Enthusiasts of off-roading are often on the lookout for a vehicle that can match their adventurous spirit, which frequently leads them to consider an SUV.
SUVs naturally provide several advantages for off-road driving, including solid ground clearance, a comfortable chassis, and, in some cases, all-wheel drive (AWD).
However, it’s important to note that while these features are beneficial, the typical family SUV isn’t designed to tackle rugged, challenging terrain like a specially modified off-road vehicle.
Brands like Jeep, Land Rover, Toyota, and others offer SUVs equipped with specialized enhancements that enable them to confidently navigate rough trails.
These upgrades often involve increased ground clearance, off-road-focused chassis components, additional driving modes for greater flexibility, and more. Below are 10 standout models that lead their categories when it comes to off-roading and handling demanding terrain.
5. 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser has undergone a significant redesign, much like the 4Runner, bringing advanced technology, increased comfort, better efficiency, and a refreshed look that highlights its rugged character.
For 2025, the Land Cruiser positions itself as a genuine off-road vehicle, offering solid specifications even in its base configuration.
However, those seeking enhanced capability can opt for trim packages or additional upgrades, though the standard model is more than capable of handling challenging trails.
The entry-level 1958 trim includes underbody protection, a locking rear differential, and Crawl Control, all designed to boost durability and off-road performance.
Moving up to the mid-range trim adds a front stabilizer disconnect feature, improving chassis articulation and enhancing its off-road abilities.
The top-tier First Edition trim comes with rock rails, a roof rack, and upgraded underbody protection, as well as all the tech, mechanical features, convenience, and safety features from the lower trims.
Powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder mild hybrid engine, the Land Cruiser delivers 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
It also offers a respectable 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser impresses with its standard off-road capability and modern safety and tech features, along with decent fuel economy for its class.
However, its handling and braking could be more responsive, and its cargo space is somewhat limited compared to some rivals.
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4. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV is a well-equipped SUV from the factory, offering a wide range of connectivity, convenience, technology, comfort, and entertainment features, even at the entry level.
However, for those seeking more than just a comfortable ride, the Trailhawk trim offers a significant upgrade with its renowned off-road capabilities.
The 2025 Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk is available exclusively as a plug-in hybrid, which may disappoint those who prefer a gas-only engine. However, the hybrid powertrain enhances overall efficiency, making it even more capable.
The base model includes features that cater more to comfort than off-roading, such as foglights, heated mirrors, and large wheels, but upgrading to the Trailhawk trim adds all-terrain tires, a better body and approach angle, an upgraded four-wheel-drive system, air suspension, a disconnecting front stabilizer bar, underbody skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, an electronic limited-slip differential, off-road cruise control, and trailering equipment.
With these enhancements, the Trailhawk 4xe is fully prepared for tackling tough trails, further bolstered by its hybrid powertrain.
However, the Trailhawk trim comes with a high MSRP, and its fuel economy is not significantly better than the gas-only Grand Cherokee.
3. 2025 Lexus GX Overtrail
The 2025 Lexus GX is a respected name in the off-road world, blending luxury with rugged off-road capability, thanks to its Toyota roots.
The GX offers luxury features like synthetic leather upholstery, a power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a large infotainment display, wireless smartphone connectivity, and numerous safety features.
The Overtrail trim enhances the GX’s off-road prowess with 18-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, electronically adjustable suspension dampers, a locking rear differential, off-road crawl control, terrain-based drive modes, roof rails, and a surround-view camera system with off-road-specific features.
These upgrades allow the Lexus GX to maintain its luxurious reputation while easily conquering difficult terrain. Despite its impressive off-road abilities, the GX Overtrail comes at a high price, and its fuel economy may not be the best in its class.
2. 2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia stands out as a robust body-on-frame SUV, much like the Lexus GX mentioned earlier, providing it with an advantage when handling demanding tasks such as towing and off-roading.
Toyota builds upon these strengths by outfitting the Sequoia with TRD Off-Road enhancements, which can transform any model into a capable off-road machine akin to a trophy truck.
However, accessing the full potential of the Sequoia TRD Pro will cost buyers more than $80,000. Despite the high price tag, the SUV delivers outstanding comfort, convenience, technology, and off-road performance.
Additionally, Toyota’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs can offer significant savings over time.
Even in its base configuration, the 2025 Sequoia offers a wealth of standard features, including three-zone climate control, heated front seats, a configurable cargo system, wireless smartphone integration, and front and rear parking sensors, among other conveniences.
While these features are excellent for everyday use, they fall short when the road ends that’s where the TRD Pro trim excels.
This top-tier trim includes 18-inch TRD wheels, full-time 4WD, an electronically locking rear differential, a TRD-tuned off-road suspension with Fox shocks, and a front skid plate.
It also features exclusive TRD styling details inside and out. Additionally, the TRD Off-Road package is available for select trims and can nearly match the off-road prowess of the TRD Pro, making it a strong alternative for those who want similar capability at a slightly lower cost.
The Sequoia TRD Pro is praised for its spacious interior, versatile cargo configurations, and a strong suite of tech, safety, and comfort features. However, the high MSRP for its off-road performance and noticeable road noise can be drawbacks for some buyers.
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1. 2025 Land Rover Range Rover
In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover continues to blend high-end luxury with legendary off-road performance, staying true to the brand’s reputation for traveling where few other vehicles can.
The latest model remains just as capable and stylish, though its high price means buyers will need to invest over $100,000 to access its renowned benefits.
Still, most Range Rover owners consider the cost worthwhile due to the unparalleled comfort and prestige it provides. T
he 2025 Range Rover offers multiple powertrain options, including a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder, a turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, a plug-in hybrid version of the six-cylinder, and a high-output V-8 for the SV variant.
All versions are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and feature AWD. Horsepower ranges from 395 to 606, with torque ratings up to 590 lb-ft in the PHEV.
Ground clearance varies between 8.6 and 11.1 inches, and towing capacity peaks at 8,200 pounds.
Buyers can personalize their Range Rover through multiple configurations, including two wheelbase lengths, three trims, and four engine options, allowing for a highly tailored ownership experience.
Regardless of configuration, all Range Rover models come equipped with essential off-road tools such as AWD, the Terrain Response 2 system for advanced drive mode selection, four-wheel steering, and air suspension.
A tow hitch receiver with hitch assist can be added for those planning to engage in serious off-road towing. Since most of the key off-road features are standard, few additional options are necessary.
The Range Rover is celebrated for its top-tier luxury, broad customization possibilities, and iconic legacy. However, its steep pricing, large size that hampers maneuverability, and limited third-row seating can be points of concern for some buyers.
SUVs That Should Not Be Taken Off-Road
It’s increasingly evident that, over time, more and more new buyers are gravitating toward SUVs rather than other types of vehicles. The reasons are easy to understand: SUVs typically offer more space, greater versatility, and, in many cases, more power.
In the past, many buyers shied away from SUVs due to their reputation for being gas-guzzlers and for lacking the versatility of pickup trucks. However, advancements in technology have helped modern SUVs become more fuel-efficient than ever before.
A key reason why many people have historically chosen SUVs even before their current popularity surge is their unique ability to provide on-road comfort while still being capable of tackling off-road terrain.
Unfortunately, this dual-purpose identity is slowly fading. A growing number of SUVs in today’s market are starting to lose their edge when it comes to practicality and off-road performance, despite maintaining their rugged outward appearances.
To highlight this shift, we’ve compiled a detailed list of ten of the worst modern SUVs for off-roading. These vehicles might look tough and adventure-ready on the outside, but they fail to deliver when taken off the pavement, showing that they’re far more suited to the road than the trail.
5. 2024 Ferrari Purosangue
The 2024 Ferrari Purosangue marks a historic moment for the legendary Italian automaker, as it ventures into the SUV market for the first time.
However, while it carries the SUV label, the Purosangue is more accurately described as a raised coupe, offering limited practicality for true off-road adventures.
With a ground clearance of just 7.2 inches and a starting MSRP of around $400,000, this vehicle is built for performance and prestige rather than rugged utility.
Under the hood, it houses a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 engine that produces 715 horsepower and 528 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 193 mph.
Weighing 4,784 pounds and featuring an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with an all-wheel-drive layout, the Purosangue delivers a thrilling driving experience.
However, due to its high cost and low ride height, it’s best enjoyed on highways and racetracks rather than on dirt trails or rocky paths.
4. 2023 Bentley Bentayga Speed
The 2023 Bentley Bentayga Speed continues to exemplify British luxury and performance, offering a plush and refined experience in SUV form.
Designed to deliver the utmost in comfort and prestige, the Bentayga Speed is also a powerhouse, thanks to its 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 engine.
This setup produces 626 horsepower and 624 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph.
With a curb weight of 5,542 pounds, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel-drive configuration, the Bentayga Speed blends high-end craftsmanship with impressive performance.
However, with a ground clearance of 9.7 inches and a starting MSRP of $263,000, this SUV is not built for rugged off-road adventures.
Its luxurious finish and elegant styling make it more suited to paved roads and upscale neighborhoods than challenging trails. Driving the Bentayga Speed off-road would not only be impractical it would be a shame to risk damaging such a meticulously crafted vehicle.
3. 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Rolls-Royce has long been a name synonymous with supreme opulence, and the Cullinan upholds that legacy to the fullest. Every inch of the vehicle is crafted with luxury in mind, from its two rows of seats that resemble plush leather couches to its soft lambswool carpeting.
The Cullinan delivers a driving experience fit for royalty, embodying the brand’s commitment to the highest standards of comfort and refinement.
Powered by a 6.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 engine, the Cullinan produces 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.
Despite its sizable curb weight of 6,069 pounds and a capable all-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Cullinan features a modest ground clearance of only 6.7 inches.
With an MSRP of $355,000, this SUV is built for serene, chauffeur-driven road experiences not for venturing off the beaten path. Taking a vehicle of such stature and elegance into muddy or rugged terrain would be entirely out of place.
It delivers a whisper-quiet ride, aided by Rolls-Royce’s renowned air suspension system that scans the road ahead and adjusts accordingly for near-magic carpet smoothness. Inside, the Cullinan is a rolling sanctuary—lavished in hand-stitched leather, real wood veneers, and customizable details that cater to the most refined tastes.
Rear passengers can indulge in features like reclining seats, a champagne cooler, and built-in picnic tables, while the cargo area can be optionally equipped with a “recreation module” tailored to any lifestyle.
Despite its commanding presence, the Cullinan handles with surprising finesse and all-wheel drive ensures it’s no slouch off-road, though it’s more likely to be seen outside a luxury hotel than on a rugged trail. In short, the 2022 Cullinan isn’t just an SUV—it’s a statement of success and a masterclass in automotive craftsmanship.
2. 2023 Fiat 500X
The 2023 Fiat 500X is a subcompact SUV that closely resembles a hatchback, despite its SUV classification. While it shares some visual cues with its smaller sibling, the classic Fiat 500, it unfortunately inherits more than just its looks.
Fiat scaled up the 500 to create the 500X, increasing its size and weight, but failed to make corresponding adjustments in performance or practicality.
Under the hood, it houses a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine generating 117 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 119 mph.
Weighing in at 3,305 pounds, the 500X is equipped with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission, and features a front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout with a ground clearance of 6.5 inches.
Starting at $27,965, the Fiat 500X positions itself as a relatively expensive option in its segment, yet it doesn’t deliver much value in return.
The elimination of previously available trims like Trekking, Trekking Plus, and Sport further diminishes its appeal.
This is not a vehicle that excels on paved roads, let alone on gravel or dirt, making it a questionable choice for anyone seeking versatility or off-road capability.
1. 2023 Lamborghini Urus S
The Lamborghini Urus S is certainly a contentious entry on any list discussing off-road vehicles.
Although Lamborghini markets the Urus as a high-performance SUV capable of handling off-the-beaten-path adventures, it lacks several fundamental features typically associated with off-road readiness.
Elements such as a locking differential, four-wheel drive system, a low-speed transfer case, or a body-on-frame construction are all notably absent features that most would consider essential for navigating challenging terrains.
Despite its sporty design and luxury branding, the Urus simply isn’t engineered with rugged trails in mind.
Priced at $229,268, the Urus is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that delivers an impressive 657 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torqueIt accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 189 mph.
With a curb weight of 4,844 pounds and a front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout, the Urus is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers a ground clearance of just 6.2 inches.
While its performance figures are undeniably thrilling and its styling undeniably aggressive, taking the Urus off-road is an impractical proposition.
The risk of damaging its high-end exterior and the lack of off-road essentials make it more suited for the highway or the racetrack than for trails and rugged paths.
