Which is the best... 4Runner, Grand Cherokee, or Xterra? Everyone in my family is tall. Winters include unplowed, drifted country roads and lots of potholes. The criteria would be value for money, all weather capability, and comfort for tall people.

You already know what everyone here is going to tell you.

For me, the 4Runner is the obvious choice, but it all depends in what you're looking for.

The 4Runner is bulletproof. The reliability of Toyota's are top notch if you're not familiar with their history. It also has an off road pedigree that the other two do not. Resale value is far above the other two as well.

The Jeep is a "nice" SUV. It has a lot of creature comforts and drives very nice. Jeep also has a history for off road, but you won't find the Grand Cherokee to be on the same level as the 4Runner when it comes to playing in the dirt. If you are unaware, the build quality of the Jeep is terrible. Expect problems throughout your ownership. While they may be covered under warranty, I'd rather not have to go to the dealership a couple times a year for warranty issues.

The Nissan needs redesigned. It's been basically the same since 2005. Earlier in the Xterra's current generation it did experience some major engine problems, but that has been taken care of. They don't ride so nice, due to leaf springs in the rear. It feels like a pickup truck on the road. The interior isn't near the quality of the 4Runner or Jeep. The resale value sits in between the other two. Trunk space is also a little limited, but there's plenty of legroom front and back for 6 foot tall me.

Buy the 4Runner and don't look back

That is the sense that I got. I had asked one of my friends at work, and he said essentially the same thing, although he is more of a Jeep fan. I am guessing that the "Trail" would be the best choice, since it has a mechanical shifter to go from the various drive selections (4H, 4L, & 2H) rather than an electronic selector situated in the hot transmission tunnel. What is the consensus with the kinetic dynamic suspension system? It is wildly unlikely that I will be driving over large rocks. The worst will be slightly flooded roads, or icy, drifted snowy roads.

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