
While most SUV drivers don't actually need an off-road vehicle, there's a few that do need something like a Toyota 4Runner, at least in its base SR5 or Trail trim.
The Ford Explorer has a similar shape to the 4Runner, but it's gone full crossover, sharing 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 it has real off-road strength.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is still a formidable all-terrain vehicle, especially with its new EcoDiesel engine, but it gets quite expensive quite easily--and who wants to ruin a really nice $50,000 SUV? Jeep's Wrangler still has the off-road chops, but it's on a different level in terms of refinement and features.
The 4Runner has a corporate rival: its cousin, the Lexus GX 460, has the same underpinnings, but more luxury features and a V-8 engine.
The GX doesn't cost much more than the 4Runner Trail, but because of its complicated power-folding third-row seat and side-opening hatch, we'd rather have the Toyota.
While dedicated off-road weekend-warrior types might have chosen Toyota's smaller FJ Cruiser in the past, it's no longer available as of 2015, putting a little more pressure on the 4Runner.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2015 Toyota 4Runner offers true SUV capability--and trades away some on-road refinement for it. |
The 2015 Ford Explorer has a historic name, but it's a much more comfortable, road-worthy vehicle than it ever was in the past. |
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers an engine for everyone, and a feature list as extensive as those found in luxury sedans. |
The 2015 Nissan Xterra can go just about anywhere, and it won't clutter your decision with tons of options. |
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 | ||||
$33,210 | $30,700 | $29,995 | $23,660 | $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 | ||||
2015 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2015 Ford Explorer | 2015 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2015 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2015 Nissan Xterra | 2015 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser |