In 2024, the best off-road SUVs will be designed to tackle uncharted terrain with superior durability, ground clearance and 4×4 capability. Furthermore, these models provide premium comfort and technology features ideal for families or adventure seekers.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicons offer unparalleled off-road capability, making them an excellent choice for off-roading enthusiasts. To upgrade your ride further, add Jeep accessories like winches and 35-inch all-terrain tires.
1. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
No matter where your adventures may lead you, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV is sure to meet all your needs. Boasting an aggressive exterior design and powerful engine, its rugged performance can take on anything that comes its way on and off-road.
The 2024 Wrangler provides many features designed to enhance your off-roading experience, such as skid plates to protect the fuel tank, transfer case, and automatic transmission oil pan; rugged tubular steel rock rails to limit body damage caused by obstacles; and more!
Though not as refined on-road as SUVs such as Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner, it still provides a comfortable and spacious cabin to seat five comfortably and features intuitive infotainment features to keep drivers connected while on the move.
2. Ford Bronco
After an extended hiatus, the Ford Bronco has made its triumphant return, boasting impressive performance and capabilities to make off-roading fun and accessible to both experienced drivers and newcomers. Equipped with a hardy 4×4 powertrain featuring advanced terrain management systems such as G.O.A.T mode (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) and Trail Turn Assist capabilities.
Its rugged design is enhanced with clever features that provide endless functions, such as tow hooks and skid plates that enable off-roading as well as everyday use. Plus, its spacious cargo area can easily hold all your gear for your next adventure!
The 2024 Ford Bronco is available as both two and four door models, and you have your pick between Big Bend, Mid, and Sasquatch trim levels to meet your driving needs. Upgrade with optional features to enhance the driving experience, such as the Ranger package for off-road capability or Sasquatch for comfort driving.
3. Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender has long been revered in the off-road community. Their 2024 model offers unparalleled off-road capability with luxurious amenities in an SUV package that has received praise from Car and Driver Magazine.
Land Rover engineered its 2024 Defender to feature a unique combination of physical controls and touchscreens for its infotainment system, creating one of the most user-friendly systems available on a performance SUV. Screens allow access to apps, climate control settings, drive modes and climate settings easily, while physical controls remain within easy reach.
Extended-wheelbase 130 models offer more cargo room than their 90 counterparts, and now come standard with the County exterior package for the 110. Additionally, those wanting even more room may opt for the Defender 130 Outbound with its third row-less design that maximizes cargo room.
4. Toyota 4Runner
While many mid-sized SUVs have transitioned away from full-frame truck construction and toward car-like unibody designs, Toyota 4Runner remains a robust SUV. With its blocky utilitarian appearance and 9.0 inch ground clearance for RWD models and more in 4WD ones.
Toyota 4Runner’s truck-based design makes towing easy; its maximum tow rating stands at 5,000 pounds – more than most car-like rivals. When equipped with TRD off-road packages like TRD Off-Road Premium or Pro packages, such as rock crawling capabilities such as TRD Off-Road Premium or TRD Pro versions, rock-crawling becomes effortless – as well as toting passengers, gear and family with ease. Multimode 4WD system and Crawl Control further help navigate tricky obstacles without breaking its chassis or engine.
5. Subaru Outback
Subaru’s rugged-looking station wagon, the Outback, has found itself an advantageous niche in the market with its go-anywhere capabilities thanks to standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE. Additionally, its driving dynamics are supported by an accommodating cabin that boasts plenty of cargo space. Now for 2024, however, this SUV receives a minor refresh that makes it even more ready to tackle rough terrain.
Base Outbacks feature two stacked 7.0-inch touchscreens, while other models boast a massive 11.6-inch vertically oriented display with high resolution touch icons and easy readability – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also available. Standard 2.5 liter engines boast braked towing capacities of 2,000 pounds; optional 2.4 turbo models can reportedly tow 2,400 pounds (see my report on Subaru’s big towing claims vs reality for more info. Both models boast greater ground clearance than many SUVs.