Random Best Off-Road Vehicles (25 items)

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  (#25) Volkswagen Beetle

  • Volkswagen

  The iconic and versatile Beetle lends itself well to off-roading applications. They are simple to work on, and easily accommodate upgraded suspensions, bigger tires, and aftermarket engines. Plus, sticking with air-cooled motors means less maintenance and fluids while out on the trails. It’s no wonder so many have been converted into Baja Bugs - they will run just about anywhere, can take quite a beating, and keep on going.
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  (#8) Land Rover Defender

  • Land Rover

  The Defender seamlessly blends on-road comfort with off-roading capabilities, thanks to its roots in the original Land Rover models. Those rugged vehicles were perfect as off-road rescue and post-office vehicles, but lacking in the luxuries department. Over the years, they added various quality-of-life upgrades, such as expanded drivetrain options, transmissions with synchros for smoother operation, more comfortable interiors, and coil-spring suspensions in place of leaf springs. By 1990, the Defender brand was officially in place, representing the combination of Land Rover’s indominable off-roading prowess with comfort, style, and luxury.
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  (#9) Nissan Xterra

  • Nissan

  In an era of crossovers and overly civilized SUV’s, the Xterra represents the last of a dying breed of capable, fun, factory-born trail crawlers. The PRO-4x offers off-road worthy upgrades including Bilstein dampers in the front, selectable locking differential on the solid rear axle, and BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain tires on all four corners. Powered by a 4.0 liter V6, this compact SUV is nimble as a billy goat, and about as eager as the passengers to keep playing.
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  (#20) Jeep Grand Cherokee

  • Chrysler, Jeep

  A grand solution for those craving off-road adventure, but unwilling to sacrifice ride quality while on the tarmac as well as off it. All Jeeps are Trail Rated for maximum traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. The Top Summit Trim package gives extra grip on any terrain via an intelligent Quadra-Drive II four-wheel system, in addition to Jeep’s standard Selec-Terrain Traction Management. This novel system provides on-the-fly adjustments to traction control, ride height, and gearing systems - giving you more control over your ride from the comfort of your cockpit.
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  (#24) Toyota Tercel

  • Toyota

  Bet you didn’t know the second generation Tercel was offered with a 4x4 drivetrains! Unlike most other 4x4’s, the Tercel 4WD system was designed and built without a transfer case. Known as solid four-wheel drive, Tercel’s 4WD system is also the simplest. The front and rear wheels are locked together, making it excellent for gaining traction on slippery surfaces. Once traction is regained, the driver can shift smoothly back into two-wheel drive. This makes these little “Turtles,” as they’re affectionately known by their passionate owners, excellent part-time off-roaders for those who need to combine their daily driver with their trail toy.
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  (#11) Volkswagen Vanagon

  Looks can definitely be deceiving, as is proved by this 4x4 vintage camping van. Most people don’t know that VW developed 4x4 technology as far back as WWII for the German military. They expanded into off-road vehicles designed for civilian use in the 70’s. Some Vanagons were outfitted from the factory with 4x4 “Syncro” drivetrains, which are surprisingly durable and versatile. Limited numbers of the Vanagon were sold with VW’s 4x4 system, which makes them one of the ultimate factory off-road vehicles. Videos demonstrating their off-road prowess show how capable these vans truly are, with little to no modifications (although modifications don’t hurt). You can take them practically anywhere, sleep and cook in them, and drive a little piece of automobile history. What more could you ask for?

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