Short answer
The 2017 Land Cruiser is our all-round capability pick, the 2017 4Runner suits trail use and the 2020 Highlander Hybrid suits family travel. Early Highlander Hybrids and RAV4 V6 models need specific campaign checks.
- Coverage
- Five selections across 2006–2025
- Land Cruiser powertrain
- 5.7-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic
- Hybrid family choice
- 2020 Highlander Hybrid with 243 total system horsepower
The 5 Best and Worst Toyota SUVs From the Last 20 Years at a Glance
| No. | Model or version | Model years | Editorial verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |  | 2017 | Best all-round capability |
| 02 |  | 2017 | Best trail-focused choice |
| 03 |  | 2020 | Best family efficiency |
| 04 |  | 2006–2009 | Oil-line campaign caution |
| 05 |  | 2006–2007 | Inverter recall caution |
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The 5 Best and Worst Toyota SUVs From the Last 20 Years: Entry Details
Toyota Land Cruiser
2017 · Best all-round capabilityThe 200 Series pairs a V8 and full-time four-wheel drive with a roomy cabin. Low range, Crawl Control and a standard suite of driver assistance features make it our strongest combined road-and-trail choice.
- Evidence
- 381-hp 5.7-liter V8, eight-speed automatic and seating for eight
Toyota 4Runner
2017 · Best trail-focused choiceThe TRD Off-Road version adds a locking rear differential and Crawl Control to the 4Runner's separate frame and low-range four-wheel drive. Its five-speed automatic and truck-like layout are less appealing for buyers who spend all their time in city traffic.
- Evidence
- 270-hp V6, locking rear differential and Crawl Control
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2020 · Best family efficiencyThe fourth-generation hybrid trades the earlier V6 for a four-cylinder hybrid system. Three-row accommodation and 243 total system horsepower make it the useful family alternative to the heavier Land Cruiser and 4Runner.
- Evidence
- 243 total system horsepower and available front-wheel or all-wheel drive
Toyota RAV4 V6
2006–2009 · Oil-line campaign cautionThe rubber section of the VVT-i oil supply hose could deteriorate and leak engine oil. Seek evidence that the revised hose was fitted, because an otherwise tidy V6 RAV4 can conceal an unresolved lubrication risk.
- Evidence
- Certain V6 vehicles covered by the VVT-i oil-hose replacement campaign
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2006–2007 · Inverter recall cautionPoor soldering in affected inverter power-module transistors could lead to reduced power or an unexpected stall. The specific risk puts these early hybrids behind the later family choice until recall completion and hybrid-system condition are established.
- Evidence
- Recall 11V342 covers certain hybrid inverter intelligent power modules
The 5 Best and Worst Toyota SUVs From the Last 20 Years: Analysis
Land Cruiser and Highlander solve different jobs
The 2017 Land Cruiser uses a separate frame, full-time four-wheel drive and low range to carry people beyond paved roads. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid puts its smaller hybrid powertrain to work on family journeys instead. Buyers deciding between them can also compare the Toyota off-road choices.
The two caution choices need different evidence
The RAV4 V6 needs proof of the revised oil hose, while the early Highlander Hybrid needs an inverter recall check. The faults concern different powertrains within the Toyota range, so identify the engine before asking for campaign records. Documented remedial work can resolve the specific defect on an affected vehicle.
Important context
- The Land Cruiser combines full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case.
- The 4Runner TRD Off-Road adds a locking rear differential and Crawl Control.
- The RAV4 caution concerns the V6 oil supply hose, not every third-generation engine.
Our verdict
Editorial verdict
Choose the Land Cruiser for combined capability, the 4Runner for trails and the later Highlander Hybrid for family travel. Check the exact campaign and repair history before buying either caution choice.
Strengths
- Three clearly different recommended uses
- Specific engine and model-year cautions
Things to consider
- Used-car condition remains individual
- Campaign eligibility varies by VIN
FAQ: The 5 Best and Worst Toyota SUVs From the Last 20 Years
Which Toyota SUV is best for off-road use?
The 2017 4Runner TRD Off-Road is our focused trail choice. Its locking rear differential and Crawl Control help it maintain traction on uneven ground.
Which Toyota SUV is best for family use?
The 2020 Highlander Hybrid is our family pick. It combines three-row accommodation with a four-cylinder hybrid system and offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Which RAV4 engine needs the oil-hose check?
The caution applies to certain 2006–2009 RAV4 V6 vehicles with the 2GR-FE engine. Ask for documentation of the revised VVT-i oil supply hose.
Which Highlander Hybrid years had the inverter recall?
Recall 11V342 covered certain 2006–2007 Highlander Hybrids. The inverter power module could suffer heat-related damage that reduced power or stopped the hybrid system.
Sources & methodology
Five U.S. selections from Toyota specifications and campaign notices for 2006–2025. Best rewards usefulness and engineering. Worst flags specific documented defects and treats repaired vehicles separately.
Maintained by Artsiom Dusau, a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy
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