As more SUVs have evolved toward consumers’ need for family-hauling duties, there are fewer equipped to handle difficult off-road trails. However, these 15 SUVs still rank among the best for true off-roading challenges.
15. 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: $55,170
The 4Runner was last redesigned in 2010, so if you’re looking for a 4Runner that can handle serious off-roading, you need to opt for the TRD Pro. It brings the advantage of Fox off-road shocks, a locking rear differential, and additional skid plates. If you’re looking for a fresh 4Runner, the 2025 is completely redesigned.
14. 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: $46,795
The Jeep Wrangler line is an icon of off-roading. But if you want the most capable Wrangler, go for the Rubicon. It features a V-6 engine delivering 285 horsepower, 10.3 inches of ground clearance, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, and heavy-duty Fox shocks. It also adds rear locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, and rock sliders.
13. 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail: $67,900
Lexus luxury doesn’t mean soft off-road performance. The GX has been completely redesigned for 2024. Yes, it still has luxury, but it’s been outfitted to deliver more off-road capabilities than its predecessor. It features a twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering 349 horsepower. The GX has off-road-tuned suspension, downhill descent control, off-road drive modes, and an electrotonic locking rear differential.
12. 2024 Land Rover Defender 110 X: $90,800
The Defender blends comfort and capability in many trims. But to maximize off-road muscle, you’ll want to check out the two-door Defender 110 X, which features an electronic active differential, all-terrain progress control, and an adaptive air suspension. Going further, it offers a two-speed transfer case, wade sensing, and hill descent control.
11. 2024 Ford Bronco with Sasquatch Package: $47,790
The Ford Bronco is an off-road icon. Broncos feature durable interiors and rubberized water-resistant controls and come in hard or soft tops. They’re equipped with GOAT (Goes Over All Terrain) drive modes offering various settings. The Sasquatch package ($8,660) adds 35-inch mud-terrain tires, high-clearance suspension, a 4.7 final drive ratio, electronically locking front and rear, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels.
10. 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro: $79,110
In 2023, the Toyota Sequoia was completely redesigned. It has less third-row legroom and max cargo. However, the powerful hybrid twin-turbo V6 delivers 437 horsepower. For trail-ready features, choose the TRD Pro trim level, which offers 33-inch all-terrain tires, heavy-duty Fox shocks, a locking rear differential, and a skid plate. It also adds a roof rack and LED light bar.
9. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: $143,000
Evolving from military use, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has added luxury and high tech without losing any grit. The so-called G-Wagen has a V-8 and standard full-time four-wheel drive. It features 9.5 inches of ground clearance, front-, center- and rear-locking differentials, and a two-speed transfer case. The suspension tuning is tuned for paved roads and is highly capable of off-road excursions.
8. 2024 Rivian R1S with Quad-Motor AWD: $92,000
The electric vehicle brand Rivian specializes in delivering versatile and capable trucks and SUVs. The R1S is its first sports utility vehicle. However, for off-roaders, step up to the optional 835-horsepower quad-motor electric powertrain. The quad motors significantly improve its ability to crawl over all terrain. It features 14.9 inches of ground clearance and can ford three feet of water.
7. 2024 Land Rover Range Rover: $107,400
in 2023, the Land Rover Range Rover was completely redesigned, with minimal changes in 2024. While more upscale and refined, none of its robust off-road abilities are diminished. Its air suspension system allows up to 11 inches of ground clearance. For the trail, it features Terrain Response 2, a low-speed cruise control. The turbocharged straight-six delivers 395 horsepower.
6. 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands: $38,390
The Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that seats five. While its base engine delivers 181 horsepower, for maximum trail muscle, you’ll want the 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For more robust off-roading, seek the Badlands trim, which offers the aforementioned engine, an upgraded four-wheel-drive system, beefed-up off-road suspension, skid plates, front tow hooks, and more.
5. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk: $66,185
The latest edition of the Grand Cherokee adds the newest in-car and safety technology features. However, the Trailhawk is the go-to for off-roading. It features all-terrain tires, adaptive air suspension, a limited-slip differential, skid plates, and tow hooks. The Trailhawk is only offered with the 4xe plug-in hybrid drivetrain, but it delivers a gas-electric range of 470 miles.
4. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: $32,195
The Subaru Crosstrek offers a smaller profile than other off-road SUVs, and that’s a good thing. It delivers 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, skid plates, water-resistant upholstery, and a roof rack that can handle 700 pounds. The Crosstrek features a 2.5-liter flat-four engine delivering 182 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission to all four wheels.
3. 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor: $91,930
The Raptor trim goes way beyond the standard Bronco, offering a twin-turbo, 418-horsepower V-6 engine. Off-road capability is boosted by a Fox suspension system, 37-inch all-terrain tires, and several skid plates. It can do 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Its extra-wide stance makes it more frustrating to park than a normal SUV. But for off-road in, it’s a monster.
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2. 2024 Ford Bronco: $41,525
The Ford Bronco comes in two- and four-door varieties and a manual transmission is optional. For serious off-roading and rock-crawling, opt for the 330-hp twin-turbo V-6. The standard turbocharged inline-four comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission or an available seven-speed manual. It’s equally capable on the street and off-road, making it the answer to the long unchallenged Jeep Wrangler.
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1. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: $55,950
This icon of off-routing has been completely redesigned, returning to its roots. The Land Cruiser features a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, cranking out 326 horsepower. Its eight-speed automatic transmission delivers full-time four-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser’s off-road kit includes a standard locking center and rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, crawl control with five-speed settings, and off-road turn assist.
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