I drive a Ford Ranger with the strong four-cylinder turbo but am considering an SUV for my next vehicle. Other than the Toyota 4Runner, are there other options for a body-on-frame, mid-size SUV with a towing capacity of at least 5,000 pounds? – Paul
Miranda Lightstone: Paul is definitely looking for a serious off-roader. I wonder if all our readers know the benefits and differences between a body-on-frame versus a unibody frame, and why Paul might want the former?
Mark Richardson: Maybe you should tell us.
Lightstone: My favourite way to explain the difference is to think about a house. A body-on-frame is like a house with a completely separate foundation than the house sits on. Whereas a unibody structure is more of a seamless box. The basement is still there, but it comes with the upstairs as a whole.
Richardson: Yeah – the cab and bed is bolted and welded to the chassis, instead of being a single formed unit. This generally creates greater flexibility at a reasonable price, which allows the body-on-frame vehicle to carry and tow more weight.
Lightstone: There are other pros and cons, too, such as better overall durability for body-on-frame vehicles, but generally the unibody vehicles have the advantage for driving dynamics and safety.
Richardson: For serious off-roading, though, it’s tough to beat body-on-frame.
Lightstone: Taking all of that into consideration, there really is no other answer than a Jeep Wrangler Limited, the mid-size SUV granddaddy of trail driving and rock-climbing. Tell me I’m wrong.
Richardson: You’re not wrong. The four-door Wrangler, built in Ohio, can now tow 5,000 pounds with the right tow package on the costly Rubicon trim, and there’s reasonable space in the back. You can even remove the second row of seats entirely if you want more cargo room, though it’s not a quick task.
The top-trim Rubicon 392.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
Lightstone: I can attest: it is NOT. But it’s nice to have the option. Another thing I like about the Wrangler is it’s available with a manual transmission. Even better for off-roading and just an all-around better driving experience, which it sounds like Paul is after.
Richardson: The six-speed stick shift is only available with the 3.6-litre V6, which is not as fuel efficient as the two-litre turbocharged inline-four that powers the eight-speed automatic, but I don’t think Paul’s bothered about that. The manual is more limited in its towing capacity, though.
Lightstone: The 4XE plug-in edition is also a good option. I loved the fuel efficiency in the Wrangler PHEV and it boosts the horsepower by about 100 and the total torque by about 200 lb-ft. It doesn’t change its off-road capability, but around town, he can ride on battery-only for up to 30 kilometres.
Richardson: Not during a cold winter he can’t. He’ll be lucky to get 20 kilometres before needing gas. And the plug-in has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. But Paul’s not asked about EVs – he’s asked about body-on-frame SUVs, so another option would be the Michigan-made Ford Bronco.
2025 Ford BroncoCourtesy of manufacturer
Lightstone: It’s built on the same chassis as his Ranger.
Richardson: Yes – don’t confuse it with the lighter-duty Ford Bronco Sport, built in Mexico, which has a unibody construction.
Lightstone: The Bronco doesn’t have the same maximum towing capacity as the Wrangler, though. It tops out at 3,500 pounds.
Richardson: Those are the regular engines. Just for the record, the Bronco Raptor has a maximum capacity of 4,500 pounds with its three-litre engine, but it’s a $118,000 investment.
Lightstone: I think the Bronco Raptor is way too flashy for Paul’s needs and wants. But how about the Toyota Land Cruiser? It offers more interior comfort than the Wrangler, and can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Richardson: Ah – of course. I’m still getting used to Toyota selling the Land Cruiser in Canada again, after so many years away. It’s bigger than the 4Runner and smaller than the Sequoia, which are all body-on-frame. It’s reliable, comfortable and very capable.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has only one powertrain option and it is a hybrid.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Lightstone: The Land Cruiser is built in Japan like the 4Runner, though the Sequoia is made in Texas, along with the Tundra pickup truck. It starts at $73,000, before taxes.
Richardson: That’s the retro, 1958 edition, which feels fairly stripped-back inside. Paul might like that, or he may prefer the better-equipped Cruiser edition that costs about an extra $9,000. If that’s too much, I’d normally recommend a used model, but those are tough to find for rugged Toyotas, and the Land Cruiser is too new to Canada to offer much of a choice.
Lightstone: Even though Paul has a specific body construction and capability request, I think we found some solid options that he’ll enjoy test driving. I think my suggestion of the Wrangler will win the day.
Richardson: Probably, because there’s plenty of choice with the Wrangler, even with the limits of the higher tow capacity. I’d have agreed with you until I remembered the Land Cruiser, which I think is just a better vehicle all around before getting too extreme.
What car should you buy? Write to Mark and Miranda at globedrive@globeandmail.com and use ‘What car’ as part of your subject line. E-mails with different subject lines may not be answered.
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