My current 2004 Toyota Highlander 4WD is fast approaching time to replace due to excessive maintenance costs (~$4,000 in last 8 months with 100,000 miles). Another Highlander is not being considered, one of the primary reasons due to consistent poor traction in snow and poor weather conditions (sneakers/tires worn: OEM Toyto Transpath A11; Michelin CrossTerrain; Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S). In comparison my VW Passat 4-Motion, Audi A6, and Audi Q5 never had an issue with the snow and poor weather conditions.
That brings me to my question - of the 3 being considered: 2014
* Honda Pilot EX
* Toyota 4Runner Limited
* VW Toureg sport (base model)
What do current and past drivers recommend?
What will this car be used for? -> Primary family hauler and cargo (both roof and up to 1,000 lbs towing). The VW has a negative tick in this space for having the smallest trunk capacity and lack of 3rd row of seats. 3rd row is not required, but nice to have for the 2 times a year they have been used in the Highlander. The vehicle will get its rims dirty with minor off roading, but nothing these 3 can't handle (Highlander was fine in the minor dirt and gravel roads it traveled). Light to moderate snow fall is the largest fear since the Highlander fitted with the 3 mentioned tires receives a failing grade in every category possible whereas my VW/Audi's never had a single issue. In fact, my Audi had to tow out the Highlander one time when the Highlander got stuck in 4 feet of snow and the Audi was fitted with Michelin OEMs. We live in the North-East.
That brings me to my question - of the 3 being considered: 2014
* Honda Pilot EX
* Toyota 4Runner Limited
* VW Toureg sport (base model)
What do current and past drivers recommend?
What will this car be used for? -> Primary family hauler and cargo (both roof and up to 1,000 lbs towing). The VW has a negative tick in this space for having the smallest trunk capacity and lack of 3rd row of seats. 3rd row is not required, but nice to have for the 2 times a year they have been used in the Highlander. The vehicle will get its rims dirty with minor off roading, but nothing these 3 can't handle (Highlander was fine in the minor dirt and gravel roads it traveled). Light to moderate snow fall is the largest fear since the Highlander fitted with the 3 mentioned tires receives a failing grade in every category possible whereas my VW/Audi's never had a single issue. In fact, my Audi had to tow out the Highlander one time when the Highlander got stuck in 4 feet of snow and the Audi was fitted with Michelin OEMs. We live in the North-East.