Midsize Four-Door SUV
We've decided we have to do things a little differently now, considering how we've grouped this class. Rather than pit dissimilar vehicles against each other, we're breaking the 28 midsize, four-door SUVs into three categories: Under $35,000, Over $35,000, and Overall. Although this may not be the best solution, we think it makes sense for the way most people shop.
To get more information on all the vehicles included in this class, please click on the headline graphics above to reveal a spec chart.
Midsize Four-Door SUV Under $35K
Winner: Toyota 4Runner
Honorable Mention: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
This is the third-generation vehicle for Toyota, and that's apparently given the maker plenty of chances to get it right. The latest version is faster, wider, taller, more spacious, and more versatile than ever before. Although it's down on total cargo capacity, it offers a powerful all-aluminum V-6 and excellent on- and off-road driving dynamics. We have a word of caution: Toyota of late has mastered the art of allowing people to option their vehicles to excess. Even with a good base price, we've heard about buyers optioning their 4Runners past the $40,000 mark without much effort.
Midsize Four-Door SUV Over $35K
Winner : Volkswagen Touareg
Honorable Mention: Acura MDX
Definitely the darling of 2004, and recently winning our coveted Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year award, the Touareg is a solid all-around performer, with true four-wheel-drive capability and some of the best interior fitment of materials and textures we've seen in any SUV. Although the vehicle is heavy for its size, opting for the 4.2-liter, Audi-inspired V-8 will more than overcome the weight. We'd also give a nod to the Acura MDX, which offers great luxury value at a price that doesn't necessarily have to crack your wallet. The wife will love it.
Midsize Four-Door SUV Overall
Winner: Lexus GX 470
Honorable Mention: Volvo XC90
In the war of high-tech SUVs, the bar is set high, but Lexus has done an amazing job with its midsize offering. Founded on the 4Runner platform, the GX comes only with the 4.7-liter V-8 and has a unique suspension, body, and swing-out rear door to make the shared platform difficult to detect. The GX 470 has luxury interior appointments, a butter-smooth ride (especially if you opt for the amazing Kinetic Damping Suspension at $1299), best-in-class navigation screens, and dealer support system that finishes near the top of almost every survey each year.