Top 20 Off-Road SUVs in 2023- Everything You Need to Know

Undoubtedly, SUVs are the best vehicles to be taken for off-roading. And that is because of their in-stock specifications, reliability, and multi-role capabilities that make them stand apart from purpose-built vehicles. An off-road vehicle can be a good selling point with the latest safety technology, convenience and comfort alternatives, and true off-road chops.

In addition, these vehicles are tested and trailed over a period which indicates their performance and reliability. So, for users and new buyers, we have included 20 of the best SUVs suitable for off-roading particularly. What are the top 20 off-road SUVs in 2023?

Considering the performance and reliability, the top 20 Off-Road SUVs are:

1. Isuzu D-Max
2. Suzuki Jimny
3. Porsche Turismo
4. Mercedes Benz G Class
5. GMC Yukon
6. Toyota Tacoma
7. Toyota 4runner
8. Ford Ranger
9. Toyota FJ Cruiser
10. Mitsubishi Pajero
11. Jeep Wrangler XJ
12. Honda Pilot
13. Range Rover Sport
14. Ariel Nomad
15. Cyber Truck
16. Livian Y1T
17. Land Rover Discovery
18. Jeep Wrangler YJ
19. Nissan Xterra
20. Jeep Cherokee

You can have these vehicles available at several local and online dealership stores that deal with used vehicles. The range of vehicles that we have discussed is readily available worldwide, particularly in North America.

1. Porsche Turismo:

The next best SUV for off-roading is a hybrid vehicle launched by Porsche, better known as Porsche Tycan Turismo. The vehicle comes with a 93.4 KWh hour battery that gives it a range of almost 283miles in a single charge.

That is due to its charge made available through a battery system based on 33 separate modules containing 12 cells; likewise, the vehicle covers the performance test of 100 km in around 5.1 seconds – making it a good SUV.

Other than this, the vehicle comes with dual electric motors that are fitted at both sets of wheels respectively. These motors enable the Porsche Turismo to be an all-wheel drive and a two-wheel drive depending on the moment’s requirement.

In terms of off-roading, the Porsche has enhanced Turismo’s suspension and ground clearance compared to other SUVs of this range.

The vehicle uses an air-suspension system and an enhanced ground clearance of almost 2 inches more than the regular variant.

Although it may look significant in terms of off-roading, it can play its part in low-intensity off-roading.

Specifications	Vehicle Equipped with
Engine	Battery-powered(93.4kWh)
Distance in a single charge	283miles
Performance test (100 km/h test)	5.1 seconds

2. Isuzu D-Max:

Isuzu D max is a rugged and powerful machine specifically designed to be a conqueror for off-road trails. That is because of its ultimate powerful engine (V4 with 161 hp and an rpm of 3200). With that, D-max can pull a speed of more than 180km/h – a feature available only in lightweight vehicles. This allows its drivers to go the extra mile on steep and slopes trails.

Other than that, the vehicle comes with a ground clearance of 300 mm, which is undoubtedly a good ground clearance. It will allow the driver to be somewhat less curious or conscious about obstacles that otherwise will be a problem.

Following this, the car is equipped with a modern system of auto adjustments and a user-friendly interface. These features will make the drive a lot easier and safer because the driver will be relying on efficient technology.

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3. GMC Yukon:

General Motors are known for their classic SUVs they deliver to the FBI and State Department. But, in off-roading, they have entered with a not so classic variant known as GMC Yukon.

Yukon has a horsepower of 277 accompanied by an rpm of 3750. Now, this is more than any of the vehicles we have listed above. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with independent shock – the front and back both being the coil-over-shock with four-corner air control.

These shocks are designed to provide a cushion between the tires and the body when it passes over rough surfaces. The wheelbase of the GMC Yukon is 3071 mm for the basic variant.

Specifications	Vehicle Equipped with
Engine Capacity	277hp
Wheelbase	3071mm
Suspension	Coil-over shocks

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4. Jeep Cherokee XJ:

In our list, the first off-road vehicle is an SUV Jeep Cherokee XJ variant or known as the ultimate Jeep for Americans. Cherokee comes with a steel unibody design and has a sturdy low-wheel drive system to give it an off-road pulse. It has two variants, two and four doors, yet both are off-road because of the powerful six-cylinder engine.

Furthermore, the Cherokee XJ variant has a single solid front and back axle compared to two separate axles. This allows it to have a better off-road capability in terms of power transmission and agile movement.

Meanwhile, it has a coil spring shock absorber mounted on front wheels and a separate leaf spring shock absorber at the back, making it more stable and better at absorbing shocks.

It comes with a 2.5litre diesel engine that is relatively less powerful than other SUVs, but the dimension of XJ allows this type of engine to perform exceptionally. Other than this, the jeep variant shares the wheelbase of 4199mm and the vehicle’s length and width as 1610 and 1790 mm, respectively.

So the prominent features are:

Jeep Cherokee	Features
Engine	2.5 liter
Wheelbase	4199mm
Ground Clearance	9 inches
Suspension	Coil Base Springs

5. Nissan Xterra:

Nissan Xterra was first launched in the late 90s. It comes with a strong chassis, a unique low-wheel drive system like the Jeep Cherokee, and above all, the reliability of Japanese vehicles – a one-pack solution for nearly all the problems of off-roading.

In terms of pricing, Nissan Xterra is pretty cheap with its underpowered engine of 180 horsepower w.r.t 4000 pounds of its weight. Although with some additional modifications, you can enhance its power.

Likewise, if you want to go extreme, you can replace the bumpers or the locking differentials to reduce the weight and improve the approaching angle.

Additionally, the Nissan Xterra has some additional features that enhance its capabilities in terms of off-roading, like stability control the traction control with 4-wheel abs brakes.

The prominent features of Nissan Xterra are:

Nissan Xterra	Features
Engine	V6
Transmission	Manual
Traction Control	yes
Abs Brakes	yes

6. Land Rover Discovery:

To mention some more perks of the Land Rover Discovery, it comes with a wheelbase of around 2900mm, a rear-wheel track of around 1686mm, and front wheels of 1692mm. These are further coupled with 283mm of ground clearance that allows the vehicle to sail pretty easily while off-roading.

Furthermore, the vehicle offers a departure angle of 30 degrees and an approach angle of 34 degrees, respectively. This ensures that the vehicle chances of getting into a rollover are pretty less than many other SUVs.

However, there has been a lot of news and notorious attention regarding the faulty interior of Land Rovers, and also that Land Rover parts are difficult to attain. It is true for the Discovery series as well.

But, in your case, since you are buying an old landrover, there is already a major fan base of Discovery II that exists on different digital and local platforms. You can have almost any part of it through them, and they will help you a lot.

Also, if you are the person who can manage without some electronic fuzz and luxury of the Land Rover; then, there is no need to worry. You will enjoy every bit of off-roading with Discovery.

To list major features of Land Rover Discovery, the following table is given:

Land Rover Discovery	Features
Engine	Td5 diesel engine
Wheel Base	2900mm approx
Ground Clearance	283mm

7. Ford Raptor:

The next competitor is a pure American utility pickup, and none other is Ford Raptor.
Ford Raptor has some exceptional capabilities for off-roading, and it has a manageable price tag as well. For instance, it has an active locking differential mechanism under guard to protect its bottom.

The strong chassis with a rugged interior will make it sustain off-roading for a longer period. Furthermore, the Ford Raptor comes with a fox suspension system which is quite suitable for off-roading.

Also that, the Ford Raptor comes with a wheel size of 16”7 at both front and rear wheel racks. These are standard off-road wheelsets that Ford has managed to come up with.

Talking about the external dimensions of the Ford Ranger, it has a wheelbase of 125.9 inches and a height of 67.7 inches. That shows, the vehicle has a relatively low center of gravity and is likely to be more stable.

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The table listing the features of the Ford Raptor is given below:

Ford Ranger	Specifications
Engine	2.3-liter diesel
Wheelbase	125.9 inches
Height	67.7 inches
Wheel Size	16”7

8. Jeep Wrangler YJ:

The next competitor in our list of best off-road SUVs is a Jeep Variant known as Jeep Wrangler YJ. Jeep Wrangler YJ is a sturdy vehicle with a six-cylinder diesel engine similar to that of Cherokee.

It comes with an upgraded suspension version, and its anti-lock brakes system makes it unique from any other vehicle we have mentioned above.

So, if you are seeking the true feel of off-roading and can go the extra mile for this; then, a full-rendered Jeep Wrangler YJ is the vehicle you should have.

Jeep Wrangler YJ	Specifications
Engine	V6
Suspension	Coil Springs
Ground Clearance	9 inches

9. Toyota Tacoma:

In our list, the next vehicle that paves its way to being the best off-roading vehicle under the 10k price range is the Toyota Tacoma. Toyota Tacoma of range 1997 to 2014 can be traced into the given price bracket, and it is a quite capable SUV for off-roading.

To support this statement, we tend to look at the specifications offered by Toyota in Tacoma.

In this case, the first major specification of Tacoma is a 2.7litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that gives this vehicle huge potential to overcome any hurdle that comes in its way.

Likewise, the 4-cylinder diesel engine is supported by all-terrain tires that come in stock with this model. These tires allow more traction and more stability for the vehicle maneuver during off-roading.

The vehicle is blessed to have a good ground clearance of almost 9.4 inches towards the ground clearance. The ground clearance is enough for most of the off-road drive terrains that any off-roader faces.

Furthermore, the vehicle is found to have approach, departure, and break-over angles of 29/23.5/21 degrees, respectively. This shows that the vehicle will not find any medium intensity obstacles worth challenging.

At last, if the above specifications look ordinary, then you should know this fact that the Tacoma can take a payload of almost 1155lb, and it can tow up to the capacity of 6400lb of weight at his back.

To support the Jeep Wrangler YJ case, we have listed its main features in the given section:

Toyota Tacoma	Features
Engine	4-cylinder Diesel Engine
Ground Clearance	9.4inches
Towing Capacity	6400lb

10. Toyota Land Cruiser:

The Toyota Land Cruiser, for generations, has been the queen of SUVs and off-roading to some extent. Due to their specifications, the Toyota launched Land Cruiser series has several variants that have performed exceptionally well in the off-roading domain.

So, we have found out that their J80 and J100 match the price bracket of $10k. You can find several units in a fine shape in less than this amount.

Moving further to list some exceptional capabilities of the Land Cruiser, the first and foremost feature is its V8 engine that comes up with an rpm of 5400. This implies that the Land Cruiser can move on steep hills, and it can overcome any obstacle that comes in its way due to its exceptional rpm.

Other than that, the vehicle has 18inch alloy wheels covered by all-terrain tires that offer extra grip over off-roads. These tires can also be replaced on custom needs.

Furthermore, the Land Cruiser can tow a load of almost 8100lb in either direction. So that means you can install a winch and a look at both sides of the vehicle.

Coming towards the suspension of the Land Cruiser, almost all the variants have a double-wishbone attached to the vehicle. This offers a sturdy outlook that a Land Cruiser enjoys during off-roading.

The prominent feature of the Land Cruiser is given in the section:

Toyota Land Cruiser	Specifications
Engine	V8
Suspension	Double Wishbone
Wheel size	18 inches alloy wheels
Towing capacity	8100lb

11. Toyota 4runner:

The next competitor on our list is the Toyota 4runner. Toyota 4runner is a good SUV because it uses a small V6 engine but has the capability of other regular off-roading trucks.

The vehicle comes with 9.6 inches ground clearance, which is great in that the vehicle can almost overcome any rocky surface without being touched at the bottom.

This feature is further enhanced by the coil springs shocks that give the driver a hovercraft-like feeling as it moves over the rocky surface.
We are moving towards other specifications that the 4runner has. The approach and departure angles of this vehicle range to 33 degrees and 27 degrees, respectively.

That shows that the 4runner matches exactly what the requirements of an off-roading vehicle are. Other than that, the vehicle is included with 17*7.5 inches all-terrain tires that further enhances its ability to find traction over loose surfaces.

Lastly, the 4runner comes with traction and stability controls for aiding the driver during off-roading. These systems apply sudden brakes into a vehicle at the time when it loses traction.

Toyota 4runner	Specifications
Engine	V6
Suspension	Coil Springs
Ground Clearance	9.6 inches

12. Honda Pilot:

The next vehicle on our list is a Japanese vehicle known as Honda Pilot. The vehicle has been successful in occupying a slot due to its universal utility in terms of off-roading.

Other than that, Honda Pilot includes nearly 8 seats and enough space to have cargo as well. But, this greater room for space is impeding its performance on off-roading. It is because Pilot is powered by a relatively less powerful 3.5-liter engine, V6.

Compared to other vehicles, a similar cabin usually involves a turbo power 4.0-liter V6 engine or a V8. However, this is not the case with Pilot. This may give an impression that if you trek on a medium intensity trail, then the chances are quite high that you cannot achieve the aim you have set forth.

Coming towards the engine performance, the vehicle achieves the milestone of 0-60mph in a period of up to 9.5 seconds, which is quite fine but not exceptional for off-roading.

But, somehow, in the price bracket of just $10k, Honda Pilot makes its place in our list of off-roading SUVs.

Honda Pilot	Specifications
Engine	3.5 liter V6
Wheel size	20-inch alloy rims
0-60mph performance test	9.5 seconds

13. Mercedes Benz G Class:

Mercedes has entered the off-roading market with its only SUV called Mercedes G Class Wagon. There are two variants of G Class, one being the petrol and the other being the Diesel. Yet, both perform relatively well in off-roading.

Coming towards its specifications, the vehicle has an engine of 2925cc for the diesel variant and 3982cc for the petrol variant. This is well in comparison to the Wagon’s weight, but it comes with an automatic transmission system and fuel tank capacity of around 100 liters.

That makes it among long-range covering vehicles – a plus point for off-roading. Likewise, the vehicle is a turbocharger to enhance its engine capacity further.

Specification	Vehicle Equipped with
Engine	2925cc
Ground Clearance	11inches
Fuel Tank Capacity	100 liters

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 14. Range Rover Sport:

To include a Range Rover in our list, we have included Range Rover Sport among the most compatible and capable SUVs for off-roading.

So moving towards the specification of Range Rover Sport for off-roading, then the first and foremost feature is its 300/4000 PS/rpm maximum power capacity.

This shows that the vehicle can conquer most of the off-road terrains that are feasible for SUVs. In this context, the SUV covers a test 0-60mph in less than 7.4 seconds which is more than an SUV of this class.

Other than that, the Range Rover Sport is famous for its approach and departure angles – that is, 34.7 degrees and 29 degrees. These angles are exceptional for an SUV, but that is what Range Rover is known for.

Mentioning some other aspects of Range Rover Sport, it comes with a wheelbase of more than 1600mm in front wheels and about 1685 in rear wheels. The height of the vehicle is 1869mm, with a width of 5000mm.

Range Rover Sport	Specifications
Engine	V6
Wheelbase	1600mm/1685mm
0-60mph performance test	7.4 seconds

15. Suzuki Jimny:

Suzuki Jimny, although looks less muscular as compared to other off-roaders, has some unique capabilities, which compelled us to include this in our list.

First and foremost is the 101 hp engine with an rpm of 6000. Now, although it looks ordinary but considering the weight and size ratio of Jimny, it is exceptional.

Furthermore, the killer combo of weight and size has allowed Jimny to move like a sprinter over rocky surfaces and found climbing steep hills as easy as a mountain lion. This is also made possible by its wheels with a base of 79.1inches.

Again, a plus point considering its weight and height. Lastly, the vehicle is equipped to function on a rigid axle suspension, which may not be as comfortable as air suspension, but it will remain with you for some time.

Specifications	Vehicle Equipped with
engine	101hp
wheelbase	79.1 inches
suspension	rigid axle suspension

16. Toyota FJ Cruiser:

The FJ cruiser is a mid-sized hatch-back-looking SUV launched by Toyota in 2005. The vehicle has some capabilities in terms of engine capacity and performance.

It comes with a V6 engine that is powerful enough to generate a horsepower 239 and an rpm of 5200 to dash any obstacle that comes in its path. These figures have increased in the latest models – up to 260 hp in the latest one.

Coming towards its chassis, the vehicle has a truck-based body with 5 doors. And it has a wishbone suspension system in place. Other than that, the vehicle has a wheelbase of up to 2690mm and a total length of 1905 mm, which grants it more stability and a low center of gravity.

Specifications	Vehicle Equipped with
engine	260hp
wheelbase	2690mm
suspension	double wishbone

17. Mitsubishi Pajero:

The next best off-road SUV is the Mitsubishi Pajero. Mitsubishi Pajero comes with a diesel engine of 2477 cc. This powerful engine achieves a horsepower of 178 with 4000 rpm, which is pretty good in terms of performance.

Other than that, the vehicle comes with a boot space of 500litres and a seating capacity of 7 people. In terms of ground clearance, the Pajero has 215mm and a height of 1800 mm.

The Pajero has a wishbone in the front axle and 3 link coil absorbers in the rear in terms of suspension. Overall, the vehicle is a nice addition to the off-roading market.

Specifications	Vehicle Equipped with
Engine Power	178hp
Ground Clearance	215mm
Suspension	Wishbone and 3 link coil absorbers

18. Ariel Nomad:

0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds, the next vehicle on our list on Ariel Nomad. The vehicle is no less to be called the king of off-roading SUVs.

Coming towards its specifications, the vehicle produced a HP of almost 230, which is great as the vehicle is balanced in terms of its weight and size ratio.

Other than that, its engine produces an rpm of about 7500 and a torque of 4400 nm – in this price bracket, no other SUV can do so.

Above that, the vehicle comes with a minimalistic design that requires fewer and easy repairing mechanisms. And the drivers can keep it functioning for quite some time.

Furthermore, the wheelbase of Ariel Nomad Tires equals 2370 mm, which is huge and grants more traction.

Specification	Equipped With
Engine	L4
Maximum Torque Output	4400 nm
Horse Power	230
Wheelbase	2370mm

19. Tesla’s Cyber Truck:

In our list of best SUVs, the next contender is an electric vehicle launched by Tesla.

The Cyber Truck specifications are listed by Tesla. It has an exoskeleton that allows it to have a bolder design with significant weight distributed at the sidelines of the body.

Likewise, its exterior is made up of Ultra-hard stainless steel (30X Cold Rolled) that allows the exterior to provide extensive tensile strength to eliminate regular dents, scratches, and corrosion.

This will not only help in your protection but also in minimizing the cost of maintenance. With stainless steel, the Tesla has combined a specially designed Tesla Armor Glass in the Cyber Truck.

Likewise, Tesla’s Cyber Truck is also marked with its utility and load-carrying capacity. Cyber Truck can take up to 3500 pounds, and it can drag the weight of around 14000 pounds. Above that, the Cyber Truck has a storage capacity of more than 100 cubic meters which will help you to bring other stuff during the journey.

Specifications	Vehicle Equipped with
Powered by	Independent electric motors
Towing Capacity	3500 lb
Ground Clearance	16 inches

20. Rivian R1T:

Like Cyber Truck, the Rivian R1T has made its place in our best off-roading SUVs. This electric vehicle is a clear example that electric vehicles are the future of automobiles, no matter which domain. So, to prove this point further, we are going to list some of its specifications.

The vehicle is fully electric and can cover the journey of almost 400 miles on a single charge. In terms of off-roading, this distance is also going to impact that the Rivian R1T is capable of having external batteries. That will give a further boost to this distance.

Moving towards the approach and departure angle of this vehicle. Then, like any conventional off-roading vehicle, the R1T also has similar angles (34 and 30 degrees, respectively). In addition to this, the Rivian R1T shares a ground clearance of almost 14 inches – that is more than any regular off-roading vehicle out there.

Lastly, the vehicle has a towing capacity of almost 11000 lb, and it can carry up to 1750 lb of weight.

Specifications	Vehicle Equipped with
Powered By	Electric Motors
Approach/Departure Angles	34* 30*
Towing Capacity	11000 lb

Also Read:

What to Carry During Off-Roading? Don’t Forget Any of These
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can AWD go off-road?

Yes, AWD can go off-roading. It is because the AWD vehicles work on equal distribution of power to all the wheels, and therefore they offer more traction in terms of off-roading. 

Other than that, these vehicles do have other options like an air suspension system that grants them off-roading capabilities.

Which SUV has the best 4-wheel drive system?

Several SUVs have the best 4WD system. For instance, the Land Rover Discovery, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, and many others have the best 4WD systems.

What is the number 1 off-road vehicle?

It is quite difficult to say which vehicle is the number 1 vehicle of off-roading because the vehicles in off-roading are offered in different price ranges and categories. 

Yet some good options can be said as Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Discovery, and Ford Raptor.