2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5

The 4Runner is Toyota's rugged mid-size SUV, the one you cross-shop with a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer when you want something that can handle dirt roads and trails. It drives with a solid, truck-like feel that inspires confidence off the pavement, though the steering is a bit vague on the highway. Inside, the cabin is straightforward and durable, with a rear window that rolls down for easy access and seats that fold flat to open up a lot of cargo space. Owners consistently report high mileage with only routine maintenance, and the main complaints are fading paint and a dated interior. Rear-wheel drive and cloth seats set the SR5 apart from the Limited, making it the lighter, simpler pick for someone who doesn't need luxury features. The 3.4L V6 makes 183 horsepower and works with the four-speed automatic, which is smooth enough around town but hunts for gears on steep grades. It returns 17 mpg combined, which is typical for a body-on-frame SUV of this era, and its 3,600 pounds helps it feel planted on loose surfaces.