Besides "awesome," there's no theme for my Top Three Truck and SUV selections if money weren't an issue. That last bit is important, of course, because unless I win the lottery, I would have issues paying nearly $70,000 for the first of my selections, the...
1) 2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD in Midnight Mocha paint
The 2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD is, by far, my number one choice and the vehicle I would most want to drive every day. Let's start with the FX50's engine: its completely unnecessary 390-hp V-8. That V-8 and the all-wheel drive help propel this five-seat sports car/SUV from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Sharp handling for a vehicle this size will ensure I have as much fun on my drives to and from work as I will on a roadtrip across the state. There's also the styling, which builds on the successes of the bold first-generation FX. The 2009 FX50 snarls, and maintains the same profile that made the original FX so bold. The side view highlights another strong point about the vehicle: its 21-inch six-spoke Enkei wheels. My FX50 would have most factory options except for the nine-inch screen so rear seat passengers can watch DVDs. Those options include Infiniti's Rear Active Steer, adaptive front HID headlights, sport seats with power-adjustable bolsters plus Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Brake Assist. If you don't need to carry six people and their luggage, not much can take away from the enormous appeal of the FX50 if money isn't a problem.
2) Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Laramie with 6.4' box
Like the Infiniti FX50 AWD, imposing styling and a big V-8 form the main part of this truck's appeal. Dodge has done a great job evolving the characteristic styling traits that have made the Ram so recognizable. There's also no arguing with a 390-hp Hemi V-8. In the Quad 6.4' box configuration, a good balance is met between space for passengers and stuff in the bed. Sure, the 6700-pound tow rating isn't best-in-class but will probably be just fine for most situations. We've got no money limit for these selections, so I might as well splurge on the power sunroof, navigation system, Mopar chrome side steps, and 32-gallon fuel tank.
What can you say about a vehicle that's changed so little over the last few decades? The Jeep Wrangler has charm like few other vehicles on the road today, with the exception of, say, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. In the U.S., though, you can no longer get the three-door bodystyle of the G-Class. No matter, the Jeep Wranger is a supremely capable SUV that does double duty as a convertible -- with removable doors. My Wrangler would need to be a Sahara or Rubicon with the Stain Repel fabric, six-speed manual transmission, side air bags, and not much else. Not many vehicles can provide the driving experience of a Jeep Wranger, a vehicle that's perfectly fitting on a list of awesome trucks and SUVs.