What do off-road SUVs mean?
Off-road SUVs are the ideal car choice for those who want to be able to go where no ordinary passenger vehicle can. These vehicles are rugged, durable, and work well on all terrain. They can be used for extreme sports and driving in the harshest environments and serve as a luxurious ride for everyday life. This is why you can see them on the roads of many countries and driving on various terrains. But which models are the best? Based on publicly available information and our own research, here is a list of the top off-road SUVs.
1.) Toyota 4Runner
Released in 1984, this model from Toyota is one of the oldest off-road SUVs currently available on the market. It comes with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers around 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission, making it capable of towing up to 3500 pounds. It is equipped with off-road tires and permanent four-wheel drive. Interestingly, the 4Runner has a double-cab model, which can take a full-size spare tire, so it can be used for towing even larger loads.
2.) Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler was introduced in 1972 and has become an iconic vehicle for off-roading enthusiasts. The vehicle received several upgrades during its production, but the basic design remains unchanged today. There are numerous versions of it, including a four-door version and a two-door version with a removable top. This model receives its power from a four-cylinder engine that develops 269 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It has a five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, which is disengaged for better fuel economy. It can tow up to 3500 pounds, and its off-road capabilities are enhanced by the fact that it can take on an additional 31.5 inches of suspension travel as well as a larger spare tire called a “Mountain Kit.”
3.) Nissan Xterra
This model was first released in 2001 and has been redesigned on several occasions since then. The latest version received a major upgrade in 2013 under the SV moniker, with its design being heavily influenced by the new Titan model. The engine is provided by a 4.0 liter V6 that delivers 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through an automatic transmission. The braking system is made better by the electronic brake force distribution, while the off-road capabilities are boosted by the increased suspension travel, all-wheel drive, and the larger spare tire. You may want to check this out if you are looking for a vehicle that will allow you to go off-roading and camping on a single trip.
4.) Chevrolet Blazer
This model from Chevrolet was first introduced in 1971 as part of their mid-sized Blazer line, but it was also available as a luxury sport truck under the C/K nameplate for most of its production life. The first C/K Blazer came with power generated by a 2.8-liter 6-cylinder engine that developed 150 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque through a four-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 model is based on the current GM compact SUV platform as well as has been redesigned for better fuel economy and more passenger room for all.
5.) Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
This model was also introduced in 1973, and its sibling Wrangler, with the nameplate used for sales until 1976. These models were discontinued after one year, but the basic design of these vehicles remains the same today, including their off-road capabilities. They come with a three-door pickup version, a four-door model, and a two-door version with a removable roof. This fourth-generation model receives its power from a 3.6-liter V6 engine that develops 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque through an automatic transmission. The braking system is also modified for extra safety.
6.) GMC Yukon XL Denali
This new SUV from GMC comes to life with the use of General Motors’ new X platform, which was introduced in 2013. It has a seven-seat interior, but the purchase price takes a toll on the space in the back since it comes with only 31 cubic feet of cargo space available behind any of the five seats. However, you can remove the rear seat and get an additional 56 cubic feet of cargo space. This model receives its power from a 6.2-liter V8 engine that develops 411 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque through all four wheels.
7.) BMW X5
This model was first introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the BMW X3, which was discontinued after many years of production. The new X5 is still in production today and comes with many enhancements over its predecessor, including an updated design and more passenger room. The second-generation model received a major overhaul in 2010, but the basic design still remains the same today. It comes with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that develops 255 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can take on an additional 45 inches of suspension travel and its all-wheel-drive system, making it a strong competitor for off-roading.
8.) Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Jeep Wrangler was redesigned in 2006 and received more safety features, more passenger room, a better engine, and more creature comforts. These upgrades came at the expense of cargo space, which dropped from 44 cubic feet in the previous model to just 32 cubic feet in this one – the smallest amount ever offered in a Wrangler. However, this model’s off-road capabilities are enhanced by the fact that it can take on an additional 32 inches of suspension travel along with its three-piece soft-top system, enabling it to be used for a wide variety of adventures and occasions.
9.) Chevrolet Silverado 1500
This model was introduced in 2007 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It is still in production today and was redesigned slightly in 2015. This is one model that has been redesigned five times since its introduction, with each model gaining more power as well as better cargo capacity and off-road capabilities. This is the most powerful model in the Silverado series, putting out a total of 305 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It comes with three rows of seats and can be equipped with a High-Torque 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower.
10.) Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder was first introduced to American consumers in 1977 and received two facelifts throughout its production life. It received a major redesign in 2009, including a new interior design, more powerful engines, and an upgraded braking system. This model is still in production today but was discontinued after the 2008 model year due to poor sales numbers. Its current design is based on the new Maxima platform, but it is smaller than its previous counterpart. This model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, making it a top contender in the mid-size SUV market.
11.) Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
This model was first introduced in 2007 and is still in production today, though it was redesigned slightly in 2017. Since its introduction, the Jeep brand has received more than seven million orders for this model. More than 700,000 vehicles are still on the road today – a strong indicator of their popularity among consumers. It has a solid front axle with a four-wheel coil suspension, which gives this model its off-road capabilities. It can be equipped with a V6 engine that develops 260 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, making it one of Jeep’s most powerful models.
12.) Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
This top-of-the-line model was introduced as part of the Jeep model lineup in 2012 and was redesigned slightly in 2015. It has been certified as an SRT vehicle by Chrysler Group LLC, making it the only mid-size SUV currently being offered through Chrysler Group LLC. It can be equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that develops 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong competitor when it comes to off-roading.
13.) Range Rover Sport SVR
This model was introduced in 2007 as a replacement for the Range Rover Vogue. It was designed to rival one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market – the Mercedes-Benz GLE Class – but has actually gained popularity among luxury SUV owners due to its authenticity, great road performance, and impressive acceleration. It still comes with a 4.4-liter V8 engine that generates 530 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, making this model one of the most powerful models in its class.
14.) Range Rover Evoque
This model was introduced in 2014 as a competitor to vehicles like the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. It was designed heavily in order to be more of an SUV than an MPV, but it actually received much less attention than it deserved. It received a major redesign in 2017, including new seats and a redesigned interior design. It can be equipped with a 6.0-liter V8 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
15.) Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE
This model was introduced in 2014 as a competitor to the Range Rover Evoque and the Volvo XC60. It is the first model to be introduced in the Discovery sport line, which is Land Rover’s new series of vehicles targeted toward younger drivers looking for an alternative to off-road models like the Range Rover Sport. However, it does have great off-road capabilities and is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.
