Youre right if youre comparing the intended purpose of the 4Runner vs Pilot or MDX... they are totally different in their nature but as most people use their SUV for people carrying to the mall...towing their boat and occasional camping that a Subaru Outback would have hardly any problems with I still say for the vast majority the idea of carrying 7 people in a vehicle hardly bigger then a highlander is much more credible then owning a 40K Limited 4Runner or for that matter a 30K Highlander.... I really think Honda has done a terrific job with the Pilot.... and esp setting a low price.
I am not really into SUVs as much as I am into my Tundra but if I had to choose between Highlander and Pilot I would go with Pilot and if I had to choose between 4Runner and MDX I would PROBABLY go with MDX... I havent driven 2003 4Runner so cant be sure but I just see the MDX being more practical.... and I still have my Tundra if I really want to get stuck in deep mud....
BTW the Pilot/MDX 4 wheel drive system is unique in the business.... It really works well for medium off road stuff....
and their is a locking mechanism for the 4 wheel drive where power to the front wheels is approx 48% and rear is 52%....
for 2003 I heard the power on the MDX is going up to about 260 HP vs 240 right now.... with other enhancements that the pilot doesnt offer...
In regards to the 4Runner... I am positive it will be very nice..... I am glad there is a 5 speed auto transmission finally.... and the improved v6 sounds great.... Against the other mid size truck based SUV's out there I would definitely choose Toyota simply because I trust Toyotas....
One other little thing.... I cant really complain about the trucks but Toyota seriously needs to set their MSRP's a little lower for their SUV.... The prices are rediculous... I bet you a fully loaded limited V8 Runner will be 40K.... like 39,998 or something like that.... thats just too much money dude....
|