2019 Toyota 4Runner

Body-on-frame SUVs make several concessions for the sake of their ruggedness, but the 4Runner seems to make more than most. Firm suspension geared towards off-road prowess is hell on the road, sending ripples and corrugations rattling through the cabin. The steering suffers too, although not from excessive feedback but rather from its wayward nature. It's loose on center and the response to inputs is dull and slow. The mud and snow tires found on most models don't inspire confidence on tarmac, and the TRD Pro's all-terrain tires do even less; if anything, this makes every commute a nerve-wracking experience.

But once off-road, the tires, suspension, and truck foundations prove invaluable. A high ride height and stiff suspension mean that it's a cinch to climb rocks and rutted terrain, and the deadness of the steering wheel means it doesn't shuffle excessively in hand. It's by no means a short wheelbase Wrangler, but it's damn good off-road, particularly in TRD Pro guise, with thick skid plates, Fox internal bypass shocks, and grippy tires getting the most out of what the V6 has to offer.

Spend any significant amount of time with a 4Runner on road, and you'll rue the day you ever decided to purchase one. It's thirsty, unrefined, and the handling and steering are loose at best, even scary if you've got the all-terrain tires of the TRD Pro. But the hungry V6 engine is a potent performer, and it comes to life off-road, which is where the 4Runner suddenly makes so much sense. It's not as good as a Wrangler, but then again, a Wrangler is far worse on-road. However, the 4Runner is highly accomplished off-road in a way almost no midsize SUVs can compare to, and with age on its side, it's incredibly reliable, too. It's also a spacious campaigner, with an abundance of storage and seating space - provided you stick to the five-seat configurations. We're disappointed in Toyota's lack of effort regarding safety features and driver assists, something they'll hopefully remedy for 2020, but the 4Runner is still a great midsize SUV if you keep it in its comfort zone. If you're an outdoor adventure lover who occasionally has to spend time on-road, then the 4Runner might just be the best SUV for you. Just don't expect any refinement.

midsize off-roaders aren't exactly prevalent these days, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee probably strikes the best balance between capable off-roader and luxurious on-road machine. It's a little smaller than the 4Runner and doesn't offer seven-seat capability as the Toyota does, but it also doesn't offer the same abundant storage capacity as the 4Runner. It's capable off-road, with Selec-Terrain traction management, 4WD, and air suspension that can raise or lower to suit the terrain, but the 4Runner is naturally more rugged and more capable off-road, with a long history of reliability to back it up. However, the Grand Cherokee is vastly more comfortable, luxurious, and refined, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a range of available engines catering to all needs. It's got a more luxurious interior, loads more safety features, and better infotainment to boot. What it lacks in cargo space it makes up for in towing capacity, hauling 1,200 lbs more than the Toyota. So, while the Toyota is spacious and rugged, the Grand Cherokee is a superior all-rounder. If you'll be spending more time on-road than off, the Jeep makes far more sense.

Toyota offers two polar-opposite midsize SUVs in the form of the 4Runner and the Highlander, each built for a purpose. The Highlander is the on-road crossover of the family, unibody construction and front-wheel-drive base mean that it's suited to on-road use, while the vastly better gas mileage means you can travel further for less. The Highlander is also quicker, more refined, and more comfortable on-road, with better handling dynamics and higher levels of refinement. Interior materials feel more premium and the available technology - safety and infotainment - are better in the Highlander. But it can only handle modest off-tar work, even with all-wheel-drive equipped. Where things get rocky, the 4Runner is vastly superior, with locking differentials, a low-range transfer case, and genuine 4x4 capabilities. The 4Runner is also more capacious from a cargo perspective, but that's unfortunately where its benefits end. At around $3,000 more expensive, the 4Runner is more costly to buy and run, but at least it's highly reliable. At the end of the day, if you're after an off-roader, get the 4Runner, but if you just want a high-riding daily runner, the Highlander is better in almost every way.