SUVs are pretty popular right now. But ever more so are off-road-specific trims, which have recently gained fame. We already have hardcore off-roading SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco. But these specimens lean a bit too much on the off-roading side with features like a shorter wheelbase and not-so-comfortable seating layout. This makes them less appealing on the road, and that’s where the current wave of off-road trim levels fills the gap.
These are based on standard road-going SUVs but get superior suspension, tires, wheels, and even dedicated technology features to ace trails. Climbing mountains might be a stretch with these SUVs, but with the dedicated and cleverly packaged formula, trail runs are sure to be an impressive affair. From the stout Ford Expedition to the popular Subaru Outback, to the luxurious Lexus GX 550 Overtrail, this list includes a vibrant bunch of SUVs that can handle the trails with ease.
This list is organized in decreasing order of pricing, from the more expensive to the most affordable SUVs that can take on light weekend trails like a pro.
This Full-Size SUV Thinks It’s A Raptor
This full-size Ford SUV may be lump and a comfortable ride, but it acts like the almighty, off-road-ready Ford Raptor lineup.
2025 Ford Expedition Tremor
Starting Price: $81,350
The Expedition was already a very versatile SUV. The Tremor trim level further elevates its all-around appeal. Off-roading capabilities are spearheaded by features such as true four-by-four, a two-speed transfer case, a robust 10R80 transmission system, and a 3.73 drive axle ratio with an electronic locker. This Expedition is clearly built for the backcountry with features like best-in-class 10.6-inch ground clearance, thanks to chunky 33-inch all-terrain tires. Powering the Tremor is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
This engine is shared with the F-150 Raptor. Notable features to help navigate tight trails and control descents include Rock Crawl mode, Hill Start Assist, Trail Turn Assist, and Trail 1-Pedal Drive. The Trail Turn Assist locks the inner wheel with ABS, allowing the driver to pivot quickly. For the 1-Pedal Drive, it works primarily like an EV’s one-pedal Drive—step off the gas, it brakes. Step back on, and it goes. It is impressive to see Ford incorporate all of these off-road-ready features without compromising on the comfort, convenience, and spacious cabin layout of the Expedition.
Notable Features That Make It Off-Road-Ready
- 33-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Multi-link independent rear suspension
- 3.73 electronic locking differential
- Terrain Management System
- Front and rear stabilizer bars
- Standard Four-wheel drive
- Roll Stability Control
- Rock Crawl mode
- Hill Start Assist
2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
Starting Price: $74,580
This is the corporate twin to the Land Cruiser. While they do share the platform and a lot of hardware components, down to some of the off-roading bits, Lexus has still distinguished the GX 550 Overtrail from the Land Cruiser with more than just prominent, obvious luxury features. The combination of a body-on-frame chassis, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and the sophisticated Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System delivers an engaging, adaptive trail-going experience. Its electronic suspension system can automatically detach and reattach the sway bars for increased wheel articulation on challenging trails. In the city, it can help reduce body roll and improve overall ride comfort.
Its Multi-terrain Select tech is designed to help dominate a variety of challenging trail runs, including snow-covered roads. Powering the Lexus GX Overtrail is a feisty twin-turbo V6 producing 349 horsepower and 379 pound-feet of torque. Above and beyond its rugged side, the Lexus GX maintains its luxury appeal with features like 8-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with adjustable headrests, a heated leather steering wheel, and a memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and even the exterior mirrors.
Notable Features That Make It Off-Road-Ready
- Multi-Terrain Select and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
- Advanced electronic suspension system
- Crawl Control
- Electronically controlled locking rear differential
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
- Aluminum skid plates
- Onboard air compressor
2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Starting Price: $67,900
We do have the 4Runner Trailhunter out there, but it is a more hardcore version that robs the 4Runner of its on-road performance compared to the TRD Pro. Apart from being slightly more affordable, the TRD Pro balances off-road finesse, intimidating looks, and on-road comfort, making it the perfect 4Runner trim for light trail runs. Suspension duties are taken care of by Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with adjustable compression for varying speeds. Visually, it looks rugged and is loaded with thoughtful features to aid in its trail runs.
Notable ones include aluminum underbody protection, amber DRLs for elevated visibility of the SUV during night runs, specifically designed bumpers for better clearance, and knobby 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires. Powering the 4Runner TRD Pro is a hybrid i-Force Max 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to an HV electric motor and battery pack. It produces a combined 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Notable Features That Make It Off-Road-Ready
- Aluminum front skid plate with underbody transfer case and fuel tank protection
- Part-time 4-Wheel Drive with electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case
- Multi-Terrain Monitor with selectable front, side, and rear views
- Electronically controlled locking rear differential
- Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM)
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
- Distinctive Tow/Haul Drive Modes
- High-clearance front bumper
- Extended-width overfenders
- TRD Performance air intake
- Downhill Assist Control
- All-weather floor mats
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Amber LED DRLs
- Crawl Control
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport
Starting Price: $48,450
Honda put in some serious work to make the Honda Passport TrailSport look and perform like a solid off-roader. While it is still based on the standard Passport, packing a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, there are some serious upgrades over the standard model in elevating its trail-going capabilities. Initial impressions came from its rugged, super cool design, which added features like underbody skid plates to protect the powertrain, chunky 31-inch all-terrain tires, a standard trailer hitch, and even amber-colored LED DRLs for better visibility of the vehicle at night.
Technology features also play a crucial role in stitching hardware together on the all-new TrailSport Passport. Notable bits include an AWD system that sends 70 percent of torque to the rear and can torque-vector 100 percent of that to either of the rear wheels. It gets seven ride modes, including off-road-specific Snow, Trail, Sand, and Tow. A Hill Descent Control system is standard and modulates braking, allowing the driver to focus on steering the SUV. The familiar TrailWatch camera system has been updated with features like tire path guidelines. The instrument cluster now houses new pitch and roll gauges, as well as elevation and heading. All of these bits are useful when off-roading.
Notable Features That Make It Off-Road-Ready
- Durable leatherette and cloth seats with distinctive accents
- Integrated Class III Trailer Hitch with harness
- 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires
- High-visibility recovery hooks
- Off-road tuned suspension
- Underbody skid plates
- Rear camera washer
- Amber DRLs
- Roof rails
2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Starting Price: $44,995
This is the Subaru Outback trim to consider if one loves taking the roads less traveled. Subaru makes the Outback Wilderness’s rugged appeal evident from its distinctive styling when compared to its stablemates. This one has a chiseled SUV theme with chunky cladding running all around the outlines of the body, including the wheel arches. Elevating its rugged appeal visually are features such as an “out-there” front grille with “SUBARU” in bold, a chunky, vertical set of bumper extensions at the front, and anodized copper trim on the sides of the roof rails.
The suspension setup is also distinguished by features such as electronically controlled dampers with acceleration sensors, which truly elevate its off-roading dynamics. This system helps minimize sway and improve driving stability on off-roading runs. The dampers are connected to the X-Mode driving setting, which prepares this Subaru to tackle Snow/Dirt and even Deep Snow/Mud terrain. While all other trim levels have 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback Wilderness standard is taller at 9.5 inches.
This helps it better trace challenging trails. It also allows the Wilderness trim to have a better approach angle (20 degrees), breakover angle (21.2 degrees), and departure angle (22.5 degrees). Even the famed Subaru AWD system has been updated for this trim. Notable tweaks include an updated central differential, faster lockup, reduced wheelspin when off-road, and a tweaked steering angle sensor. Powering this off-roading Subaru is a 2.4-liter turbo boxer engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It is coupled to a CVT gearbox.
Notable Features That Make It Off-Road-Ready
- Extended front and rear bumper lower claddings for added impact protection.
- Raised suspension with 9.5 inches of ground clearance
- 17-inch wheels wrapped with all-terrain tires
- Electronically controlled dampers
- Manual folding side mirrors
- Durable StarTex upholstery
- Full-size spare tire
- Raised roof rails
- LED fog lights