Still trying to figure out what my next vehicle will be. Is the 4-Runner an all around good vehicle? Can you get them with 3rd row seating? Do they have plenty of room and if you can't get a 3rd row seat do they seat only five? Also, how well would one handle dirt/mud roads? Are they high enough off the ground that non-paved roads and minor offroading wouldn't hurt it?

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They don't have 3rd row seating, not sure about the current generation Runners though. These trucks are one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the planet and built to take a licking too. The 4Runner would be a good choice IMO.

I didn't think they came with the third row. Glad to hear that they are good for off-road. My sister is looking to buy a SUV.. I will suggest this one to her. I think it will be too little for my family though.

I dont think you can get a 4Runner with a 3rd row seat, but they are great off-road rigs.

I checked around and found out that they do not come standard with a 3rd row but I could have one installed possibly which would be expensive and leave very little cargo room.. Guess I can mark 4Runner off my list (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blownose.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blownose.gif)

Personally, I like the Rav-4 for going off road. But that's me. I'm not a real big truck person.

I would think a Rav-4 would be entirely too small for us but I have heard some really good reviews on them. My sister is trying to choose between a Rav-4 and a 4-Runner.

The RAV-4 isnt much of an off-road rig. You need a vehicle with a solid frame and with low-range for serious off-roading and those are things the RAV doesnt offer.
The RAV-4 is more for people who want the smooth ride and good gas milage of a car but want some capability in snow and like the looks of an SUV.
Cassie, if you require a 3rd row seat you might be looking at going up to a Sequoia if you want to stick with Toyota. I think that Ford offers a 3rd row seat in the Explorer, not sure if you are open to a Ford though...

Went looking this weekend. Saw an AWESOME Sequoia. I really like those.. I think it is down to Sequoia, Sienna and Excursion.. I don't know which we will decide on. I think it will be a tough one though. I like them all so much!

Excursion??? Are you sure you dont mean, "Expedition"? The Excursion is the HUGE Ford thats built on a 3/4 ton truck chassis.
Id pass on the Excursion, once the gas prices skyrocket again (and you know they will), you will be hating the 10 mpg you will get with the Excursion.
Id hold off on the Sequoia for now. Rumor has it that the Sequoia is getting the 5.7L V8 in the near future. The 4.7L is a good motor and if you dont do any towing you might be happy with the 4.7L, but the 5.7L is a beast.

SWEET!!!!! 5.7L that would be awesome! No, I did mean Excursion but that was before I found out about the "extended length" Expedition.. I have a 17 month old that will be wheel chair bound once he is too big for me to carry so the bigger the cargo area and seating the better. maybe I can figure something out for a smaller vehicle

This sounds like quite a machine. I am going to have to go take one out for a test.

Went and checked out the Extended length Expeditions this weekend.. Looks pretty good but still not as roomy as an Excursion. Its still a toss up.. I really like the Sequoia.