I narrowed down my search for a new vehicle to these two:
Toyota 4Runner Limited
Dodge Durango Citadel
What I plan on using the vehicles for:
* Haul *stuff* in the trunk and on top of the vehicle (fire wood, general boxes, tree branches, etc..)
* Bicycles, skis, hockey equipment x2
* Towing only 1,000 lbs - tow hitch often used for bicycles x4
* Light off roading (nothing crazy, just muddy dirt/gravel roads on occasion)
* The occasional tail gate
* Snow, snow, and more snow
I understand the 4Runner is body-on-frame (truck) and the Durango is uni-body construction. And understand the 4Runner Limited is using a Torsen AWD system which is highly appealing over the Haldex system, I am not sure what the Durango is using. Both test drove very well and had very different handing characteristics as expected. I can list pros and cons for both, for example the Durango uses the Audi 7-speed transmission where as the Toyota is using only a 5-speed which gives it lower fuel mileage on the highway 24mpg vs 21mpg.
I am looking for feedback to current and past drivers/owners. I understand the 4Runner has outstanding reliability, but what about the Dodge? The newer design appears to be on the relative recent side so I am concerned about the past spotty history from the older models the Durango has had. Looking for opinions between the two as a family hauler for an active family.
The significant other recently purchased the 2014 Honda Pilot EX and it has proven to be a major disappointment when not on dry pavement. It truly is a dressed up front-wheel drive only mini-van that looks like an SUV. The Haldex AWD in the Pilot engages way too late in loss of traction for it to be useful, it is truly a delayed-reactionary system with not much power behind the rear wheels.
Toyota 4Runner Limited
Dodge Durango Citadel
What I plan on using the vehicles for:
* Haul *stuff* in the trunk and on top of the vehicle (fire wood, general boxes, tree branches, etc..)
* Bicycles, skis, hockey equipment x2
* Towing only 1,000 lbs - tow hitch often used for bicycles x4
* Light off roading (nothing crazy, just muddy dirt/gravel roads on occasion)
* The occasional tail gate
* Snow, snow, and more snow
I understand the 4Runner is body-on-frame (truck) and the Durango is uni-body construction. And understand the 4Runner Limited is using a Torsen AWD system which is highly appealing over the Haldex system, I am not sure what the Durango is using. Both test drove very well and had very different handing characteristics as expected. I can list pros and cons for both, for example the Durango uses the Audi 7-speed transmission where as the Toyota is using only a 5-speed which gives it lower fuel mileage on the highway 24mpg vs 21mpg.
I am looking for feedback to current and past drivers/owners. I understand the 4Runner has outstanding reliability, but what about the Dodge? The newer design appears to be on the relative recent side so I am concerned about the past spotty history from the older models the Durango has had. Looking for opinions between the two as a family hauler for an active family.
The significant other recently purchased the 2014 Honda Pilot EX and it has proven to be a major disappointment when not on dry pavement. It truly is a dressed up front-wheel drive only mini-van that looks like an SUV. The Haldex AWD in the Pilot engages way too late in loss of traction for it to be useful, it is truly a delayed-reactionary system with not much power behind the rear wheels.