
If you need true off-road ability, and you need it more than just once or twice a year, the Toyota 4Runner is an excellent 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 new Jeep Grand Cherokee is more refined and comfortable on the road than the 4Runner, yet there's nothing quite like the completely off-road-focused Trail model.
An all-new Pathfinder, following more of a crossover design, is due later this year as a 2013 model; expect it to keep some off-road ability but place a greater focus on family comfort and usefulness.
The Ford Explorer was all-new last year 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.
The 4Runner's cousin, the Lexus GX 460, is another alternative; 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.
The GX doesn't cost much more than the 4Runner Trail, but with its complicated power-folding third-row seat and side-opening hatch, we'd rather have the Toyota.
And the most dedicated off-road weekend-warrior types should also consider the slightly more compact Toyota FJ Cruiser, which uses some of the same off-road hardware.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2013 Toyota 4Runner is just as brawny as it looks off-road, yet much better than you'd probably suspect on the highway. |
The Ford Explorer trades some trail-riding and towing for on-road driving lessons, and comes out fluent. |
The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee blurs the SUV-crossover line expertly; better transmissions are at the top of the wish list. |
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is in a new place that's just right for families who want a big, comfortable, sensible wagon, but it's given up some of its path-finding heritage to get there. |
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is the real deal, pairing authentic trail toughness with modern conveniences; but families and commuters attracted mainly to its brawny, very stylish look should think twice. |
MSRP From | ||||
$31,490 | $29,100 | $27,695 | $28,650 | $27,030 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
17 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | ||||
Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
Style Name | ||||
RWD 4-Door V6 SR5 (GS) | FWD 4-Door Base | RWD 4-Door Laredo Altitude *Ltd Avail* | 2WD 4-Door S | RWD 4-Door Automatic (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2013 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2013 Ford Explorer | 2013 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2013 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | 2013 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser |