Creating a formal list of the top off-road vehicles of all time is not an easy task. There are a number of vehicles and SUVs that deserve to be on this list. Some are classics, while others are recent models. They range from ardent off-road enthusiasts to street cars with subtle yet powerful off-road capabilities.
Here is a list of 30 cars that were among the most popular, influential, and proficient off-roaders of all time. They are arranged in alphabetical order. These SUVs and trucks rank among the most capable off-road vehicles ever produced.
1. Chevy K5 Blazer
Chevrolet made the full-size K5 Blazer SUV from 1969 until 1994 when the Tahoe came out to replace it. This sturdy SUV became a favorite among off-road enthusiasts across the country because of its solid front axle, powerful V-8 engine options, and removable top. The Blazer Chalet was created in 1976 by Chevy in collaboration with recreational vehicle manufacturer Chinook. This may be the rarest Blazer, having been produced in two years.
2. Chevy Colorado ZR2
The versatile Colorado ZR2 made its debut for the 2017 model year. Chevy’s midsize Colorado ZR2 off-road capable vehicle boasted an outstanding combination of steel rock rails, robust tires, front and rear locking differentials, and the incredible Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers.
In 2023, a new GMC Canyon AT4X cousin and a second version of the Colorado ZR2 hit the streets. Additionally, GM and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) are working together to develop even more potent iterations of these midsize off-road vehicles.
3. Chevy Silverado ZR2
After perfecting the Colorado ZR2 program in 2020, Chevrolet expanded its knowledge to the larger Silverado ZR2 in 2022. Similar to its smaller sibling, the Silverado ZR2 is equipped with high-clearance bumpers, skidplates, and electronic locking differentials on both the front and rear axles, as well as knobby off-road tires. GMC released a Sierra AT4X with similar off-road technology the same year.
4. Ford F-150 Raptor
When Ford introduced the F-150 Raptor for the 2010 model year, it ushered in a new era of high-performance, high-speed, desert-focused off-road trucks. With its potent 6.2-liter V-8 engine, Fox internal bypass dampers, and long-travel suspension, the Raptor was unmatched by anything that had come before it. The third-generation F-150 Raptor now boasts enhanced Fox LiveValve internal bypass dampers, a more powerful engine, and better wheel travel.
5. Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is one of the most recognizable names in off-road vehicles. In 1966, the Bronco made its debut as a small SUV, and it stayed that way until 1977. In 1978, Ford introduced a second-generation, full-size Bronco based on the F-100 pickup chassis.
These two-door SUVs had strong engine options, a retractable top, solid front and rear axles, and a rugged design. Popularity persisted until the Bronco’s 1996 discontinuation. Ford brought back the Bronco moniker for its upcoming off-road SUV, the Bronco Raptor, in 2021 and has since added many outrageous versions.
6. Hummer H1
There are few vehicles as iconic as the AM General HMMWV, also known as the Humvee. Since the early 1980s, the military has used the four-wheel-drive HMMWV vehicle. However, the Hummer H1 was available as a civilian variant from 1992 to 2006. Despite its massive size, the Hummer H1 was incredibly capable, being able to climb a 22-in (0.5 m) vertical step and cross 30 in (0.7 m) of water.
In addition, the H1 had portal axles, a central tire inflation system, and 16 inches of ground clearance at a 72-degree approach angle. In 2006, the H1 Alpha was introduced with a strong Duramax diesel engine and five-speed Allison transmission, marking its final year of availability.
7. Hummer H3T
GM added the smaller, Colorado-based Hummer H3 SUV to the lineup while the Hummer H1 was entering its last year of production. In 2008, a pickup variant called the H3T was introduced. These trucks have a 5.3-liter V-8 engine, steel rock rails, a 4.0:1 transfer case, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and a transfer case when equipped with the Alpha trim.
Regrettably, GM discontinued the Hummer name shortly after the H3T’s launch in 2009. The H3T is a highly desirable and rare Hummer, with just approximately 2,700 units sold.
8. International Harvester Scout
Though the firm started making trucks in 1907, International Harvester didn’t introduce the Scout 80 until 1961. The International Scout was a two-door, off-road SUV with a detachable top designed to rival the well-liked CJ model from Jeep.
The Scout was manufactured in a range of sizes and configurations right up until 1980. Now, over 40 years after the final Scout left the factory, interest in the tough cars has grown significantly.
9. Isuzu VehiCROSS
The stylish and small Isuzu VehiCROSS SUV has developed a devoted fan base. From 1999 through 2001, Isuzu sold around 4,000 units in the US. The VehiCROSS shared many components with the larger Trooper, including two powerful V-6 engine options. But its computerized “Torque-on-Demand” all-wheel-drive system, which included a real low-range gear, was the real show stealer.
10. Jeep Cherokee
No, we’re not talking about the 2014–2023 Jeep Cherokee, which is based on the Fiat 500. We’re talking about the 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ. From its modest beginnings as the forerunner of the modern body-on-frame SUV, the Jeep Cherokee XJ has risen to prominence as one of the most sought-after off-road vehicles ever made.
It was supported by both automatic and manual transmission choices and came with many engine options, including the renowned 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Although there were variants with rear-wheel drive, the majority had four-wheel drive, a solid front axle, and a transfer case that could be manually changed.
11. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is another incredibly well-liked and significant off-road vehicle. When the Grand Cherokee made its 1993 debut, it was meant to rival Ford’s new Explorer. It was a little bit bigger and more opulent than the regular Cherokee. Despite losing its solid front axle in 2005 and becoming fully independent in 2011, the Jeep Grand Cherokee—now in its fifth generation—remains the benchmark for midsize off-road SUVs.
12. Jeep Gladiator
Jeep, contrary to what most people think, has been in the pickup game quite before. Produced from 1962 to 1988, the original Jeep Gladiator was renamed the J-Series in 1971. Next came the CJ-8 Scrambler, which was produced from 1981 to 1986. It was followed by the Comanche in 1986, a compact truck based on the XJ Cherokee chassis.
Once Comanche was discontinued in 1992, Jeep had no pickup until Gladiator returned in 2018. The latest Gladiator has front and rear solid axles, link-coil suspension, and a removable top. It is based on the Wrangler Unlimited. The desert-focused Gladiator Mojave and rock-crawling Gladiator Rubicon offer maximum off-road performance.
13. Jeep Wagoneer
In keeping with the current trend of bringing back former brand names, Jeep has reintroduced the full-size Wagoneer. Don’t get us wrong, Waggy’s latest generation is quite adept off-road. But its forerunners were some of the greatest and most opulent off-road cars available at the time. The first Wagoneer was the first full-size body-on-frame SUV and was produced for 30 years, from 1963 to 1993.
14. Jeep Wrangler
Jeep’s Wrangler is the most famous and influential off-road vehicle. The SUV was originally created during World War II, but it wasn’t named Wrangler until 1987. The first-generation Wrangler YJ had square headlamps and leaf springs front and rear.
Second-generation Wrangler TJs have link-coil suspension instead of leaf springs. The third-generation Wrangler JK introduced the four-door Unlimited. The fifth-generation Wrangler JL offered a diesel, turbocharged four-cylinder, plug-in hybrid, and Wrangler’s first V-8.
Besides a few early JK models, Wranglers have always been four-wheel-drive, had manually moved transfer cases, solid front and rear axles, and removable tops and doors. Some OEM off-road hardware includes locking differentials, raised suspension, huge knobby tires, body armor, and winches.
15. Lamborghini LM002
There was a short-lived Humvee-like SUV called the LM002 from Lamborghini. The 1986-1993 front-engine off-road LM002 used the Countach’s 5.2-liter V-12. The company’s maritime line had a 7.2-liter V-12. Both had five-speed manual transmissions only. The LM002 used Pirelli Scorpion run-flat tires in mixed-use and sand tread patterns. Lamborghini only constructed 301 LM002s, and only 48 made it to the US.
16. Land Rover Defender
Land Rover’s Defender SUV was inspired by World War II Willys military vehicles. These tough off-roaders were produced in 1948. The original Land Rover Defender 110 debuted in 1984 and was manufactured until 2016. Despite its global fame, the Land Rover Defender was only sold in the US from 1993 to 1997. Land Rover released a contemporary, off-road-capable Defender in 2020.
17. Land Rover Discovery
In 1989, Land Rover introduced the Discovery, a seven-passenger full-size SUV. Discovery didn’t hit the US market until 1994. Multiple models of the Discovery have maintained their off-road prowess. In 2017, the latest version lost most of its rugged design and sent Discovery LR3 and LR4 lovers to the Defender.
18. Lexus LX
Lexus released the LX in 1996 and has passed through four generations. Lexus calls the LX “Luxury Crossover,” although other luxury Japanese brand importers call it “Luxury Four Wheel Drive.” The Lexus LX is on our list since it shares much of the Toyota Land Cruiser’s off-road hardware and capability. While the latest Toyota Land Cruiser is not sold in the U.S., the Lexus LX 600 shares the same chassis and off-road technology.
18. Lexus GX
Since its 2003 launch, the Lexus GX has gained appeal among adventurers due to its common suspension design with Toyota’s 4Runner SUV and its Land Cruiser heritage. Its Torsen center differential, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), and rear air suspension set it apart from the 4Runner. The newly announced third-generation GX 550s will have Offroad and Overtrail+ versions.
19. Mercedes G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or Geländewagen, is one of the most famous SUVs. Many don’t consider the G an off-roader due to its exorbitant price and tendency to land in celebrity driveways. Originally designed as a military vehicle for Iran’s king, Mohammad Reza Shah, who owned a large share of Mercedes, the G-Wagen was tough and capable off-road. Mercedes started making these SUVs in 1979, and the G-Class didn’t arrive in the US until 2002. The luxury Mercedes-AMG G63 still has front, rear, and center locking differentials.
20. Mitsubishi Montero
Similar to Nissan’s Armada, the Mitsubishi Montero has deep off-road roots in the most challenging conditions. The Montero is called Pajero worldwide. A cult favorite, the Montero was sold in the U.S. from 1983 to 2006. In 1992, the second-generation model replaced the two-door model from 1990. In 2001, a third-generation tough vehicle replaced ladder frames with unibody construction and solid axles with independent suspension.
21. Nissan Armada
The family-hauling Nissan Armada is another unusual off-road hero. This three-row full-size SUV shares its base with the Patrol, an off-roader. The Patrol was a military vehicle connected to the Willy CJ-3B in 1951. After decades of wear and tear, the Patrol and Armada are still powerful trail machines. Now, can we just have the electronic locking rear differential in America already?
22. Nissan Frontier
Nissan has dominated the compact and midsize pickup industry since the 1970s, and the Frontier has long been a favorite of off-roaders. These trucks are strong and equipped for off-roading. They are easily upgraded and dependable. The third-generation Nissan Frontier Pro4X has a locking rear differential, a slight raise, knobby off-road tires, and Bilstein dampers.
23. Nissan Xterra
The Frontier-based Nissan Xterra was produced from 1999 to 2015 and had two generations. This midsize SUV’s locking rear differential, manual transmission, and strong supercharged 3.3-liter V-6 and 4.0-liter V-6 engines attracted off-road aficionados. The Frontier and Xterra shared suspension and body parts, making them easy to accessorize.
24. Ram TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX is the Ram’s counterpart to the F-150 Raptor and can handle sandy, rough, whoopy desert terrain. This vehicle won MotorTrend Vehicle of the Year in 2021 and draws attention wherever it goes. The TRX has a powerful, supercharged 6.2-liter, 702-hp V-8 engine.
The 1500 TRX features aggressive fenders that are wide and have clearance for 37-in (0.9 m) wheels. It also has skid plates below and 13-in (0.3 m) of front and 14-in (0.35 m) of rear travel. It can handle off-road terrain with ease.
25. Ram Power Wagon
RAM’s Power Wagon was the first civilian four-wheel-drive heavy-duty pickup made after the war, dating back to 1945. This special-edition Ram 2500 Heavy Duty truck has a 12,000-lb (5443 kg) Warn winch, locking front and rear differentials, skid plates, and an electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar.
It is powered by Ram’s 6.4-liter gasoline Hemi V-8 and an eight-speed automatic (no Cummins diesel option). This beast of a 4×4 truck is ideal for conquering the harsh backcountry.
26. Suzuki Samurai
Starting in 1986, Suzuki sold the Samurai as its first four-wheeled vehicle in the U.S. The Samurai’s sturdy axles, manual locking hubs, manual transmission, and locking differentials made it a hit with off-roaders despite its 63 hp. The Samurai’s small size makes it excellent for narrow trails. Samurai sales in the US ended in 1995. Its lineage lives overseas as the popular Jimny.
27. Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner has been produced by Toyota since 1984. Based on the Toyota Pickup, the original 4Runner had two- and four-door variants. Prior to the 1986 model year, the car had a solid front axle. In 1990, a rear link-coil suspension was added for the second generation.
In 1996, the third-generation 4Runner switched to the Tacoma and Land Cruiser Prado platforms. Since 2010, the fifth-generation 4Runner has stayed more or less unchanged. The 4Runner is easy to alter and comes in Trail, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro variants.
28. Toyota FJ Cruiser
After the Land Cruiser increased in size, Toyota introduced the FJ Cruiser in 2007. This distinctively looking two-door SUV shared much of its running gear with the Tacoma and 4Runner. Toyota fans loved the FJ Cruiser’s quirky design, tough off-road hardware (including a manually operated transfer case and rear locking differential), and ease of fitting. Sadly, the FJ Cruiser left the US in 2014 and was produced globally until 2022.
29. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary off-road vehicle. Since 1951, almost 10 million vehicles have been sold worldwide. Toyota started selling the Land Cruiser in the US in 1958, and it was the company’s best-selling car from 1961 to 1965.
The Land Cruiser has evolved from a military-inspired SUV to a three-row SUV more common at school drop-off than in South American jungles. However, the Land Cruiser retained its off-road prowess and durability. The Land Cruiser left North America after the 2021 model year, although it thrives globally and will come back to the U.S. soon.
30. Toyota Tacoma
Toyota introduced its Hi-Lux compact truck to the U.S. in 1972 as “Pickup.” The redesigned Tacoma small pickup debuted in 1995. Since then, Tacoma has expanded from a small vehicle to a midsize truck and leads sales by a considerable margin.
Its easy-to-modify suspension and abundant factory off-road components make the Tacoma popular among all off-roaders. Tacoma introduced the desert-go-fast midsize truck category with the 2015 TRD Pro and added the Trailhunter overland package in 2024.
Conclusion
These were some of the best off-road vehicles that existed throughout history. From legendary classics to cutting-edge modern designs, these vehicles showcase off-road performance, durability, and style at their best. As technology continues to advance, the off-road category will surely see even more powerful and capable vehicles in the years ahead.
