Crossovers are typically associated with smooth pavement and family errands, but not all of them. Some models break the mold, offering genuine off-road capability while maintaining comfort and practicality.
These rugged machines blend AWD systems, smart traction control, and durable design, giving adventurous drivers a reason to take the road less traveled. The 2016 lineup was particularly strong, with several models proving they could hold their own on tough terrain.
From compact and nimble to spacious and powerful, here are ten crossovers from 2016 that didn’t just look tough, they actually were.
1. Subaru Outback: All-Terrain Excellence
The 2016 Subaru Outback is arguably the most adventure-ready crossover on this list. With its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and elevated ground clearance, the Outback handles snowy roads, muddy trails, and unpaved paths with confidence.
It was designed for drivers who don’t want to choose between city convenience and outdoor capability. Inside, the Outback offers a comfortable, spacious interior perfect for families and gear.
Subaru’s legendary reputation for reliability and off-road performance makes this one of the most capable crossovers, no bluff, just brawn. It’s a trail-ready wagon that’s as dependable as it is versatile.
2. Mazda CX-9: Style Meets Capability
Don’t let its sleek design fool you; the 2016 Mazda CX-9 is more than just a pretty face. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a surprisingly capable AWD system, allowing this crossover to tackle more than just suburban streets.
With a sporty suspension and responsive steering, the CX-9 offers a driving experience that feels far more car-like than bulky SUVs. Yet, it holds its own on gravel and dirt roads, making it a perfect all-weather family hauler.
Mazda’s focus on engaging driving dynamics and sharp handling ensures that this crossover can confidently venture off the beaten path.
3. Suzuki Vitara: Compact Off-Road Champ
Before Suzuki left the U.S. market, it gave us the Vitara, a compact crossover that was purpose-built for adventure. The 2016 model may have looked more refined than earlier versions, but it retained the rugged DNA that made it a fan favorite.
Real-time 4WD and a lightweight body made it agile in rough conditions, whether you’re climbing hills or fording puddles. Though it never became a mainstream hit, it earned a loyal fan base with its capability and simplicity.
In a world of overly complicated crossovers, the Vitara kept things real, and that’s exactly what off-roaders appreciated.
4. Nissan Murano: Bold and Adventurous
The 2016 Nissan Murano is proof that you can have both luxury and off-road confidence in one package. Its daring design and sculpted body are eye-catching, but underneath, the Murano features a competent AWD system that can handle slippery or uneven terrain with ease.
Nissan improved the Murano’s comfort and capability with this generation, making it one of the most well-rounded vehicles in its class. From weekend trail getaways to snowy city commutes, the Murano doesn’t back down from a challenge. It’s as practical as it is stylish, and definitely tougher than it looks.
5. Chevrolet Trax: Urban Adventurer with Grit
Small in size but big in capability, the 2016 Chevrolet Trax shines as an underdog in the crossover segment. Despite its compact frame, the Trax impresses with unexpected roominess and a confident AWD setup.
Originally engineered for global markets, especially those with harsh weather conditions, the Trax thrives where traction matters most.
It might not be a rock crawler, but its higher ground clearance and traction control system make it well-suited for urban drivers who occasionally face rough roads or snowy conditions. This is the kind of crossover that quietly exceeds expectations when adventure calls.
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6. Ford Explorer: Reinvented for Rugged Roads
By 2016, the Ford Explorer had evolved from a truck-based SUV into a more refined crossover, but that didn’t mean it lost its adventurous edge. The Explorer retained strong off-road credentials, especially in AWD trims.
Its high ground clearance, Terrain Management System, and powerful engine options made it one of the more capable large crossovers. Whether you’re driving through mud or up steep gravel inclines, the Explorer has the hardware to get the job done.
With seating for seven and plenty of tech features, it’s the ideal companion for both family trips and outdoor excursions.
7. Honda CR-V: Quietly Capable Performer
The Honda CR-V may not scream “off-roader,” but looks can be deceiving. The 2016 model retained all the fuel efficiency and everyday comfort buyers expect, while still offering decent off-road capability through its Real Time AWD system.
Combined with a durable suspension and solid build quality, the CR-V handles unpaved roads and light trails with ease. It’s this blend of utility and approachability that makes it a winner in varied conditions.
For buyers wanting reliability, affordability, and just enough ruggedness to go beyond the pavement, the CR-V is a quiet achiever in the off-road category.
8. Dodge Journey: SUV Roots, Crossover Body
The 2016 Dodge Journey stands apart from typical crossovers with its traditional SUV-like feel. Thanks to its muscular stance and optional AWD system, it provides more than enough capability for bad weather and light off-roading. Inside, the Journey offers versatile storage, comfortable seating, and an intuitive layout.
While it doesn’t boast the flashiest tech or the most luxurious finishes, what it delivers is practical, real-world utility for families and adventurers alike. Its affordable price point only adds to the appeal, making it a solid choice for those seeking a no-nonsense crossover that can still handle rough patches.
9. Toyota Venza: An Overlooked Trail Companion
Though it never caught fire in the marketplace, the 2016 Toyota Venza was an off-road sleeper hit. Built on a car-based platform, it still offered optional AWD and good ground clearance for trail driving and adverse weather.
The Venza was ahead of its time, part wagon, part crossover, part SUV, and that uniqueness likely contributed to its limited appeal.
However, for those who owned one, the Venza offered a smooth ride, ample cargo space, and just enough off-road prowess to satisfy weekend adventurers. It was quietly capable and remains a fondly remembered option for those in the know.
10. Suzuki XL-7: Pioneering the Crossover Frontier
The Suzuki XL-7 was one of the early pioneers in the crossover category, blending SUV space with sedan-based comfort. By 2016, this model had been phased out in the U.S., but it left behind a legacy of capability and value.
With available AWD, generous interior space, and a rugged stance, the XL-7 was built for family road trips and light off-roading alike. It was even based on the Chevrolet Equinox platform, which gave it proven underpinnings.
Though often overlooked, the XL-7 showed how crossovers could be tough and accommodating, years before it became the norm.
Crossovers often get dismissed as “soft-roaders,” but these ten models from 2016 proved otherwise. They offered real-world off-road capabilities without sacrificing daily drivability or comfort.
Whether it was the adventurous spirit of the Subaru Outback or the unexpected grit of the Chevy Trax, each of these crossovers brought something unique to the trail.
Their blend of performance, versatility, and smart engineering ensured that drivers could confidently take the road less traveled. In a market saturated with lookalikes, these standout models remind us that form and function can and often do go hand in hand.
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