Car buyers/owners are increasingly interested in adventures that take them off the beaten track, whether it’s for Overlanding adventures, high-speed thrills, or desert pre-run. This interest has catapulted the popularity of off-road vehicles with their appeal not showing any sign of waning, many automotive companies want a piece of the lucrative off-road car market that features crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. But not every crossover, SUV, or 4×4 truck with rugged looks, raised driving position, and good ground clearance is a capable off-roader. This article aims to walk you through some featured crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks to inform you of their capabilities.
The Best Off-road SUV
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
The Toyota Land Cruiser has been around for more than 70 years with 10 million units sold with models spanning from pickup trucks, hard tops, and SUVs. In this article, our main focus will be on two full-size body-on-frame off-roading capable SUVs (J150 and J300). The Prado J150 is available in either a rare three-door or a more common five-door body style. Under the hood, it comes fitted with either a 2.7-liter (2TR-FE) I4 petrol or a turbocharged 2.8-liter (1GD-FTV) I4 diesel.
These engines are paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Its standard drivetrain is an advanced Full-time 4WD with a lockable Torsen center differential. The large full-size luxury LC300 is available in five doors with three or more trims depending on the market. Under the hood, it is powered by either a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol with an output of 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque or a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel with 304 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. These engines are paired with either a six- or ten-speed conventional automatic transmission. Drivetrain features include a Torsen rear limited-slip differential, a locking center differential, and a two-speed transfer case. Available features depending on trim include a 2+3+2 seat configuration with cloth, vinyl, or leather upholstery, running boards, a rear anti-roll bar, crawl control, downhill assist control, active height control hydraulic suspension, and a 19.3-inch screen.
If you are interested in Toyota Land Cruiser, please check the article from our expert team below.
JEEP WRANGLER 4×4
Talk of capable off-roading 4×4 SUVs and the Jeep Wrangler is up there. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is available in multiple body and roof designs which include a three- and five-door convertible with a fold-flat windscreen and three-and five-door hard top. Under the hood, it either comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 petrol with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 2.2-liter EcoDiesel I4, a 375 hp plugged-in hybrid, and the top of the line 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft.
These engines are paired with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Wranglers are built for off-roading and that’s where the standard part-time four-wheel drive comes in handy. The Wrangler Rubicon is a car built to conquer the most difficult terrains be it mud, rocks, steep slopes, and ruts that could prove a nightmare to most other vehicles. With technologies such as Tru-Lok locking front and rear differentials, a Rock-Trac transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range ratio, an electronic-disconnect front anti-roll bar, and Dana 44 axles you are sure to get to your destination regardless of the weather or terrain.
TOYOTA RAV4
This modern-day pioneer of crossover SUVs never disappoints. Now in its fifth generation from 2018, the RAV4 has maintained being the go-to crossover SUV that is practical, affordable, and efficient. With an attractive base price, a spacious interior, and good road manners, the latest RAV4 is sure what its predecessors were and more. Under the hood, it comes fitted with a 2.0-liter I4 with 169 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. Also available is a 2.5-liter I4, a hybrid, and a plug-in-hybrid system. These engines send power to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed manual, eight-speed automatic, or eCVT transmission. Acceleration is not that awesome, but fuel efficiency is good. The fourth generation RAV4 features rugged looks that place it shoulder to shoulder with the likes of 4Runners and Tacomas, but even the TRD Off-Road trim isn’t enough to take it to the same terrain as a true rugged 4×4. The RAV4 is at home best when traversing minor snowy, muddy, and rough terrains. Standard features on this model include several driver-assistance technologies and the latest infotainment features that give the RAV4 an upper hand over its rivals.
The Best Off-road Trucks
TOYOTA 4Runner
Some people confuse the Toyota 4Runner with some traditional crossover SUV! If you are one of those, then you got it completely wrong. This originally truck-based (Hilux) SUV currently marking its 40th anniversary with a Retro-Inspired 40th-anniversary Special Edition is a typical rugged, old-fashioned body-on-frame midsize SUV that continues to find success in an automotive market full of fancy crossover SUVs packed with modern tech. The 4Runner is available in a base SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, 40th Anniversary Special Edition, Limited, and top spec TRD Pro trims. It might cost you more to buy a 4Runner than some of the cars it competes with, but in return, you get more towing capacity, superior off-road capability, and better interior space. The 4Runner is available with a choice of either a 2.7-liter (2TR-FE) I4 or a 4.0-liter (1GR-FE) V6 petrol engine. These engines are paired with either a four- or five-speed automatic transmission. Models with the 4.0-liter engine are not so efficient, and the SUV is neither the most comfortable nor high-tech, but its tough looks, versatility, ruggedness, and off-road heritage is what separates it from the competition.
Toyota Hilux
Talk of an undisputed king in pickup trucks, and that will be the Toyota Hilux hands down. With 18 million units shipped over the past 55 years, the Hilux is known for being rugged, tough, and reliable. Available as a two-door Single Cab and Extra Cab or four-door double cabin, the Single Cab, is suited as a work vehicle and only available in Active trim only while the Double Cab is available in a couple of trim levels, starting from basel Active right up to the top-spec Invincible X. Standard features include air conditioning and Bluetooth. Available features include heated seats, sat-nav, and a package of safety and luxury features such as lane-keep assist and pedestrian detection. The Double Cab model with more cabin space appeals the most as it offers the option of being used as a workhorse and a family car.
Depending on the model, the latest Hilux comes fitted with a turbocharged 2.4-liter (2GD-FTV) four-cylinder diesel with 148 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque as standard and an optional turbocharged 2.8-liter (1GD-FTV) four-cylinder with 200 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque which comes fitted in the high-end Invincible or Invincible X trims. These engines are paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. A selectable four-wheel drivetrain is standard, with 2WD also available. Low-range and a locking rear diff setting are available.
The Best Off-road SUVs for Family
Nissan X-trail
The Nissan X-Trail has come a long way since its introduction in 2000. From the first-generation T30 model to the current fourth-generation T33 model, the X-Trail has always been a force to be reckoned with in the crossover SUV category. The interior of the T33 X-Trail is a complete overhaul of its predecessor. Its interior looks and feels airy, lavish, spacious, and modern. Tech-wise it’s up there rubbing shoulders with its rivals. This model is available in three (S, X, & G) trim levels in Japan which are named differently in other markets. It is available as a 5- or 7-seat car with the rear seats of the 7-seater only suitable for children. Its dimensional growth made it more spacious and comfortable. Cloth upholstery is standard with leather available on the high-end model. There are several storage options, while you get a 585-liter, 465-liter, and 575-liter boot on the five-seat petrol, seven-seat, and five-seat ePower model consecutively. Under the hood, this X-Trail comes fitted with an e-Power mild hybrid system with a 1.5-liter (KR15DDT) I3 VC-turbo petrol engine that charges a battery that powers a 200 hp electric motor on the front wheels in 2WD configuration as standard. Optionally you can opt for the more powerful e-4orce electric-drive four-wheel-control system that adds a 132 hp e-motor on the rear axle to collectively produce a 210hp system.
BMW X5
BMWs are known for their reputation as part of the torchbearers of German tech. The X5 has followed this tradition from its inception in 1999 with the fourth and current generation X5 proceeding from where its predecessors left off. This X5 has grown in length and is now about 3 meters and has a superior width that gives room for plenty of legroom, storage, cubbies, and an optional third row. With four (40i, 45e, M50i, and M) available trims with a wide range of configurations. Standard features include push-button start, keyless entry, a 12.3-inch digital binnacle, a 12.3-inch touch screen, a 10-speaker audio system, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, five USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, heated and power-adjustable front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and ambient LED interior lighting. Under the hood, this X5 comes fitted with a choice of five optional 3.0-liter petrol (40i and 50i) and diesel (30d and 40d) I6 engines with enough power to throw around its curb weight that ranges between 2.0 and 2.5 tons. The fifth setup found on the xDrive 45e is a PHEV that pairs a turbocharged 3.0-liter (B58) I6 petrol engine with a 113 hp electric motor to produce a combined 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque with an electric-only range of about 48 km. These engines are paired with an eight-speed transmission.
The Best Off-road SUVs for Sport
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
Land Rover is a symbol of British pride. Its Flagship Range Rover brand is synonymous with royalty since it’s one of the vehicles of choice when British royals go places while the Defender is an off-road capable SUV that continues the legacy of the Series 1 Land Rover. Our interest today is in the Range Rover Sport L461 which is a smaller and sportier sibling of the full-size Range Rover, the compact SUV of the Range Rover lineup, the Evoque, and the Defender. If you’re interested in a vehicle that offers a combination of luxury, off-road capability, and an upper-class appeal, then any of these three Land Rovers will be a perfect choice, especially if your budget is a bit limited. The 2023 Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Land Rover Defender are not that far behind the flagship Range Rover L460, they are so refined compared to some other high-end SUVs. Tech-wise, these Land Rovers come with Land Rover’s Pivi Pro onboard tech as standard, with features such as a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and a DAB digital radio. Available safety and all-terrain features include an adaptive all-wheel-drive system, hill-descent control, a two-speed transfer case, and electronically locking differentials. These cars offer a choice of petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains which transfer power to all four wheels via a manual or automatic transmission.
Should You Buy?
5 Pros & Cons of Land Rover Range Rover
Subaru Forester
Since its inauguration in 1997, the Subaru Forester has always been a force in the automotive world, a compact crossover SUV that has at times given true off-roaders a run for their money. Currently, in its fifth generation, the Forester has shown no sign of letting off! With its reliable all-wheel-drive system and solid ground clearance, the Forester has been the car of choice for people working/living in snowy, unpaved, or rutted road areas as it enables them to easily maneuver through those road conditions. In the 2022 model year, a Forester Wilderness trim was introduced. It comes with a superior 233 mm of ground clearance (an extra 12 mm compared to other models) together with all-terrain tires, a transmission oil cooler, a skid plate, lower gearing, Wilderness front and rear bumpers, and an advanced dual-function X-Mode that’s specific for off-roading. Under the hood, this Forester comes with three optional powerplants, starting with the turbocharged 1.8-liter (CB-18) direct injection flat-4 engine with 174 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque fitted on the Forester Sport, the 2.0-liter (FB20) that’s also used on the hybrid models, with the engine producing 143 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque paired with a motor with 13 hp and 48 lb-ft of torque. Lastly is the 2.5-liter (FB25) with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. These engines are paired with a lineartronic CVT transmission as standard and an e-Boxer MHEV on the hybrid models
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The Best Cheap Off-road Vehicles
MITSUBISHI PAJERO
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a full-size SUV that was manufactured by the Japanese automotive giant Mitsubishi for 40 years with four generations and over three million units sold. The production of the Pajero came to an end in 2021. During the production run, Mitsubishi introduced a rally-based model known as the Evolution which competed in several rallies but made its name in the Paris-Dakar rally. The successes of the Evolution resulted in its demand which pushed Mitsubishi into producing road legal models. It is said that only just above 2500 units were produced. The Evolution was released in 1997 and was based on the second-generation Pajero. Under the hood, it was fitted with a modified 3.5-liter (6G74) 24-valve MIVEC DOHC V6 engine with 280 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. Underneath, the Pajero Evolution was fitted with an automatic torque converter that directs power to the shiftable 4WD system with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials and an independent suspension that improved handling and its offroading capability. The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is a collector’s item, a rare sought-after gem. Its prices start at as little as US$ 30,000 to as much as US$ 50,000 or more.
NISSAN JUKE
Nissan Duke is a subcompact crossover SUV built by Nissan introduced in 2010. By 2011 it was available in many markets sending shockwaves in the auto industry due to its bold, compact, and practical styling. The catch is when you get a chance to drive it. The experience is so exhilarating, with a standard 1.6-liter (HR15DE) I4 petrol engine with 118 hp and 117 lb-ft of torque paired to an automatic or CVT transmission capable of quickly accelerating the car due to its lightweight making it one of the quickest compact cars. In 2013 Nissan’s tuning arm (NISMO) introduced the high-performance Juke Nismo and Nismo RS. Notable styling changes were more evident on the front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and interior styling while under the skin the engine, suspension, and steering wheel were upgraded/re-tuned making the ride even better, with the steering more responsive, and its sports-tuned suspensions and a torque-vector-control all-wheel-drive system improving its drivability. The Nismo RS came with a modified frame, Recaro sports front seats, and carbon fiber. The Nismo and Nismo RS come fitted with a turbocharged 1.6-liter (MR16DDT) engine with 197 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque and 215 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque respectively. These engines are paired with a six-speed manual or CVT transmission. Be Forward prices of the Juke range between US$ 1,800 and US$ 12,000.
If you are interested in Nissan Juke, please check this blog post from our expert team.
Should You Buy? 5 Pros & Cons of Nissan Juke 2019
The Best 2-door SUVS for Off-road
SUZUKI JIMNY
Fifty-three years on and almost three million units sold, neither Suzuki nor their brand, the Suzuki Jimny has shown any sign of slowing down! This tiny body-on-frame offroading giant from Suzuki is in a territory of its own with plenty of die-hard followers. Now in its fourth generation from 2018, the Suzuki Jimny is even better. In 2022 Suzuki released a stripped down bare bones model known as the Jimny Lite with basic features such as a basic radio with Bluetooth connectivity in place of an infotainment system, steel rims, halogen projector headlights in place of LED, manual aircon instead of climate control, and basic side mirrors. Inside, the Jimny Lite is very basic. It has four seats, an 85-liter boot, and a glove box, small door pockets, and a small center tray as other storage options. Under the hood, the Jimny comes fitted with a base turbocharged 0.7-liter (R06A) three-cylinder petrol engine. Also available is a 1.5-liter (K15B ) four-cylinder petrol engine with 100 hp and 102 lb-ft. These engines are paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Be Forward prices start at US$ 10,000 to over US$ 70,000.
Here is the detailed information. Please take a look!
Suzuki Jimny – 1970-2020 Model Year Differences and Improvements
NISSAN KIX
The Nissan Kix (also called Kicks) is a subcompact crossover SUV built by Nissan introduced in 2016. Five years on, in 2021 Nissan released a facelifted model to cement its place as the car of choice in its category. Changes in this model include styling upgrades that include a larger grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and the availability of 17-inch alloy wheels. Notable changes on the inside include redesigned front seat armrests, air vents, and door panels. Tech-wise Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard while the SR and SV trims get an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard. A Wi-Fi hotspot is an option on the SR trim. Other available features include Adaptive cruise control and an electronic parking brake with an automatic brake hold function. Under the hood, the Kix comes fitted with an efficient 1.6-liter (HR16DE) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 118 hp and 117 lb-ft of torque as standard. Available is a non-PHEV e-Power series hybrid system that combines a 1.2-liter (HR12DE) 3-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor (EM57) that propels the front wheels. These engines are paired with a five-speed manual or an Xtronic CVT transmission. These engines’ average fuel consumption is 15 km/l and 22 km/l respectively.
Conclusion
Each and every vehicle covered here is a good vehicle in its own right, it all depends on what the buyer wants and the budget. We hope from the little that has been covered regarding each car will serve you well in having a basic understanding of each and every car.
BEST VALUE USED CARS FOR OFF ROAD
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.