8 Best Cars for Off-Road Trips

It might come as a surprise to know that most vehicles advertised as able offloaders are actually not. Sure, they might handle a gravel road or a light dusting of snow, but these dissemblers quickly reach their limit when the trail gets rough. For true off-road exploration, you need a capable and dependable vehicle to conquer challenging terrain and forge your own path.

An excellent off-road car boasts ample ground clearance to conquer obstacles, sophisticated four-wheel-drive systems for tenacious grip, rugged suspension for traversing uneven terrain confidently, ample departure angles, and good wheel articulation. However, with so many trucks and SUVs in the market, choosing the best vehicle for off-road trips can be daunting. Here are a few of the most capable, popular, and influential off-roaders.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser's name is synonymous with unparalleled off-road capability and legendary reliability. For over 60 years, this vehicle was a top choice for Americans looking to go off-roading. However, the company announced its exit from American dealerships in 2021, and people literally believed them. However, to everyone's surprise, the Toyota Land Cruiser is back, now shrunk down to a medium size.

The 2024 model has a boxy look and a sitting capacity of five. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrain, giving 326 horsepower. The interior is luxurious, especially for upper trims, with advanced driver-assistance features. The hybrid powertrain has good torque and a four-wheel drive with a crawl control system, locking center differential, hill descent control, and low-range gearing. Generally, this model is much more fit for off-roading than the previous models.

Land Rover Range Rover

Are you looking for a blend of capability and luxury? The Range Rover is a jack-of-all-trades SUV capable of cross-continent tours and rugged for a trail ride. When it comes to luxury, the Range Rover has it all: massaging seats in both rows, power-deployable rear seats, tray tables, and rear bucket seats.

It's also available with various powertrains, starting from a turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt hybrid system that generates 395 horsepower and 538 pound-feet (730 Newton-meters) of torque. The newest Land Rover Range Rover Evoque boasts 8.35 inches of ground clearance, 23.6 wading depth, terrain response, sports command driving position, and clear sight technology.

Ford Ranger Raptor

If you enjoy low—and high-speed off-road thrills, your best bet is to get a Ford Ranger Raptor. This vehicle offers a perfect blend of everyday drivability and off-road prowess.

While it is excellent in pushing through muddy terrain and climbing rocks, its real strength is tackling these landscapes at higher speed and maintaining stability and control. Better than previous models, the 2024 model is more stylish, has advanced technology features, and has a more spacious cabin.

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep vehicles are known for their capability to tackle any sort of terrain. They have come a long way from their military roots to being luxurious cars. While the Wrangler may not offer the same luxury as the Range Rover or Ford Bronco, it's genuinely an off-road champion due to its unmatched capabilities.

Locking differentials and specialized axles provide superior traction and control, while impressive approach and departure angles help conquer steep terrains. The Rubicon trim boasts a detachable anti-roll bar for extreme suspension travel, allowing it to crawl over large rocks easily. Paired with the Wrangler's overall power, the Rubicon is undeniably a force to be reckoned with on any off-road adventure.

Ram 1500 TRX

Although Ram has announced that 2024 will be the final year for TRX, we could exclude it from this list. It has had a good run but will be replaced by the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO.

The Ram 1500 TRX isn't your average pickup truck. It's a fire-breathing monster designed to conquer off-road terrain with unmatched capability. It boasts a supercharged Hemi 6.2-liter V-8 that produces 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This translates to awe-inspiring acceleration and the ability to easily tackle even the most challenging inclines.

Moreover, it utilizes a full-time 4WD BorgWarner 48HD transfer case with electronically controlled locking differentials. This intelligent system automatically distributes power between the front and rear axles, maximizing traction and control on any terrain.

Ford F-150 Raptor

Ford F-150 Raptor is built for extreme off-roading. It produces 450 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V-6 bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It boasts FOX Racing shocks and impressive travel distance.

These high-performance dampers soak up bumps and dips effortlessly, allowing the wheels to maintain better contact with the ground and maximizing traction and stability on uneven terrain. Moreover, the ample ground clearance, which ranges from 10.5 to 13.1 inches, depending on the tire package, allows it to clear obstacles that would hinder smaller vehicles and protects the underbody when traversing rough terrain.

Ford F-15 Raptor has a 33.1-degree approach angle that allows it to attack steep inclines without scraping the front bumper. The 24.4-degree breakover angle ensures the vehicle doesn't get hung up on mid-trail obstacles, while the 24.9-degree departure angle allows for smooth descents without scraping the rear bumper.

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is arguably one of the most capable SUVs on the market. It offers a combination of excellent off-road capability and sufficient luxury interior space. The 2024 Defender is, without a doubt, the perfect luxury midsize SUV.

A standard Defender has a 296-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, trims with a 395-hp 3.0-liter inline-six that utilize an electric supercharger, a 48-volt hybrid system, and a turbocharger are also available.

The Land Rover Defender boasts impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles, allowing it to climb steep inclines, navigate obstacles, and descend slopes without scraping its undercarriage. It also has locking differentials to distribute power evenly to all wheels for maximum grip on loose surfaces. Moreover, the terrain response system further refines this by adjusting various settings based on the terrain (mud, sand, rock crawl, etc.) for optimal performance.

GMC Hummer Electric Pickup

Are you looking to go off-roading in an eco-friendly vehicle? How about the 2024 GMC Hummer electric supertruck? Though not for everyone because of its size, this beast has impressive off-road capabilities thanks to its shorter wheelbase, which offers excellent maneuverability. This is further enhanced by the remarkable approach (49.6 degrees), breakover (34.4 degrees), and departure angles (49 degrees with the spare tire removed). It also has a five-foot box, rear-axle steering, height-adjustable air suspension, and a Super Cruise (GM's hands-free driving tech).

The Hummer EV has two battery sizes: 311 miles for the EV2X and 314 miles for the EV3X. However, the EV3X can be equipped with a 24-module battery to give a range of up to 381 miles.

Wrapping it up

The off-roading car market is vast, and navigating it can be overwhelming. However, all these vehicles are guaranteed to offer the best experience. Whether you crave the luxurious comfort of the Range Rover or the raw electric power of the Hummer EV, a perfect off-road companion is waiting to transform your journey into an unforgettable adventure.

Remember, no two vehicles are created equal. Check detailed reviews of each car to see whether they tick all your boxes. These can include price, fuel efficiency, and durability. Moreover, research the reliability of the model you are interested in and consider options such as taking out an auto loan to ensure you get the vehicle of your dreams.