Among those more carlike candidates are the Subaru Forester, which has a tough all-wheel-drive system that can take on muddy, rutted trails quite well.
The RAV4 is styled closer to an SUV, but it's similar to a car too; inside you can specify a small third-row seat.
Honda's CR-V is one of the smoothest-riding and most fuel-efficient, and it's a good choice for those who don't plan to venture off-road; a new version of this model is due soon, as a 2012 model.
The Nissan Xterra and Toyota FJ Cruiser are also good choices for those who plan to take to the trail and are willing to accept some sacrifices in practicality.
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 2012 Jeep LibertyBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan XterraBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota FJ CruiserBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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With the off-road-focused Renegade model now gone, it's hard to see much value in the 2012 Jeep Liberty, as there were already plenty of better choices for those looking to spend most of the time on-road, commuting or shuttling kids.. |
The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs. |
If you have a lot of gear to haul to tough-to-reach places, the 2010 Nissan Xterra is a good choice for weekend adventurers. |
The 2012 Subaru Forester is tough, all-weather-capable, and one of the best-handling compact crossovers--plus, a blast to drive in XT turbo form--but an old-tech automatic transmission and econo-caliber interior remain letdowns. |
If head-turning style and true trail toughness are priorities, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser stands above most SUVs—although families and city commuters need not apply. |
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 remains a strong, refined choice for families, even though some of its design might be a blast from the past. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $23,395 | $22,495 | $25,480 | $20,595 | $26,115 | $22,650 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas V6 | Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas Flat 4 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle - AWD | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | |||||
| RWD 4-Door Sport Latitude | 2WD 5-Door LX | 2WD 4-Door Automatic X | 4-Door Manual 2.5X | RWD 4-Door Automatic (GS) | FWD 4-Door I4 (GS) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Manual | Automatic | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Jeep Liberty vs. 2012 Honda CR-V | 2012 Jeep Liberty vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra | 2012 Jeep Liberty vs. 2012 Subaru Forester | 2012 Jeep Liberty vs. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser | 2012 Jeep Liberty vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
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