Top 10 Best SUVs for Off-Road Enthusiasts
As SUVs keep getting more and more popular, some trends are emerging across the industry.
Off-road and adventure-ready models are one of them. Of course, they’re not all created equal.
Here are the top 10 best SUVs for off-road enthusiasts…
Toyota Sequoia
The all-new, third-generation 2023 Toyota Sequoia, similar to the Venza crossover and Sienna minivan, will now come exclusively as a hybrid. TRD Pro is a great option for adventure-minded families that plan to get off the beaten path regularly. It comes with additional cargo hauling options thanks to the TRD roof rack, while TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks can confidently handle off-road terrain when the trail gets rough. A 1/4-inch aluminum TRD front skid plate offers added trail protection. Don’t forget Crawl Control.
Subaru Outback
Meet the all-new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, the best Outback ever built. This model boasts a number of upgrades that make it possible to tackle more challenging terrain, such as a beefed-up and raised suspension, underbody skid plates, a new differential with superior torque-vectoring capability, 225/65R17 all-terrain tires, revised CVT programing and more.
Ford Bronco Sport
Despite the Bronco Sport’s "soft" architecture shared with the Escape, off-road enthusiasts can still find something they like in the form of the more hardcore Badlands model. The 2.0-litre turbo engine is rated at 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Another thing that sets the top-line Bronco Sport apart is enhanced off-road capability courtesy of a raised suspension and Bronco-derived G.O.A.T. drive mode selector (the acronym stands for “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain”).
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is as skilled at climbing the most treacherous terrain as it is confidently cruising down the streets of Beverly Hills. The iconic German SUV has a two-speed transfer case and three lockable differentials to claw its way up and down mountains as well over the roughest terrain. Oh, and motivation is supplied by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine rated at 416 or 577 horsepower depending on the model.
Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover has essentially become an all-terrain limo after more than 50 years on the market. Based on the brand’s new flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA-Flex), which doesn’t sacrifice any of the legendary off-road capability the model is famous for, the new 2022 Range Rover offers two different powertrain options including a BMW-sourced, 4.4-litre V8 engine that produces 523 horsepower.
Toyota 4Runner
Almost unchanged since 2009, the Toyota 4Runner remains a benchmark in the off-road SUV segment (it’s also not bad on the road!). We know it’s a real utility vehicle just by looking at it. Powered by a solid 4-liter V6 that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, the 4Runner seems to be made for muddy patches and mountain trails. Its ruggedness and reliability are proven. Of course, no 4Runner is better than the TRD Pro model.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
We had the opportunity to spend time in the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk—the only model to feature the Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic locking differential. It also comes with an air suspension, plus front sway bar disconnect, off-road driving modes, all-terrain tires and red-painted tow hooks. Mark our words: it can perform amazing feats on all kinds of terrain, setting itself apart from the vast majority of midsize SUVs. Now, imagine combining the Trailhawk’s 11.3 inches of ground clearance with the instant torque of the available 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. Fantastic.
Land Rover Defender
The next-generation Defender is like a toy for grown-ups. Thanks to its articulated suspension, sophisticated Terrain Response system and other advanced tech, off-road capability is way beyond any driver’s limits. Meanwhile, powertrain choices now include a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine that delivers 518 horsepower.
Ford Bronco
A direct rival of the Jeep Wrangler, the Ford Bronco made a big comeback for 2021. Available in two- and four-door configurations, this hardcore SUV shares its chassis with the Ranger midsize pickup. Four- and six-cylinder engines are part of the lineup, while a Sasquatch package maximizes off-road capability with locking front and rear differentials, a more sophisticated 4x4 system and beefier 35-inch tires. Of course, don’t miss the high-flying Bronco Raptor and swamp-busting Bronco Everglades!
Jeep Wrangler
Still the king of off-road SUVs, the Jeep Wrangler is now equipped to meet the needs of many different drivers. A plug-in hybrid variant offering a zero-emission range of up to 35 kilometres has been added to the lineup along with a mighty 6.4-litre V8 option that cranks out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Xtreme Recon package marks the first time a Wrangler comes out of the factory riding on 35-inch tires. It also includes beadlock-capable wheels, a 1.5-inch factory suspension lift with uniquely tuned shocks plus a 4.56:1 axle ratio.