“Off-road” means very different things to different people. For one driver it is a gravel road to a campsite; for another, a rocky trail that requires locking differentials. Be honest about which kind you will actually do, because real off-road hardware makes a vehicle heavier, thirstier and less comfortable on pavement.
What makes a vehicle capable
Four things decide how far you can go:
- Drivetrain. Part-time four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case is the reference for steep, slow terrain. All-wheel drive is fine for gravel, snow and mild trails.
- Ground clearance and angles. Approach, departure and breakover angles tell you whether the front, rear or belly will hit an obstacle. Short overhangs help.
- Tires. All-terrain tires with tougher sidewalls make a huge difference compared with road tires, often more than any other upgrade.
- Traction aids. Locking differentials, terrain modes and hill-descent control help in difficult spots.
Light trails and gravel roads
For forest roads, campsites and occasional dirt tracks, a crossover or SUV with AWD and decent clearance is enough. The Subaru Outback Wilderness and Forester, Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee or Compass Trailhawk versions are good choices that stay comfortable every day.
Serious trails
For rock crawling, deep mud or remote overlanding, body-on-frame vehicles with low range are the usual choice. The Jeep Wrangler (especially Rubicon versions) and Ford Bronco are designed for it; the Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma and Land Cruiser have a strong reputation for durability far from help. Pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor add high-speed desert capability.
Before you head out
Off-roading carries real risks if you go alone or unprepared. Learn the basics from a club or an off-road school, travel with another vehicle on difficult trails, and carry recovery gear (traction boards, a tire repair kit, a compressor, a proper recovery strap). Air down your tires on soft ground and reinflate before returning to the road.
Respect access rules and stay on designated trails. In the US, the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service publish maps of authorized routes, and the Tread Lightly! program explains how to limit your impact.
If your adventures are more about reaching a campsite than conquering rocks, our guide to the best cars for camping may suit you better, and if you will tow a trailer, read the best vehicles for towing.
