5 Crossovers That Survive Off-Road Use and 5 That Should Stay on Pavement

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Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The SUV and crossover market is flooded with vehicles claiming off-road capability, but not all live up to the rugged promise. Some genuinely thrive beyond the pavement, while others are better suited for urban commuting with a hint of adventurous style. In this guide, we separate the trailblazers from the pavement-dwellers.

We’ll explore ten notable vehicles from the 2025 lineup and beyond—five that are genuinely off-road capable, and five that may look the part but are better left to paved roads. If you’re planning your next adventure, this breakdown will help ensure your crossover is truly trail-ready.

5 Crossovers That Survive Off-Road Use

1. Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport sets the gold standard for luxurious off-roading. Powered by a 355-horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine paired with an advanced four-wheel-drive system, it adapts to nearly any terrain.

The vehicle features drive modes for snow, rocks, mud, and even water wading. Despite its sleek exterior, the Range Rover Sport is built to conquer challenging trails without compromising comfort.

It boasts an impressive BuzzScore of 8.5/10, reflecting its exceptional blend of performance and refinement. This SUV is a top pick for adventurers seeking both capability and class in a premium off-road-ready package.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2. Toyota Land Cruiser

With a heritage steeped in rugged exploration, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser continues its legacy with a modern twist. A 2.4-liter turbo hybrid powertrain churns out 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, giving it serious muscle.

It features standard center and rear-locking differentials and a Multi-Terrain Select system that optimizes traction for various surfaces. Although it no longer offers a V8 or third-row seating, its off-road abilities remain unmatched.

A BuzzScore of 8.4/10 highlights its well-rounded appeal. Reliable, powerful, and ready for anything, the Land Cruiser is purpose-built for conquering extreme environments with effortless control.

Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Land Cruiser

3. GMC Hummer EV SUV

The 2025 GMC Hummer EV SUV may look like a luxury behemoth, but it’s far more than just a tech-laden status symbol. Weighing over 9,000 pounds, this electric SUV surprises with off-road credentials like all-terrain tires, adaptive air suspension, and torque-vectoring capabilities.

A shorter wheelbase compared to its pickup sibling enhances trail performance. While its width may hinder maneuverability on narrow trails, its brute force and clever engineering make it a worthy off-road contender. Scoring 7.9/10 on BuzzScore, the Hummer EV proves that even an all-electric SUV can deliver serious off-road thrills with futuristic flair and strength.

GMC Hummer EV SUV
GMC Hummer EV SUV

4. Jeep Compass Trailhawk

Affordability meets capability in the 2025 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, priced from just $26,900. This compact SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower. Its Trailhawk variant features off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, making it well-suited for rougher trails.

Though not as extreme as the Wrangler, the Compass Trailhawk offers great balance for casual off-roaders who also need city comfort. Its BuzzScore of 7.8/10 reflects solid performance in design, infotainment, and functionality. It’s an ideal choice for buyers wanting authentic Jeep capability without the bulk or cost of the brand’s more hardcore models.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Jeep Compass Trailhawk

5. Jeep Wrangler

No off-road list is complete without the legendary Jeep Wrangler. The 2025 model retains its signature boxy charm and trail-busting prowess, powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with a manual transmission.

Built for rock crawling and mudding, it offers unmatched four-wheel-drive capability and customization options. Starting at $32,095, it delivers serious off-road performance at a relatively modest price.

The Wrangler boasts a BuzzScore of 7.6/10, excelling in design, features, and heritage. It may not offer plush ride quality or top-tier fuel efficiency, but for those seeking adventure, it remains a timeless and trustworthy trail companion in any condition.

Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler

5 That Should Stay on Pavement

1. Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek offers impressive ground clearance at 8.7 inches and standard all-wheel drive, but its off-road talents are limited. It’s excellent for snowy commutes and light gravel roads, but lacks critical off-road features like low-range gearing and locking differentials.

Powered by a modest four-cylinder engine, the Crosstrek shines in urban and suburban settings. It’s maneuverable, efficient, and practical, starting under $22,000. While it may look rugged and carry Subaru’s adventure branding, it’s ultimately better suited for trailheads than actual trails. Ideal for drivers seeking winter capability with everyday comfort, the Crosstrek is not built for backcountry exploration.

Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek

2. Subaru Forester

Another soft-roader from Subaru, the Forester provides the same 8.7 inches of ground clearance and symmetrical all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.0XT variant adds a bit of power, but the focus remains on comfort and safety. It’s fantastic in harsh weather and on dirt roads, but lacks the serious underpinnings of an off-road vehicle.

There are no locking differentials or rock-crawling capabilities here. Priced from $22,795, the Forester is dependable and practical, but more wagon than warrior. While it thrives in wet or snowy climates, true off-road adventurers should look elsewhere for trail-hardened machinery and rugged drivetrain features.

Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester

3. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback blurs the line between car and SUV, boasting 8.7 inches of clearance and standard AWD. It’s X-Mode and traction control add confidence in slippery conditions, but its strengths lie on paved or moderately rough roads.

More of a road-tripper than a rock-hopper, the Outback excels in long-distance comfort, cargo space, and everyday use. It starts at $25,895 and tops out around $38,690, offering excellent value for families.

Though its capabilities are above average for a crossover, it lacks the mechanical grit needed for true off-road challenges. It’s perfect for gravel roads—not for venturing deep into the wilderness.

Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback

4. Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (2019)

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is more of a crossover with off-road cosmetics than a true adventurer. Although it features AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a V6 engine, it’s limited by weight and less capable suspension. Selec-Speed Crawl Control and terrain modes help, but aggressive trails still expose its limitations.

Starting at $33,220, it’s priced similarly to more capable machines but doesn’t offer comparable performance off-road. For mild dirt trails or snowy roads, it’s adequate—but it’s not a Wrangler. It’s best for buyers who want Jeep style with occasional light-duty trail use, not full-blown wilderness expeditions.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (2019)
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (2019)

5. Mazda CX-9

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 is stylish, refined, and surprisingly offers 8.8 inches of ground clearance. However, it lacks off-road hardware like locking differentials or dedicated terrain modes. Designed for the pavement, its strong points are road manners, interior quality, and tech features.

Torque vectoring helps in slippery conditions, but this is no trail machine. Starting around $32,130, the CX-9 is best viewed as a family hauler with winter competence. It’s elegant, quiet, and excellent for long drives, but off-road, it’s more form than function. While it may handle snow-covered roads, anything rougher than a gravel path should be avoided.

Mazda CX 9
Mazda CX-9

Choosing the right crossover or SUV depends on your real driving needs. Some vehicles, like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Toyota Land Cruiser, are engineered to perform in unforgiving off-road conditions.

Others, such as the Subaru Outback and Mazda CX-9, offer great all-weather handling but lack the mechanical components for serious trail duty. Off-road capability isn’t about looks—it’s about drivetrain strength, ground clearance, and trail-ready features.

This guide highlights which models truly belong in the dirt and which should stick to the tarmac. For your next adventure, be sure to match your SUV to the road—or lack thereof—ahead.

Also Read: 5 Cars That Will Never Lose Appeal vs 5 That Already Did

Annie Leonard

By Annie Leonard

Annie Leonard is a dedicated automotive writer known for her deep industry insight and sharp, accessible analysis. With a strong appreciation for both engineering excellence and driver experience, Annie brings clarity and personality to every piece she writes.

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