Originally Posted by rbrownlie

Which model? I would start by asking myself why do I want a 4Runner and how do I plan to use it. Based on what you say about your intended uses, a Highlander is probably your best bet. It will get you through the snow and light off-road, and is far more economical. As for 4Runners, your intended uses seem to suggest you do not need a TE. That leaves you with an SR5 or Luxury. If money is an issue or you do not need the options that are bundled with the Luxury, then its an SR5. If you need or really want those bundled options, then it is a Luxury.

Personally, I chose a TE with KDSS because I wanted a highly capable off road vechicle. It does everything I want on the road. It had no problem bashing around bad lands and dessert loaded with guns, ammo and passengers on a recent hunting trip (far better than my former F150 FX-4 when it was stock). Fuel economy, however, is the price for that off-road capability. Hence, my prior suggestion that you might also want to consider a Highlander.