The 4Runner looks absolutely truck-tastic. It sits up high on big 18-inch wheels, asking, “What are YOU lookin’ at?” An intake scoop on the hood adds to its athletic appeal, and a rugged roof rack system offers to carry anything you can think of. The 4Runner’s ground clearance of just over 9 inches means that while you can run over a small tree, there’s a bit of a climb into the cabin. Lucky for us, the running boards make that climb an easy one, even for little legs. The doors are substantial but not too heavy, and my little guys had no problem managing their ins and outs.

The liftgate is on the heavy side, and there isn’t a power option. That’s ’cause this isn’t a wimpy kind of car. The 4Runner is a tough truck for tough people. If you mind wrestling with a liftgate, then this is not the SUV for you. The 4Runner’s large mirrors help with visibility on the sides and in the rear.

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