The off-road vehicle market has exploded! It seems more people want to venture off the beaten path than ever before. That means automakers have had to adapt to customers’ wants and demands.
We see rugged vehicles with raised ride heights and four-wheel drive wherever we turn. However, despite their hairy-chested looks, most of these machines can barely get through a gravel car park.
Here, we’ll look at the vehicles that can back up their looks. These are the best off-road-capable SUVs and trucks on the market in 2024.
Jeep Wrangler
We may as well rip off the band-aid and start with the most obvious choice: the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler has been around for decades, and its off-road abilities are beyond legendary.
It comes standard with a V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and almost 10 inches of ground clearance. It’s more capable in stock form than any SUVs commonly spotted in the mall parking lot. If you need more, go for the Rubicon with more ground clearance, 33-inch mud-terrain tires, heavy-duty off-road suspension, and locking diffs front and rear. Do you still need more? You’ll be glad to know the Wrangler has a massive selection of aftermarket parts.
Ford Bronco with Sasquatch Package
Although it’s been out for a few years already, the Ford Bronco is still the new kid on the American off-road SUV block. Some would say it’s even better than the Jeep Wrangler.
Opting for the Sasquatch Package makes it even more impressive off the beaten path. 35-inch tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, high clearance suspension and electronically locking front and rear axles turn it into an off-road monster.
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is in many ways like a British Jeep Wrangler. It’s just as good off-road, enjoys the same iconic status, has fans worldwide, and there’s a massive aftermarket.
The latest Defender also offers a vast improvement in refinement and comfort over its rather agricultural predecessor. The best pick for off-roading is the 2-door Defender 90 X as it provides additional equipment to the standard two-speed transfer case, wade sensing, and hill-descent control that’s found on all Defenders.
Ford Bronco Raptor
If you love the Ford Bronco but the regular model isn’t enough, the Bronco Raptor turns everything up to 11. With a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, you’ll never need more power – 418 horses and 440 lb-ft of torque is sufficient in any scenario.
It’s even more off-road capable than the regular Bronco, thanks to the beefier suspension and 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The Bronco Raptor wasn’t just built to jump dunes, though; it’s surprisingly capable on the road as well.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Toyota’s latest Tundra is better than ever! The 2024-year model has more power, and it’s more refined than its V8-powered predecessor. That’s right, the Tundra no longer has a V8 engine option.
The TRD Pro uses a hybrid setup consisting of a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor. Combined, these kick out 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Tundra’s smaller sibling, the Tacoma, is also one of the best off-road trucks in 2024. The TRD Pro version has plenty of upgrades compared to the base model.
The Tacoma TRD Pro has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. Thanks to its beefy off-road suspension, underbody skidplates, and meaty all-terrain tires, it’s excellent off-road.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Those with a lot of money burning a hole in their pocket may want a more luxurious off-road SUV, and Mercedes-Benz can help you scratch that itch with their 2024 G-Class.
The G-Wagen started out as a military vehicle, so even though it’s now a fancy, blinged-out celebrity icon, it can take you anywhere the Jeep Wrangler can go. Boasting 9.5 inches of ground clearance, front-, center-, and rear-locking diffs, and a 2-speed transfer case, this luxury SUV means business.
Ford Ranger Raptor
The Ford Ranger Raptor is finally available in the States and is a monster. The previous Ranger Raptor was good but nowhere near as powerful as this new version.
It has a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. There’s a 2-speed transfer case, heavy-duty Fox off-road suspension, front and rear locking diffs, and much more.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
The current Toyota 4Runner has been around since 2010, so it’s getting a bit long in the tooth, but that’s not really a bad thing. This off-road SUV is tried and tested and has aged like fine wine.
The base model 4Runner can show most SUVs a thing or two on the trail, but the TRD Pro will take you places only hardcore off-roaders can go. It features Fox off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, and skid plates to protect it.
Ram 2500 Power Wagon
Due to their size, heavy-duty trucks usually aren’t the best vehicles for off-road use. The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is different, though, and to make things even better, its cabin is also an excellent place to spend time.
The Ram 2500 Power Wagon comes with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 as standard, and as impressive as it is, we’d rather have the optional diesel engine. Torque is what matters when you’re moving through mud, traversing rocks, and fording rivers, and the diesel Ram has a massive 850 lb-ft of it.
Nissan Titan Pro-4X
The Nissan Titan Pro-4X has a 5.6-liter V8 that sends 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. That kind of power means the Titan can get up and go whenever you push the loud pedal – on or off-road.
The Titan Pro-4X even has a spacious and plush interior and all the tech you’d expect from a modern vehicle.
Nissan Frontier Pro-4X
Nissan also has a new Frontier Pro-4X with fresh styling. Like the Titan, there’s plenty of tech, and the interior is nice.
There aren’t many engine options, though. In fact, there’s only one available engine, but Nissan did a great job with it, so we don’t mind that at all. The 3.8-liter V6 produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, and on the Pro-4X trim, it’s sent to all four wheels via the 9-speed auto box. It’s not the most powerful off-roader, but it has plenty of grunt to overcome challenging obstacles.
Ford F-250 SuperDuty King Ranch Tremor
The Ford F-250 SuperDuty King Ranch Tremor’s name is almost as long as the large truck itself. What it sacrifices in agility and nimbleness, it makes up for in other areas.
The F250 SuperDuty King Ranch Tremor has a spacious and comfortable interior. The 7.3-liter V8 produces 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque that’s sent to all four wheels. It has plenty of ground clearance and a healthy dose of fancy tech to make life easier.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is an awesome midsize truck that received a redesign for 2023. Its turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is surprisingly powerful, with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Four-wheel drive is standard, as is the eight-speed automatic transmission. While less aggressive than the Ford Ranger Raptor, the Colorado ZR2 is still very capable off-road.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2
The Silverado ZR2 is another off-road capable pickup truck from Chevrolet. The ZR2 is the top-spec Silverado trim and comes with all the goodies as standard.
Here, you’ll find a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horses and 460 lb-ft of torque, a 10-speed transmission, four-wheel drive, beefy suspension, large mud-terrain tires, and skid plates. Combined with its refined interior and infotainment system, the Silverado ZR2 should be a pleasure to drive off-road.
Jeep Gladiator
In proper Jeep fashion, even the base Gladiator is an extremely capable off-roader that can take you wherever you want to go. Although, it’s not the most comfortable on-road vehicle.
The base model has a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to either a manual or automatic transmission. Its 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is sent to all four wheels.
Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover completely redesigned the Range Rover for 2023, and it is now more refined and luxurious than ever before. While it’s now a full-blown luxury SUV, it’s still one of the best off-road vehicles money can buy.
Buyers can choose between a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 or a 3.0-liter V6 with a plug-in hybrid system. Either one produces plenty of power and torque for everyday and off-road use. An air suspension system also provides a maximum of 11 inches of ground clearance.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor started the whole factory off-road racing truck thing, and it’s now better than ever. The first version had a V8, but Ford switched to a turbocharged six-cylinder for the second generation. Enthusiasts can’t agree on which version is best, so Ford has now made a standard twin-turbo V6 model and a supercharged V8 Raptor R version.
Besides the powerful engines, the Raptor has a serious Fox off-road suspension setup, big, fat tires, and underbody protection. The Raptor can practically go anywhere with the throttle buried.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers all the creature comforts, gadgets, and tech consumers want. Unlike some other Jeeps, it also feels nice when driven on the road. In fact, it’s so good that you’re forgiven for thinking it can’t possibly live up to Jeep’s off-road reputation. But it does!
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is off-road-ready right out of the box, and it comes with all-terrain tires, a limited-slip diff, adaptive air suspension, skid plates, and tow hooks. Not bad for a plug-in hybrid SUV that returns 56 MPG-equivalent.
Ram TRX
The Ram TRX won’t be around after the 2024 model year, so if you want a brand-new off-road truck with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 straight out of a muscle car, now is the time to buy one.
The TRX has a whopping 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed transmission. The TRX offers all the usability of a regular Ram truck but in a rather ridiculous package designed to annihilate the Ford F-150 Raptor.
Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Toyota redesigned the Sequoia for 2023. The TRD Pro version is ready for off-road adventures straight from the showroom floor. It features 33-inch all-terrain tires, Fox heavy-duty off-road suspension, a locking rear differential, a skid plate, a roof rack, and an LED light bar.
The Sequoia’s engine is a new 437-horsepower hybrid twin-turbo V6 unit. Inside, the cabin has plenty of space and creature comforts for the whole family.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
The Sierra AT4X features plenty of parts that make it excel off-road. Here, you’ll find a two-speed transfer case, a 2-inch lift, heavy-duty cooling, and much more. Inside, it has many luxurious upgrades to satisfy the entire family.
The standard engine is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder that produces 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, but a 6.2-liter V8 is also available.
GMC Hummer EV
The Hummer EV is huge, and its size is only matched by its power. This behemoth has a whopping 1,000 horsepower and an even more incredible 1,200 lb-ft of torque.
Not only is it capable of going practically anywhere, but it’ll also accelerate like a supercar. Obviously, being a brand-new luxury EV SUV/pickup, it comes with all the fancy tech you could ever desire.
Rivian R1S / R1T with Quad-Motor
Rivian’s electric trucks and SUVs are impressive, to say the least. The quad-motor version with 835 electric horses is essential if you want maximum off-roadability.
It’s not just its power that makes it great off-road, but it can pretty much traverse any terrain thanks to its four motors. If you’re unsure about taking an EV into the wild, you should know that Rivian gave it 14.9 inches of ground clearance, and it can cross rivers as deep as 3 feet. Since it has one wheel at each corner, it also boasts excellent approach and departure angles.
