The best off-road vehicles match a driver’s skill on the trail, offering as much or as little capability as they need. A solid foundation is key, and most of these off-roaders have tough, body-on-frame designs and rugged 4-wheel-drive (4WD) systems.
Like everything else in the automotive world, today’s off-roading vehicles have gone high-tech. The best have advanced features such as hill-descent control, trail crawl control (like cruise control for off-roading), and 360-degree-view cameras.
Tried-and-true features remain, including locking differentials, long-travel suspensions, high-ground clearance, protective skid plates, and more.
This off-road vehicle ranking combines the best off-road truck and SUV segments. Below each write-up, you’ll find links to the full rankings for each segment.
Some vehicles on this list may be from a previous model year but they are still available as new models. Sometimes automakers are slow to update specs and pricing. Other times they may be redesigning a model or have excess inventory.
How We Ranked These Off-Road-Vehicles
1. 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Xtreme Recon
- Price: $60,290
- Ground Clearance: 12.9 in
- What We Like: Iconic off-roader; convertible top; endless customization; good starting price; fun, fun, fun
- What We Don’t: Not practical; poor mpg; so-so crash test scores; not as comfortable as most
Few vehicles on the road today can match the rugged capability and ground clearance of the Jeep Wrangler, and the Rubicon is the king of the hill with this adventure-seeking SUV. Unlike the previous vehicles on this list, which require an adjustable air suspension to achieve their ground clearance, a Rubicon comes with impressive ground clearance out of the box. Add in the Xtreme Recon package with 35-inch tires, and you’re looking at one of the highest-riding SUVs in the business.
Of course, the downside is that it can’t be lowered for daily driving, and this Jeep’s handling can feel wayward on paved roads. But with electronically locking front-and-rear differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar, the Wrangler Rubicon is one of the most capable off-road SUVs you can buy today.
Shopping for a Used Wrangler?
The current-generation Wrangler was introduced for the 2018 model year. Some modern safety tech became available in 2019, and an optional diesel engine was added in 2020. The 4xe plug-in hybrid was made available for 2021, along with the 470-horsepower Wrangler Rubicon 392 powered by a Hemi V8.
2. 2024 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
- Price: $71,835
- Ground Clearance: 14.2 in
- What We Like: Intuitive tech; strong engine lineup; extremely capable off-road
- What We Don’t: Thirst for fuel; large size might be overkill for some truck shoppers
The Power Wagon is brute force in truck form. Based on the massive Ram 2500 HD with a 6-foot-4-inch bed and a spacious Crew Cab configuration, the Power Wagon comes with running gear similar to that of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This includes electronically locking front-and-rear differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar for added articulation while off-roading. The Power Wagon also stands out with nearly 4 inches of additional ground clearance (compared to the Rubicon) and an integrated Warn winch with a 12,000-pound rating.
The Ram 2500 Rebel is another off-road beast with 14.2 inches of ground clearance.
Shopping for a Used Ram 2500
The current generation of the Ram Heavy Duty was introduced for the 2019 model year. It carries over into 2024 with minimal changes.
3. 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor
- Price: $77,980
- Ground Clearance: 13.1 in
- What We Like: All-terrain prowess; acceleration
- What We Don’t: Fuel economy; large even for a full-size truck; expensive
The once-great king of the high-speed full-size truck market, the Raptor is still a force to be reckoned with. It features a 450-horsepower twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine and Fox Racing Shox designed for high-speed desert runs. It even has 24-inch coil springs, helping contribute to more than a foot of ground clearance. And when you’re cooling along in the backcountry at highway speeds, all that clearance will help as the suspension undulates over quickly passing terrain features.
Shopping for a Used F-150 Raptor?
The Ford F-150 Raptor was completely redesigned for the 2022 model year and refreshed for 2024. The previous generation of this hugely popular and dependable truck was introduced for the 2017 model year.
4. 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor
- Price: $90,035
- Ground Clearance: 13.1 in
- What We Like: Iconic off-roader; convertible top; 400 hp; endless customization
- What We Don’t: The price
The iconic Ford Bronco is a fantastic off-roader with the highest ground clearance, a convertible top, multiple strong engine options, user-friendly tech features, and a wealth of configurations. The Raptor version takes the already-capable Bronco and adds a 418-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, 37-inch tires, Fox semi-active dampers, full-vehicle steel bash plates, and enough suspension travel to hop over the mightiest of dunes. The Bronco Raptor’s 13.1 inches of ground clearance soars over competitors. However, it’s worth pointing out that the non-Raptor Broncos are also great because not many will be pleased with the Raptor’s high asking price.
Shopping for a Used Bronco?
The Ford Bronco was all-new for the 2021 model year, and the Bronco Raptor started trickling out of factories in 2022.
5. 2023 Jeep Gladiator
- Price: $38,775
- Ground Clearance: 11.6 in
- What We Like: Iconic Jeep style; go-anywhere Jeep capability; intuitive infotainment system
- What We Don’t: Heavy steering; bumpy ride; more expensive than direct rivals
Because it is ready to roll right out of the box, the Gladiator is a tremendous off-road value. The midsize Jeep Gladiator is essentially a 4-door Wrangler with a 5-foot cargo bed. That means any Gladiator has impressive out-the-door off-road chops, with 4-wheel drive standard.
It comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and can be fitted with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel and either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. Like the Wrangler, the Gladiator’s top and doors can be removed, and the windshield can be folded down to get closer to nature.
The Rubicon trim is enhanced with a full-time 2-speed transfer case, off-road shocks, 33-inch off-road tires, locking front and rear axles, an electronic sway bar disconnect feature, and winch-capable bumpers. A Mojave version is alternately available, though it’s configured more for traversing sand dunes than rocky trails.
Shopping for a Used Gladiator?
The Jeep Gladiator made its debut in 2020 and the design hasn’t changed much since, apart from new trims and options.
6. 2024 Land Rover Defender
- Price: $56,400
- Ground Clearance: 11.5 in
- What We Like: Great off-road; distinctive boxy styling; 296 hp standard; up to 518 hp available
- What We Don’t: 19 mpg
The Land Rover Defender features a unique exterior design, standard 4-wheel drive (4WD), and incredible off-road ability. It has a low starting price, and a strong 296-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder base engine. If you’re all about power, you can spec the Defender with a supercharged V8 engine that delivers 500 horsepower.
While the Defender is relatively roomy and comfortable inside, it has a much more rugged than practical appeal. Its fuel economy is especially impractical. Still, it may suit more adventurous families just fine. Moreover, it’s available with a third row of seats, and 4-door models offer impressive cargo capacity (unlike most SUVs, the Defender is available as a 2-door model).
Shopping for a Used Defender?
The Defender was all-new for 2020. The 2022 model year welcomed new trims, new supercharged V8 engine options, and a larger available touchscreen. The 2023 brings a larger 3-row model called the Defender 130. Before 2020, the Defender had last been sold in the U.S. in 1997.
7. 2024 Ram 1500 TRX
- Price: $96,585
- Ground Clearance: 11.8 in
- What We Like: Supercharged Hemi V8; launch control
- What We Don’t: Terrible mpg; eye-popping price; way too much truck for most people
For a long time, the Ford F-150 Raptor was the granddaddy off-road speedster pickup, but if you prefer your off-road truck to move even more quickly, check out the Ram TRX and its absurd 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine. The TRX (or T-Rex, as in, they eat Raptors) has a unique Bilstein shock system that allows it to soak up bumps as you careen down washed-out riverbeds a high speeds. Few trucks on the planet have launch control, let alone a zero-to-60-mph time of just 4.5 seconds.
Shopping for a Used Ram 1500 TRX?
Ram introduced the TRX in 2021 and it hasn’t changed much since.
8. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2
- Price: $71,895
- Ground Clearance: 11.2 in
- What We Like: Easy-to-use infotainment system
- What We Don’t: Lacks finesse on paved roads; as expensive as Ram TRX and Ford Raptor but not as capable
The Silverado 1500 is an aggressive-looking truck, and the ZR2 trim takes that to new heights. In addition to a 2-inch suspension lift, the ZR2 features a locking differential, hill descent control, and a 2-speed transfer case with low range. It features a black grille and black wheels. The ZR2 comes standard with GM’s 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. However, the Ram TRX and Ford Raptor have similar prices and are much more capable. The ZR2 trim is also available with the heavy duty Silverado, and it has 11.6 inches of ground clearance.
Shopping for a Used Silverado 1500 ZR2?
The Silverado 1500 ZR2 was all new in 2022 and carries over into 2024 unchanged.
9. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV
- Price: $86,085
- Ground Clearance: 11.2 in
- What We Like: High-riding suspension; downhill descent control; lots of standard cabin tech
- What We Don’t: Interior has some budget-minded trim; rivals can tow and haul more
For anyone looking for a rugged full-size pickup, one that doesn’t wilt when it comes to traversing grueling terrain, there is the new GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition. Like its lengthy name, the lineup of go-anywhere goodies fitted to this GMC truck is similarly expansive.
Steel front and rear bumpers help improve approach and departure angles, and multiple underbody skid plates are installed to protect vital mechanical parts from rock-crunching misadventures. Ride height is boosted, and 33-inch off-road tires fill out each wheel well. Every Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition has standard 4WD, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and a 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood. The AT4X AEV trim is also available with the heavy duty Sierra, and it has 11.8 inches of ground clearance.
Shopping for a Used Sierra 1500 AT4?
The current generation of the GMC Sierra 1500 was introduced in 2019. It carries over to the 2024 model year with minimal changes.
10. 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
- Price: $72,130
- Ground Clearance: 10.9 in
- What We Like: Spacious cabin; refined driving manners
- What We Don’t: Only one choice of engine; lacks towing and hauling capability of some rivals
The Tundra comes standard with a twin-turbo V6 that produces 389 horsepower and is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a hybrid version of this same engine, which, combined with its electric motor, delivers a total of 437 horsepower and is coupled to the same automatic gearbox. The Tundra’s TRD Pro trim adds TRD-tuned Fox shocks, a reinforced fuel tank, crawl control, underbody skid plates, an off-road camera, a locking differential, and front tow hooks. The TRD Pro also sports a more aggressive exterior, including an even bolder take on this truck’s enormous front grille.
Shopping for a Used Toyota Tundra TRD Pro?
The Tundra was all new for 2022. The previous generation was introduced in the 2007 model year. The most substantial refresh came in 2014, though Toyota often added more comfort, tech, and safety features throughout the Tundra’s long lifespan.
11. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
- Price: $48,295
- Ground Clearance: 10.7 in
- What We Like: High-tech features
- What We Don’t: Limited configuration options
The third-generation Colorado arrives with a completely new exterior and updated cabin that boasts an 11.3-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. Having grown slightly in overall width and wheelbase, the 2023 Colorado is offered solely in crew cab format with a 5-foot cargo bed.
A 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is the only engine available in the Colorado. At the top of the range, the adventure-seeking ZR2 has 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, not to mention standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). Though at nearly $50,000, it’s worth noting it’s nearly $20,000 more than the base Colorado WT.
Shopping for a Used Colorado?
The Colorado is all new for 2023. Before that, its last full redesign was in 2015. In 2017, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were made available. The infotainment was again updated in 2020.
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Off-Road Vehicles
How We Ranked These Vehicles
At Carfax, data and value drive our vehicle rankings. We ranked these off-road vehicles based on the quality and performance they offer for their prices. Our rankings are based on the latest models, but since many of these vehicles have remained unchanged from earlier years, our insights also apply to used models.
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