Learn me: car consolidation, and a Toyota 4Runner

The only problem with a 4 Runner is that you can get a Land Cruiser for not much more and its a lot more vehicle.

In reply to 93gsxturbo :

I have had two LC and one 4Runner and would tend to agree with this, but sometimes “more vehicle” isn’t always better. The LC will get worse mileage, be slower, and not give you much more interior room. The build quality and engineering of a LC will be much better though. I always tell people my 60 series was the coolest, 80 series the most capable, and v8 4runner the best vehicle. 

TJ what did you end up choosing if you went down this route?  

In a similar boat of needing a vehicle that fits those general requirements, and something we're not going to replace again in 2-3 years. A 5th gen 4Runner sounds great, but the entry cost is ridiculous!  

A newer 1/2 ton seems like another good choice, but prices on used trucks is through the roof at the moment.

In reply to engiekev :

If you're not looking to do semi-serious off-roading with it, I'd get a Tahoe or Sienna. The 4Runner has more off-road chops and that affects how it drives and the luxury quotient. The Tahoe and Sienna will tow better, drive better, have more luxury appointments and so on.

I've had them both as well, the 4runner is better for the around the town runner as it is more nimble and easier on gas.  Long trips or highway driver the LC wins hands down.  I had a hundy for years and the comfort factor plus the ability to really go anywhere you want and haul tons of stuff made it a great daily.

I think Brett meant the Sequoia and not the Sienna (minivan).   I've never been a big fan of any SUVs, but if for some reason I had a need for such a vehicle, I'd probably go Sequoia shopping based on irish44's experience and my own past Toyota truck experience.  Either that or a Suburban.  It seems like with the 4Runner you're paying a lot for a name/reputation. 

I did mean the Sequoia, whoops.