Off-Road SUVs: Our Top Picks
The market may be all about the SUV, but these ones are true to the origin of the breed.
Families have gravitated towards SUVs and crossovers for years now, due to the increased ride height, practicality, and (usually) all-wheel drive. In an ironic twist, lots of crossovers have become even more car-like over the years, dropping closer to the ground, and gaining the sorts of road-friendly tires incapable of handling more than a flower bed.
The SUVs you’ll find on this list are not that type of vehicle. These are rugged, go-anywhere vehicles, ones where the adventure begins where the road ends.
SEE ALSO: The Only 15 ‘Real’ SUVs Left on the Market
As more and more people want to get out there and explore, we’ve put together a Top 10 list of the best off-road SUVs on the market today. Each entry offers something unique, providing you with the info you need for your next purchase. Here, in alphabetical order, are our top picks.
A retro-inspired off-roader with modern tech and serious trail capabilities. Available in two- and four-door configurations, the Bronco offers advanced 4x4 systems, locking differentials, and a wide range of trims, including the hardcore Raptor.
Promoted Product: Sailun TerraMax RT
The concept of a rugged terrain tire is quite popular with the off-road community. The tires that fall into this category are more aggressive than an all-terrain, but not quite as specialized as a mud terrain tire would be. Take a tire like the Sailun TerraMax RT for example. These aggressive tires give you a value-packed option for your SUV or light truck. They have deep lugs with clearing channels and enough void areas to shuttle mud, snow, and sand out and away from the tread pattern to give you better traction. There is more of a direct contact patch with the terrain and pavement than you’d find on a traditional mud tire, making these a great option for daily drivers, or a serious off-road rig. When you add in that these tires have angled siping grooves, you get a serious off-road tire that has great road manners, especially on slick pavement, such as rain or winter driving. They even carry the 3 Peak Mountain SnowFlake rating for extreme winter driving. You can find these tires with an outer diameter between 31.5- and 37-inches, and for wheel diameters between 17- and 22-inches, meaning there is a size to match whatever your SUV is built to do.
A rugged yet modern revival of Toyota’s off-road legend, featuring hybrid power, retro styling, and advanced off-road systems like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.
A full-size SUV with serious off-road credentials, the AT4 trim adds air suspension, skid plates, and 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, along with plenty of towing capability.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a versatile SUV, offering luxury and off-road prowess. There are nine different trims to choose from in 2025, meaning there's something for everyone.
The quintessential off-road SUV, available in a variety of configurations, including plug-in hybrid 4xe and the wild 6.4L V8-powered Rubicon 392. Iconic removable doors and roof make it a favorite among adventurers.
Blending luxury with rugged capability, the Land Rover Defender is as comfortable on city streets as it is on mountain trails. Available in two-door (90), four-door (110), and extended wheelbase (130) configurations, the 2025 Defender adds new color options and improved tech features.
The Lexus LX combines off-road ability with luxury. Built on the Toyota Land Cruiser platform, it features a powerful twin-turbo V6, off-road driving modes, and cutting-edge safety tech. For 2025, it gains a refreshed interior and additional customization options.
Subaru’s Crosstrek Wilderness continues to deliver budget-friendly off-road capability. With raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and enhanced X-Mode, it’s perfect for light trail adventures. For 2025, the Crosstrek Wilderness adds more standard safety features and updated styling.
A lifted version of the popular Outback wagon, the Wilderness trim adds all-terrain tires, skid plates, and enhanced off-road driving modes, making it a versatile adventure vehicle.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner marks the debut of its sixth generation, introducing significant updates that enhance its appeal as a rugged, off-road-capable SUV. Building upon its storied heritage, the new 4Runner offers modern advancements while retaining the core attributes that have made it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.
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