10 Hardcore SUVs That Push Capability To The Next Level

RELATED: 5 Ways The Ford Bronco Raptor Is The Off-Roader Of The Moment (5 Ways The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Is Better)

10 Ford Bronco

Starting MSRP: $34,890

Front and side view of a 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor 

When it comes to speeding through the wilderness with an open-top roof, there are few models that can do it as well as the Ford Bronco.

Specs and Features

The Ford Bronco is a great off-roader and comes with a number of different capable packages. Even the most affordable trim of the Bronco comes standard with four-wheel drive as well as a two-speed transfer case, integral for hitting the trails. Since this list is about the most hardcore SUVs, the Sasquatch package adds more clearance, bigger tires, and plenty of other features. However, the absolute top-of-the-range, high-performance model is, of course, the Bronco Raptor.

9 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting MSRP: $40,030

Side and rear view shot of Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe climbing a steep hill

When you think of a brand with a reputation for capability, Jeep is one of the first names that will jump into your head. The Grand Cherokee blends that legendary capability with a good amount of comfort and luxury and the Trailhawk trim takes that a step further.

Specs and Features

Achieving that off-road prowess is, of course, dependent on whether or not you opt for the four-wheel drive trims, the best of which being the Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II which give you that ever-desirable two-speed transfer case. Another big plus for the Grand Cherokee is that you can get the Grand Cherokee L which features third-row seats.

8 Toyota 4Runner

Starting MSRP: $40,155

A front 3/4 studio shot of a 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition 

The Toyota 4Runner has stayed loyal to its original idea of being more of a truck than a new-age vehicle. Its old-school approach may be unattractive to some, but to those looking for a simple yet powerful, rugged off-roader, the 4Runner is a great choice.

Specs and Features

The TRD Off-Road and the TRD Pro are the two most capable trims in the lineup. They feature options such as electronically locking rear differential and Toyota’s signature Multi-Terrain Select system. The adjustable driving modes, V-6, and its towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds make it a strong offering in amongst capable off-roaders.

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7 Land Rover Defender

Starting MSRP: $56,400

Side profile of the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound

The modern-day Land Rover Defender represents one of the most incredible blends of off-road capability mixed with refined comfort. A Defender is just as at home being driven daily to and from the supermarket, as it is on any trail.

Specs and Features

The Defender has a number of different trims available to suit the needs of any buyer but even at the bottom of the range, you’re still getting a highly capable off-roader. If you’re looking for power and speed along with everything the Defender already offers, you can also opt for trims that feature a 518-horsepower supercharged V-8. The Defender truly is one of the best all-rounder SUVs on the market.

6 Jeep Wrangler

Starting MSRP: $31,895

Front three-quarter shot of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon 20th Anniversary Convertible SUV

This is probably the first SUV you think of when you think of a pure off-road experience. Overgrounding and the Jeep Wrangler go together like bread and butter.

Specs and Features

The Wrangler is the basis for all modern off-roading SUVs. It remains one of the most impressive trailblazers on the market. The Rubicon trims are the most geared towards un even terrain, coming with four-wheel drive, brake-traction control, long travel suspension, and a slew of other features that make it particularly impressive. It may lack some interior room but if outdoor fun is your priority its hard to beat the Wrangler.

5 Lexus LX

Starting MSRP: $92,160

A dynamic front end shot of a 2022 Lexus LX out in the desert 

Lexus is a brand that is synonymous with luxury. The Lexus LX is certainly no exception to the rule, coming standard with all the top-end equipment and luxury build quality you’d expect. However, it has a more rugged, brutish side to it than you’d expect from just looking at it.

Specs and Features

Its competitors such as BMW and Cadillac may offer a slightly more refined experience than Lexus but we guarantee that none of them would tackle a hill or some rocky terrain the way that the Lexus LX can. With a body-on-frame construction, an 8000-pound towing capacity, and a V-6 that produces 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, its opulence its quite easily matched by its competence.

RELATED: Four Luxury Performance SUVs That Are Tax Write-Offs

4 Mercedes G-Class

Starting MSRP: $139,900

Front left picture of white Mercedes-Benz G-Class going down the road. 

The Mercedes G-Class has a reputation for being an opulent SUV designed to provide luxury on the road to the wealthy. However, the G-Class packs the limits and capability that its target audience will most likely never reach.

Specs and Features

The G Wagen is essentially the rich cousin to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. It’s just as capable as the two off-roaders, with locking differentials, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and low-range gears. However, the experience that it offers is definitely more refined, with as many as 54 optional luxury features. Its 416 horsepower twin-turbo V-8 is also another reason why this SUV has a lot more to it than pretty looks and celebrity owners.

3 Chevrolet Tahoe

Starting MSRP: $54,200

A front 3/4 action shot of a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 on a dirt trail

The Chevy Tahoe is the ultimate seven-seater, with a third row that is actually comfortable for adults. With so much space, it’s amazing that it can also be a powerful off-road machine, but that is exactly what the Z71 model achieves.

Specs and Features

With meaty all-terrain tires, a two-speed transfer case, and adjustable air suspension, the Tahoe should be extremely comfortable on outbound adventures. Its underbody protection also makes sure that all its organs are safe and sound while mountain climbing. Its space is one of its most impressive features though, with 123 cubic feet of space in the rear with the third-row seats folded.

2 Toyota Sequoia

Starting MSRP: $59,865

A front-angle shot of a pearl-white 2023 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid descending downhill. 

Another three-row SUV and our second Toyota, the Sequoia provide a slightly more well-rounded experience than the 4Runner. The 2023 Sequoia is the first in the third generation and its overhaul has brought the slightly outdated car into the future.

Specs and Features

Based on its truck cousin, the Tundra, the Sequoia has some mighty DNA. It has a number of trim options, including the TRD Pro which is the choice for serious off-roaders. It has seating for up to eight passengers meaning plenty of space for the whole family on outbound adventures. It comes standard with Toyota’s iForce Max hybrid powertrain, the electric motor and V-6 that produces a combined 437 horsepower and a massive 583 pound-feet of torque.

RELATED: Land Rovers Masterplan To Reinvent Itself

1 Land Rover Range Rover

Starting MSRP: $107,400

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover P530 First Edition in Sunset Gold Satin Finish parked in a snowy landscape.  

The Range Rover is somewhat deceptive. You’re most likely to find them in wealthy suburban neighborhoods, not ever experiencing too much excitement. However, if you look at what it is actually capable of, you notice that it is possibly the best jack-of-all-trades on the SUV market.

Specs and Features

A step up from the Defender, the Range Rover is much like the G-Class. It features a slew of options aiming to pamper its occupants. The SUV comes with rear bucket seats, a beverage chiller, and opulent leather and wood finishes in the interior. However, its 626 horsepower V-8, all-wheel drive, and adjustable air suspension mean it is just as comfortable hitting some mud as it is on the red carpet.