Four-wheel drive vehicles, whether they be full-size SUVs, crossovers, or pickups, have been on a steady rise over the last few decades, and that trend doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. According to the Speciality Equipment Marketing Association’s (SEMA) Future Trends report, the light truck segment is expected to account for almost 80 percent of all new vehicle sales by 2027. The off-road niche has seen particularly notable growth, with automakers continually expanding their light truck lineups to include everything from modest off-road-oriented equipment packages to ready-made adventure rigs complete with upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, locking differentials, and improved ground clearance.
It’s tough to identify any specific reason for the unprecedented growth the off-road segment has seen lately. Some credit the pandemic-related increase in outdoor recreation or general engineering advancements that make the hobby a lot more approachable, while others point to the availability of off-roading apps and online resources or an industry-wide trend towards customization. No matter the reason, one thing is for sure. If you’ve recently found yourself daydreaming about long afternoons spent kicking up some mud, speeding through the desert, or blazing a new trail in some off-the-grid locale, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of off-roading.
New off-road trims are hitting the market with every passing model year, but how do they compare? While some brands have built a solid reputation for off-road performance, others are rushing to meet the demand without really earning their stripes. You’ve come to the right place if you’re new to the adventure-ready segment and need help separating the off-road contenders from the four-wheeled pretenders. Let’s review some of the top off-road SUVs for 2025 and see which models have what it takes to brave the road less traveled.
Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
We’re starting off strong with a time-tested off-road champ in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The iconic midsize SUV has been going where few models dare since it first hit the market in 1984, but 2025 marks one of the most significant advancements to date, with Toyota unveiling the all-new sixth-generation model. Based on the same TNGA-F global truck platform as the Land Cruiser and Tacoma, the 4Runner’s boxed steel frame and multi-link rear suspension go a long way toward upping the SUV’s off-road potential.
The 4Runner offers no less than five dedicated off-road trims for 2025, from the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium to the TRD Pro and the new, overlanding-focused Trailhunter. While each option is worth a closer look, it’s the Trailhunter that really caught our attention this time around. The trim comes standard with a hybrid 2.4L iForce Max powertrain that, at 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, is the brawniest model in the 4Runner’s long history. The Trailhunter is equipped with everything you’ll need to tackle the trail with confidence, from ARB’s Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged dampers to a two-inch suspension lift, 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The range-topping 4Runner also includes a host of advanced driving tech like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and downhill assist control. It also has a full arsenal of off-road armor, including steel skid plates and rock rails. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro are good alternatives to save a little cash, but the Trailhunter is tough to pass up.
Chevy Tahoe Z71
The Z71 package has turned run-of-the-mill Chevy models into potent off-road machines since the option was first introduced in the 1970s. While the Z71 Regular Production Option (RPO) code was once simply used to denote a model with an off-road chassis, the package has come a long way in the intervening half-century.
Chevy’s full-size Tahoe is one of the latest models to gain a Z71 trim, which joined the lineup with the advent of the SUV’s fifth generation in 2021. The rugged trim has all the off-road hardware a driver could ask for, from 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires to an independent rear suspension, a generous approach angle, and a full suite of skid plates. These upgrades don’t come at the cost of comfort. While the Tahoe’s magnetic ride control dampers and four-corner air suspension have a noticeable effect on off-road comfort, it also offers some real advantages for those who expect their new ride to double as a reliable daily driver. The magnetic ride control dampers tweak the Tahoe’s shock absorbers to meet changing road conditions, while the four-corner air suspension allows drivers to change the SUV’s ground clearance to prioritize height, handling, and fuel economy.
The Tahoe Z71 also comes standard with dedicated off-road drive modes, including a Terrain mode that tweaks the shift mapping and traction control while enabling a one-pedal driving feature perfect for off-road excursions. The standard Tahoe Z71 engine is a 5.3L V8 making a generous 355 hp. If you want more, you can upgrade to the 6.2L V8 with 420 hp. It’s also worth considering the optional 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel, particularly for off-road use. While its 305 hp may not seem like much, it offers 495 lb-ft of torque, which can be more useful than raw horsepower on the trail.
If you’re looking for a more opulent take on the Tahoe Z71, GMC’s Yukon AT4 Ultimate offers many of the same features and the same platform while adding a few comfort and convenience enhancements that cement the SUV’s luxury reputation.
Ford Bronco Stroppe Edition
The Ford Bronco’s 25-year hiatus did little to dim enthusiasm for the legendary off-road model. Returning to the market in 2021, the Bronco built on its longstanding reputation to give Ford one of its most capable off-road SUVs in recent memory. While every Bronco can hold its own when the going gets tough, the new Stroppe Edition is the most off-road-ready trim for 2025.
Replacing the dearly departed Wildtrak, the Bronco Stroppe Edition honors storied off-road designer and racer Bill Stroppe. It does the name proud with the included Sasquatch Package and its wide array of trail-tested components, like a disconnecting front anti-roll bar and a HOSS 3.0 suspension with Fox internal-bypass dampers. The midsize SUV’s 35-inch Goodyear Territory RT tires are wrapped around a set of black 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels that can be aired down to float over loose terrain. The powertrain boasts a 330-horsepower 2.7L turbo V6, ten-speed automatic transmission, and standard four-wheel drive. The head-turning Atlas Blue, Oxford White, and Code Orange exterior might make the Bronco Stroppe Edition look like a popsicle, but the SUV won’t melt when it meets the sort of scorching desert terrain that Stroppe’s original creations called home.
Those looking for an even more tougher version of the Bronco are encouraged to seek out the Bronco Raptor, which ups the ante to provide drivers with a true off-road beast equipped with 3.1-inch Fox Live Valve internal-bypass dampers, 37-inch tires, and a 418-horsepower 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that allows the SUV to hit 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
No list of off-road SUVs would be complete with the Jeep Wrangler. The trailblazing model represents the platonic idea of what drivers have come to expect from a modern off-road vehicle. From its open-air design and squared-off body to the tailgate-mounted tire, the Wrangler looks every bit the off-roader, but the Rubicon trim has the hardware to back it up.
A favorite of drivers and critics alike, the Wrangler was named the top off-road SUV for 2024 as part of MotorTrend’s Ultimate Rankings. The Rubicon includes a hardy Rock-Trac transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range ratio, Dana 44 axles, and Jeep’s Tru-Lok locking front and rear differentials. Honestly, the Rubicon might even be a little much for those who are new to the off-road lifestyle. The SUV is capable of some astonishing feats of off-road performance and could easily land newbies in a tight spot if they get a little too ambitious.
That said, it’s just too hard to pass on the Wrangler Rubicon. The trim comes standard with a 3.6L V6 that puts out 285 hp. The Rubicon 392 does it one better with a 470-horsepower 6.4L HEMI V8. Eco-conscious drivers or those looking to save a little cash at the pump can also opt for the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, a hybrid variant that sees the SUV updated with a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 and a pair of electric motors that give it an EPA-estimated 49 MPG-e.
The Wrangler’s off-road resume isn’t up for debate, but the SUV also comes with some fringe benefits that could make a big difference for those looking to embrace their off-road era. In addition to its bold design and sturdy 4WD system, the Wrangler is packaged with a robust community of like-minded Jeep fans. Joining a Jeep owners club, exchanging a knowing wave, or trading rubber ducks is a great way to break into the off-road scene, and the Wrangler Rubicon serves as a lifetime pass.
Four Great Off-Roaders
Today’s off-road vehicles have come a long way from the utilitarian 4x4s of old, offering all the modern amenities drivers have come to expect while being able to venture into the sort of terrain that would leave lesser models shaking in their tires. Improved off-road tech has also improved accessibility and comfort, giving drivers the opportunity to boldly venture into the wild while also increasing comfort and practicality for everyday driving scenarios. If your daily driver is sorely lacking in off-road ability, or if you want to explore the world from behind a mud-splattered windshield, it might be time to consider investing in an off-road SUV. From the 4Runner’s new Trailhunter trim and the Tahoe Z71 with its beefy engines to the eye-catching Bronco Stroppe Edition and the mythical Wrangler Rubicon, these off-road SUVs are ready to tackle whatever the road might throw at them. It’s not an exhaustive list, but we hope it’ll provide some context and help narrow your options as you explore your new off-road hobby.
