The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV in the traditional sense, with a body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle like a pickup truck. It is one of the last SUVs built this way, giving it the rugged capability that made this type of vehicle attractive in the first place. While serviceable as a daily driver, the 4Runner is home on adverse terrain. Off-road prowess comes from its high ground clearance and available hardware such as a locking rear differential, low-range gearing and Toyota's trick Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The latter consists of special stabilizer bars that automatically adjust to allow for greater wheel travel (and therefore traction) in off-road driving situations. An available third-row expands seating capacity to seven at the expense of some cargo space and versatility. But really, don't get a 4Runner if all you need is a mall crawler or family taxi. In that case, there are better choices, including Toyota's Highlander. But the 4Runner is one of the few vehicles left from the traditional SUV mold, and that's something to appreciate if you need a vehicle for frequent off-road weekend excursions. Notably, we picked the 2018 Toyota 4Runner as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for this year.

I have a 2016 4Runner 4x4. Great vehicle. Very versatile. I can use it on the streets and off road. Handles decently on pavement and extremely well on rural land. When buying the vehicle, there were many different options and packages to choose from. From heated seats, to different seat material. There's two-row seating as well as three rows for bigger families. It's a comfortable drive. It handles relatively smooth and feels very stable in high speeds. The interior feels luxury. The door panels and dashboard make it feel more expensive than it actually is. The exterior has a very tough and aggressive look to me. It is the ideal vehicle for oversize tires in my honest opinion. However, there are things that I dislike. It does not seem as spacious as it looks from the outside. I have a car seat in the middle row, and it can get tight. The cargo is a decent size, but I don't know if I would sacrifice that for a third row. A third row for me is pushing it in terms of space availability. However, I feel that this is the best vehicle I've ever purchased. You sort of get aspects of both worlds. A little bit of luxury and a little bit of power behind it.