For The Rocky Roads Less Travelled
For all the adrenaline junkies out there who love adventure and exploring new paths, off-roading is likely a favorite pastime of yours. But to get the best experience, you need a vehicle to match your expectations and needs. Whether you love high-speed desert trails or rocky terrain that requires a durable build, here are 20 cars built perfectly for rough terrain, no matter what you prefer.
1. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
We wouldn't be surprised if Jeeps instantly come to mind when you think of off-road driving. After all, the Wrangler Rubicon has built itself a gold standard reputation thanks to all of its capabilities. Coming with solid axles that give it reliable traction and movement, great ground clearance, and disconnecting sway bars that benefit rock crawling, this Jeep is seriously crafted with purpose.
2. Toyota Land Cruiser
Already globally known as a reliable brand, Toyota simply doesn't miss when it counts. If you're looking for a tough vehicle to get you across rough terrain, the Land Cruiser blends old-school strength with modern tech. With full-time four-wheel-drive and a locking center differential to give you better stability, it's combined with suspension fine-tuned for comfort and control to make this vehicle a solid choice.
3. Ford Bronco (Badlands or Wildtrak Trim)
Designed with off-roading in mind, Ford's revival of the Bronco laughs in the face of difficult terrain. With the right trims, you'll have amazing features like their G.O.A.T. modes (Go Over Any Terrain), front and rear lockers, and high ground clearance. All these come together so you can have the best off-road adventures without fear.
4. Land Rover Defender 110
Blending classic Land Rover qualities with updated tech, the modern Defender is a feast for the eyes. Thanks to its Terrain Response system, drivers are offered various settings that are optimized for different terrain, improving your overall experience. So whether you're trying to adjust to mud, sand, snow, or rock, the Defender is prepared to tackle anything you throw its way.
5. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Toyota has another great option in its line-up of capable cars. The 4Runner TRD Pro in particular is a throwback to when SUVs were built for the wild. With Fox Shocks included to improve handling and performance, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select that offers several drive modes, this mid-sized SUV is incomparable.
6. Ram 2500 Power Wagon
When you think of Rams, you likely picture heavy-duty beasts that are built for a singular purpose: to travel tough terrain with ease. Featuring solid axles, locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars, and a factory winch to save you when you get stuck, the Power Wagon is exactly what it suggests. It's big, brawny, and powerful.
7. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G550 or AMG G63)
While the idea of mixing luxury brands with dirty off-roading doesn't seem like it'd mesh well, Mercedes-Benz proved the naysayers wrong with their G-Class. Initially starting out as a military vehicle, this tough car has three locking differentials and a sturdy ladder frame that's built for these conditions.
8. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Prefer something a bit more mid-sized? The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 should definitely be up for consideration. This pickup was built for rough terrain, featuring Multimatic DSSV dampers that give you an extra layer of impact absorption, front and rear lockers, and much more. If capable and well-balanced had a name, it'd be the Colorado.
9. Suzuki Jimny
Who said small cars can't be capable? Despite its size, the Suzuki Jimny is shockingly competent and beloved in many markets outside of the US. Handling tight trails with ease thanks to its low curb weight, short wheelbase, and part-time four-wheel-drive, its compact build gives it a surprising advantage in narrow places.
10. Lexus GX 460 (with Off-Road Package)
Another luxury brand, if you want to splurge, perhaps the Lexus GX 460 with the off-roading package will steal your heart. It might not look as rugged or beastly as the others on this list, but don't be fooled, its features like Crawl Control, multi-terrain cameras, and adaptive suspension will be enough to wow you. Stylish and powerful.
11. Nissan Armada
If you want something bigger, the Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that's renowned for its toughness and reliability. And if you really need to get the job done, it's recommended you get the PRO-4X trim which provides you with even better tools for rugged terrain.
12. GMC Sierra AT4X
The premium off-road version of the Sierra 1500, the Sierra AT4X is a monstrous truck that comes with aggressive off-roading tires, electronic locking differentials, and Multimatic DSSV shocks. While it does well enough with city driving, off-road trails is where you'll really get to appreciate its blend of muscle and tech.
13. Ford F-150 Raptor
With a name like Raptor, you know this vehicle is built to be powerful. Mainly prized for its ability to blast over dunes in the desert and race at high speeds, the F-150 Raptor is built with long-travel suspension and terrain management modes. While we don't recommend this as the most optimal rock-crawler, adrenaline junkies with a need for speed might enjoy this one.
14. Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road / TRD Pro
The "T" in Tacoma might as well stand for toughness at this point. With a longstanding reputation for durability and reliability, this truck is beloved for its robust build, locking rear differentials, and Crawl Control features. It belongs out there where the roads are rough and rugged.
15. Jeep Gladiator Mojave
While we mentioned the Rubicon is great for rock crawling, if you're more interested in high-speed off-roading in sand or open terrain, the Mojave is your guy. Thanks to its reinforced suspension and frame, locking rear diff, and FOX internal bypass shocks, hard hits won't feel so bad. It's commonly in contention against the Raptor.
16. Isuzu D-Max (Global Model)
Popular around the world, the D-Max shines brightly in conditions you didn't think would be easy. With its reliable four-wheel-drive system, strong engines, impressive towing capabilities, and smooth steering, this Isuzu champ is built to last without being over the top.
User:Two hundred percent. on Wikimedia
17. Mitsubishi Pajero
This full-size SUV might not seem like much, but it hides some impressive abilities beneath its big appearance. Thanks to its Super Select 4WD system and great ground clearance, it has some certified off-road credibility. Whether it's a rocky trail, sand dune, or muddy forest track, the Pajero has got your back.
18. Rivian R1T
Who says electric cars can't handle the wild outdoors? For the more environmentally-friendly folk, the Rivian R1T allows you to enjoy your off-roading desires without guilt. Some features you can enjoy include their four independent electric motors which give you instant torque and control, trims that provide a reinforced underbody, and different off-road modes for varying terrain.
19. Subaru Outback Wilderness
While the Outback Wilderness might not be a rock-crawler, it traverses dirt roads, light trails, and harsh weather conditions without problem. Thanks to its increased ground clearance, trusty all-terrain tires, and tuned all-wheel-drive, it can be a great option for those seeking a car built for tough roads without boulders. It's not as bulky too!
20. Volkswagen Amarok (New Gen)
With its impressive 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system and rear locking differentials, the Amarok is a non-flashy but familiar vehicle for off-roading. It might not be the most advanced on this list, but it has a great towing capacity and advanced braking systems to top off its well-rounded build.
