To 4WD or not 4WD

At least we know they are buying all the automatic sports cars too!

 

I think you already know your answer, from your explanation. It's your money, you do you.

 

Reliability/longevity is the #1 reason I got mine, and I’d argue that these qualities have become downright hard to find these days, and that goes for products beyond vehicles too. It’s relatively rare for people to keep a vehicle more than 10 years nowadays. Manufacturers are well aware of this, and so they focus on making their vehicles as fuel efficient and powerful as possible, which leads to lighter and less robust materials being used while introducing more stressors to the engine and drivetrain. Cost cutting to remain competitive is also a huge factor in engineering and materials being used. I think the 4R is unique because it’s one of the very last vehicles where the focus is on durability over power/fuel-efficiency/cost, and it doesn’t matter if it’s 2WD or 4WD.

 

Take a look at the Limited AWD/4WD models. The AWD feature is nice and the XREAS rides better than the other models. And there are other creature comforts as well, if you are so inclined.

 

If you don't care about resale, go ahead and get the 2wd. I just really don't see the point of buying a full size SUV/body on frame truck without 4x4 capabilities though. You can go get a Honda Pilot/Passport with the same interior room and better driving characteristics + fuel economy for the same price. You get a 4runner for the 4x4. Otherwise it's just a large, slow, bad handling and poor gas mileage SUV.

 

With the experience 2 of my friends have with the 3rd gen Honda Pilot (the newest gen) I would highly suggest not to buy. Both got fuel injector failures and one got it twice. Luckily since this is a known fault Honda extended warranty for 10yrs/150K miles or something like that per the letter so you get it fixed whenever you get the failure.

Don't believe me? Bet any amount of money to take you to meet the owner.

After seeing that another friend in our circle traded not only the Honda Pilot but also traded the CRV to Palisade and a Telluride. He no more have trust on Honda.

No I'm not saying Hyundai and Kia are better. That's how much some people get scared / disappointed.

 

LOL Right on about the Chrysler/Fiat Chrysler/Stellantis comment. I was a Chrysler Master Tech for over 20 yrs. After fixing said crap for all those years I retired and bought a '22 4runner as a retirement gift. Should have seen the look on the dealer principle's face when I left. That was my 2nd best retirement gift.