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Old 03-12-2014, 12:54 PM   #1
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2014 Toyota Tacoma vs 2014 Honda Pilot EX

Hi everyone!

I'm the proud owner of a 17B trailer...and the time has come for me to change my tow vehicle (I have a 2005 GMC crew cab 4x4) ....so I've come here to learn from the pros....

I'm thinking of getting a 2014 Toyota Tacoma, with a the SR5 Power Package and TRD Sport Package which allows for a 6400 lbs towing capacity (which is more than enough for my trailer) engine is a 4.0 litre 6 cylinder, 4x4 double cab. It has P265/65R17 tires which I think are good for my trailer as I have the high axle?

Or...should I be seriously looking at a Honda Pilot EX model which has a 3.5 litre V6 engine, 4508 lbs towing capacity (2045 kg), P235/60R18 tires?

I know everyone will have their take on vehicles, but please do share as I really want to hear everyone's thoughts. I hope to be purchasing something in the next few weeks.

What are your thoughts? pros/cons? Should I be looking at something else?

Thanks for your help!

Cheers,
Nadia
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Old 03-12-2014, 12:59 PM   #2
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Have to ask why you are not comparing the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot?
Is it that you want a truck?
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Old 03-12-2014, 01:02 PM   #3
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Good question gbaglo...the Tacoma is sitting on the lot ready to drive away. I will look into the Highlander. I'm doing my research through email and internet as I live 3.5 hours away from the nearest dealerships. Thanks!
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Old 03-12-2014, 01:07 PM   #4
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Nadia, if your tow vehicle will also be your daily driver, it's important to ask whether you want to drive an SUV or a pickup truck the other 300 or so days of the year when you're not towing.
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Old 03-12-2014, 01:19 PM   #5
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Nadia, if your tow vehicle will also be your daily driver, it's important to ask whether you want to drive an SUV or a pickup truck the other 300 or so days of the year when you're not towing.

I agree. We pull our 17b with a Toyota Sienna which has a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. We have been up to Crater Lake, through Yellowstone, over Vail Pass and the Eisenhower tunnel, and over the Appalachian mountains with now trouble. Probably the hardest stretch was a very steep hill up to the campground in Kentuck Knob State Park (PA)

So either of these vehicles should pull your trailer with ease. So the important thing is what kind of vehicle do you want to drive, even when you aren't pulling the trailer.
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Old 03-12-2014, 01:28 PM   #6
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Agreed Leon. We love towing with our Tacoma, but we also need a pickup for other purposes, so it is a good fit for us,
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Old 03-12-2014, 01:29 PM   #7
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The Pilot will work just great, and the Tacoma even better, for towing your trailer. It is just a matter of what best suits your all-round usage.

I do need a pickup for everyday use, but it also has to have huge carrying and towing capacity. For that I now have an Ford F-350, with the Powerstroke diesel. But, for most times towing my 19, I MUCH prefer an SUV, and the interior carrying and storage it provides. Plus, it is easier to run around with when leaving the trailer at a campsite.

When I retire, a smaller pickup may be in order. And who knows, maybe a 5.0TA to tow behind it.
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Old 03-12-2014, 01:51 PM   #8
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There is also the 4runner which is the SUV version of the Tacoma. We owned an 06 Tacoma for 6 years and had zero issues and then bought a 4runner once we had kids to get a third row. We prefer Toyotas since both are better suited for offroad driving. The Pilot and Highlander are more mall crawlers.
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Old 03-12-2014, 09:33 PM   #9
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Gosh, I knew you guys (and gals) were good! So glad I asked. I love trucks and am used to driving trucks and I do go off on logging roads quite a bit too....I guess I just answered my own question! I'm just so darn excited that camping season is soon upon us!!! It's been awhile since I've been on this forum...and by the looks of it I have a lot of reading to catch up on! Thanks again everyone for your responses.
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Old 03-13-2014, 12:24 AM   #10
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I have a 2011 Tacoma Access Cab TRD Sport, 6 speed standard, 4WD and a 2008 17B. Overall, it is a good match, but if you are fully loaded, you may find that you slow down a bit on the longer, steeper grades. Next option if you stay with Toyota and trucks is the Tundra.
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Old 03-13-2014, 09:26 PM   #11
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I'm a truck guy, and it's my only vehicle except for a '74 Toyota FJ40 which hasn't left the garage in about 10 months. I also use the truck independent of towing the trailer for hunting and fishing. I really like the Tacoma, and it tows the trailer just fine.
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Old 03-13-2014, 09:45 PM   #12
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We have both a 2004 Tundra and a 2013 Highlander. While both could pull our 19' trailer, we love the features of the Tundra (e.g., throwing a bunch of 'stuff' into the back, more tow capability, etc). That said, if we had to choose between them and only keep one as a TV/commute car, the Highlander just might win out.
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Old 03-13-2014, 09:51 PM   #13
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All that said about my love affair with Tacomas, I've been considering a Tundra. I have a buddy who might be selling his '07 Tundra, 4x4, TRD, Tow Package, camper shell, etc., and the darned thing only has 22,000 miles on it! Immaculately kept. He's waiting to decide if he wants to buy a Highlander.
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Old 03-23-2014, 04:38 PM   #14
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I'm pleased to report back that I have a 2014 Tacoma on it's way!!
Thanks everyone for your input.
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Old 03-23-2014, 07:03 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nadia View Post
I'm pleased to report back that I have a 2014 Tacoma on it's way!!
Thanks everyone for your input.
That new built in back up camera and sway control built in will be really nice . We just got a new Corolla and wish that its back up camera was in our Tacoma.
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Old 04-20-2014, 10:20 PM   #16
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Toyota!

Here's my new tow vehicle! I love it! I decided on the Tacoma instead of the Pilot. Thanks everyone for your input, it is appreciated!
...and the back up camera is AWESOME!!
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Old 04-20-2014, 11:06 PM   #17
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Awesome.
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Old 04-21-2014, 06:39 AM   #18
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Nice looking tug, Nadia. Those compact trucks keep getting bigger and bigger. It looks so long. Should tow very well.
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Old 04-21-2014, 11:45 AM   #19
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TRD Sport , very nice . I wish they made the Sport model in the axcess cab . It's a bit shorter .
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Old 04-21-2014, 11:46 AM   #20
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Very nice. Looks like it will match too!
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