Are you one to seek adventure? Do you like to rock climb… with your car? Are you looking for an SUV with overall functionality plus the capability to go off-road? Then, this article is for you!
The Toyota 4Runner has and still is a classic off-road SUV. However, it is not the only one. Off-road SUVs can cost anywhere from $35,000 to over $70,000. Each one has its unique benefits, but they all allow you to customize the desired SUV with your preferred specifications.
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Toyota 4Runner
The standard Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0L V6 engine and can tow up to 5000 lbs. It has an average gas mileage between 16 to 19 mpg.
The Toyota 4Runner has a lot of off-road integrated systems to boost its performance such as:
- Locking Rear Differential
- Crawl Control
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
- Multi-Terrain Select
- 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic
Though the interior has nothing to write home about, it does have a max cargo space of 88.8 cubic feet.
The starting price for a standard Toyota 4Runner is $37,605 and can increase to over $50,000 depending on the model and other customization choices.
SUVs Most Like the Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is an affordable option for the off-road experience. However, the 4Runner is not the only affordable off-road SUV out there. The three most like the Toyota 4Runner are:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Dodge Durango
- Ford Explorer
Each one varies in design, power, and space, but they all average between $35,000 as their starting costs and can rise over $50,000 based on the model and other customization preferences.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The standard Jeep Grand Cherokee has a 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine and can tow up to 6,200 lbs. As for the average gas mileage, it’s anywhere between 19 to 26 mpg.
The ground clearance on the Grand Cherokee is almost a foot high—11.3 inches! Unlike the Toyota 4Runner, the Grand Cherokee has a modern and aesthetically pleasing interior, making it a good option for a family vehicle.
The Grand Cherokee has a decent amount of cargo room with the standard having a maxim of 68.3 cubic feet of cargo room. As is the case with most modern vehicles, there is a lot of customization available.
The starting price for a standard Grand Cherokee is $38,720 and can rise to over $50,000 depending on the model and specs you choose.
Dodge Durango
The standard Dodge Durango also has the same engine, towing, and gas millage specs as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Dodge Durango has a sport-like interior and three rows of adjustable seating. If you were to fold down the seats of two of the rows and combine them with the standard cargo space, then you can have as much as 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space!
The Dodge Durango also has a 52/48 weight distribution—making it a very stable SUV when taking tight turns. For long trips, the Dodge Durango has an impressive range of up to 640 miles!
Lastly, the starting price for a Dodge Durango is $36,995 and can rise to over $50,000, depending on the engine type, aesthetic choices, and more.
Ford Explorer
The standard Ford Explorer comes with a 2.3l EcoBoost I-4 engine and can tow up to 5,300 lbs. Due to the engine size, the gas mileage is better and averages between 21 to 28 mpg.
The interior is a bit average, but it is modernized. It has three rows of seating and, with the seats folded down, you can have as much as 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Ford Explorer has Ford Co-Pilot 360 integrated technology that adds to driving convenience and safety. For those of you who dread touching a cold steering wheel, don’t worry, the Ford Explorer has a heated steering wheel!
The starting price for a Ford Explorer is $35,685 but, like the other two, can rise over $50,000 depending on how you customize the car.
The “Luxury” Class
If you are looking for a more luxurious and even more powerful version of the Toyota 4Runner, then there are some good choices out there. Of course, the more luxurious, the more expensive. You’ll be paying anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000+ on average for these SUVs.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The standard Chevrolet Tahoe has a 5.3L V8 engine and can tow up to 8,400 lbs. The gas mileage averages between 14 to 20 mpg.
As you may expect, the Chevrolet Tahoe has a luxurious and modern interior with three rows of seating. The max cargo space is 122.9 cubic feet!
Customization takes a whole new meaning with the Chevrolet Tahoe as there are 14 different engine types to choose from including some diesel engines. You can also expect to have the most up-to-date integrated technologies like dusk sensing headlamps and heated windows.
The base price for a standard Chevrolet Tahoe is $50,200 and can rise to over $70,000.
GMC Yukon
The standard GMC Yukon has a 5.3L V8 Engine and can tow up to 8,400 lbs. The average gas mileage is 21 to 27 mpg.
The GMC Yukon has a passenger-oriented interior with three rows of seating and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats can even come with dual 12.6 in. touch screens.
There is 122.9 cubic feet of total cargo space. The GMC Yukon also has integrated Google Built-In technology for a user-friendly interface. There is also a multitude of safety systems like both pre and post-collision safety system.
The starting price for a standard GMC Yukon is $52,500 and can rise to over $70,000 with the many models and customization choices.
Land Rover Discovery
The standard Land Rover Discovery has a 2.0L V4 Turbocharged engine and can tow up to around 4,800 lbs. The gas mileage averages from 19 to 22 mpg.
Though the engine may seem small, the Land Rover Discovery still has a lot of power due to its turbocharged engine. It has a torque of 295 and a horsepower of 296. This allows the Land Rover to accelerate from 0-60 in 6.9 seconds!
The Land Rover Discovery has three rows of seats and a maximum of 74.3 cubic feet of cargo space. It also has integrated driver assist technology that includes a 3D surround camera and adaptive cruise control.
The base price for a standard Land Rover Discovery is $56,600 and can rise to over $70,000, depending on the model and personal customization.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are many off-road SUV choices out there, some with similar levels of reliability as a Toyota. With all the customization that can be done to each and the many functions and integrated technologies, an off-road SUV is no longer simply a rugged vehicle but a modernized one with the similar and more off-road capabilities.
