Buy This Not That: The Best Cars To Buy When What You Really Want Isn’t an Option

We love the rugged sexiness of the Toyota 4Runner. But it’s hard to get, and when you can find it, it can be expensive. Add to that the fact that it was in great need of an update to its interior design and technology and even though it carries such an allure, it’s a tough sell. The newly redesigned model will be on sale later this year, but if you can’t wait, or can’t even get the last model, don’t fret. There’s an option for that.

2025 Toyota 4Runner First Look: It’s Back and It’s Awesome 

We love the Honda Passport, seen here in the Trail Sport edition, for its basic SUV goodness: Off-road ready, able to climb hills in a single acceleration, and all the thoughtfulness for such adventures, with all weather floor mats and easy to clean seats and panels. Priced form $41,900, this is an SUV that you’ll enjoy finding in sea of 4Runner sameness.

Review: The 2023 Honda Passport TrailSport is Built To Handle All Your Adventures

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Priced from about $56,000—the Defender is incredibly capable and features the luxury of capability and equipment. Available in two or four doors and with a 3rd row, as well as a more powerful V8 engine option, buyers can get as much or as little Defender as they like. And, new models carry the charm of Defender’s “Safari windows” which allow a peek at the treeline or, nature willing, giraffe’s chins.

Destination Defender Is the Poshest Place to Get Dirty

The Lexus GX is a classic old-school SUV, not just capable, but capable of being modified for your needs. Inside it’s luxurious and comfortable, and a 3rd row is an option for those who need it. The Lexus GX was completely redesigned for 2024 and is is priced from about $63,000, but last year’s models can still be found for sale and may represent a great opportunity to snag a deal on a sought-after SUV.

Road Test: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Is Still the Classic We’ve Always Loved

These can be hard to find and expensive when you do. That’s because the Ford Bronco, priced from $39,000 and available in 2- or 4-door models and in manual or automatic transmission, is designed to do it all on the off-road trail. And, buyers get a fee pass to the Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo, a full day off-road school that will teach you not just how to use all the gear built into your Bronco, but how to drive a trail and find new trails and a community of off-roaders where you live.

Can Driving the Ford Bronco Raptor Help You Understand Yourself Better?

We have had a long love affair with the Jeep Wrangler, which offers multiple models and levels of off-road capability, from basic to expert. Priced from $36,000 to $67,000, these also tend to hold their value (relatively, these are cars after all) so when you decide it’s time to upgrade you have a nice asset to trade in.

I Went Off-Roading in the New 2024 Jeep Wrangler, and It Blew My Mind

We get it. The Mustang Mach E is one of our favorite cars for its simplified approach to fun. 250+ miles of quick-charging electric range, a truly beautiful design and a comfortable interior, this car has inspired clubs and fandom that make the ownership experience even more fun.

Why I Bought My Mustang Mach-E: Joanna Stern, Wall Street Journal Tech Columnist

Insanely fun to drive, and with a some easter eggs and fun technology—it has fart mode, which will delight anyone who is, or acts, under the age of 12—the Tesla Model Y is a solid choice. With price decreases and incentives, including the federal tax incentive, the Y could actually be one of the most affordable cars on the road right now.

Why I Bought a Tesla Model Y

Even though Kia increased production and added new trims to the Telluride, it’s still a hard one to get. That’s driving the price up and making buyers think twice about this dream car that, for those who did get one, is a crowd-pleaser: 3 rows of comfortable seating, great technology and in the new X-Line and X-Pro, even more off-road ruggedness.

Why I Bought a Kia Telluride

The VW Atlas is a great family SUV with great space for kids car seats, a comfortable 3rd row, even for adults. and lots of style. We particularly like the top of the line R Design, but there many options, priced from $38,000 to about $52,000 and filled with lots of nice standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assist and safety features.

The Updated, Upgraded 2024 VW Atlas 3-Row SUV

This cute, reliable, roomy SUV has been a best seller since it’s introduction and it’s easy to see why. And, with a number of trims to choose from, from the adventure focused TRD Pro version to the hybrid to the Prime plug-in hybrid electric, you can tailor your RAV4 experience. The downside: They are in demand and priced accordingly, from $28K to $43K, and typically without discounts or incentives. It can be disappointing to see this one fall out of your price range.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited: The Car I Wish We’d Purchased

This little cutie got a makeover a couple of years ago, giving it a more toned look on the outside and a modern feel and function inside. Kia loves to give away all the technology they can come up with, so things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, driver assistance tech and more. And, like the RAV4, you can pick your power: gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric and of course, all wheel drive. The Kia Sportage is priced from $27K-$38K.

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and X Model SUV

And we’ve waited patiently. The compact electric Volvo EX30, with its novel design and very light carbon footprint, is destined for the US… someday. Priced from $35K, it promises Volvo’s beautiful, iconic design and a powerful motor, or two, and higher trims offer more features. But, its looking like end of the year before it gets here, perhaps longer if federal rules taxing Chinese-built cars prevent its sale. There will be a version built in Europe, so it’ll get here, but it may be a wait.

2025 Volvo EX 30 First Drive: The Electric SUV, Re-Thought, Luxury-Packed, Budget Friendly

We loved this little electric car from its introduction and it still represents one of the best EVs on the road. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is comfortable for 4 or 5 passengers, has an “open interior” design and a moveable center console, and it has a fast-charging power plant that can recoup 80% of the battery charge in just 20 minutes at a level 3 fast charger. Priced from $41K, dealers will pass along the federal tax incentive via a lease, which may be the best way to get this car into your life, anyhow.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 First Drive: A Pivotal Moment for Hyundai—and for Electric Cars 

There’s always an alternative to anything you want but can’t have, or can’t stomach the compromises it takes to get it. Do your homework on features and pricing, shop around and think about what you really need versus what you simply want. And then, get the car that’ll make you happy. You deserve it!