
The vast majority of SUV drivers don't really need an off-road vehicle--they're looking for all-weather traction.
The handful that do want to be true explorers really do need something like a Toyota 4Runner, at least in its base SR5 or Trail trim.
There's authentic off-road capability here that's long gone from the Ford Explorer, which now shares some running gear with the Taurus sedan.
The Nissan Xterra is a five-seater only, but it's essentially a Frontier pickup with a wagon body, so rugged isn't just a keyword.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is still a formidable all-terrain vehicle, especially with its new EcoDiesel edition, but it gets quite expensive quite easily--and who wants to ruin a really nice $50,000 SUV? The 4Runner has two rivals within its own company to consider: its cousin, the Lexus GX 460, has the same underpinnings, but more luxury appliques like 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 2014 Toyota 4Runner's brawny looks don't fit the crossover mold, but neither do its off-road talents, either. |
The 2014 Ford Explorer does build on its heritage, but on-road fluency and passenger comfort are clearly at center stage. |
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee adds great turbodiesel fuel economy to a resume already blushing with talent. |
The 2014 Nissan Xterra doesn't have many extras available, but it does accomplish exactly what a weekend warrior would want–plus it can go just about anywhere. |
The 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser pairs tough trail-ready hardware with modern features and fab styling--but it's not for families or commuters. |
MSRP From | ||||
$32,820 | $30,015 | $29,495 | $23,390 | $27,680 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
17 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 |
EPA Class | ||||
N/A | Standard Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | N/A | N/A |
Style Name | ||||
RWD 4-Door V6 SR5 (GS) | FWD 4-Door Base | RWD 4-Door Altitude | 2WD 4-Door Automatic X | RWD 4-Door Automatic (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2014 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2014 Ford Explorer | 2014 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2014 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2014 Nissan Xterra | 2014 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser |