Top 10 2016 SUVs to Take Off-Roading
Sadly, a dwindling amount of modern SUVs can actually take on real trails. Instead of sifting through the sea of soft crossovers to find the real off-road champions, check out our list of top 10 SUVs to take off-roading.
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Jeep Wrangler
This shouldn’t surprise anyone. The Wrangler is perhaps the most beloved off-road vehicle today. It boasts tremendous followings all over the world, and only seems to be getting more popular.
Not only can a properly-outfitted Wrangler take on all sorts of rugged trails, there’s a humungous aftermarket for them. That means owners can customize them in all sorts of ways that just aren’t possible with other vehicles. Throw in the fact that there are active Jeep clubs all over the place, and you have plenty of reasons to go get a new Wrangler so you can get in on the trail action.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Wrangler people call these mall cruisers, and there’s a certain truth to that name. Most Grand Cherokee owners don’t take their beloved SUV off the pavement, but those who do, and know what they’re doing, should be pretty impressed with its abilities. It’s not quite as good at trails as the Wrangler, but it still surpasses plenty of other vehicles.
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Of course, you get way more comfort with the Grand Cherokee, so if that’s your thing this could be the SUV for you.
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Believe it or not, the little Cherokee actually isn’t half bad at trails, if you go with the Trailhawk model. It comes with recovery hooks (that are red), skid plates, an upgraded four-wheel drive system, better angles, and more. This is a great option if you want something that handles great on pavement as well.
Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
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Even more unbelievable is how good the Renegade is on trails, again if you go with the Trailhawk. It comes with a similar setup as the Cherokee, yet is so small that it’s the perfect choice for anyone who lives where there isn’t much room for parking. Or maybe you just hate big vehicles. The Renegade is also packed with Jeep “Easter eggs” in its design, making it a fun vehicle all-around.
Mercedes G-Class
This is the SUV that mountains themselves fear. It was originally created to be a German military vehicle, but didn’t make the cut. Rather than just sink the thing, Mercedes decided the average person needed a stream-fording, mountain-climbing beast of a machine.
Modern versions of the G-Wagen, as it’s lovingly called, might be covered in bling and have interiors that put pretty much every other vehicle on the road to shame, but they’re still a hardcore off-roader. In fact, they handle like garbage on the pavement, an ironic thing considering how many people never let those tires cross even a patch of dirt.
Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner started out as a truck-based SUV, and unlike the Nissan Pathfinder it’s stayed that way. In fact, Toyota has actually been making it increasingly rugged. If you really want a hardcore version of the SUV, get the TRD Pro model, which bristles with skid plates, an off-road suspension and even electronic crawl control. Plus, you get the legendary reliability of Toyota, making it less likely you’ll be stranded in the middle of nowhere.
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Toyota Land Cruiser/Lexus LX
There’s really no difference between this Toyota and Lexus. Both are undisputed off-road monsters that could probably have blazed all of the original pioneer trails in North America. They’re loaded with all kinds of electronic gizmos that take the guesswork out of driving on different surfaces, which is a good thing since you probably don’t want to roll something so expensive down a hill. The interiors are so plush, you’ll think you’re died and gone to heaven. Oh, and they fit up to seven people, which is pretty rare for a hardcore off-roader.
Land Rover LR4/Discovery
There’s a reason why these SUVs are incredibly popular in countries where there are few paved roads. While in many upscale suburban neighborhoods the Discovery or LR4 is a mainstay in country club parking lots and feature plenty of bling, do not mistake this for a soft vehicle. In fact, they perform like crap on roads, because they were built first and foremost for the trail.
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Like the Land Cruiser, this SUV is loaded with quite a few electronic gizmos that make off-roading so much less stressful. The dual sunroofs let everyone enjoy the great overhead vistas of the outdoors, without wind-whipping everyone like in a Wrangler with the roof off. On top of that, the interior is luxurious and can accommodate up to seven, putting this in an incredibly exclusive class of off-roaders.
If you like to accessorize, the Discovery or LR4 is a great option. Given their popularity and a strong core following, there are all kinds of accessories floating around out there, allowing you to outfit the SUV for some serious expeditions.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The little brother of the Discovery, this new model is quite a bit smaller and yet still has three rows of seating (no guarantee if your family will fit inside). It’s also more budget-friendly and will fit in compact parking situations, without compromising too much on ability. The cargo is surprisingly large, and the third row isn’t half bad on space.
Like the Discovery, the Sport model comes with electronic aids to help the driver on any trail. It also has a tow hitch assist that takes the guesswork out of connecting it to a boat or trailer.
Land Rover Range Rover
Available in a regular or Sport model, the Range Rover is one of the most enviable vehicles out there, if that matters to you. It’s incredibly stylish and luxurious, and if you dare take one on a trail it can hang with the best of them.
Unlike so many off-roading SUVs, the Range Rover actually does pretty well on pavement. It’s loaded with a long list of luxuries and advanced electronics, making it a fun big toy.
Of course, the Range Rover does enjoy an infamous reputation for breaking a lot. If you do decide to get one, go with the upgraded warranty, because you won’t regret it.
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