2022 Toyota 4Runner

This mid-size SUV was never meant to set the Nurburgring on fire; it was designed to be a comfortable daily family car, long-distance companion, and off-road champion. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction, coil-spring 4-link rear suspension, and high ground clearance should translate into a decent ride that absorbs most road imperfections, but that's not really the case. We enjoyed the 4Runner on suburban roads and highways (upon reaching a comfortable cruising speed) because of its lofty ride height, but this SUV can feel stiff on bumpy roads, and small road imperfections can still be felt at highway speeds, especially in TRD models fitted with the X-REAS Sport Enhancement suspension system.

TRD Pro models like ours come equipped with Fox high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs and TRD-tuned front springs. The weighted steering feel is nice but comes undone when you realize how imprecise it is, especially at higher speeds. Nevertheless, the 4Runner is easy to guide along. When driving with a bit more enthusiasm, the 4Runner's weight and ground clearance become all too apparent, and understeer kicks in, but 4x2 models are surprisingly easy to drift. Just saying.

When Toyota was preparing the 4Runner for the 2022 model year, its marketing execs must have thought, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it ." That's the feeling we get from this aging yet capable mid-size SUV. Unlike some offerings that have become softer over the years, the Toyota 4Runner still promises good off-road ability and a genuine honesty you just don't find a lot of these days. You know what you're getting right out of the box. The exterior and interior styling isn't what we'd call attractive, but it's all practical and hard-wearing, just like those who buy these. Under the hood, Toyota has kept things very basic: the 4.0-liter V6 engine has just enough power to keep the 4Runner in the race. Sure, the five-speed auto transmission is outdated, but again, it gets the job done. This combination should prove to be bulletproof in the long run.

At present, 4Runner values remain high and we don't see that changing anytime soon. The list of standard features isn't too bad (we appreciate all the standard driver aids), and there's tons of room for the family and all their stuff. Going with one of the more hardcore TRD versions also bags you special off-road features that make this Japanese SUV even more capable in the rough stuff. What you see is what you get, and that's the 4Runners biggest advantage.

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck now in its third generation and, as with its 4Runner sibling, is a capable off-road machine. Powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, the Tacoma sends its power to the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Both cars share similar looks, but the Tacoma is the larger vehicle, albeit a pickup truck. The bonus here is that you can opt for various sizes and body configurations.

Inside the cabin, the Tacoma also features a simple yet functional space that should be able to take a beating. On the road, the Tacoma shares a similar harsh ride with the 4Runner, but shines off-road, especially in TRD Pro guise. These are two very similar cars, with the main difference being that the one is an SUV and the other a Pickup. You can't go wrong with either, so pick the one that will suit your lifestyle best.

Toyota seems to have discovered the secret recipe to building SUVs, and people across the US are buying them in record numbers. The Toyota Highlander, now in its fourth generation, is a mid-size crossover SUV that also offers three-row seating and slots above the 4Runner. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 or a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, the Highlander sends its power to the front or all four wheels via a contemporary eight-speed automatic transmission that makes the 4Runner's five-speed 'box feel archaic. Where the 4Runner can boast about its off-road prowess, the Highlander is happier on the road, and its more compliant ride and more refined interior backs that up. This is the car to go for if you're looking for more space, more luxury, and a more car-like experience in general.