Best Off Road Vehicles 2024

When was the last time you felt the thrill of leaving the paved road behind? Whether you’re into muddy trails, rocky mountains, or desert dunes, having the right off-road vehicle can make all the difference. 2024 has brought some incredible machines to the table — and trust me, some of them feel like driving a wild beast that’s ready to conquer any terrain.

So, buckle up. We’re diving deep into the best off road vehicles 2024 has to offer. This isn’t just a list — it’s your personal guide to choosing the right partner for your off-road adventures.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Great Off-Road Vehicle?

Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly talk about what separates an off-road vehicle from a regular SUV.

• High ground clearance – so you don’t scrape the belly on rocks or logs.

• Four-wheel or all-wheel drive – a must for rugged terrain.

• Off-road suspension and tires – for better grip and comfort.

• Skid plates – to protect the undercarriage.

• Locking differentials – for getting out of sticky spots.

Think of these features as the boots, armor, and tools your vehicle wears when heading into the wild.

Top Pick: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2024

If off-roading were a sport, the Wrangler Rubicon would be in the hall of fame. For 2024, Jeep’s made it even better.

Why it stands out:

• Front and rear locking differentials

• Rock-Trac 4×4 system

• Electronic sway bar disconnect

• Optional 35-inch tires

Driving the Rubicon feels like steering a mountain goat — agile, confident, and unfazed by obstacles. Whether it’s boulders or mud pits, it just climbs and keeps going.

Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: Still a Legend

The 4Runner is like that reliable friend who always shows up when you need them. Rugged, dependable, and loaded with Toyota’s engineering magic.

Highlights:

• FOX high-performance shocks

• Crawl control

• Multi-terrain select

• Skid plates

While it may not have the flashy modern design, it brings old-school toughness that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for folks who like simplicity and strength.

Ford Bronco Raptor: Power Meets Personality

The Bronco Raptor is the wild child of the off-road world — loud, powerful, and a whole lot of fun.

What’s awesome:

• 418 horsepower from a twin-turbo V6

• 37-inch tires (yes, really!)

• Long-travel suspension

• Baja drive mode

It’s basically a desert-racing truck in SUV form. You’ll feel like a superhero flying over dunes with this beast.

Land Rover Defender 110: Classy Yet Capable

Want something that can tackle off-road challenges and still turn heads downtown? Enter the Defender 110.

Why it’s unique:

• Adjustable air suspension

• Terrain Response 2 system

• Wading depth up to 35 inches

• Sleek, luxurious interior

It’s like wearing a tuxedo while climbing a mountain — style meets substance.

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison: Tough as Nails

The Bison edition takes the already-impressive ZR2 and makes it even more trail-ready.

What you get:

• Multimatic DSSV dampers

• Front/rear locking differentials

• Steel bumpers and skid plates

• 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires

This truck means business. It’s built like a tank but handles like a sports car.

Ram 1500 Rebel: A Truck That Doesn’t Quit

Need a full-size truck that can haul, tow, and hit the trails? The Ram Rebel is your guy.

Features to love:

• Off-road suspension package

• Electronic locking rear axle

• Skid plates and tow hooks

• HEMI V8 available

It’s like a Swiss Army knife — ready for work or play, whatever comes first.

GMC Hummer EV: The Electric Off-Road Beast

Yes, electric vehicles can go off-road too. And the new Hummer EV proves it with flair.

Why it’s a game-changer:

• CrabWalk mode (yep, it drives diagonally!)

• 1,000 horsepower

• Adaptive air suspension

• Extreme off-road mode

It’s futuristic, powerful, and surprisingly agile for its size. Just keep an eye on the battery range if you’re going deep into the wilderness.

Subaru Outback Wilderness: Rugged and Ready

The Outback Wilderness is for those who want adventure but don’t need a full-on truck.

Perfect for:

• Light to moderate off-roading

• Weekend warriors

• Camping trips

Key features:

• 9.5 inches of ground clearance

• All-wheel drive

• Dual-function X-Mode

• Roof rails for gear

It’s like a golden retriever — loyal, energetic, and always down for a road trip.

Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: Luxury Off the Grid

New for 2024, the GX 550 Overtrail blends comfort and capability beautifully.

What makes it stand out:

• Turbocharged V6 with low-end torque

• E-KDSS suspension system

• Crawl control with multiple drive modes

• Plush, upscale interior

It’s ideal for folks who want to explore without leaving luxury behind.

Off-Road Features to Look For in 2024

Modern off-road vehicles are loaded with tech. But which features really matter?

• Hill Descent Control – smooth downhill rides.

• Trail Cameras – see what’s under the vehicle.

• Terrain Management Systems – adjust settings for mud, snow, sand.

• Disconnecting sway bars – for better wheel articulation.

The trick is finding the balance between rugged hardware and smart software.

Gas, Diesel, or Electric? What’s Best Off-Road?

This is the million-dollar question. And the answer? It depends.

• Gas engines – great for power and availability.

• Diesel engines – better torque, ideal for towing or crawling.

• Electric motors – instant torque, but limited range (for now).

Electric off-roaders like the Hummer EV are paving the way, but if you’re heading off-grid for days, gas and diesel still rule.

Budget-Friendly Off-Road Options

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get dirty. Here are some great picks under $40k:

• Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Best Off Road Vehicles

• Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

• Ford Maverick Tremor

• Toyota Tacoma SR5 with Off-Road Package

These vehicles may not have all the bells and whistles, but they’ll take you where the road ends.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an off-road rookie or a trail-hardened adventurer, 2024 offers something for everyone. From luxurious rides like the Land Rover Defender to raw powerhouses like the Bronco Raptor, the options are better than ever.

At the end of the day, the best off-road vehicle is the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and adventure goals. So go ahead — pick your steed and ride into the wild. Because life’s too short for boring roads.