It’s no secret that crossovers and SUVs have taken over the automotive industry almost entirely.
Whether you love them or hate them, they have become an increasingly common presence on the roads, with more and more drivers trading in their sedans and wagons for both compact and full-sized SUVs.
SUVs have been around for decades, and while modern offerings bring plenty of appeal, classic SUVs are also drawing significant interest.
Many older models are rapidly increasing in value, with several standing out as both incredibly cool and worth experiencing on the road.
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10. Range Rover Classic
In the past, SUVs served a single purpose: conquering rough roads and challenging terrains with ease.
That all changed in 1970 when Land Rover introduced the Range Rover, an SUV with a fascinating history that not only excelled in off-road adventures but also provided drivers with a luxurious greenlaning experience.
The first-generation Range Rover remained in production for 24 years before a new iteration debuted in 1995.
Despite being widely regarded as one of the most unreliable vehicles ever built, the Range Rover Classic remains an undeniably cool SUV.
While it’s certainly worth taking for a spin, its notoriously poor reliability might make it a questionable choice for ownership.
9. Jeep CJ
In the mid-1940s, following the conclusion of World War II, Willys-Overland was one of the two primary manufacturers responsible for producing military Jeeps.
Although wartime production was scaled back, the company made the decision to offer its Jeeps to the civilian market after the war.
This led to the creation of the Jeep CJ, with “CJ” standing for Civilian Jeep. Like many off-road vehicles of its era, the CJ was slow, loud, unreliable, and sparsely equipped.
However, it was also remarkably capable off-road and an absolute blast to drive. Additionally, it served as the foundation for one of the most successful off-road-oriented SUVs ever built: the Jeep Wrangler.
8. Hummer H1
During the 1980s, at the height of the Gulf War, U.S. soldiers held deep appreciation for the original Humvee (HMMWV), crediting it as a crucial factor in their success on the battlefield.
After the war, the idea of a scaled-down, more road-friendly version of the Humvee for civilian use was proposed. The person behind this suggestion was none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger.
AM General embraced the concept, leading to the launch of the Hummer H1 in 1992.
It was an absolute giant, with early models suffering from underpowered engines, minimal interior space, and a lack of sound insulation or modern conveniences.
However, what it lacked in comfort, it more than made up for with its extreme off-road capability the H1 was even capable of climbing vertical walls.
Although the Hummer brand was discontinued over a decade ago, General Motors is now reviving it with an exciting new electric pickup truck.
7. Land Rover Series III
Although post-war England didn’t have an overwhelming demand for vehicles, there was still a market for rugged, practical transportation particularly for use on farms.
This demand led to the creation of the Land Rover, commonly referred to as the Series Land Rover.
One look at its boxy exterior makes it clear that this SUV served as the foundation for the Land Rover Defender, one of the most iconic off-road vehicles of all time.
Like many off-roaders of its era, it was slow, loud, sparsely equipped, and notoriously unreliable. However, its impressive capability made up for those flaws, and today, these vehicles are becoming highly sought after by collectors.
6. International Harvester Scout
Designed as a competitor to the Jeep CJ, the International Scout was an off-road SUV produced between 1961 and 1980. Many enthusiasts consider it a “teaser trailer” for the more advanced off-roaders that would follow.
Initially, the Scout featured a fold-down windshield, but as production continued, various numbered models were introduced, including extended-wheelbase versions and models equipped with a fold-down hardtop.
Today, the Scout enjoys a dedicated cult following, with several companies specializing in restomodding these classic SUVs to enhance their performance and appeal.
5. Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ62)
While the legendary Land Cruiser wasn’t the very first off-road SUV of its kind, it was among the earliest to combine unstoppable off-road prowess with unmatched, bulletproof reliability.
Few vehicles have earned a reputation for durability quite like the Land Cruiser.
Low-mileage examples from nearly any generation now command high prices, but they are well worth the investment.
With their rugged styling, incredible capability, and near-indestructible build quality, they remain a top choice. Additionally, later models offer a level of luxury and comfort that makes them even more appealing.
4. Suzuki Jimny (LJ20)
The latest Suzuki Jimny is an incredibly capable compact off-roader, and it’s a shame that it’s not available in the United States.
The LJ20 generation first appeared in the early 1970s and is widely regarded as Suzuki’s first global success. In fact, it essentially created its own vehicle class.
The original Jimny was purely a utilitarian machine, offering little to no creature comforts. If you were fortunate, you might get a roof and doors, but beyond that, it was as bare-bones as it gets.
Over the years, it has been refined at least to some degree and further improved. The LJ20, in particular, is undeniably charming and packed with personality. There’s no doubt that driving one would be an absolute blast.
3. Jeep Grand Wagoneer
One of Jeep’s most iconic nameplates is set to make a highly anticipated comeback in the next couple of years, but the original Grand Wagoneer still holds a strong cult following.
As one of the first SUVs to embrace luxury, it set the stage for premium off-road vehicles.
It was among the first production vehicles to feature a high-end sound system, along with several groundbreaking features for its time such as a power-operated rear windshield and a convenient switch for engaging four-wheel drive instead of a bulky transfer case.
With values rapidly rising, it’s clear that the Grand Wagoneer remains a highly desirable classic.
2. Nissan Patrol
As one of the most popular SUVs in the Middle East, the Nissan Patrol stands as the closest competitor to the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser.
Much like its rival, the Patrol began as a rugged, utility-focused off-road vehicle, with luxury features gradually introduced in later generations.
Another key similarity between the Patrol and the Land Cruiser is its near-indestructible nature, particularly models equipped with the L28 2.8-liter V6 engine.
The Patrol has also gained a reputation for handling immense power with ease so much so that modified versions have even gone head-to-head with supercars and come out on top.
1. Jeep Cherokee
The original Jeep Cherokee was essentially a two-door, scaled-down version of the Grand Wagoneer. While early models have developed a devoted following, it’s the XJ Cherokee that is currently stealing the spotlight.
The XJ Cherokee is widely regarded as the first-ever crossover, thanks to its unibody construction instead of the traditional body-on-frame design.
Its simple yet stylish design, combined with impressive off-road capability like most Jeeps adds to its appeal.
As a result, well-maintained examples are rapidly increasing in value, especially those featuring Jeep’s legendary 4.0-liter inline-six engine.
