If there's one thing you can say that Toyota has accomplished with the 2008 4Runner it's wide-ranging choices. This four-door, seven-seater SUV comes in a staggering 12 trim levels starting on the bottom end with the SR5 4X2 and moving up to the Limited 4X4 V8. The base engine is a 4-liter V6 producing 236hp and returning 16 miles per gallon city and 21 highway. At the other end look for a 4.7-liter V8 with 260hp on the Limited 4X4 (14 city, 17 highway). A five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. Price wise the MSRPs range from $28,015 to $38,735.

For the most part the 2008 4Runner is a carryover from 2007, which is a little disappointing since Toyota hasn't given this model a real redesign since 2003. (It did get a new drivetrain in 2005 and an exterior face-lift in 2006.) As a truck-based SUV with off-road capability, the 4Runner goes up against competitors like the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer. With a reputation for good steering and a firm feel on the road, the 4Runner comes standard with anti-lock all-disc brakes. The driver and passengers are protected by airbags for side impact including those in the curtain position. Electronic stability control is also standard.

Moving up through the trim levels gets an increasing range of interior amenities. Every model except the base features power seats and the limited editions have leather upholstery and heated seating for the driver and front passenger. The 4Runner can be outfitted with a third-row, which takes the capacity to seven. With front buckets and a 60/40 rear bench there's room for five. Even with few changes for the coming model year the 4Runner remains an excellent performer with good space options and plenty of selections up and down the trim levels.