So here’s the thing—the best SUVs for off-road adventures aren’t just about horsepower or how big the tires are (although yeah, that does help when you’re stuck on a rock the size of your laundry basket). It’s about vibes. And capability. And whether your SUV can handle a backroad that looks like it was designed by someone on mushrooms and a grudge.
I’ve taken some of the biggest names in the 2025 off-road SUV game into the wild—okay, mostly into Vermont, parts of Arizona, and one very bad idea in Tennessee—and I have thoughts.
Some of them helped me feel like Lara Croft. Others made me want to cry and call my mom.
Let’s get messy.
☕ Flashback: My First “Off-Road” Adventure (lol)
Quick story before we get to the list.
Back in college, I thought I could “off-road” my roommate’s ancient Honda CR-V down a service trail. I was wrong. So wrong. The car bottomed out halfway up a loose gravel incline, and I ended up walking 3 miles with no cell service and a backpack full of melted Twizzlers.
I learned that day. The main takeaway? If you’re gonna adventure, bring a real SUV. And snacks that don’t turn into syrup.
1. 2025 Ford Bronco Wildtrak
The one that makes you feel cooler than you are
Alright, first off, if I could marry a vehicle… I’d at least flirt with this one.
Why it rules:
- Sasquatch package comes standard, and I don’t even care what that means—it works.
- G.O.A.T. modes (“Goes Over Any Terrain”—I can’t make this up) are intuitive and fun. Even my cousin Tina figured it out, and she once tried to microwave a Pop-Tart in the wrapper.
- Roof comes off. Doors come off. Your excuses come off.
The drama: Gas mileage isn’t winning any awards, and good luck finding one at MSRP. These are still in high demand.
Image Idea:
Action shot of Bronco splashing through muddy creek with friends in back laughing
2. 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
Because what’s an off-road list without a Jeep?
Now listen—I know Jeep people. They wave at each other like they’re in a secret society. But even as a skeptic, I gotta admit… this thing rips.
Stuff I liked (a lot):
- Hybrid mode means you can crawl through nature quietly. Like a sneaky eco ninja.
- That locking differential system had me scaling boulders I would’ve called “impassable death traps” last year.
- Removable doors = wind in your face, bugs in your teeth (worth it).
Not gonna lie: If you’re tall? Duck. Constantly. Headroom isn’t exactly “luxury.”
3. 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Aka: The immortal cockroach of off-road SUVs (in the best way)
The 4Runner TRD Pro feels like the SUV equivalent of your uncle who built a log cabin with his bare hands and still owns a flip phone.
Why it’s iconic:
- The suspension’s tuned for punishment—like, you could hit potholes at full speed and the car just shrugs.
- It’s reliable in a “you’ll hand this to your grandkids” kind of way.
- Crawl control is chef’s kiss—I didn’t slide even on wet Arizona rock.
But… The interior feels kinda 2012. Which, depending on your vibe, might be a con or a cozy throwback.
4. 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE
Fancy, but make it muddy
This SUV is what you take when you want to glamp, not camp. But dang it, it’s capable.
Luxury off-road things I didn’t know I needed:
- Terrain Response system: Adjusts for sand, rock, snow—probably emotional damage too.
- Air suspension that raises and lowers like it’s doing yoga.
- You look like you own a chalet. Even if you live in a studio apartment.
Downside: Repairs are not DIY-friendly. Also I once accidentally activated voice control by sneezing.
5. 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Yes, technically it’s a wagon. Calm down.
Okay yes, I hear you. “That’s not an SUV!” But listen. It goes places.
Why I stand by it:
- AWD is always on. It’s like a golden retriever—eager, reliable, and a little too excited about dirt.
- Ground clearance is surprisingly solid.
- It’s the one I’d trust to get me out of a snowstorm and carry my groceries.
It’s not gonna rock crawl, but for people who hike, kayak, and occasionally get lost with a tent? It’s a dream.
🧭 So, What Makes an SUV Off-Road Ready: Best SUVs for off-road adventures
Here’s a short, chaotic checklist I now use (learned the hard way):
- Ground clearance – Will it scrape on a squirrel? Or make it over a log like a boss?
- 4WD or AWD – Not the same. I repeat: not the same.
- Skid plates – Like armor for your undercarriage. Essential if you like to send it.
- Locking differentials – Sounds nerdy, saves lives. Or at least axles.
🎒 The Time I Got Lost in the Desert
I should probably be embarrassed, but honestly? That’s one of my favorite memories.
Me. My friend Kelsey. A 4Runner. We missed the trail marker (twice), lost signal, and ended up using a compass app that I’m pretty sure was meant for Boy Scouts. But the SUV handled every incline, every weird sand trap, and every “should we turn back?” moment.
We didn’t die. We did see a bobcat.
10/10 would do again.
🛠️ A Few Unexpected Features That Made Life Better
- Built-in air compressors – Jeep Wrangler, I love you.
- Underfloor storage – Subaru, stop being so clever.
- 360° cameras – Saved me from backing into a cactus. Twice.
TL;DR: Best SUVs for off-road adventures
🥇 For Pure Off-Road Power: Ford Bronco Wildtrak
🌿 Best Eco-Adventure: Jeep Wrangler 4xe
🪨 Most Reliable Tank: Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
💸 Luxury That Gets Dirty: Land Rover Defender
🏕️ Budget-Friendly Trail Buddy: Subaru Outback Wilderness
🔗 Cool Links You’ll Probably Enjoy:
- The Overland Journal – for the serious trail nerds
- Dirtbag Diaries Podcast – stories for people who’ve ever peed behind a tree and called it “liberating”
