Suggestions? SUV : what kind?

[Albertf]

I'm thinking of getting either a 4-Runner or Highland, i do like the Sequias but they seem to be a little too big for me. any suggestions?

my other choice is the Honda Pilot..it's alot cheaper with everything loaded it's only a little more than $30k, but i'm willing to try out the Toyota SUVs since they seem to build better trucks.

thanks

[eecc]

depends on what ur looking for...the highlander is built on a sedan frame (camry i think) so it would be more comfortable in the city. the 4runner on the other hand, is built on a truck frame.

[Albertf]

thanks for the reply...

[JeremyH]

My GF's folks have a 90's 4 runner that has about 200K on it and has had absolutely NO problems....oh wait, he has had to replace the battery a few times. That thing runs like a champ!

[Structureboy]

Hmm...well, depends a great deal on what your needs are and what sort of driving you plan on doing.

If you have a mid-size family, but don't want the mini-van look...get the highlander or the pilot. Both will dispel any images of soccer dad, while at the same time, give you the many advantages that mini-vans offer. such as: great cargo space, excellent safety, good seating.

If you're more into off-roading, then the 4runner is the obvious choice. It also generates a more masculine image, however, it is a bit more expensive than the higherlander and wouldn't give you the responsive handling of a car-frame.

If I were in your shoes, I'd test drive each prospective SUV, to get a feel of how they drive. All the SUV's are pretty similiar,and it really comes down to subjective qualities such as ride, cargo space, handling, engine torqueband, etc.

Of the 30k SUVs on the market, no doubt, I would choose the Murano. I think based more on physical attractiveness than anything else, but it does have quite a powerful motor.

I don't really know a great deal about the 4runner, but here's some good info on the top 3 Japanese SUVs:

Pilot
pros:
lots cargo room
comfortable and quiet ride
very torquey motor (242 lb-ft at 4500rpm
good materials and build quality

cons:
bland styling
offroad capability and honda real-time 4wd is questionable

Highlander
pros:
lots cargo room
camry-like ride
full-time 4WD is excellent (capable offroader)
toyota-grade build quality and materials

cons:
somewhat anonymous styling
modest motor power

Murano
pros:
distinctive styling
torquey VQ series motor
sports-car like handling and braking

cons:
quality of build materials is lacking compared to other two
lesser cargo room than other two
somewhat more of harsh ride than other two

Pretty much, there's not much difference between the pilot and highlander and really more comes down to the subjective qualities.
if you're looking for sports car in a big body, you want the Murano.
If you're looking for a great vacation SUV, check out the pilot or highlander.

Hope this helps.

[Taco30]

My opinion would definitely be the 4-Runner, it may not be quite as smooth on the road as the Highlander and Murano but it definitely is very comfortable, my sister has an 01 and it drives great. Plus down the road if you did decide on taking it off road, the 4-runner even in stock form is very capable and a lot more rugged. To top it all off, if you decide to sell it down the line, the resale value is fantastic.