CAR WARS! 2014 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder — Have These SUVs Swapped Roles?

It wasn't too long ago that the Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder made their first generation debuts. And, right from the very start, they were embittered rivals. But there was a clear difference between the two.

The Toyota was the suburban play thing that was commonly seen hauling the kids around to sports practice and at the drop-off lane at the local schools. The Nissan, on the other hand, was the more sporty and rugged off-roader.

I remember my friend whose father had a manual Pathfinder in a champagne color. It was a really cool and — frankly — badass product at the time.

But as time has gone on, it's very apparent there's been a bit of a change in each nameplates formula.

For Toyota, it's clear with the invention of the Highlander, it could take the 4Runner in a more brute-ish direction and angle it towards a more sporting look and truck-like driving dynamics.

Nissan though decided to go "the Ford Explorer" route and make the sport-utility vehicle suburban friendly. This means only autoboxes, growth in all directions and a much softer exterior design.

That said we wanted to pair these two nameplates together for one last dance and/or showdown. So, who's it going to be? The 4Runner or the Pathfinder?

drell1emc - 5/2/2013 6:39:23 AM

+1 Boost

No comparison

Pathfinder (CityFolks) opera, skiing trip, mall,nightout

4runner(CountryFolks) get er done, off roading and heavy rugged towing

jeffgall - 5/2/2013 7:00:58 AM

+3 Boost

Neither. They are both out of touch with their target customer.

222max - 5/2/2013 9:51:34 AM

+3 Boost

That's the Point. the Pathfinder is targeting a new customer... families. And in that regard sales are up over 50% over the previous model.

Sciros - 5/2/2013 9:05:46 AM

+1 Boost

A 4Runner Limited with all the luxury bells and whistles is still a pretty posh ride so it can fill the current Pathfinder's shoes if need be. The other way around isn't so much the case. The 4Runner is expensive, but I think so is the Pathfinder these days. And the Pathfinder's CVT is supposedly a giant piece of dog shit, or so I hear lol

Sciros - 5/2/2013 10:39:29 AM

-1 Boost

And the previous-gen Pathfinder really was a stupid-ass car because it was an uglier version of the XTerra with a 3rd row of seats and a sunroof for like $6000+ more. So it didn't appeal to very many people. If you wanted a good family cruiser the Pathfinder didn't fit that mold very well. If you wanted an off-roader why not just get an XTerra for way less? I don't mind Nissan making the Pathfinder more "refined" but that's no excuse for making it so unattractive, still pretty expensive, and apparently not very pleasurable to drive. Good off-road capability is still a redeeming feature to have and they got rid of that without making up for it in terms of good on-road driving. People will buy it but people buy all sorts of visually offensive garbage (Mini Cooper, PT Cruiser, Corolla.. trolllinggzz ftw) so whatever.

scenicbyway12 - 5/2/2013 1:29:21 PM

+1 Boost

One worthless (Pathfinder)
Ones ugly (4runner)

At least the ugly one is off-road useful. I opt for the ugly one.

Dr550 - 5/2/2013 7:02:11 PM

+1 Boost

By making the Pathfinders windshield angled further, it looks more like a wagon than SUV. The 4Runner in more upright and looks like a "true" SUV. P.S. I like how Nissan/Infiniti SUV commercials use actors that are about 5'8" and 160 pds. and small, skinny kids occupy the back seats.

clsboy - 5/2/2013 8:59:17 PM

+2 Boost

Both ugly.. ..really.