The Toyota Sequoia offers all the luxury and refinement of a minivan or near luxury sedan but also proves its worth off-road. The Sequoia is not the most powerful, least expensive or best-looking full-size SUV, but it does offer real-world usability in a smooth and sophisticated package that will prove reliable for years. The Sequoia's few shortcomings seem to center around an engine that we thought could use some more grunt and an interior that seems oddly designed, especially in the dash area. As soon as Toyota is able to put Ford's fold-flat third-row seat in the Sequoia, it'll have a near perfect vehicle. The only downside to all this praise is that Toyota quality is no secret, so don't look to the Sequoia if you value individuality or are looking for a truck that stands out from the crowd.

With the Toyota so far ahead of both the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition, it was left to the domestics to fight for second place. Ultimately, they settled for a draw.

The Ford Expedition does several things very well but misses the mark in other areas. It handles well for such a big vehicle, but we would like to see more power — maybe the Navigator's 300-hp, DOHC V8 as an option? It's not that we could say the Expedition is underpowered as the engine does offer terrific initial response, but that same motor seems to run out of breath uphill and at higher speeds. The Expedition's interior is very clean and contemporary-looking and the fold-flat third-row seat will undoubtedly become an industry standard. The Expedition was also the least expensive truck in our test and we think it's the best-looking as well. Got a family? The Expedition's got your number.

The Chevy Tahoe is also a very nice truck — its powerful and pleasant engine is what pushed it nearer the top of our personal lists. It also boasts wonderful ride and handling characteristics. However, the Chevy's interior needs some work. We feel there is just too much hard plastic and cheap-feeling pieces — this is especially true given our test vehicle's $45,000 price tag. If you just love the way the Tahoe looks and you must have factory-installed XM radio and/or OnStar, the Tahoe is your only choice. Those who regularly tow a trailer and rarely have need for third-row seating should be pleased with the muscular Tahoe.