As much as we love those off-roaders that you can describe as rugged, uncompromising, and bold, devoted off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler are generally a poor choice as daily drivers. Stiff suspensions and thirsty engines may be par for the course in an adventure vehicle, but sometimes you just want to make a grocery trip without banging your head on the ceiling with every speed bump. Or worrying about Death Wobble.
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We’re looking for a fair balance of everything you want in an off-roader, like high ground clearance and AWD, and everything you want in a daily driver, meaning decent fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and good handling on highways and city streets.
2023 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
Toyota
Engine
2.5-liter four-cylinder
Power
203 hp
Torque
184 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
8.6 inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
28 MPG
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road is an excellent ride whether you’re heading to work or heading to the creek, but we’re putting this one on the list specifically for city driving. At 182 inches long by 69 wide, it’s noticeably smaller and more maneuverable than the larger 4Runner.
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Admittedly, the 4Runner is the superior vehicle if you plan on spending most of your time off-road. But that’s not the point of this list, and with the TRD Off-Road package, you’re getting skid plates and all-season tires along with all the off-road tech you need, like hill start assist and downhill assist control. The SUV’s off-road capabilities are somewhat limited by its size, but you’ll be surprised at just how far this thing can go on three wheels.
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
Ford
Engine
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Power
250 hp
Torque
277 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
8.8 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
23 MPG
The “Baby Bronco” is a capable, versatile SUV that drives like it’s got something to prove, cranking out a commendable 250 hp. The Sport’s big brother is an attractive off-roader, but drivers typically report that it can be unwieldy on paved roads and a bit thirsty at 21 miles to the gallon combined. The improved fuel economy is a big draw for the Sport, and the lower price tag doesn’t hurt, either.
Related Ranking Every Ford Bronco Generation From Worst To Best Even the lowest-ranked Bronco generation was a great SUV.
All Bronco Sports are AWD, with the Badlands model offering an advanced 4×4 system with a twin-clutch rear differential for improved traction off-road. Towing capacity is somewhat limited at about a single ton, depending on your options, so a Ford Ranger, rated to pull 7,500 pounds, might be a better choice if you’re planning on using it as your daily driver, your adventure vehicle, and hauling boats and trailers over tricky terrain.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota
Engine
2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid
Power
326 hp
Torque
465 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
8.7 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
23 MPG
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most dependable off-roaders on this list. Drivers frequently report that their 2015 and older models are still trucking along with nothing but basic maintenance. It’s not unusual to see people trading one of these in, and then driving off in the newer model. The SUV averages 23 miles to the gallon, stands at a solid 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and delivers 326 hp with its potent turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine.
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The Land Cruiser’s locking differential, as well as the multi-terrain select and crawl control tech, allow it to handle uneven terrain with little problems. The standard equipment is good enough for moderate adventuring, but the optional rock rails and full-coverage high-strength steel skid plates will give you a little extra peace of mind if you plan on doing some rock climbing.
2024 Land Rover Defender 110 P400
Land Rover
Engine
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid
Power
395 hp
Torque
406 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
8.9 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
18 MPG
The Land Rover Defender 110 (which recently received a facelift) has turned out to be a real trooper, with many in the know recommending the Defender specifically for off-road towing. The roomy interior is a major plus, as well. If you’re looking for something that can do some of what a full-size truck can do, but you don’t feel like driving a full-size truck, the Land Rover Defender 110 is an excellent compromise, towing around four tons.
Because of its larger size, the Land Rover Defender doesn’t have the most impressive fuel economy on this list despite its mild-hybrid powertrain. However, drivers report that it’s very maneuverable for its size, and if you’re looking for something that can carry the whole family, it should definitely be on your shopping list.
2009-2015 Nissan XTerra PRO-4X
Bring a Trailer
Engine
4.0-liter V6
Power
261 hp
Torque
281 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
9.5 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
17 MPG
If you’re willing to buy something a bit older, one of the most versatile used off-roaders available is the second-gen Nissan XTerra. Go for one made after the 2009 facelift, which included updated driver controls, roof lights for the off-road models, and a backup camera starting in 2014. Nissan had trouble keeping up with changing emissions standards, and the XTerra was discontinued in the US after just two generations. Nissan is reportedly considering a relaunch, but there’s nothing official just yet.
The relative lack of road noise and the nimble handling are major pluses for daily driving, while the generous ground clearance and half-ton payload capacity make it an excellent camping trip companion.
2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Toyota
Engine
3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid
Power
437 hp
Torque
583 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
9.1 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
22 MPG
The Sequoia has long been treasured for its marriage of massive power and easy driving. Take it on the road, and it’s as well-mannered as any family SUV. Take it to the dirt, and it’s as rough and ready as a Jeep or a full-size pickup. The 2024 TRD Pro model delivers 437 hp with an iForce MAX V6 hybrid engine, and it tows an incredible 9,020 lbs, which will have it hauling circles around entry-level F-150s.
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The TRD Pro is the go-to model if you’re looking to do some serious adventure vehicle-ing, packing a front skid plate, locking rear diff, and standard 4×4. This is one of the larger SUVs on the list, suited especially to big families, or folks who like to stretch out while camping in the car.
2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Subaru
Engine
2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Power
260 hp
Torque
277 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
9.5 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
23 MPG
The Subaru Outback is one of those nameplates that’s kept drivers coming back generation after generation. The new one employs a boosted boxer engine to deliver 260 hp, and an average fuel economy of 23 MPG. Towing isn’t really this SUV’s forte, but it can pull up to 3,500 without issue, so you shouldn’t have any trouble with a dirtbike, a jet ski, or a small camper.
Related Subaru Outback Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place The runaway success of Subaru’s all-road wagon proves not everyone needs an SUV when a high-riding AWD wagon with some off-road ability exists.
Outback drivers typically praise the smooth-riding suspension and sharp handling. The Wilderness model has an extra inch of ground clearance, making it the obvious choice if you’re looking for a seamless highway/off-road experience.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Toyota
Engine
3.5-liter V6
Power
278 hp
Torque
265 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
9.4 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
18 MPG
The Tacoma may have the most devoted fanbase of any pickup truck on the market today. Put simply, the beloved Taco is a perfect alternative to American-made trucks for reasons of both reliability and pricing. The TRD Pro packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 278 hp, and it tows up to 6,400 pounds.
With 9.4 inches of ground clearance, the Tacoma is ready to handle most terrain right out the gate, but the TRD Pro’s upgraded shocks, skid plates, electronic locking-diff, and ARB metal bumper turn the truck into an off-road beast. The truck can pull 6,400 pounds and carry a half-ton in the bed, so you should have no trouble bringing all your toys down to the campsite with you.
2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport
Honda
Engine
3.5-liter V6
Power
285 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
8.7 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
20 MPG
The Honda Pilot has earned some praise for its gear shifts, comfortable and spacious interior, and refined ride quality. The SUV is known for being more responsive and easier to handle at higher speeds than some of the larger Honda SUVs. The TrailSport is a surprisingly capable hauler, too, pulling up to 5,000 pounds with ease, which means you should be able to pull the fishing boat down to the lake without having to listen out for any squeaks and strains.
Related Honda Engineers Break Down The Pilot Trailsport’s Off-Road Upgrades Some special sauce went into the development of the new SUV.
The TrailSport model gets an extra inch of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, and some skid plates. The TrailSport was an appearance package on the Passport, but it’s a necessity if you want to take the Pilot off the beaten path.
2022 Chevrolet Colorado Z71
Chevrolet
Engine
3.6L V6
Power
308 hp
Torque
369 lb-ft
Ground Clearance
8.3 Inches
Fuel Economy (combined)
21 MPG
The Z71 has earned a lot of praise from rural-based owners, in particular for its rugged, versatile capabilities. It’s just as capable a daily driver as it is a farm truck, and the cushy interior has earned high marks, with many drivers calling it the most comfortable midsize truck available today. Expect to pull around 7,000 pounds with the 3.6-liter V6 engine.
The Z71 comes with an off-road kit, which includes an off-road suspension system, locking rear diff, and all-terrain tires. The truck can pull up to 7,000 pounds and can be set to one of four modes: normal, towing, off-roading, or terrain, so you’ll have no difficulty adjusting to any situation.