
For those who really need the off-road ability, the 4Runner is a great choice, especially in Trail trim.
With the available KDSS system, the 4Runner won’t rattle you as much as a Pathfinder or Grand Cherokee, while still offering as much ability for most types of off-roading.
The 4Runner also maneuvers and rides a bit better than the Pathfinder, while compared to the Grand Cherokee it gets better fuel economy than the Jeep does in V-6 or V-8 form.
The Ford Explorer is all-new for 2011 and is now built on more carlike underpinnings; it might provide adequate off-road capability for those who occasionally take to the trail, and with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine on the way, should be a much more fuel-efficient choice.
Yet another alternative is the 4Runner's cousin, the Lexus GX 460.
While sharing the same underpinnings, the GX 460 is a luxury SUV of the sort that was popular earlier last decade, with running boards and a V-8 engine.
But with a side-opening hatch (the wrong side) and a complicated power-folding third row that sacrifices, the GX 460 is the inferior of the two in many respects.
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Quick Specs | |||
If off-road capability is a top requirement, the brawny 2011 Toyota 4Runner is a good choice—with surprisingly good road manners to boot. |
The 2011 Ford Explorer a formidable shot right at the heart of the crossover market--one that's sure to pull some of the remaining SUV loyalists off their very high horses. |
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one capable, good-looking crossover—and a welcome sign of life from Chrysler. |
The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is a workhorse SUV that also offers decent comfort and an impressive feature set. |
MSRP From | |||
$30,305 | $28,360 | $30,215 | $28,570 |
Gas Mileage | |||
17 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | |||
Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility |
Style Name | |||
RWD 4-Door V6 SR5 (GS) | FWD 4-Door Base | RWD 4-Door Laredo | 2WD 4-Door V6 S |
Drivetrain | |||
Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 7 | 5 | 7 |
Passenger Doors | |||
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A |
Body Style | |||
4 Door SR5 | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2011 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2011 Ford Explorer | 2011 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2011 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder |