Not all off-roaders are created equal
In this crossover/SUV-loving market, automakers are all too keen to build tall wagons, hatchbacks on stilts, and a few people movers made to look “off-road-capable.” However, only a handful can handle serious off-road adventures. The following five machines can tackle hard-core terrain that would shred the average crossover. These SUVs are built with stronger frames or subframes, reinforced suspension components, skid plates, off-road-ready tires, and enough power to crawl, climb, or blast through sand dunes with confidence.
While they often share platforms with less expensive or less muscular models, these versions represent the pinnacle of factory off-road capability. They’re also favorites among up-fitters and the overlanding crowd. Ironically, with their heavy-duty suspensions and extra weight, many aren’t the best tow rigs, but if you’re packing tents and camping gear instead of trailers, you’ll be fine.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2-Door Manual (~$58,000 base MSRP)
Few off-roaders still offer a manual transmission, and fewer still pair it with a V6. The Rubicon does both. Its 3.6-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, matched to a six-speed manual (or an optional eight-speed automatic, which can be better for technical trails). True to form, the Rubicon uses front and rear Dana 44 solid axles with electronic lockers, a sway-bar disconnect for greater articulation, and LT285/70R17C BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.
Other Wrangler options abound, including the longer four-door, the turbocharged 2.0-liter, and the wild 392 V8. The latter two offer unique strengths but compromise balance or weight. With 44- and 37-degree approach and departure angles, 10.8 inches of ground clearance, and a 2,000-lb tow rating, the Rubicon remains the classic benchmark.
Ford Bronco Raptor (~$80,000 base MSRP)
Ford
Like the Wrangler, the Bronco offers removable tops, multiple doors, and powertrain choices. The Raptor trim, however, is tuned for high-speed desert running as well as serious trail work. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic. Standard equipment includes front and rear electronic lockers, HOSS 4.0 suspension with FOX Live Valve shocks, 37-inch all-terrain tires, and substantial underbody protection.
Ford
Ford
Its 47.2-degree approach, 40.5-degree departure, and 30.8-degree breakover angles are among the best in the segment, aided by 13.1 inches of ground clearance. It can even tow up to 4,500 lbs. Wide and wild, the Raptor favors open terrain over tight trails, but few SUVs look or perform like it. It’s an interesting tradeoff.
Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter (~$68,000 base MSRP)
Toyota
Toyota’s new 4Runner lineup includes the TRD Pro, but the Trailhunter edges it for sheer off-road focus. It features a 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder producing 323 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. It’s faster, more powerful, and frugal than the previous powertrain, but some miss the V6.
Toyota
A locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select aid traction even without a front locker. The ride/handling balance is impressive thanks to the Old Man Emu suspension and 33-inch Toyo Open Country tires. Standard gear includes a snorkel-style high-mount intake, ARB roof rack, and frame-mounted rock sliders. Ground clearance measures 10.1 inches, with 33-degree approach, 24-degree departure, and 24-degree breakover angles. Maximum towing is 6,000 lbs, which is useful for a rig that blends modern comfort with old-school toughness.
Land Rover Defender 90 2-Door S P300 (~$65,000 as equipped)
Land Rover
The Defender 90 is best when specified right: the shorter body, air suspension, and optional off-road packs with an active rear locker and underbody armor. Skip the V8—the base 2.0-liter turbo four (296 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque) is plenty, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Air suspension boosts max ground clearance to 11.5 inches, yielding 38-degree approach, 40-degree departure, and 31-degree breakover angles. Towing tops out at 7,716 lbs.
Land Rover
Land Rover
Land Rover
The steel-spring setup offers better articulation, but the air suspension’s height adjustability makes it ideal for variable terrain. Though more refined than raw, the Defender still earns its badge when the road ends. I highly recommend beefier off-road tires if you’re serious about off-highway adventures.
Mercedes-Benz G 550 SUV (~$150,000 base MSRP)
Mercedes-Benz
Once purely military, the G-Class has evolved into a luxury icon—but the G 550 retains genuine off-road capability. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system produces 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque through a nine-speed automatic with full-time 4MATIC AWD. Three locking differentials—front, center, and rear—come standard, along with a solid rear axle and independent front suspension. Coil springs deliver good articulation despite the G-Wagen’s luxury intent.
Mercedes-Benz
Its off-road specs handily match or defeat some competitors, with a 31-degree approach, 30-degree departure, and 23.5-degree breakover angles. Ground clearance is 9.5 inches, and max towing matches the Defender’s 7,716 lbs. It’s refined, supremely built, and pricey, but still trail-worthy in a way few six-figure SUVs are. Good luck finding one on the trail, unless it flows through Beverly Hills or Dubai.
Land Rover
Kristen Brown
Final thoughts
There’s no wrong choice here, just different priorities. No two are alike, and each one has a distinct personality. Each of these SUVs can go places most others can only dream about. In an era when many “SUVs” are little more than tall hatchbacks, these five remain faithful to the off-road spirit, and that’s what makes them special.
- Best value and purity: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2-door
- Most powerful and dramatic: Ford Bronco Raptor
- Best ride compromise: Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
- Most refined compact off-roader: Land Rover Defender 90
- Most luxurious brute: Mercedes-Benz G 550
About the author
Nathan Adlen
Contributing Writer, Autoblog