Best SUVs for the Avid Off-Roader

Going off-road doesn’t have to be a chore. If you’ve got one of the best SUVs for off-roading, you’ll enjoy the fun in the sun and taking on the toughest terrain.

The original SUVs could all head out onto the trails and take on the rugged wilderness. These original models were based on truck platforms, which made them much more rugged and tough. Today, we’ve got an entire world of crossovers that should never leave the pavement. That said, if you drive on of these SUVs, you’ll have the off-road capabilities desired to take on any wilderness adventure.

Ford Bronco with Sasquatch Package

Although the standard Ford Bronco is pretty incredible on the trails, if you want to go deeper into the brush, the Sasquatch Package adds the items you want to enjoy. This package gives you 35-inch mud-terrain tires, a high-clearance suspension, large fender flares, a 4.7 final drive ratio, and electronically locking axles. This SUV offers the benefits of the GOAT drive modes to give you the right setup for whatever terrain you find. When you’re in the wilderness, you’ll find the trails are no match for this Bronco.

Land Rover Defender 90

For decades, the Land Rover name has been synonymous with the top levels of off-road driving. One of the best SUVs for an avid off-roader is this Defender 90 model. You’ll find the comfort and wilderness capabilities desired even in the 2-door base S trim. Of course, you can add the benefits of some packages that add cool items to the mix, including the all-terrain progress control, off-road tires, an electronic active differential, and an adaptive air suspension, which all make riding the trails more fun.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

This list wouldn’t be complete if the Wrangler Rubicon were left off. The quintessential off-road vehicle is this Jeep, and the Rubicon trim takes things up several notches. The power of the venerable Pentastar engine gives you the push you need to go far off the beaten and paved paths. The Rubicon package adds the benefits of 33-inch mud-terrain tires, heavy-duty Fox shocks, front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, and rock sliders. The ground clearance for the Rubicon is 10.3 inches compared to 9.7 inches for the regular Wrangler.

Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

While most Toyota SUVs have taken on a domesticated feeling as crossovers, the 4Runner TRD Pro is still one of the most rugged and impressive SUVs in the market. Could this be the best SUV for an avid off-roader? It might be when you want hardcore trail riding equipment. This version of the 4Runner includes skid plates, Fox off-road shocks, the KDSS suspension, and a locking rear differential. Get out into the wilderness with this rugged and reliable Toyota SUV.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

What’s the perfect off-road SUV for families? Many would argue the Jeep Grand Cherokee is that vehicle. This version of the Grand Cherokee increases the off-road prowess with some incredible equipment that can easily give this vehicle the power, performance and drive desired. Some have called the Trailhawk the “American Range Rover” but its not quite as luxurious as what Land Rover offers. Still, you’ll find tow hooks, a terrain management system, an air suspension, and a limited-slip differential in this impressive Jeep SUV.

Ford Bronco Sport Badlands

If you don’t want the full-size Bronco, but you’re looking for one of the best SUVs for off-roaders, the Bronco Sport Badlands can be the right choice for you. This impressive SUV has the off-road equipment you’re after with an impressive 4WD system, skid plates, additional terrain management modes, a beefed-up off-road suspension and crawl control. You’ll love the crawl control, which acts like cruise control for when you’re driving slowly on the trails. This could be the right Ford SUV for all of your future adventures.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

We’ll end with another small SUV, but this one from Jeep. When you add the Trailhawk name to the Jeep Cherokee, you’ve got a strong V6 engine, Active Drive Lock 4WD, all-terrain tires, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and the Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system. This is an excellent small SUV for your off-road fun and when you want to drive to and from work every day. You’ll be glad to know you can head out for some fun when the weekend arrives.

These are seven of the best SUVs for off-roaders who want to leave the paved, concrete world behind and get out to nature for some fun and adventures.