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Best Off-Road SUVs

Edmunds picks the best off-road capable SUVs in 2025

January 24th, 2025

2025 is here, and buyers are spoiled for choice when shopping for the best off-road SUVs. From budget brands to niche specialists you've never heard of, many automakers offer an SUV for where the pavement ends. They all have some critical features in common, offering enhanced ground clearance; grippy tires for slick, muddy or rocky surfaces; and skid plates galore. These are the best SUVs ready for adventure right off the factory floor.


Compact off-road SUVs

  1. Off-road SUV trim:
    Wilderness
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $33,915
    Engine:
    2.5-liter flat-four
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    27 mpg
    Horsepower:
    182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
    Torque:
    178 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

    2025 Subaru Crosstrek

  2. Off-road SUV trim:
    Hybrid Woodland Edition
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $36,515
    Engine:
    2.5-liter inline-four
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    28 mpg
    Horsepower:
    203 hp @ 6,600 rpm
    Torque:
    184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm

    2025 Toyota RAV4

  3. Off-road SUV trim:
    Badlands
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $41,590
    Engine:
    turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    23 mpg
    Horsepower:
    250 hp @ 5,500 rpm
    Torque:
    277 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

    2025 Ford Bronco Sport


Midsize off-road SUVs

  1. Off-road SUV trim:
    TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, Trailhunter
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $50,640
    Engine:
    2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    23 mpg
    Horsepower:
    326 hp @ 6,000 rpm
    Torque:
    465 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm

    2025 Toyota 4Runner

  2. Off-road SUV trim:
    Badlands
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $51,990 (2-door)
    Engine:
    turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    17 mpg
    Horsepower:
    300 hp @ 5,700 rpm
    Torque:
    325 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm

    2025 Ford Bronco

  3. Off-road SUV trim:
    Rubicon
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $63,290
    Engine:
    2.0-liter inline-four hybrid
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    20 mpg
    Horsepower:
    375 hp @ 5,250 rpm
    Torque:
    470 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

    2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe


Large off-road SUVs

  1. Off-road SUV trim:
    GX 550 Overtrail
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $72,930
    Engine:
    3.4-liter V6
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    17 mpg
    Horsepower:
    349 hp @ 4,800 rpm
    Torque:
    479 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

    2025 Lexus GX

  2. Off-road SUV trim:
    P400 X-Dynamic SE
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $73,725
    Engine:
    turbo 3.0-liter mild hybrid inline-six
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    18 mpg
    Horsepower:
    395 hp @ 5,500 rpm
    Torque:
    406 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

    2025 Land Rover Defender 110

  3. Off-road SUV trim:
    G 550
    Starting price (including destination fee):
    $149,400
    Engine:
    turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild hybrid
    EPA-estimated combined mpg:
    18 mpg
    Horsepower:
    434 hp @ 6,100 rpm
    Torque:
    413 lb-ft @ 1,950 rpm

    2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class


Top SUV features for off-roading

Nearly every SUV on our list comes with four-wheel drive and off-road-oriented tires, and those that don't promise other benefits off-road. Most SUVs on our list also come with a numerically higher axle ratio, which increases the physical torque that goes from the engine to the wheels. Combine off-road-ready features with the smooth delivery of low-end torque and you're off to a great start.

For hardcore off-roading you'll want a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, or "4-Lo," as opposed to all-wheel-drive without the 4-Lo option. The differences mean a lot when you're deep into off-road territory, and having proper dual-range four-wheel drive can significantly decrease your likelihood of getting stuck. While all-wheel drive has its merits for light-duty off-road adventures, the very best of the best use four-wheel drive for a reason. For all the details on the differences between the two, check out our exhaustive AWD vs. 4WD breakdown.

Along with four-wheel drive, tire choice is very important when you explore the great outdoors, with knobby all-terrain tires allowing for more grip in rocky, muddy and just generally slippery situations. These off-road-focused tires will decrease fuel economy a bit, but they'll provide much more capability when you need it the most. Abundant ground clearance is also top of mind when it comes to off-road priorities. The higher off the ground you are, the less likely you are to get caught on a rock, a stump or an obstacle of any kind. You're also less likely to flood the engine or the cabin at water crossings.

High ground clearance is often paired with improved approach, departure and breakover angles. The approach angle is calculated at the front of the vehicle, while the departure angle is calculated at the back. One easy way to think of these angles is in terms of their relationship to the bumpers and tires of a vehicle: The closer the tires are to the front and rear of the car, the higher the approach and departure angles are and the more capable a vehicle will be off-road. High approach and departure angles mean you're less likely to scrape a bumper or get one stuck and stop your progress entirely. A high breakover angle means you're less likely to get hung up and damage something between the tires.


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