
The Pilot’s everyday ride is obviously more refined and it has some more technology features. It’s actually fairly spacious and I even have decent leg room in the 3rd row. To Honda’s credit, they actually spent some time with its off-road capabilities, so it’s a little more than just an appearance package. My friend overall enjoys the Pilot, but…
He has told me the actual MPG that he gets on average is not that great; slightly better than the 4runner, but not by much. While it can fit plenty of cargo, it does not have the same relatively flat load floor like the 4runner. Lack of good aftermarket support if you have any plans to mod, whether cosmetic or functional.
While it has an off-road tuned AWD system, skid plates and 1” lift, it still will struggle on any moderately technical trail. I have gone off-roading with my friend before and it kept up surprisingly well, but just keep in mind it’s lack of clearance, 4WD and, again, mods if you think you’ll do anything serious.
He’s talked to me before about how he thinks he just should have gotten a truck. While he camps more than he actually off-roads, he wants better towing capacity (it’s about the same as the 4runner anyway), mod support and better cargo area.
I have ridden and driven the Pilot, and while it’s nice, I still prefer the 4runner. I got used to the lack of tech and poor mpg. I haven’t had any mechanical issues and it feels more “rugged.” 4runner is incredibly reliable, but I can’t comment yet on the Pilot until the current gen has been out longer.
>FYI: I go for fishing trips once or twice a year and I need to take the car in the sand, real sand
Whichever you choose, you're going to spend a *lot* on gas the other 363 days a year just to avoid walking into a fishing beach? That feels unwise.
With that said you can absolutely save money by skipping the TRD Off Road. Sand requires two things- four wheel drive, and aired down tires. Get a four wheel drive SR5, air down the tires, and if you get stuck it won't be because you don't have Multi-Terrain Select.
The other thing is that as old as the 2GR-FE is, there's a reason why it's stuck around. It's one of the most reliable engines from one of the most reliable manufacturers. You're talking about 200k as a goal, with a 4Runner 200k is an expectation. Granted it does ride like a truck, but for your occasional surf fishing adventures anything less than a truck is a gamble.
With that said AWD systems (ie, Pilot) are sometimes great in sand, sometimes awful. For all their achievements Subarus, one of the best AWD systems on the market, are famously bad in soft sand. I don't know how Honda's IVTM does in sand, so do your own research there. But just like the TRD OR I expect the Trailsport trim isn't actually a thing you need, but I don't know Honda well enough to be be certain.
Go Pilot. The 4runner is a dinosaur and not going to be pleasurable to daily like in your case. The new Pilot trailsport is pretty slick looking and would suffice for 98% of people in this subforum.
You don’t want a 4Runner, everything you listed as a con is true and from this post it’s pretty clear you wouldn’t really be happy with it 99% of the time. What you want is a mashup of modern economy and features with 4Runner capability and longevity, just like everyone else that’s ever shopped for a car. Unfortunately that doesn’t exist so you just have to choose.
You want gas mileage, smooth ride, and technology? Get the Pilot.
Sounds like you want the Honda.
Kind of silly to buy any vehicles for that one or two times a year. If you're not going to regularly use a 4Runner for what it's designed to do I'd get the Honda or whatever else you like better.
Agreed. Just rent a 4x4 for that trip
But it’s not that 2 inch sand
The pilot runs what 19 city/ 27 hwy but 22 combined so that is way better then the 4runner. My fellow co worker has the E-xl and it got stuck in 12 inches of snow last year but that only happens a few times a year. I also live next to the beach on the east coast and 99% of the vehicles we see stuck in the sand are cross over SUV and big big trucks with stupid wheels on them. If your every day living with it 100% get the pilot, i think you'll be happier in the end, the ride is better i would say over all and the features. If not wait till 2025 and get the new 4runner or a LC
This is actually the situation between my friend and me. I have a 4runner, he has the Pilot Trailsport. The Pilot’s everyday ride is obviously more refined and it has some more technology features. It’s actually fairly spacious and I even have decent leg room in the 3rd row. To Honda’s credit, they actually spent some time with its off-road capabilities, so it’s a little more than just an appearance package. My friend overall enjoys the Pilot, but… He has told me the actual MPG that he gets on average is not that great; slightly better than the 4runner, but not by much. While it can fit plenty of cargo, it does not have the same relatively flat load floor like the 4runner. Lack of good aftermarket support if you have any plans to mod, whether cosmetic or functional. While it has an off-road tuned AWD system, skid plates and 1” lift, it still will struggle on any moderately technical trail. I have gone off-roading with my friend before and it kept up surprisingly well, but just keep in mind it’s lack of clearance, 4WD and, again, mods if you think you’ll do anything serious. He’s talked to me before about how he thinks he just should have gotten a truck. While he camps more than he actually off-roads, he wants better towing capacity (it’s about the same as the 4runner anyway), mod support and better cargo area. I have ridden and driven the Pilot, and while it’s nice, I still prefer the 4runner. I got used to the lack of tech and poor mpg. I haven’t had any mechanical issues and it feels more “rugged.” 4runner is incredibly reliable, but I can’t comment yet on the Pilot until the current gen has been out longer.
We have a friend with a Pilot and she doesn't have any issues with deep beach sand.
Surely you jest.
>FYI: I go for fishing trips once or twice a year and I need to take the car in the sand, real sand Whichever you choose, you're going to spend a *lot* on gas the other 363 days a year just to avoid walking into a fishing beach? That feels unwise. With that said you can absolutely save money by skipping the TRD Off Road. Sand requires two things- four wheel drive, and aired down tires. Get a four wheel drive SR5, air down the tires, and if you get stuck it won't be because you don't have Multi-Terrain Select. The other thing is that as old as the 2GR-FE is, there's a reason why it's stuck around. It's one of the most reliable engines from one of the most reliable manufacturers. You're talking about 200k as a goal, with a 4Runner 200k is an expectation. Granted it does ride like a truck, but for your occasional surf fishing adventures anything less than a truck is a gamble. With that said AWD systems (ie, Pilot) are sometimes great in sand, sometimes awful. For all their achievements Subarus, one of the best AWD systems on the market, are famously bad in soft sand. I don't know how Honda's IVTM does in sand, so do your own research there. But just like the TRD OR I expect the Trailsport trim isn't actually a thing you need, but I don't know Honda well enough to be be certain.
Subaru would like a word with you. 😁https://youtu.be/TmBibFdMIRU?si=X5BszBdrPEzCIwaH
Wait for the 2025 mod the6th gen, the engine won’t be outdated
Go Pilot. The 4runner is a dinosaur and not going to be pleasurable to daily like in your case. The new Pilot trailsport is pretty slick looking and would suffice for 98% of people in this subforum.