Back to GuidesIn the current automotive landscape, it seems as if comfort and efficiency have become the top priorities for automakers. However, not everyone wants a compact hybrid or a big, luxurious SUV. If you are looking to take your vehicle off the beaten path, you might feel like you are having a tough time finding something that works for you.
Fortunately, some brands are still making sporty, capable SUVs with off-road prowess that are designed to take on almost any kind of terrain.
There are several SUVs on the market for the 2024 model year that will be great choices for all kinds of off-road and on-road applications. While some of these SUVs are available in off-road-focused trim levels, the best off-road vehicles are capable enough, even at the base level. Knowing what the best off-road SUVs are can help you make the best decision so you can start heading out and looking for adventure.
1. 2024 Toyota 4Runner
2. 2024 Jeep Wrangler
3. 2024 Land Rover Defender
4. 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor
5. 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
6. 2024 Lexus GX
7. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
8. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
9. 2024 Nissan Armada
10. 2025 Subaru Forester
11. 2024 Toyota Sequoia
1. 2024 Toyota 4Runner
Toyota is an automaker that is known for creating economical, reliable vehicles but the brand also has a wild side. This is exemplified in their classic, rugged SUV, the Toyota 4Runner. For the 2024 model year, if you are looking for something that has some of the best off-road ability, the TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro trims are going to be your best bet. The TRD version of the 4Runner comes with a four-wheel drive system, a locking rear differential, and rugged touches for both the exterior and interior.
The 2024 4Runner TRD comes with a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 powertrain with 278 pound-feet of torque. The interior is fairly basic but it has plenty of room for passengers in every seat. Every trim level also comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as several standard safety features like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2024 Toyota 4Runner listings here.
2. 2024 Jeep Wrangler
Chances are, when you think about off-road SUVs, the first thing that pops into your head is the Jeep Wrangler. With excellent ground clearance and rugged touches everywhere, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is a great choice for anyone who wants to go off the beaten path.
Every version of the new Wrangler is designed with comfort and convenience in mind when heading out on the trail but if you want extra utility features like 35-inch all-terrain tires, a full-time transfer case for rock crawling, and a winch, the Wrangler Rubicon is the way to go.
There is a wide variety of powertrains available with the 2024 Wrangler, including a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, which can be either all-gas or hybridized, a turbocharged four-cylinder that works in conjunction with an electric motor, a 375-horsepower plug-in hybrid 4xe, and a massive 6.4-liter V8.
All of these Wranglers have the option to switch to four-wheel-drive mode via a lever in the center console. The interior of the 2024 Wrangler is utilitarian and simple but with high-tech touches all over the place, thanks to a mid-life update that Jeep gave the Wrangler for the 2024 model year. The standard infotainment touchscreen is 12.3 inches and the cabin is noise-canceling, making for an excellent driving experience.
Browse 2024 Jeep Wrangler listings here.
3. 2024 Land Rover Defender
Land Rover might be more well-known for its Land Rover Range Rover or Discovery but they have plenty of other options. Their midsize offering, the Defender, has all the refinement you would expect from the brand in 2024 with some of the best off-road capability on the market.
The base engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain running through an eight-speed automatic transmission but you can also opt for a 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt hybrid system, or a huge supercharged V8 engine putting out 518 horsepower. All versions of the Defender come with locking differentials and four-wheel-drive.
The cabin of the 2024 Defender is where it sets itself apart from all the other capable off-road SUVs and crossovers on the market. As an excellent middle ground between rugged and luxurious, there is plenty of room for passengers and cargo, especially if you decide to get the version with an expanded wheelbase. A 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard but you can upgrade to an 11.4-inch version as well, both of which can receive over-the-air updates. Standard safety features include automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning.
Browse 2024 Land Rover Defender listings here.
4. 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor
For those who are searching for the ultimate in off-road capability as well as unique American style, the 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor (or Braptor, as it's known in some circles) has it all. With heavy-duty touches throughout and 13.1 inches of ground clearance, it is a great option for those who need powerful specs and capability usually only seen in lifted pickup trucks.
A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 lies under the hood of the Bronco Raptor’s single trim level and it puts out 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque for a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, giving you plenty of power in a relatively small package.
The interior of this Bronco sport model is the same as the standard Bronco with rugged materials and convenient features. If you want a little more luxury out in the wilderness, you can also add leather seats.
The easy-to-read 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system runs Ford’s Sync 4 interface and it includes things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 2024 Bronco Raptor also comes with standard forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and optional adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor listings here.
5. 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe is one of the highest-ranking SUVs on the market and is noted for its power as well as its comfort, alongside the brand’s other SUV offerings like the Suburban and Equinox. For the 2025 model year, the Tahoe is available in the off-road-focused Z71 trim.
This version of Chevy’s full-size SUV features a standard four-wheel-drive, a skid plate, and adaptive air suspension. This, on top of the power that the Tahoe is known for, makes it an excellent choice if you want to take your SUV off the highway and into the unknown.
The standard engine that comes with the 2025 Tahoe is a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 but this can be upgraded to a 6.2-liter V8 putting out 420 horsepower. There is also a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel option with 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque.
While all-wheel drive is an option for most trim levels, the Z71 comes exclusively with four-wheel-drive with a two-speed transfer case. The cabin of the Tahoe is incredibly spacious, even for a three-row SUV, and includes a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen. It also comes standard with automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning.
Browse 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe listings here.
6. 2024 Lexus GX
While Lexus has been known for making some fairly off-road capable SUVs like the Lexus LX600, which was simply the luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, the 2024 GX is a true off-road machine. With its squat profile and comfortable appointments, it is a great option if you want some on-road refinement with your rugged SUV.
The standard engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 that puts out 349 horsepower, which runs through a standard four-wheel drive configuration. If you opt for the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims, you get extra features like an adaptive suspension system for better wheel articulation, a crawl-control setting, and all-terrain tires.
The GX’s cabin is everything you would expect from a Lexus with comfortable, high-quality materials and either faux- or real-leather upholstery. A 14.0-inch infotainment system sits right in the middle of the dashboard and offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also features a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge display. You also get a large array of standard safety features like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a lane-centering feature.
Browse 2024 Lexus GX listings here.
7. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
In recent years, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is affectionately known as the G-Wagen, has become a status symbol more than a utilitarian 4x4. However, it still has all the capability it was once known for with all the luxury appointments its price tag dictates. With a twin-turbo V8 putting out 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, it is just as powerful and sporty as it is comfortable and classy.
Plus, it comes with triple differential locks on the front and rear axle as well as a low-range gear so you can take it wherever you need to go.
The cabin of the G-Class is the peak of luxury in the automotive industry with heated front and rear seats, a three-zone climate control system, and a sunroof. The infotainment touchscreen is 12.3 inches with a 12.3-inch customizable digital gauge display.
It also comes with built-in navigation, smartphone connectivity, and a 15-speaker Burmester stereo. It also comes with a variety of driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist, self-parking assist, and blind spot monitoring.
Browse 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class listings here.
8. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you want a piece of the off-road legacy that Jeep has nurtured over the years but you aren’t interested in the rugged feel of the Wrangler, the 2024 Grand Cherokee could be the middle ground you are looking for.
This two-row midsize SUV is powered by your choice of two different powertrains: a 3.6-liter V6 putting out 293 horsepower or a plug-in hybrid version with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four putting out 375 horsepower with the help of an electric motor. The Trailhawk model is the most off-road-oriented with adjustable air suspension and an anti-roll bar that can be disconnected.
The 2024 Grand Cherokee’s cabin is modern and plush with high-end materials included with some of the upper trim levels. The standard 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen can be upgraded to 10.1 inches and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Some of the higher trim levels also come with a 10.0-inch head-up display that is fully customizable. The standard safety features include automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
Browse 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee listings here.
9. 2024 Nissan Armada
While Nissan’s largest SUV, the Armada, might not be the most up-to-date vehicle on the market, it has built a reputation for style and functionality that is well deserved. With a body-on-frame design and a standard limited-slip rear axle, it is a great choice for people who want to do a little off-roading on the weekends.
The 5.6-liter V8 puts out a massive 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque and its independent rear suspension makes for a surprisingly smooth ride on rough roads and other tough terrain.
As a three-row SUV, the Armada features plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. The dashboard has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system sitting right on top with tech like navigation, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also comes with a huge range of standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a lane-departure warning.
Browse 2024 Nissan Armada listings here.
10. 2025 Subaru Forester
For the most part, when you think about crossovers with off-road capability, you probably think about the Outback. However, the Forester should not be discounted, especially with what is in store for the 2025 model year. With a slightly longer wheelbase and excellent ground clearance, it is a great choice for light off-roading.
It comes with Subaru’s signature flat-four 2.5-liter engine putting out 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque through a continuously variable transmission. Plus, if you opt for the Wilderness trim, you get even more ground clearance and a set of all-terrain tires.
The 2025 Forester’s interior is incredibly spacious with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. While the base model comes with the dual 7.0-inch touchscreen system, the higher trims get an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
Browse 2025 Subaru Forester listings here.
11. 2024 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota’s large SUV, the Sequoia, might seem slightly unnecessary in a segment dominated by American automakers like Chevy and GMC. However, the 2024 Sequoia sets itself apart with its smaller, more eco-friendly powertrain.
The standard engine is the iForce MAX hybrid with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 putting out 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque with the help of an electric motor. If you opt for the off-road-geared TRD Pro trim level, you get a completely blacked-out exterior appearance package and four-wheel drive.
The 2024 Sequoia is massive on the inside with optional second-row captain’s chairs and plenty of cargo space. The 14.0-inch touchscreen is the same one that was added to the Tundra and it features complete smartphone connectivity as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
You also get Toyota’s collection of driver-assistance and safety features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2024 Toyota Sequoia listings here.
Final Thoughts
While so many SUVs seem to be geared toward comfort and practicality, you may want a little more excitement and capability with your family vehicle. Fortunately, there are a lot of options out there if you want something that can take you a little further out into the country. Knowing what the best off-road SUVs on the market are can help you make the best decision for your weekend getaways.
