If youre open to a Nissan, you need to look at the pathfinder. -
Mine is a 2001 with: 4x2,auto, 4-Hi and 4-low so no matter how much snow i have to deal with I never get stuck.
The best part is that the Pathfinder (In my opinion) is as good as that 4Runner but is like a 1/3 or 1/4 of the price.
The engine is that 3.5lts from Nissan that still in use with Infinity and Nissan new models so you know its reliable as it gets. This gen has a Towing capacity of 5,000lbs!! (that's more than any modern small&mid-sized SUV)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Pathfinder#Second_generation_R50_series_.28 1995.E2.80.932004.29
Note: do NOT buy the next gen up, so many issues..
Good luck!