Off-roading has become more and more popular, and in return automotive companies are beginning to offer an abundance of new options and models related to off-roading. While there are numerous off-road vehicles offered today, the following are the 10 I believe to be the best.
The Jeep Wrangler has been the epitome of an off-road vehicle for many years now. Even though Jeep will soon add a modern Pentastar V-6 engine inside this rough, rigid vehicle, the current model still excels most when driven on rough terrain. Although Jeep offers a four-door version, stick with the two-door to keep the vehicle as compact as possible. The Wrangler Rubicon is sure to take you to places you never thought possible in a car.
As far as off-road vehicles go, the Nissan Xterra Off-Road is one of the best. Unlike the other Xterra models, the off-road model comes suited with all-terrain tires, electronic hill descent control, and hill assist. All these features, along with its 4.0-liter 261-horsepower engine make it an elite off-road vehicle.
Not only is the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor the best off-road vehicle Ford has ever made, it may very well take the cake as the best off-road vehicle currently on the market. Ford has created a beast. The Raptor has a number of features that make this such an extraordinary off-road vehicle. It starts with its standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine spitting out a remarkable 411 horsepower. It seems there’s nothing this car can’t do, and yes, that includes 100 mph in the desert although it is not recommended!
The Land Cruiser is one of the longest running nameplates offered in the Toyota lineup, but that doesn’t mean the SUV isn’t still an above average off-road vehicle. Toyota vehicles are rugged and reliable, and this one is no different. Although it is a big, heavy vehicle, its 5.7-liter V-8 enables it to be quicker than most trucks and a fantastic off-road vehicle.
Although it is a tall, stately SUV, the Land Rover LR4 is actually one of the more effective off-road vehicles. The LR4 is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, and that includes the technology that allows it to be such a strong off-road vehicle. It offers three off-roading features including hill start assist, a hill descent control system, and a gradient acceleration control. Although thought by many as more of a luxury vehicle, the LR4′s strong suit may actually be off the pavement.
For many years, the Toyota 4Runner has been considered a good off-road vehicle, so could the 2011 4Runner be the best one yet? Through an increase in technology and a stronger frame, it’s possible. New off-road features include crawl control, which involves a system that controls throttle and brake response at low speeds, allowing the driver to focus on steering. These and a number of other features allow this vehicle to master the wilderness.
When people think Jeep, off-roading instantly comes to mind. One reason for this is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4, which has been mastering the road for years. Aesthetically this SUV continues to look attractive, but that doesn’t mean it can’t tackle the wilderness, as it is still one of the best off-road vehicles offered today.
The Subaru Outback didn’t win the Motor Trend sport/utility of the year award in 2011 for no reason. It is a highly capable vehicle to take off-road, with its four- and six-cylinder options. At 3700 pounds, the Subaru is rather lightweight, which helps its maneuverability throughout the wilderness. It may be small, but it can sure keep up with the big boys.
Although quite pricey, the Range Rover is an elite off-road vehicle. Off-road upgrades have only made it stronger in this field, allowing it to compete with the best of them. Some key features include sand launch control, which helps reduce wheel spin without losing any power, and hill descent control, which helps control the car while going downhill. Don’t let the big price and luxury fool you, this vehicle is made to go off-road.
The Porsche Cayenne, like the Range Rover, is expensive and luxurious, yet more than capable of going off-road. Porsche has made this vehicle even lighter and more powerful, giving it the rare ability to hug corners and climb over rocks. Don’t let this SUV’s handling fool you. It has a rugged side that will make you forget you’re in a Porsche.
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