These Off-Road Rides Are Built To Explore The Wild

Nothing beats the thrill of ditching the pavement and charging straight into the wilderness. So, let’s check out some of the best off-road vehicles ready to handle whatever Mother Nature decides to fling at you.

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Jeep Wrangler

Since 1986, the Jeep Wrangler series has been an icon in the world of off-road vehicles. Wranglers come in YJ, TJ, JK, and JL models, in addition to an electric model that can accelerate to 60 mph in 2 seconds with 625 hp. 

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Jeep Wrangler (Cont.)

Features like removable doors and roof panels, high ground clearance, water-fording capabilities, and locking differentials make the Wrangler an excellent choice for adventurers. However, on-road comfort takes a hit due to its boxy design and solid axles. Fuel efficiency is another weak point.

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Ford Bronco

Revived in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, the Ford Bronco name pays homage to its wild and untamed spirit, much like the horse it's named after. The Bronco offers a 2.3L EcoBoost I4, a 2.7L V6 EcoBoost, and a 3.0L V6 EcoBoost engine options.

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Ford Bronco (Cont.)

The Bronco gets a maximum output of 400 with the 3.0L V6. A Raptor version was announced in 2022 with a better cooling system to allow the vehicle to run better in higher temperatures. With so many alternatives, every off-road enthusiast will find the best Bronco.

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Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Going strong for 40 years, the Land Cruiser Prado offers Toyota's legendary reliability and off-road powers. The fifth generation Cruiser 250 introduced electric power steering to guarantee easier maneuvering in challenging conditions. The car still offers the same advanced suspension systems and a ladder-frame chassis.

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Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Cont.)

Due to its global popularity, Toyota has released different engines and packages for various markets. Overlanders love the Prado’s Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. If you regularly tackle rough trails, this will be a comfortable ride. Moreover, the luxurious interior is a plus.

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Land Rover Defender

Many army forces have used the Land Rover Defender since 1983. Today, off-roading enthusiasts are excited to try the latest Defenders, thanks to the ClearSight Ground View, which is a huge advantage in rough terrains. It can also go in water up to 34.5 inches deep with no issues.

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Land Rover Defender (Cont.)

The 2024 Defender gives you two main choices under the hood: a 2.0-liter P300 four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter inline-six. The six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup punches out 395 horsepower, which is plenty for getting weird in the dirt. Want to go full beast mode? Step up to the Defender X with a V8 that cranks out 518 hp and can tow up to 8,201 pounds.

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Subaru Outback

Looking for something that combines off-roading capabilities with everyday practicality? The Subaru Outback is a versatile crossover for adventurers who prefer mild trails. The latest version offers two engine options: a 2.5L flat-four or a turbocharged 2.4L flat-four. In Japan, there is an additional option — the 1.8L CB18 H4-T engine.

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Subaru Outback (Cont.)

A special Wilderness edition was released in the US in 2022 with a raised suspension, a 2.4L FA24F 4-cylinder boxer engine, and a roof rack rated at 700 pounds. Future models are expected to feature a more SUV-like design than a station wagon.

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Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a beloved icon. Its solid build and unmatched reliability have earned it a cult-like following. Powered by a 4.0L V6 engine that provides 270 hp, the 4Runner offers part-time or full-time 4WD, depending on the trim.

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Toyota 4Runner (Cont.)

For serious overlanders, the Trail edition includes off-road-focused features like the KDSS Crawl Control, previously available in premium Toyotas. However, despite the powerful performance, some users complain about the poor fuel efficiency and corrosion damage. Yet, the ample cargo space and roof rails make it ideal for long expeditions.

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Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Midsize pickup lovers will love the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 that punches above its weight in off-road performance. The ZR2 offers two engine choices—a 3.6L V6 and a 2.8L turbo-diesel. Both are paired with a sophisticated Multimatic DSSV suspension system for superior off-road control.

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Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 (Cont.)

Depending on your cargo, you can choose between the standard 5-foot or the extended 6-foot bed. The vehicle is heavily protected from underneath to tackle any obstacles, as it comes with skid plates. Additionally, the truck’s midsize frame makes it agile on tight trails.

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Ram 1500 TRX

Packing a wild 702 hp from its supercharged 6.2-liter Chrysler Hellcat HEMI, the Ram 1500 TRX isn’t just fast—it’s built to take a beating and ask for more. It’s basically the off-road segment’s resident monster, engineered to crush open desert runs and gnarly trails alike, thanks to a suspension setup that’s practically unfair.

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Ram 1500 TRX (Cont.)

But it’s not just about durability. The Ram 1500 TRX focuses on comfort for long drives with a digital rearview mirror, dynamic drive modes, and an advanced sound system. Some drawbacks include the truck’s massive size, which makes it challenging to maneuver on tight trails, and the poor fuel economy.

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Nissan Armada

Do you love going on off-roading trips with your family? The Nissan Armada is a full-size truck with serious off-road capabilities. For the last release, the engine was upgraded to a 3.5 L VR35DDTT twin-turbo V6 with a horsepower output of 425.

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Nissan Armada (Cont.)

Although some experts rank the Armada high in the full-size SUV segment, a few users faced problems with the brakes and the catalytic converter. Nevertheless, the vehicle’s ladder-frame chassis and comfortable three-row interior make it a top choice for many.

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Lexus GX

Offering luxury and off-road toughness, the Lexus GX is a rare combination. The latest generation is more square and larger, and it’s also equipped with desirable features like the Multi-Train Select and Crawl Control. This is the best vehicle to enjoy in the city or on an adventure.

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Lexus GX (Cont.)

As you choose between the 2.4L T24A-FTS turbo hybrid I4 or the 3.4L V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 engines, the GX550 delivers power and performance. Available in six trims in the US (with variations depending on the market), this SUV combines versatility with the ability to tow up to 8,000 pounds.

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Hyundai Santa Fe XRT

In 2023, Hyundai announced that it would release the fifth generation of its beloved Santa Fe. It’s a five-door crossover SUV that can perform exceptionally on the road or on less-traveled trails. The vehicle’s boxy design with ample storage is aligned with the growing popularity of the outdoor lifestyle.

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Hyundai Santa Fe XRT (Cont.)

Plenty of adventure-hungry drivers go for the XRT, a tougher take on the beloved SUV that rides with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. It’s made for people who want to chase the fun stuff without giving up everyday comfort. The new Santa Fe also comes in petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, and that roomy three-row cabin is a lifesaver when you’ve got a full crew along for the ride.

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Set at a slightly higher price than most off-road SUVs, the G-Wagon or Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a serious investment for adventure seekers. It’s easy to spot with its boxy design and body-on-frame construction, which gives it extra rigidity. It has also been used by several military forces.

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class (Cont.)

The new generation of the G-Wagon was released in 2024. It features diesel inline-6, petrol mild hybrid 2999 cc inline-6, or petrol mild hybrid 3982 cc V8 engines. This vehicle can tow up to 7,716 pounds and has three locking differentials that make it unstoppable off-road.

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Toyota Tacoma

Since its first release in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has gone through a few changes but maintained its signature design. It’s a midsize pickup known for its reliability and off-road prowess. Its name is inspired by the Native American name for Mount Rainier.

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Toyota Tacoma (Cont.)

Between the 2.4 L T24A-FTS turbo I4 and gasoline hybrid 2.4 L T24A-FTS turbo I4, you can achieve up to 326 hp with the combined hybrid system. The new fourth generation comes in eight trims, and the TRD Pro has IsoDynamic seats with shock absorbers for more comfort.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ever since it was produced, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has relied on the unibody chassis. This makes the vehicle lighter and more fuel-efficient than others in the same category. Jeep announced the production of the fifth generation in 2021 with different gasoline and hybrid engines.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee (Cont.)

With the new upgrades, the new Cherokee can tow up to 7,200 pounds. Once fitted with the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, it can go through 24 inches of water easily. Overall, this vehicle appeals to adventurers who want refinement without sacrificing ruggedness.

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Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover designed for adventurers who enjoy light off-roading and outdoor activities. Its third generation was revealed in Japan with gasoline and hybrid power options. However, the Premium Trim won’t be available in the US as of 2025, while other trims can still be purchased.

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Subaru Crosstrek (Cont.)

Subaru rolled out the Wilderness trim in 2023 to give the vehicle a more trail-ready attitude, bumping ground clearance up to 9.3 inches. The refreshed safety tech and the nicer interior were definite wins. That said, some drivers still weren’t thrilled about the vibrations that can show up when the road gets rough.

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Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

Successfully blending Jeep’s off-road DNA and a pickup truck’s utility, the Gladiator Rubicon is the most capable off-road trim. This vehicle has a payload capacity of 1,700 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, all powered by its 3.6 L V6.

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Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (Cont.)

Despite its compromised fuel efficiency, many off-road lovers still prefer this Jeep as it’s built for towing and tackling rugged terrains. The locking differentials and 33-inch all-terrain tires make it a trail-ready machine. Plus, its removable roof and doors offer the open-air experience Jeep fans love.

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Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road

Looking for a compact crossover? Nothing beats the versatility of the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which appeals to urban adventurers and weekend trail enthusiasts. Due to differences in global markets, this trim was added to the 2020 lineup.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road is the best RAV4 you can buy by TheSketchMonkey

Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road (Cont.)

The RAV4’s reliability and good fuel efficiency make it a practical choice. Its Adventure and Limited trims come with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, which improves agility at lower speeds and increases stability when you go faster. Besides, the PHEV hybrid setup produces the highest output of 302 hp.

2022 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Review and Trail Test by Driving Sports TV

Kia Telluride X-Line

Many overlanders opt for crossover SUVs because they’re more practical. The Kia Telluride X-Line suits families who love adventures and still need enough comfort when running daily errands. It comes in four trim levels, with the SX Prestige Package offering the most features.

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Kia Telluride X-Line (Cont.)

Designed specifically for the American market, the Telluride has a 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 Atkinson cycle gasoline engine. It produces 291 hp, which allows the X-Line and X-Pro trims to tow 5.500 pounds with no delay. Though it excels in cargo capacity for larger loads, its limited small-item storage leaves room for improvement.

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Nissan Xterra

Named after the rugged terrain it’s built to conquer, the Nissan Xterra is a classic off-road SUV that remains a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. It was discontinued in 2015, but second-hand models offer a good deal for adventurers on a budget.

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Nissan Xterra (Cont.)

The second generation arrived in 2005 with a 4.0L VQ40DE V6 pushing 261 hp. Drivers loved its tough body-on-frame build and the skid plates that made rough terrain feel a lot less intimidating. But the fuel economy was a real buzzkill—sales slid, and Nissan eventually pulled the plug on it.

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Honda Ridgeline

You don’t need to sacrifice comfort with the Honda Ridgeline. This is currently Honda’s only pickup, and it features a unibody construction. Unlike the traditional body-on-frame trucks, the Ridgeline’s unibody offers a smooth ride while delivering practical utility with the dual-action tailgate and an in-bed trunk for secure storage.

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Honda Ridgeline (Cont.)

After ending production in early 2015, Honda launched the second generation in 2017 with updates for adventurers. The front gained 17% more strength, the rear 31% reinforcement, and a 3.5L direct-injection V6 with 280 hp powers this versatile pickup.

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Chevrolet Silverado 1500

At 13,300 pounds of towing capacity, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 rises above its competitors in the full-size pickup market. The first generation of the 1500 was released in 1998, and it currently comes with various engine options. This truck is known for its durability and power.

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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Cont.)

In addition to the impressive towing capabilities, the Silverado 1500 features a trailer sway control and a camera system with up to 15 views for maximum convenience. Besides, high trims like the ZR2 are equipped for off-road adventures with Multimatic DSSV dampers, skid plates, and 33-inch tires.

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Toyota Tundra

Pickup truck lovers are in for a treat with the Toyota Tundra, a workhorse with skid plates to protect the underbody. Despite feeling firm, the third generation comes with an updated suspension for superior ride quality on uneven terrain and more off-roading features with the TRD Rally Package.

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Toyota Tundra (Cont.)

The Tundra underwent a major redesign in recent years, trading its traditional V8 for two advanced powertrain options: i-FORCE, A 3.5L twin-turbo V6 that delivers 389 hp, and i-FORCE MAX, which is a hybrid version, boosting output to 437 hp for more power.

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