2011 Toyota 4Runner

For 2011, Toyota continues to bless the 4Runner with serious off-road capabilities and family-focused features. But, if you need a vehicle that will haul you and your clan around in comfort, reviewers say you’ll probably be better off with a crossover.

Reviewers appreciate that the 4Runner is holding onto its rugged, truck-based roots, as many of the other vehicles in this class have emerged from redesigns as crossovers. They say its only available V6 engine has plenty of horsepower for most daily commutes, its front and middle seats are comfortable for long-haul trips and its steering is ideal for both the trail and the grocery store parking lot.

But this capable, trail-rated SUV that makes reviewers applaud Toyota may be the same thing that turns shoppers away. Beefed up rather than softened for a refresh in 2010, the 4Runner isn’t a perfect family car. Multiple journalists mention that most buyers won’t use the 4Runner for the brawny trail-ripping tasks it was built for, so nearly every shopper would be better-served by something like the Ford Explorer because it’s an off-road vehicle that’s also a crossover. “Toyota loyalists with true wanderlust, but who think the company's Land Cruiser is too expensive, will find enough to like here,” writes Consumer Guide. “Everyone else would be better served shopping elsewhere.”

If you’re one of few shoppers who needs a stout off-road vehicle, check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its trail-rated capability is backed by the legendary Jeep brand, but the interior would fool any mom or dad with car pool duty. Plus, its starting price is only about $200 more than the Toyota 4Runner’s, and it comes with standard features like dual-zone air conditioning, a year’s subscription to satellite radio and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. However, it only seats five, compared with the 4Runner’s maximum of seven.

Shoppers who can sacrifice some trail-rated prowess in favor of comfort, space and improved driving dynamics should take a good look at the Chevrolet Traverse. Its fuel economy is slightly better than the 4Runner’s, it has more cargo space and its standard third row is adult-sized. Plus, reviewers say its ride is comfortable and almost car-like. The Traverses starts at almost $29,400, which is about $900 less than the base Toyota 4Runner, which doesn’t even come standard with third-row seats.