Yes, 95% of the SUV owners out there the Honda Pilot is a much better buy than the 4Runner. Would I own a Honda Pilot, yes. If I was looking for a reliable, safe, weekend skiing vehicle that was priced around $30,000.
I like the MDX! I think that its one of the best looking SUV's on the market. I would love to own one too.
For my life style (hunting, fishing, Quading, mountain biking, hiking, camping, towing, and snow bording) the 4Runner is a better fit. I would not feel confortable driving a Honda Pilot on snow washed out roads, hill climbs and rocky trails.
This is one concern that maybe I should keep my Tundra. Not sure if the 4Runner will be up to the challenges that I will demand it. My Tundra has seen some very, very bad trails. So bad that there have been times that it's taken 2 full size rigs (Ford F250 diesel and Chevy Silverado) to pull me out.
Besides, what would my Pilot look like with BFG Mud Tires. I would get my @ss kicked if I showed up in the woods with that!
~A