I know this ANOTHER SUV thread, but I would appreciate the input/help.
I'm looking to purchase an SUV. I need one that can tow at least 3,500-5,000 lbs for a trailer, and boat. So Fx35, Murano, Highlanders are out of the question. I need a truck type frame, but I don't like the "truck" ride. Since I will hardly ever off-road, I would like great on-road manners. I have test driven Explorer, 4Runner, & Envoy. Out off all three the 4Runner seemed the best in quality, and the road handling with the X-reas suspension was great! Very limited body roll.
I would like some opinions of the 4Runner, and maybe there are some SUV I may have overlooked....Thanks

 

Toyota would almost definately have better reliability (Based on track records) And a better resale value then the Explorer and Envoy. I worked for Toyota very briefly and 95% of all customers I encountered were more then pleased with their cars/trucks and would buy again. I'll probably get bashed for saying this but I wouldnt buy an Amercian brand car, even though the CLS is built here. Good luck

 

I test drove a lot of SUVs trying to find the right balance or ride quality, off-road abilities, daily drive comforts, and overall quality at a reasonable price. The 03 4Runner met these requirements.

Here's a good source for info on most SUVs, go to the Comparison and Review forum. It's not nearly as busy as this forum but the info there is top quality.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/

 

Have you tried Infiniti the 03 QX4? Yeah I know, it's about to be discontinued, but it's a very nice truck and it has 5000 towing capacity too. (I wish i knew about the FX35 at the time, I only thought there was going to be FX45 .) Fully loaded, I still think the QX4 interior is far more appealing than the carbon fiber look of the 4runner. The 4runner's 6cyl is still lethargic but the v8 is very impressive. I test drove a limited 6cyl at darcars toyota and I wasn't pleased with the overall package. The v8 was out of question because fully loaded with EVERYTHING, it was the exact same price for a sr5 toyota sequioa, which is a bigger truck with better towing.

Anyway, they are all nice trucks. I just like the HIDs, maple wood firm ride and nice interior and offroad of the qx4 (which can do everything a pathfinder can do offroad, eventhough mine will never see wilderness). I didn't want to get into a truck/car with a lesser interior than my CLS.

 

Moog, I have an 03 4-runner Limited with Navi and I love it. The X-REAS are very nice. It has very good road handling characteristics for a truck yet it is still very capable offroad. I'm very happy with my purchase.

-Ash

 

Thanks for all the info. I appreciate it.