The catalytic performance of trimetallic oxides MeLaZr (Me: Ni, Co) was evaluated in the steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production. Rh doped and non doped catalysts were prepared by the pseudo sol-gel like method, characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-programmed reduction (TPR), micro-homogeneity analysis (TEM-EDXS), specific surface areas (BET). A phase-segregation process takes place during the calcination for both trimetallic systems leading to the formation of La2Zr2O7 pyrochlore-type compound in coexistence with the Me-oxide. NiLaZr and CoLaZr catalysts show high activity and high selectivity for hydrogen production. Addition of Rh promotes reducibility at lower temperatures for both trimetallic catalysts and remarkably improves the activity and selectivity for H-2. The H-2 selectivity is lowered by CO2 injection because of the increase of the rate of the reverse WGSR and/or methanation reaction. The CH4 selectivity is lowered by the dry reforming reaction. The key-role played by oxycarbonate species formed during the reforming tests leads to a highly efficient gasification of carbon deposits by the Boudouard reaction. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.