This article was first published in 2023, now updated and republished.
Off-road adventures are more popular than ever, and automakers are responding. Family SUVs are evolving beyond basic haulers, adding real off-road chops like higher ground clearance, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and more. No gimmicks, just adventure-ready capability. Here are some of the best options today.
Hyundai Santa Fe XRT
Off-road features:
1.4 inches of extra ground clearance
30-inch all-terrain tires (245/60R18)
Dark chrome and black trim elements
We won’t blame you if you’ve mistaken the redesigned (and unrecognizable) Santa Fe for something completely new from the Korean manufacturer. In early 2023, Hyundai introduced the off-road-ready XRT Concept variant alongside the next-generation 2024 Santa Fe. Now, the XRT is a full-fledged production model adventure-going families can count on.
The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT sports a rugged, off-road-ready presence with dark chrome and black trim elements, strategic cladding, and black roof rails with cross bars for practicality, which is ideal for rooftop tents. Its 30-inch all-terrain tires (245/60R18) underscore its off-road capabilities, complemented by a broader liftgate and a remarkable 1.4 inches of extra ground clearance. While offering the standard 1.6L turbocharged hybrid, we’d opt for the more robust 2.5L turbocharged engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering an estimated 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque for a powerful off-road experience.
Chevrolet Traverse Z71
Off-road features:
Z71-specific 18″ wheels, AT tires, tow hooks & skid plate
More than 1″ increased ground clearance
Trailering package comes standard
Chevy’s mid-size Traverse, a 7-passenger SUV, underwent a much-needed redesign after a 2022 refresh that didn’t make significant changes. The updated version features a more striking design, introduces interior enhancements like a 17.7-inch screen, and swaps the old 3.6L V6 for a more potent 2.5L engine. Notably, the new Traverse Z71 trim steals the spotlight as an off-roader with seven seats, offering over 1-inch increased ground clearance, improved stability with a widened track, and exclusive 18-inch all-terrain wheels.
Built for adventure, the Z71 model boasts enhanced off-road capabilities, a distinctive front fascia, red tow hooks, and a rugged aluminum skid plate for rock-bashing prowess. Equipped with a standard trailering package, hill descent control, and versatile drive modes, the Z71-flavored Traverse is ready to tackle diverse terrains and haul weekend toys to the cabin.
Volvo EX30 Cross Country
Off-road features:
Skidplates on the front, rear and side
Higher ground clearance & 19″ wheel option
422-hp Twin Motor Performance electric powertrain
The new Volvo EX30, an all-electric compact SUV, boasts the smallest CO2 footprint in Volvo’s lineup. While the standard 2024 EX30 may not be off-road ready, the resilient EX30 Cross Country variant steps up for smaller families and adventurous weekend warriors. The XC version is tailored for off-road exploration, featuring increased ground clearance, 19-inch black wheels (with an option for 18-inch wheels and custom tires), and essential skid plates for rough terrain. Anticipated to sport the robust Twin Motor Performance variant with 422 horsepower, achieving a swift 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, this Scandinavian EV promises an exhilarating off-the-grid adventure with rapid charging capabilities to keep the journey going.
Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
Off-road features:
New 349-hp twin-turbo V6 makes 479 lb.-ft. of torque
Electronic locking rear differential comes standard
Smaller 18″ wheels with 33″ All-Terrain tires
The 2024 Lexus GX lineup undergoes a comprehensive redesign, introducing the GX 550 Overtrail and Overtrail+ models. Elevating the luxury off-roading experience, these models feature smaller yet sturdier 18-inch wheels, standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires, and distinctive bi-tone exterior paint options in natural tones. Exclusive to the Overtrail trims is an electronic locking rear differential for enhanced traction and control. These models also showcase black-accented overfenders for style and function, along with a standard aluminum skid plate to safeguard the GX’s fuel tank, differentials, and transfer box during rugged terrain exploration.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
Off-road features:
Revised CVT transmission offering low-end torque
Upgraded wheels & tires and larger wheel arches
Hex-designed LED fog lights
The redesigned 2020 sixth-generation Outback SUV already showcased impressive off-road capabilities thanks to advanced all-wheel drive and a utility-focused design. However, Subaru took it up a notch for 2022 with the Outback Wilderness edition. Transforming the suburban family hauler into an off-the-grid warrior while maintaining everyday drivability, the ramped Outback boasts around 17 notable upgrades, including higher ground clearance, beefier tires, new bumpers, and a more rugged blacked-out aesthetic for conquering unpaved terrain. The powertrain remains unchanged. It features the current range-topping 2.4L turbocharged engine and 8-speed CVT transmission, which produce 260 hp at 5,600 rpm, 277 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, and a 3,500-lb. towing capacity.
Subaru Forester Wilderness
Off-road features:
Nearly 10-inches of ground clearance
X-MODE comes as standard
Upgraded exterior features with more durability
Subaru gave its top-selling product the Wilderness treatment in 2022. For 2026, the Forester Wilderness has increased 9.3-inch ground clearance, revised suspension, and a retuned 2.5L BOXER engine delivering 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque for better low-end power. It retains X-MODE and all-terrain Yokohama GEOLANDAR tires. A refreshed grille, headlights, and matte-black 17-inch wheels dial up its rugged look, while the upgraded interior features water-repellent StarTex upholstery and a new 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ford Explorer Timberline
Off-road features:
Steel skid plates
Torsen limited-slip rear differential
5,300 pounds towing capacity
This Explorer breaks the mold with steel skid plates, increased ground clearance, and enhanced towing capabilities, earning its title as the most off-road-capable Explorer to date. Equipped with Ford intelligent four-wheel drive and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, it automatically optimizes torque distribution for optimal traction. Under the hood, the mid-size SUV is powered by Ford’s 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Including a Class III Trailer Tow Package further expands its versatility, allowing drivers to tow adventure-ready toys like RVs, ATVs, and watercraft.
Ford Expedition Timberline
Off-road features:
Best-in-class standard ground clearance
New tech like SYNC 4a, Ford Power-Up, and BlueCruise hands-free driving system
33-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires
Coming as no surprise, Ford’s big hauler also gets the off-road Expedition Timberline treatment introduced in 2022. The most off-road capable Expedition in the lineup distinguishes itself from others through a distinct grille and Active Orange exterior accents. Ford has improved its trail capability with the best-in-class standard ground clearance, wider track, and enhanced approach and departure angles. Further enhancements include Trail Turn Assist – we find on Bronco – allowing you to make tight turns, rugged 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, improved ride height, a two-speed transfer case, and an F-150 Raptor heavy-duty underbody skid plate. The power comes from the Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, pumping out 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
VW Atlas Peak Edition
Off-road features:
18-inch black alloy wheels with 255/60 all-terrain tires
Rugged front fascia and underbody cladding in silver
Standard black roof rails
In 2019, the German debuted the Atlas Basecamp Concept and the burly HIVE EX compact expedition trailer at the New York Auto Show (and the compact Taos off-roader shortly after). Like most concepts, this adventure-ready 7-seater wasn’t arriving at dealers anytime soon. But VW followed through with the rugged 2024 Atlas Peak Edition to make up for this. It distinguishes itself with a rugged front fascia and silver underbody cladding, featuring a gloss-black “X” element borrowed from the Atlas Cross Sport. The blacked-out grille is accentuated by two chrome strips flanking the illuminated logo.
On the side, a sizeable gloss-black badge with the Peak Edition logo in orange and chrome complements black and silver rugged side sills, mirror caps, window surround, and roof rails for a sleek profile. Standard black roof rails and an available large panoramic sunroof enhance the exterior. Peak Edition models roll on 18-inch black alloy wheels with 255/60 all-terrain tires, adding to the Atlas’s off-road versatility.
Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
Off-road features:
Off-road tuned suspension with 5/8-inch lift
18-inch beadlock-style wheels mounted with all-terrain tires
Tubular roof rack 220-pound load capacity max.
The Nissan Pathfinder marked its 35th year in 2022, arriving with a robust redesign and a more responsive 9-speed transmission paired with 4WD. This enhanced its towing capabilities and accommodated eight passengers. Nissan aims to revive the Pathfinder’s adventure-oriented roots by boasting a more significant presence with bigger tires, a wider stance, and a dominant front end.
Taking it further, the introduction of the 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek grade transforms the mid-size SUV into an off-road powerhouse, featuring a lifted and tuned suspension, 18-inch beadlock-style wheels with all-terrain rubber, a sturdy roof rack with a 220-pound load capacity, and standard Nissan Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode. All models, equipped with 4WD and seven drive modes, including Tow, ensure versatility and capability, with Trailer Sway Control standard for the available 6,000-pound towing capacity.
Honda Passport TrailSport
Off-road features:
New TrailSport with Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system
8.3-inch ground clearance
Reinforced steel skid plates, off-road tuned suspension
Honda asserts that the completely reimagined 2026 Passport is “equally at home on dirt and mud-strewn trails as it is on the highway or twisting mountain roads.” With the introduction of the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims refreshed in 2022, the Passport now offers enhanced versatility and durability for adventurous drivers. And the completely redesigned 2026 Passport looks the part, finally.
The Passport TrailSport features an increased ground clearance of 8.3 inches (up from 8.1 inches), allowing it to easily tackle unpaved roads. It stands out with a bold front grille, much burlier front and rear bumpers with skid plate designs, and rides on 18-inch wheels equipped with all-terrain tires. Under the hood, a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering power and smooth performance. Standard features include advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as part of the Honda Sensing suite, ensuring a secure driving experience.
GMC Yukon AT4
Off-road features:
More blacked-out features with red tow hooks
Four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension
Front skid plate
As far as American premium full-size SUVs go, the Yukon Denali has definitely been leading the way since the upscale hauler hit the scene back in 1999. In 2021, GMC was taking things off-road with the rugged new Yukon AT4, following in the footsteps of the Sierra AT4 pickup, Sierra HD AT4, and Acadia AT4. All Yukons ride on a four-corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that will raise the body to 2 inches (50 mm) for additional ground clearance when traveling off-road; GMC claims this new suspension makes for a comfier ride.
Unlike the glossy Denali, the Yukon AT4 replaces all the shiny stuff with dark elements and chunks of black. And, of course, the prominent pair of red recovery hooks, similar to the Sierra AT4, make this Yukon stand out. At this maximum height, the Yukon AT4 offers a nearly 32-degree approach angle for added off-road capability.
Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
Off-road features:
More muscular, wider looks
New TNGA platform
New 2.5L Inline-4
The RAV4 has never been an ‘off-road machine’ since hitting the market in 1994. But the new model is heading in that direction to some degree. The muscular, aggressively-styled RAV4 is unlike anything we would’ve expected when the covers came off at its 2018 New Auto Show debut – and that’s definitely a good thing for this fifth-generation model. The new chiseled RAV4 with available 19-inch wheels sports a more robust nose, leading to a more dynamic profile with bolder shoulders. Looks aside, we expect it to handle off-road duties; the RAV4 sits on a new TNGA platform, allowing for a lower, broader package, while the shorter front and rear overhangs will aid in RAV4’s ability to conquer the back trails with ease.
Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition
Off-road features:
Black metallic 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60/18 all-terrain Falken Tires
Side rocker panels and an all-new headlight garnish
Standard AWD across all CX-50 models
Debuting as a North America-exclusive compact crossover for 2023, the first-ever CX-50 stands out with the CX-50 Meridian Edition, designed for off-road enthusiasts. This package enhances the CX-50 with exclusive 18-inch wheels, robust Falken all-terrain tires, and distinctive features like a matte black hood graphic, black wheel locks and lugs, and a Polymetal Gray or Zircon Sand exterior.
While 2023 models will no longer include the headlamp garnish, the Meridian Edition includes side rocker panels and an all-new headlight garnish for tackling rough terrains. Standardized with all-wheel drive, the CX-50 offers a choice between a 256-hp 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 227-hp version with a six-speed automatic transmission featuring manual shift mode.
Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Off-road features:
Burlier all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, 9.3″ ground clearance
3,500 lbs. towing capacity (more than double base model)
Ladder-type roof rack system for tents
Thanks to its compact size, the Crosstrek already possesses rough-and-tumble looks out of the gate. The Wilderness trim takes it to another level with distinctive aesthetics, featuring brand new front and rear bumpers, a bold hexagonal grille, bigger wheel arch cladding, a metal skid plate at the front, unique hex-shaped LED fog lights, and a matte-black anti-glare decal on the hood. For true adventurers looking to camp on the roof, there’s also a handy ladder-type roof rack system with a 176-lb. dynamic load capacity and a 700-lb. static load limit to accommodate larger roof-top tents without issues.
