As the only entry still employing rear leaf springs (instead of coils), the Rodeo felt slightly harsher over road imperfections, a little bouncier on hard bumps, and less controlled overall than the others. While the recirculating-ball power steering is generally well behaved, it has an annoying on-center dead spot, requiring numerous small corrections during straight-line cruising. And the Rodeo had a Jekyll/Hyde personality hiding inside: In fast cornering, it performed surprisingly well, without the noticeable body lean of the 4Runner; however, in the sudden left-right-left transitions of the slalom, the Rodeo responded unevenly to rapid steering inputs-mostly due to its tire sidewall flex-making it the least predictable in at-the-limit handling. An upgraded set of tires likely would cure most of this trait.
High-class Living
There was no lack of amenities among our trio. Each came outfitted with leather seats, dual airbags, loads of power accessories, a sunroof, a premium sound system, good ergonomics, and ample room.
The Pathfinder fielded an additional host of extras such as automatic climate control, heated seats, dual visors, and a HomeLink remote transmitter system integrated into the driver's visor. (HomeLink is able to learn remote signals for garage-door openers, home lighting systems, and so on.) The Rodeo offers an overall comfortable driving environment, but even in LS trim, it's a little leaner on the accoutrements and is the only one of the group without cupholders and height-adjustable shoulder-belt anchors.
All three vehicles treat the rear passengers well. Taking advantage of their new two-inch-longer wheelbases, both the Pathfinder and 4Runner added some much-needed rear-seat legroom. In measuring the vehicles, we first positioned the driver's seat in a "standard" position for a 5-foot-10-inch driver, and then moved it all the way back and measured the minimum rear-seat legroom. The Isuzu excelled in both cases.
The 4Runner is the rear-headroom leader, with over an inch more space than the Pathfinder and 0.7 inch more than the Rodeo. The 4Runner was also the only one of the group to offer an optional third seat, which increases passenger capacity to seven. The seatback folds down for flexible loading, or to provide maximum cargo space the seat easily unclips from its mounts and lifts out.
Investment Options
The high-end models here don't scrimp on comfort and convenience, and their window stickers reflect their status. At a base of $32,988, the 4Runner Limited fielded the highest tally of the group. With options such as a power sunroof, premium sound system, differential lock, and trailer hitch, ours totaled out to a heady $35,953.
The Pathfinder SE, with the five-speed manual transmission, bases at $27,549. When optioned up with leather, a power sunroof, automatic climate control, and adjustable suspension, it rang in at $33,050. Add another grand if you want the automatic transmission.
The Rodeo LS carries a base price of $28,260. With the optional leather seats, 12-disc CD changer, four-wheel ABS, and moonroof, it came to us at $31,110.
If these stickers cause a bit of shock, lower trim levels likely will be easier on your budget. For example, a two-wheel-drive 4Runner with a hearty 2.7-liter inline-four starts at just $19,488. If four-wheel drive is a priority, you can get into one for $21,548. Even a nicely outfitted SR5 4x4 with V-6 engine and automatic bases at an easier-to-swallow $26,048.
You can move either up or down from the Pathfinder SE. An entry-level two-wheel-drive XE with stick starts at $22,399. Moving to a 4x4 raises the tally to $24,399. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line LE comes in at $29,699 and $32,129, respectively, for two- and four-wheel-drive versions.
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