A truck-based SUV fits the bill for this reader

Dear Tom and Ray: As a biologist, I drive off-road throughout the United States and Mexico. My 2000 four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma gets terrible mileage, but I have a motorcycle for my everyday (non-work) vehicle, so the mileage isn't a daily concern. However, in a moment of indiscretion, I got married and, shortly thereafter, pregnant. Obviously, I can't get away with the pickup-truck/motorcycle thing anymore. We're considering an SUV. Hubby wants a Toyota 4Runner. The problem is, I'm having difficulty evaluating off-road capabilities. Most reviews criticize SUVs if they drive like trucks, and summarize their off-road abilities by saying, "You're probably never going to drive this thing off-road anyway." Basically, I want it all -- something that won't get me stuck when I do something stupid in a remote location, something that gets better-than-abysmal mileage, and if it looks like a BMW Z4, all the better! New or used doesn't matter, although it will need room for that little twinkle in our eyes that's coming. Any suggestions?

Leah

Ray: Here's the story. There are basically two kinds of SUVs these days. There are truck-based SUVs and car-based SUVs. For the vast majority of people, we recommend car-based SUVs. They handle better, ride better, are less prone to flipping over, are easier to get into and out of, are safer for other cars on the road and get better mileage. And for on-road and bad-weather conditions, they're fine.

Tom: But for the few people, like you, Leah, who actually DO drive off-road and have to climb over tree stumps, we would recommend a truck-based SUV with a more rugged truck frame. And the 4Runner happens to be one of those truck-based SUVs.

Ray: So your husband's idea is not a bad one. The new, redesigned 4Runner is a very nice vehicle. But it might be more than you have in mind. It'll easily cost you more than $30,000 to get into one with four-wheel drive. If that's a little rich for your budget, Leah, I have a couple of other suggestions. One would be a used 4Runner.

Tom: A used Nissan Pathfinder might also fit the bill, Leah. Or, if you want to buy new, some of the smaller, truck-based SUVs on the market are the Nissan Xterra, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento (essentially the same vehicle), the Jeep Liberty and the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Ray: Based on our experience fixing cars, I'd lean toward one of the Nissans or Toyotas. They're rugged, reliable and have plenty of room.