What is the ultimate vehicle for escaping the paved jungle and embracing the rugged outdoors, if you’re not drawn to ATVs or dirt bikes? The answer is undeniably a sport utility vehicle (SUV). However, within the vast SUV category, not every model is created equal when it comes to venturing off the beaten path. To truly conquer challenging terrains, you need to identify the Best Off Road Suvs. Fortunately, manufacturers from Japan, Germany, and the USA offer a diverse selection of formidable off-road SUVs, providing ample choices for adventurers eager to explore where the pavement ends. Let’s explore ten of the top contenders in the off-road SUV segment.
1) 2016 Jeep Wrangler
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler stands as the quintessential off-road sport utility vehicle, consistently earning accolades as the best SUV for off-road driving. The Jeep Wrangler boasts two distinct 4-wheel drive systems, with the Rubicon trim level featuring an ultra-low geared setup for extreme conditions. Additionally, it can be equipped with skid plates for undercarriage protection, locking front and rear axles for enhanced traction, and an electronically disconnecting front sway bar to maximize wheel articulation during rock crawling. Power is readily available from the Jeep Wrangler’s robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a driver-engaging 6-speed manual and a smooth 5-speed automatic.
2) 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
The 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser is not only the most luxurious and premium SUV in Toyota’s lineup, but it also reigns supreme as the most capable when tackling challenging terrains. With a long-standing reputation as one of the best off-road SUVs, the Toyota Land Cruiser seamlessly blends a plush, refined interior with serious off-road hardware. It features full-time 4-wheel drive, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) to minimize body roll and optimize wheel articulation, and Crawl Control for navigating tricky obstacles at low speeds. Power is abundant thanks to the Land Cruiser’s potent 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and a substantial 401 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota Land Cruiser 2016 conquering rough terrain
3) 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
While often recognized for its towing prowess and passenger-hauling capabilities, the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe transforms into a surprisingly capable off-road SUV when equipped with the Z71 option package. The Z71 package enhances the Tahoe’s off-road readiness with special 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, skid plates to protect vital underbody components, and distinctive styling enhancements. The Tahoe is powered by a strong 5.3-liter V8 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is available for enhanced off-road control. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard across all Tahoe models.
4) 2016 Land Rover LR4
The 2016 Land Rover LR4 caters to the luxury SUV segment, yet its exceptional combination of advanced off-road technologies makes it a formidable contender in challenging conditions. The Land Rover LR4 features the brand’s renowned Terrain Response System, which intelligently optimizes engine, transmission, and full-time 4-wheel drive settings for various terrains. It also includes hill descent control for controlled downhill maneuvers and an optional locking rear differential to maximize traction. All LR4 models are equipped with a powerful 340-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine producing 332 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a refined 8-speed automatic transmission.
5) 2016 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a বিশেষভাবে enhanced version of the already capable Toyota 4Runner, joining Toyota’s lineup of rugged and powerful off-road vehicles. The TRD Pro package, developed by Toyota’s in-house performance division, elevates the 2016 4Runner to a true off-road champion. The TRD Pro package includes heavy-duty skid plates for enhanced protection, a sport exhaust system potentially adding a slight power boost, increased ground clearance for improved rock-crawling ability, and a performance-tuned suspension. The 2016 4Runner TRD Pro is built to reach the most remote off-road destinations while offering ample space for passengers and gear, making it one of the best off road SUVs for adventurous families.
6) 2016 Subaru Forester
A standout feature of the 2016 Subaru Forester is Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system, standard on every Forester model. The Forester offers a choice of two engines: a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, or a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite its compact size, the Forester provides a surprisingly spacious 74.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity for gear and achieves up to 32 mpg on the highway, ensuring efficient travel to your favorite off-road trails. While not as hardcore as some others, its AWD and ground clearance make it a surprisingly capable and efficient choice for light off-roading and accessing outdoor adventures.
7) 2016 Lexus LX 570
The 2016 Lexus LX 570 can be considered the even more luxurious and upscale counterpart to the Toyota Land Cruiser. The Lexus LX shares the Land Cruiser’s exceptionally robust off-road SUV platform, providing it with all-terrain capability unmatched by most other luxury SUVs, except perhaps those from Land Rover. In addition to its adaptive suspension system and full-time 4-wheel drive, the LX 570 features an adjustable ride height system that can raise the vehicle for increased ground clearance to overcome obstacles. Power is abundant, with 383 horsepower from its 5.7-liter V8 engine and 403 lb-ft of torque. A refined 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on the LX 570, making it a luxurious yet highly capable best off road suv option.
8) 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is more than just a comfortable and refined SUV for daily commuting; it inherits significant off-road DNA from the Wrangler. It offers three available 4-wheel drive systems, each engineered to deliver a specific level of off-road capability. The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Drive II system includes the Selec-Terrain traction management system for optimal power and traction in diverse driving conditions, limited-slip front and rear differentials, a low-range transfer case, and hill descent control. The available Quadra-Lift air suspension allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s ground clearance for varying terrains. Engine choices for the Grand Cherokee include a 3.6-liter V6 (290 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) and a powerful 6.4-liter V8 (470 horsepower, 465 lb-ft of torque), both paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.
9) 2016 Volkswagen Touareg
The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg may not be as extreme as some of the other SUVs on this list when it comes to hardcore off-roading, but its 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, generous ground clearance, and robust engine provide it with the ability to confidently handle off-pavement adventures, as long as the driver acknowledges its limitations. The Volkswagen Touareg is powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 266 lb-ft of torque. Power is managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. While perhaps more oriented towards on-road comfort and all-weather capability, it still holds its own as a capable light to moderate off road suv.
10) 2016 Jeep Renegade
The 2016 Jeep Renegade represents one of the most accessible entry points into the world of off-road SUVs with legitimate trail credentials. While some smaller SUVs in the price range may lack true off-road robustness, the Renegade stands out. Despite its distinctive and arguably cute styling, the Renegade offers a choice of two capable off-road systems, similar in concept to those found in larger, more rugged Jeeps. Both systems include Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, allowing the driver to optimize driving modes for different surface types. This endows the 2016 Jeep Renegade with significantly more off-road prowess than its playful appearance might suggest, making it a surprising contender for the title of best off road suv in the subcompact category.
