2013 Best Resale Value Awards: Best Mid-Size SUV/Crossover

At first glance, the Toyota FJ Cruiser looks like something you might find in the "ex-military" section of an automotive museum, but that's just part of its charm. Look beyond the unique styling and you'll find a capable off-roader that's also surprisingly pleasant around town and on the highway. Add strong resale values and a reputation for reliability and the FJ Cruiser is in it for the long haul.

With an available 4-wheel-drive system and a potent 260-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine, the FJ Cruiser can take you off any beaten path. And it can tow, too: 5,000 pounds to be exact. Buyers can choose a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual, and the FJ Cruiser can sprint to freeway speeds in about 7.3 seconds.

The FJ Cruiser has seating for 5, but there's no leather here as the interior is all business. Outfitted in true adventure form, the inside of this mid-size SUV features rubber floors, water-resistant seat fabric and a multi-gauge dash with enough telemetric feedback to get through any dense forest.

The FJ Cruiser is definitely up to the task whether driven off road most of the time or none of the time. And for a starting price under $30,000, the FJ Cruiser is a wise choice for anyone looking to put the "utility" back in "sport utility vehicle."