Cars · Top 10
Top 10 1990 SUVs and 4x4s in 2027
Direct answer
The 1990 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is the best SUV of 1990, with the all-new Toyota 4Runner at #2 and the Nissan Pathfinder at #3. The Cherokee’s 4.0 L six made 177 hp, and its unibody construction was a first for a nonmilitary 4x4.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Horsepower | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1990 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) | 177 hp (132 kW) at 4,500 rpm from the 4.0 L AMC 242 I6 (1988–1990) | Buyers who want one SUV for daily driving, snow and trails |
| 2 | 1990 Toyota 4Runner (N120) | 145 hp (108 kW) from the 3.0 L 3VZ-E V6; the 2.4 L 22R-E I4 made 116 hp (87 kW) | Buyers who want a fresh 1990 design with a steel hardtop body and a V6 |
| 3 | 1990 Nissan Pathfinder | 153 hp (114 kW) and 180 lb-ft (244 N·m) from the 3.0 L VG30E V6 | Buyers who want a four-door V6 SUV with truck-based off-road hardware |
| 4 | 1990 Chevrolet K5 Blazer | 210 hp (157 kW) and 300 lb-ft (407 N·m) from the 5.7 L (350 cu in) throttle-body-injected V8 (1987–1991) | Buyers who want a full-size V8 SUV with a removable top |
| 5 | 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ62) | 155 hp (116 kW) from the US-spec 4.0 L 3F-E EFI I6 | Buyers who want a long-wheelbase Toyota six with room for up to eight |
| 6 | 1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ) | 117 hp (87 kW) from the fuel-injected 2.5 L AMC four at introduction; the carbureted 4.2 L six made 112 hp (84 kW) | Buyers who want open-air, take-the-doors-off Jeep fun |
| 7 | 1990 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer | 160 hp (119 kW) from the 4.3 L V6, the sole engine after 1989 | Buyers who want a compact two-door 4x4 with a V6 |
| 8 | 1990 Ford Bronco | Up to 210 hp (157 kW) from the 5.8 L Windsor V8 and 185 hp (138 kW) from the 5.0 L Windsor V8, as rated for the 1987–1991 F-Series trucks the Bronco shared engines with | Buyers who want a full-size Ford with a removable top and V8 choices |
| 9 | 1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer | 160 hp (119 kW) from the 5.9 L (360 cu in) AMC V8, the rating from 1978 through 1991 (it was the Grand Wagoneer’s standard engine through 1991) | Buyers who want a four-door woodgrain wagon with a big V8 |
| 10 | 1990 Ford Bronco II | 140 hp (104 kW) from the fuel-injected 2.9 L Cologne V6 (from 1986) | Buyers who want a short, three-door Ford 4x4 with a V6 |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
1990 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
Best all-new design
1990 Toyota 4Runner (N120)
Best open-air
1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
Most power
1990 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
Best fuel-injected V6
1990 Nissan Pathfinder
The ranking
1
1990 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
Photo: Rutger van der Maar / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe SUV of 1990.
Horsepower: 177 hp (132 kW) at 4,500 rpm from the 4.0 L AMC 242 I6 (1988–1990)Base engine: 121 hp (90 kW) from the 2.5 L I4 with Renix throttle-body injection (1987–1990)Four-wheel drive: Command-Trac part-time 4WD was standard on 4WD models; Selec-Trac was the other transfer caseConstruction: Described as the first nonmilitary 4x4 with unibody constructionBody styles: Two- and four-door versions were offered throughout its lifetimePrice: Not published on the source page
The Cherokee XJ’s 4.0 L AMC six made 177 hp in 1988–1990, and the 2.5 L four made 121 hp. It was the first nonmilitary 4x4 with unibody construction, offered with two or four doors and Command-Trac 4WD.
Go ifBuyers who want one SUV for daily driving, snow and trails
Skip ifYou need a third row or a full-size body
Why #1 over #2: Its 177 hp beats the 4Runner’s 145 hp.
2
1990 Toyota 4Runner (N120)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe all-new Toyota.
Horsepower: 145 hp (108 kW) from the 3.0 L 3VZ-E V6; the 2.4 L 22R-E I4 made 116 hp (87 kW)All-new for 1990: Second generation (N120/N130) released in 1989 for the 1990 model year with a new full-steel integrated bodyUS engines: The US kept the 22R-E 2.4 L I4 and 3VZ-E 3.0 L V6 from the previous generationBrakes: Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes were standard on the SR5 V6 starting from the 1990 model yearRear suspension: A 4-link design with a Panhard rod and coil springs locating a solid axlePrice: Not published on the source page
The second-generation 4Runner arrived for the 1990 model year with a new full-steel integrated body. The 3.0 L 3VZ-E V6 made 145 hp, and rear-wheel anti-lock brakes were standard on the SR5 V6.
Go ifBuyers who want a fresh 1990 design with a steel hardtop body and a V6
Skip ifYou want a diesel engine
Why #2 over #3: Its 145 hp V6 beats the Bronco II’s 140 hp, and its all-new 1990 body is newer than the Pathfinder’s.
3
1990 Nissan Pathfinder
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe fuel-injected V6 four-door.
Horsepower: 153 hp (114 kW) and 180 lb-ft (244 N·m) from the 3.0 L VG30E V61990 update: The V6 moved from throttle-body injection to multi-point fuel injection for 1990Four-door only: The four-door body was introduced in October 1989; for 1990 it became four-door onlyFour-cylinder: The Z24i was replaced by the 2.4 L KA24E in 1990Basis: Essentially based on the Hardbody truck, with a rear five-link coil suspension borrowed from the SafariPrice: Not published on the source page
For 1990 the Pathfinder became four-door only and its 3.0 L V6 moved to multi-point fuel injection, rated at 153 hp and 180 lb-ft.
Go ifBuyers who want a four-door V6 SUV with truck-based off-road hardware
Skip ifYou want a longer body (the four-door kept the same wheelbase)
Why #3 over #4: Its 153 hp V6 makes more than the 4Runner’s 3.0 L V6 at 145 hp.
4
1990 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
Photo: Dogs.barking.duster.rolling / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe full-size V8 classic.
Horsepower: 210 hp (157 kW) and 300 lb-ft (407 N·m) from the 5.7 L (350 cu in) throttle-body-injected V8 (1987–1991)Standard engine: The 5.7 L (350 cu in) L05 V8 was the standard engineDiesel option: 135 hp (101 kW) from the optional 6.2 L Detroit Diesel V8 (4WD only, 1982–1991)1990 changes: All Blazers got standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes for 1990; power mirrors were a new optionTransfer case: NP241 chain-driven transfer case, introduced for 1989Naming: GM used “R” and “V” designations in place of the usual “C/K” for 1987 through 1991
The K5 Blazer got standard rear-wheel anti-lock brakes for 1990, with a 5.7 L throttle-body-injected V8 rated at 210 hp and an optional 6.2 L diesel V8 rated at 135 hp.
Go ifBuyers who want a full-size V8 SUV with a removable top
Skip ifYou need four doors
Why #4 over #5: Its 210 hp V8 beats the Land Cruiser’s 155 hp six.
5
1990 Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ62)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe long-haul Toyota.
Horsepower: 155 hp (116 kW) from the US-spec 4.0 L 3F-E EFI I6Series: The 60 series was produced from 1980 through 1990 for most markets; the FJ62 carried the 4.0 L 3F-E I6 (1988–1992)Transmissions: 4-speed manual (US only) or 4-speed A440F automaticBody: Four-door wagon that seats five to eight peopleComfort: Designed to compete in the SUV market with air conditioning, a rear heater and an upgraded interiorPrice: Not published on the source page
The FJ62 Land Cruiser used the US-spec 4.0 L 3F-E six rated at 155 hp, with a four-speed manual or automatic and room for five to eight people.
Go ifBuyers who want a long-wheelbase Toyota six with room for up to eight
Skip ifYou want a V8
Why #5 over #6: Its 155 hp beats the Wrangler’s 117 hp.
6
1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
Photo: Sfoskett / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe open-air Jeep.
Horsepower: 117 hp (87 kW) from the fuel-injected 2.5 L AMC four at introduction; the carbureted 4.2 L six made 112 hp (84 kW)Engines to 1990: The YJ used the 2.5 L AMC 150 I4 or optional 4.2 L AMC 258 I6 until 1990Transmissions: The 4.2 L six was offered with a 3-speed A999 automatic or, in 1989–1990, a 5-speed AX-15 manualTop: A soft top with half doors came standard; full-frame doors and hard tops were optionalNext engine: A fuel-injected 190 hp (142 kW) 4.0 L six replaced the 4.2 L in 1991Price: Not published on the source page
The YJ Wrangler used a 2.5 L four or a 4.2 L six until 1990; the four made 117 hp at introduction. A soft top with half doors was standard, and a 190 hp 4.0 L six arrived in 1991.
Go ifBuyers who want open-air, take-the-doors-off Jeep fun
Skip ifYou want the 4.0 L six (it arrived for 1991)
Why #6 over #7: Its open-air design is something the S-10 Blazer’s closed body cannot match.
7
1990 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Photo: GPS 56 from New Zealand / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe compact V6.
Horsepower: 160 hp (119 kW) from the 4.3 L V6, the sole engine after 1989Body: Two-door only for the first eight model years; four-door versions arrived in March 1990 as 1991 modelsGrille: The 1990 two-door S-10 Blazers and Jimmys had the three-piece grilleWheelbase: The two-door rode a 100.5 in wheelbase, six inches longer than the Ford Bronco IITransmission: A 5-speed manual was added to the option list, sourced from the GMT400 trucksPrice: Not published on the source page
The S-10 Blazer’s 4.3 L V6 made 160 hp and was the sole engine after 1989. The two-door rode a 100.5 in wheelbase, and four-door versions arrived in March 1990 as 1991 models.
Go ifBuyers who want a compact two-door 4x4 with a V6
Skip ifYou need four doors (they came as 1991 models)
Why #7 over #8: Its 160 hp V6 beats the Bronco II’s 140 hp.
8
1990 Ford Bronco
Photo: Bejara70 / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe full-size Ford.
Horsepower: Up to 210 hp (157 kW) from the 5.8 L Windsor V8 and 185 hp (138 kW) from the 5.0 L Windsor V8, as rated for the 1987–1991 F-Series trucks the Bronco shared engines withEngines: Offered with a 4.9 L I6, 5.0 L V8 and 5.8 L V8Generation: Fourth-generation full-size Bronco, built for the 1987–1991 model yearsProduction: 54,832 Broncos were built for 1990Transmissions: The 4-speed AOD automatic was offered for 1990 only, alongside the heavier-duty E4ODSize: A 104.7 in wheelbase and 180.5 in length, a short-wheelbase version of the eighth-generation F-150
The fourth-generation Bronco was a short-wheelbase F-150 on a 104.7 in wheelbase, with F-Series engine ratings of up to 210 hp; 54,832 were built for 1990, and the 4-speed AOD was offered for 1990 only.
Go ifBuyers who want a full-size Ford with a removable top and V8 choices
Skip ifYou need rear doors
Why #8 over #9: Its 210 hp 5.8 L V8 beats the Grand Wagoneer’s 160 hp.
9
1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe woodgrain classic.
Horsepower: 160 hp (119 kW) from the 5.9 L (360 cu in) AMC V8, the rating from 1978 through 1991 (it was the Grand Wagoneer’s standard engine through 1991)Sales: Sales fell from over 10,000 units in 1989 to 6,449 in 1990Longevity: By 1991 it was the longest-running domestically produced vehicle, at 29 years on the same platformFuel economy: Combined fuel economy of 11 mpgUS (21 L/100 km)Body: Four doors, unlike most competitive full-size SUVs of the eraPrice: Not published on the source page
The Grand Wagoneer’s 5.9 L AMC V8 made 160 hp and powered a four-door wagon, but sales fell from over 10,000 units in 1989 to 6,449 in 1990.
Go ifBuyers who want a four-door woodgrain wagon with a big V8
Skip ifYou care about fuel economy (11 mpg combined)
Why #9 over #10: Its four doors beat the Bronco II’s three-door body.
10
1990 Ford Bronco II
Photo: Dogs.barking.duster.rolling / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last compact Bronco.
Horsepower: 140 hp (104 kW) from the fuel-injected 2.9 L Cologne V6 (from 1986)Final year: Sold for the 1984 to 1990 model years; production ended in January 1990Replacement: The Explorer took over for 1991; it was nearly 23 inches longer than a 1990 Bronco IIBody: Three-door wagon only, derived from the Ranger compact pickupRestyle: Restyled for 1989 with new front bodyworkPrice: Not published on the source page
The Bronco II’s 2.9 L Cologne V6 made 140 hp. Sold for the 1984 to 1990 model years, production ended in January 1990 and the Explorer took over for 1991.
Go ifBuyers who want a short, three-door Ford 4x4 with a V6
Skip ifYou want four doors
How we ranked these
We ranked each 1990 model on the power, drivetrain and design it offered for 1990, using each model’s documented specs and history: the all-rounders first, then the specialists and the end-of-the-line models. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What was the best SUV of 1990?
The Jeep Cherokee (XJ), with a 177 hp 4.0 L six and the first nonmilitary 4x4 unibody construction.
What engines did the 1990 Toyota 4Runner have in the US?
The US kept the 22R-E 2.4 L four-cylinder (116 hp) and the 3VZ-E 3.0 L V6 (145 hp) from the previous generation.
Was the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder available with two doors?
For 1990 the Pathfinder became four-door only, although a small number of US 1990 Pathfinders came with the two-door body.
How much power did the 1990 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer make?
The 4.3 L V6 made 160 hp and was the sole engine after 1989.
Horsepower as published (Wrangler: at introduction; K5: 5.7 L V8) at a glance
1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)117 hp
1990 Ford Bronco II140 hp
1990 Toyota 4Runner (N120)145 hp
1990 Nissan Pathfinder153 hp
1990 Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ62)155 hp
1990 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer160 hp
1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer160 hp
1990 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)177 hp
1990 Chevrolet K5 Blazer210 hp
Official sites
- 1990 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Toyota 4Runner (N120) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Nissan Pathfinder · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Chevrolet K5 Blazer · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ62) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Ford Bronco · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990 Ford Bronco II · en.wikipedia.org
Sources
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.