The great outdoors — the perfect playground for enthusiasts. Public land offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, kayaking, off-roading, and numerous other adventures. Yet, you need the right vehicle to navigate the wilderness. These 10 vehicles are some of our top choices for off-road adventures.
No. 10 – Ford Bronco Raptor
Ford has no shortage of vehicles built for the off-road, so it’s hard to pick the best option. Still, the Bronco Raptor deserves a spot on the list with its 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 engine delivering 418 horsepower, as well as seven drive modes.
The Bronco Raptor also has up to 13.1 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford up to 37 inches of water. The interior includes multiple details built with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Ford put grab handles on the center console and the dash to keep occupants upright while tackling steep angles. The MOLLE Strap System on the rear of the front seats keeps the outdoor gear organized and in a safe spot.
No. 9 – Ram 1500 TRX
Ram did not mess around when it created a pickup that could challenge the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Ram 1500 TRX has enough power for off-road adventures, courtesy of its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that delivers 702 horsepower. It has clearance for 37-inch wheels and more than a foot of travel front and rear. The skid plates underneath the pickup add protection when traversing more challenging terrain.
No. 8 – Chevrolet K5 Blazer
A precursor to the Chevrolet Tahoe, the K5 Blazer was an old-school off-road machine. It delighted drivers for nearly 30 years. The multiple V8 engines offered enough power for drivers navigating the wilderness, and the removable top made it easier to take in the sights and sounds.
The four-wheel drive version of the K5 Blazer featured a solid front axle and leaf springs on the front and rear. It had an approach angle of 35 degrees and eight inches of ground clearance, which made it easier to tackle rougher terrain.
Like many other vehicles on this list, the K5 Blazer also inspired an aftermarket filled with customization options.
No. 7 – Hummer H1
The AM General HMMWV, AKA Humvee, is a military vehicle first and foremost. Yet, the civilian version also become a collector’s item over the decades.
This H1 Hummer offers impressive off-road capability with its 16 inches of ground clearance and its ability to ford up to 30 inches of water. The H1 Hummer also offered a Central Tire Inflation System that gave the driver the ability to change the tire pressure based on the driving conditions.
No. 6 – Jeep Gladiator
What do you get when you combine the unending popularity of the Jeep Wrangler with the capability of the pickup? You get the Jeep Gladiator. Jeep originally produced this off-road vehicle from the early 1960s until the late 1980s before bringing it back in 2018.
The updated version of the Jeep Gladiator offers the customization options of the Wrangler along with a pickup bed for hauling extra equipment for adventures in the wilderness.
No. 5 – Jeep Wrangler
Jeep is a household name among outdoor enthusiasts. This brand has ferried people to adventures all over the globe while conquering different types of terrain. The Wrangler is the most popular of them all with four-wheel drive, removable doors, removable tops, and solid front and rear axles.
Like other off-road vehicles on this list, the Wrangler offers nearly endless customization options. Big tires, winches, light bars, and upgraded suspensions are only small examples of what is possible.
No. 4 – Mercedes G-Class
Sure, the Mercedes G-Class looks more at home in the driveway of a professional athlete or cruising Beverly Hills, but this SUV is quite capable in outdoor environments. After all, it started life as a military vehicle.
The boxy Merc has nearly 10 inches of ground clearance and front, rear, and center locking differentials. It can also ford up to 27.5 inches of water or climb a 45-degree hill.
No. 3 – Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra only enjoyed a short production run; it lasted from 1999 until 2015. However, it impressed with its locking rear differential and supercharged V6 engines. The manual transmission only made it better for off-road as enthusiasts enjoyed more control.
It also helped that Nissan based the Xterra on the Frontier. The two vehicles shared parts, which made customization much easier. The aftermarket options further expanded the options.
No. 2 – Toyota 4Runner
Considered by many to be the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), the 4Runner has delighted millions since first hitting the scene in the mid-1980s. This SUV paired Toyota’s famed reliability with ample ground clearance, a five-speed manual, and four-wheel-drive.
The 4Runner’s design has changed over the decades, and Toyota has added more tech to the strong foundation. Toyota has also added a multitude of special packages focused on off-road performance.
The SUV has remained a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts, whether they wanted to hit the trails or simply go to nearest campground.
No. 1 – Suzuki Jimny
Unfortunately, our favorite off-roader on this list is a vehicle not readily available in the United States. Suzuki stopped selling passenger vehicles here in the 2010s after filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This is a shame considering the appeal of the current-generation Suzuki Jimny.
Previously sold as the Samurai in the U.S., the updated version of this boxy SUV boasts off-road prowess. It has a 1.5-liter engine with enough torque for unique situations, which Suzuki paired with a five-speed manual transmission. It features 3-link rigid axle suspensions with coil springs, 4WD with a low-range transfer gear, and special controls built for hills.
The Suzuki Jimny even has windshield wipers for the headlights and a roof-mounted drip rail that prevents occupants from getting water dumped on their heads.
The Jimny is not the biggest off-roader around, but that’s not a drawback. Enthusiasts loved the Samurai for its small size, maneuverability, and ground clearance. The Jimny still checks these boxes while adding modern updates.