The Toyota 4Runner is unlike most crossovers and SUVs that fill suburban driveways. It's more of an old-school truck thanks to its pickup truck frame that helps deliver legitimate off-road chops. In its most capable form, the 4Runner has upgraded suspension components, an electronic rear locking axle, knobby tires, and underbody armor.
Updated March 2023: With a starting price of over $39,000, the Toyota 4Runner is among the best off-road SUVs money can buy. The 4Runner isn't like most midsize SUVs that fill suburban driveways. It's an old-school truck with legitimate off-road chops. Despite being a great SUV, multiple cheaper midsize SUVs have good off-road capability. This updated list highlights some of the best SUVs you can get instead of the Toyota 4Runner.
The 2024 variant will be one of the best Toyota midsize SUVs offering a well-rounded package and immense capabilities. Going with what we’ve seen with modern Toyota SUVs, the expectations for the 4Runner are pretty high. However, that will also come at a cost. That makes this list perfect for anyone looking for a great and cheap 4Runner alternative.
10 2022 Ford Bronco – $31,300
Like the Wrangler, the Bronco is a conqueror of the toughest trails. It rocks a nostalgia-inducing design with civil on-road driving manners and amazing trail-tackling ability. Like the Wrangler, the Bronco is available in two and four-door body styles with a convertible top and removable doors.
While the Bronco offers the same open-air possibilities as the Wrangler, it has a few more innovations. For example, it has frameless doors that are easy to remove and a rack on the dashboard that makes it easier to mount GoPros and smartphones.
The Bronco gets plenty of standard features, including a 7-speed manual for the two-door and a 10-speed automatic for the four-door variant. Under the hood is a 2.3 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 300 hp sending power to all four wheels.
9 2023 Honda CR-V – $31,110
The predecessors of the CR-V have had a great reputation in America for their affordable starting price. The new model brings a whole new look inside and out. It features grander proportions, more practicality, and more passenger space.
The interior has an attractive design inspired by the Civic, and it's filled with modern tech, including a 9.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The handsome interior design also includes a honeycomb textured insert on the dash and in the air vents. Honda also offers comfortable front seats to help decrease driver fatigue.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline- 4 engine producing 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. The engine works with a CVT to send power to either all wheels or the front wheels. Honda also offers a more powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, for a total combined output of 204 horses.
8 2023 Jeep Wrangler – $30,945
The new Wrangler offers inspiring opportunities for adventure. It's available with two body styles and various fuel-swinging powertrains, giving it a broad appeal. All Wrangler models get four-wheel drive as standard and a set of capable off-road features.
Most models can easily take you anywhere if you have the driving skills to match. Under the hood, you can opt for the 3.6-liter V6 or 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4. Both options get a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with a 3.45 overall gear ratio.
While the Wrangler isn't the most accommodating or spacious SUV, it offers a seamless blend of modern and vintage Jeep characters. The Wrangler has a commanding view of the road, making it easier to maneuver.
7 2022 Kia Sorento – $29,590
The Sorento is the perfect substitute for the larger Telluride. It has a smaller footprint, handsome styling, and space for three rows of seats for the entire family. Stowing the third row adds more cargo space while making the cabin comfortable for a small family.
The Sorento offers a smooth ride with satisfying handling characteristics. It uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the front wheels using an 8-speed automatic system.
Kia also offers a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 281 hp. While both engine options use the 8-speed automatic, the hybrid model uses a 6-speed automatic.
6 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe – $28,200
The Santa Fe boasts a roomy, feature-filled, and lavish interior that aims to make your journey the best it can be. Most details on the new Santa Fe are both visible and hidden. By looking at the SUV, it's obvious that Hyundai geared it towards one goal; family.
The upscale designs of the Santa Fe help brighten up daily routines, especially the advanced technology and roomy interior. Like most of its Hyundai stablemates, the Santa Fe has an impressive interior with upscale materials. The attractive cabin has plenty of contemporary options, including heated rear seats, a digital gauge cluster, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display.
It also offers plenty of terrain-conquering power, with the base SE trim featuring a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 18 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai also offers a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 277 hp.
5 2022 Toyota RAV4 – $26,975
Even though the RAV4 isn’t the most entertaining compact SUV, it's practical and efficient, making it a worthy SUV for most people. The base RAV4 is affordable and offers some features that buyers will appreciate. The RAV4 gets a 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic gearbox sending power to the front wheels.
Toyota has also added a TRD-tuned suspension with enhanced rebound control to help tackle trails easily. Additional upgrades include dynamic torque vectoring to help enhance the stability and responsiveness of the RAV4.
Toyota also ensures that the RAV4 gets a highly ergonomic and spacious interior. The RAV4 has plenty of useful shelf spans in the center console and dash.
4 2023 Mazda CX-5 – $26,700
The new Mazda CX-5 features a sophisticated interior space and an exquisitely sculpted exterior. It helps deliver the brand's reputation for near-luxury experience and athletic handling. The CX-5 has a particular blend of interior refinement and nimble road manners, making it one of the best compact SUVs on the market.
The cabin boasts of first-rate materials, enough to compete with Audi and Mercedes. Its unique layout makes everything feel upscale, including the well-crafted steering wheel and front seat armrests that offer optimal comfort.
The CX-5 gets a SKYACTIV 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. All variants get all-wheel drive and 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. These aspects make the CX-5 a great daily driver SUV that comes alive on curvy roads.
3 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan – 26,590
The Tiguan comfortably offers style, versatility, and power. It features a sophisticated and thoughtful design, making it a sharp all-around SUV. The Tiguan has a spacious modern interior, making it versatile for all passengers with plenty of room to stretch out.
The Tiguan's interior is similar to most of its Volkswagen stablemates. It's simple, functional, and offers plenty of legroom in the second row. Despite coming standard with cloth seats, Volkswagen offers optional faux leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and full power adjustment for the driver seat.
It offers athletic handling, thanks to the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Unlike most of the SUVs on this list, the Tiguan offers three rows of seats, giving it more flexibility. The peppy 4-cylinder engine under the hood produces 184 hp to the front wheels.
2 2023 Kia Sportage – $25,990
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The new Kia Sportage uses extroverted styling to separate itself from the multitude of compact crossovers. Its unconventional face displays a distinct grille design and a set of alien-looking headlights. The Sportage gets bolder bodywork that translates to a roomier interior and more cargo space.
Inside the Sportage is an attractive interior filled with tech like the 12.3-inch dial panoramic displays, 360-degree surround view monitor, and a blind spot view monitor. The snazzy interior also has plenty of eye-catching details, including an attractive two-tone color scheme option and a myriad of controls on the center console.
Under the hood of the base Sportage is a punchy 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Kia also offers a hybrid option with a single electric motor and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that generates a combined 226 hp.
1 2022 Subaru Forester – $25,895
The Forester easily combines Subaru’s outdoorsy image with the practicality of an SUV. The new Forester benefits from a styling makeover, getting a truck-like appearance. Its cabin remains as practical and comfortable as ever.
Like most Subarus, the Forester gets symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard. The base model offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it easier to handle tough terrain while providing extra protection against obstacles. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
The Forester has a straightforward cabin with great outward visibility and a good driving position. Despite having textured plastic trim, the interior is high quality and spacious. The Forester doesn't have a third row, but adults can comfortably fit in the rear bench seat.