Alright, let's help me out, Oppo!

"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
08/11/2016 at 15:33 • Filed to: None

My father wants to replace his Fit with something that can tow a small camper trailer (Teardrop, but maybe something slightly bigger someday). He’s interested in an AWD Honda Pilot, but I’ve been trying to nudge him towards a 4Runner or a CPO FJ Cruiser, since they’re more rugged and not that much more expensive than an AWD Pilot.

What does Oppo think?

DISCUSSION (30)

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:37

The 4Runner looks like it did some nasty nsfl stuff.

extraspecialbitter > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:38

kaiser m715 w/ 6bt

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:39

Aim for the 4runner. The FJ has those massive blind spots which isn’t fun for towing.

Tripper > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:39

4runner>FJ>Pilot

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:40

LS swap the Fit..duh

HammerheadFistpunch > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:41

The pilot will tow better, have more interior space, be more fuel efficient and be smoother quieter ride. The 4runner is more versatile, has better resale and likely much better reliability. The FJC is a poor choice unless you really want an FJC

OPPOsaurus WRX > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:45

i bet the shorter wheelbase of the FJ will make towing harder. have him go for an FJ60 insted

TheHondaBro > HammerheadFistpunch
08/11/2016 at 15:48

The Pilot and the 4Runner have the same tow rating though, from my research. What would make the Pilot tow better?

jasmits > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:48

Well, does he want a car with some towing and utility abilities or an actual truck?

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:49

4Runner or Land Cruiser.

TheHondaBro > OPPOsaurus WRX
08/11/2016 at 15:52

It has a tow rating of 4700 lbs, only 300 short of the Pilot and 4Runner.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 15:53

I think that that is possibly the best styling Toyota has ever done.

Oh right, they did that 2000GT thing...

Wacko > HammerheadFistpunch
08/11/2016 at 15:54

the pilot will have way better fuel economy, and have better handling. The Pilot to me will be easier to live with on road.

That being said the 4 runner can tow more, and is way more capable off-road.

TheHondaBro > jasmits
08/11/2016 at 15:55

Either one of those will fit his needs, but the argument I’m trying to make is that a BOF SUV will prove to be a much better investment, since he also wants an Airstream eventually.

HammerheadFistpunch > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 16:00

The pilot weighs less and has better aero but still has a really high payload. The 4runner has a strong engine, but its super thirsty when worked and its a much heavier vehicle. The 4runner is a GREAT all-rounder but its a little lardy for the 4.o, even with the updated 270 hp version.

Chariotoflove > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 16:02

Wait, what? Not a shitpost?! Glad to see it before Oppo went down. ;)

Okay, my serious contribution: My friends got a camper last Spring. They had a Honda Pilot, but it didn’t have enough towing capacity, and it’s not a huge camper. They bought a used Tahoe for it. So, my considered answer from vicarious experience is: get a Tahoe, not a Pilot.

Spaceball-Two > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 16:04

4runner. I’ve owned three of them and have never been let down.

HammerheadFistpunch > Wacko
08/11/2016 at 16:07

They both have 5000 lbs limits. I think the pilot would be better up to, maybe 3500 lbs, from there the additional mass and torque of the 4runner would pay dividends. Of course, if you are at 5000 lbs limit thats going be stressful compared to something like a medium or half ton truck.

TheHondaBro > Chariotoflove
08/11/2016 at 16:17

He’d never get an American car.

Wacko > HammerheadFistpunch
08/11/2016 at 16:22

you are right i saw 3500 but that was for the FWD

Captain of the Enterprise > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 16:26

Wheelbase matters too longer is better for towing plus the doors might get old when you using them everyday on an FJ. I say 4Runner

vicali > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 16:26

4th gen 4.7 v8 4runner if you are talking about towing.. Otherwise like others have said the pilot does better driving like an accord all day.

MUSASHI66 > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 16:33

It will be less comfortable, much shittier gas mileage, and way less space inside. Unless he buys a 4runner Limited, he’ll have a 4X4 vs. AWD - does he need 4x4 and do you get snow where you live, and would he be OK shifting into 4x4 low when needed? Why buy a 4runner over a Pilot if the Pilot is enough.

4runners have crazy resale value though. Buy one, drive it for 3 years, and lose maybe $6-8k in value, tops. I want a 4Runner TRD Pro so, so bad...

I owned a 2013 Pilot for 2 1/2 years, and is basically a large Accord. Very comfortable and very easy to drive.

Chariotoflove > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 16:33

Oh. Then I got nuthin’

OPPOsaurus WRX > TheHondaBro
08/11/2016 at 16:34

I’ve heard shorter wheel bases make the towing vehicle less stable not necessarily tow less