Our New Tow Vehicle

[jadams]

After a lot of research and shopping my wife and I decided on a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L with Honda Sensing (lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, auto cruise control, blind spot detection) as a tow vehicle. Very happy to get this '16 model with the driver assist safety features because it wasn't standard for '16.

We really loved and desired a Toyota 4 Runner. As a second vehicle which will serve as a commuter until we go full-time in September 2020, the better fuel mileage, greater interior space and lower cost of the Honda Pilot won us over. We were suprised with the high cost of pre-owned Toyota 4 Runners in the metro-Boston market!

[Bobbie54]

You'll love the Pilot- I love the Honda sensing (also on my Ridgeline). It's especially great changing lanes or on cruise control (and backing, too.)

[yardsale]

Did you consider the Subaru Ascent? It has been on our mind.

[dfandrews]

Great choice. We love our 2011 Pilot matched w/our 17.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by jadams

After a lot of research and shopping my wife and I decided on a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L with Honda Sensing (lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, auto cruise control, blind spot detection) as a tow vehicle. Very happy to get this '16 model with the driver assist safety features because it wasn't standard for '16.

We really loved and desired a Toyota 4 Runner. As a second vehicle which will serve as a commuter until we go full-time in September 2020, the better fuel mileage, greater interior space and lower cost of the Honda Pilot won us over. We were suprised with the high cost of pre-owned Toyota 4 Runners in the metro-Boston market!

Nice vehicle. Standard EX-L model with 3500# tow capacity or AWD with transmission cooler capable of 5000#?

I like the 4Runners but my father and I have Gen 4 models so I'm admittedly a bit biased. The multi-mode 4WD system with center differential is impressive. To get the equivalent system in the current models I believe you need to purchase the Limited trim. All 4Runners do seem to hold their value quite well.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by jadams

After a lot of research and shopping my wife and I decided on a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L with Honda Sensing (lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, auto cruise control, blind spot detection) as a tow vehicle. Very happy to get this '16 model with the driver assist safety features because it wasn't standard for '16.

We really loved and desired a Toyota 4 Runner. As a second vehicle which will serve as a commuter until we go full-time in September 2020, the better fuel mileage, greater interior space and lower cost of the Honda Pilot won us over. We were suprised with the high cost of pre-owned Toyota 4 Runners in the metro-Boston market!

Hi: jadams... I hope along with buying such a dark vehicle you got the "Car wash" option too!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[jadams]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Nice vehicle. Standard EX-L model with 3500# tow capacity or AWD with transmission cooler capable of 5000#?

I like the 4Runners but my father and I have Gen 4 models so I'm admittedly a bit biased. The multi-mode 4WD system with center differential is impressive. To get the equivalent system in the current models I believe you need to purchase the Limited trim. All 4Runners do seem to hold their value quite well.

Oh ya, the Pilot is an AWD model. Thanks for informing me of the transmission cooler. I wasn't aware of this option. I have to install a receiver hitch and wiring harness. The install on the ATF Cooler Assembly looks easy and is short money at $150.

Those are some of the many reasons we liked the 4Runners so much. Also, can't beat the super cool roll down rear window.

[jadams]

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: jadams... I hope along with buying such a dark vehicle you got the "Car wash" option too!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

I know, right? I've owned a black car in the past and they require more exterior care.

Shopping pre-owned SUVs limited our options. '16 AWD Pilots with Honda Sensing and low mileage are a bit of a unicorn and we were happy to score almost any color. We missed out on a blue vehicle by a couple of days.

[jadams]

Originally Posted by yardsale

Did you consider the Subaru Ascent? It has been on our mind.

Sure did! The Ascent is a really nice SUV. It came down to finances and some subjective things. Michelle appreciates the increased driver visibility in the Pilot with it's larger rear window. We have a Honda HR-V so the familiar interior of the Pilot felt nicer to us also.

There are more pre-owned Pilot options in our market because I believe the Ascent became available in 2018. End of year pricing on a discounted Ascent with low APR would have just pushed us into a new '19 model as compared to pre-owned '18 model. They were really out of our price range even with the end of year sales.

[jadams]

Thanks Don! We purchased with confidence because a lot of folks here on the forum like you are pulling 17s effectively with Pilots.

[mimie]

Originally Posted by jadams

After a lot of research and shopping my wife and I decided on a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L with Honda Sensing (lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, auto cruise control, blind spot detection) as a tow vehicle. Very happy to get this '16 model with the driver assist safety features because it wasn't standard for '16.

Great looking set-up, and the color goes well with Chloe's coat

You're going to love it, I'm sure - it will pull your 17B so easily, you'll barely know you have a trailer in tow!

[arniesea]

Originally Posted by jadams

Those are some of the many reasons we liked the 4Runners so much. Also, can't beat the super cool roll down rear window.

The Pilot is a great choice. Keep in mind that with regular maintenance, your trailer will likely outlast your tow vehicle. So you may have an opportunity for something else in the future.

[jadams]

Originally Posted by mimie

Great looking set-up, and the color goes well with Chloe's coat

You're going to love it, I'm sure - it will pull your 17B so easily, you'll barely know you have a trailer in tow!

Thanks Mimi!

[jadams]

Originally Posted by arniesea

The Pilot is a great choice. Keep in mind that with regular maintenance, your trailer will likely outlast your tow vehicle. So you may have an opportunity for something else in the future.

Yes indeed! Thanks for reminding me of how durable Escapes are with a little tlc. I like the idea the trailer will outlast a vehicle. We may get that 4Runner eventually or I may finally get a truck once we're in Vermont.