The 4×4 market is quickly becoming a highly saturated one and while many of these SUV-style vehicles are perfect for city driving, not all of them can tackle off-roading quite as well as their size and design might suggest. For those wanting to ditch the roads and head out onto rougher terrain, having the right car is crucial – pick the wrong one, and you could have some expensive engine or bodywork repairs on your hands, or an unpleasant drive in the meantime. But, in an age of luxury cars, picking the right ones for your off-roading experience can be daunting – we’re here to help.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is undoubtedly one of the longest-standing popular choices for an offroading vehicle, and rightly so. With heritage drawing back as far as World War 2 military vehicles – in particular the Willys Jeep – the modern Wrangler still very much holds its own as one of the most well-known and popular off-roading vehicles around today. Sophisticated, stylish and with the ability to tackle most terrains, the Wrangler is undoubtedly a surefire choice for off-roaders. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that due to it’s design as an off-roading vehicle, it’s on-road performance can be lacking. The suspension can make normal driving bouncy and modern Wranglers are typically larger than the average SUV, making parking and driving in small roads or streets a struggle.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 isn’t strictly an off-road vehicle – in fact, owners of the standard BMW X5 might find that it lacks a little when it comes to heading off of the tarmac. However, it’s the xOffroad Pack on the options list that gives this vehicle its rightful place on this list. With four additional driving modes – namely the xSand, xRocks, xGravel and xSnow – this luxury vehicle can tackle some tough terrains with relative ease. It’s no Jeep Wrangler, but for those looking for a road-ready car that can tackle off-roading on the weekends, this is undoubtedly a great choice. The Offroad pack also offers additional underbody protection, as well as electronically-controlled locking differentials to help protect your vehicle even more.
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender has long been known for its ‘go anywhere’ ability, but it’s only in recent years that Land Rover has really brought this vehicle into the modern age, offering all the luxury and quality of modern SUVs. Its practicality is unrivalled, offering both on and off-road performance and with a huge range of configurations to choose from, it’s versatile too. From three-door and five-door options to the choice between petrol, diesel and even hybrid engine options, the Defender is a strong contender for the best off-roader.
Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster is a budget vehicle compared to others on this list, but it’s certainly established itself as a no-nonsense SUV perfect for families and off-roading alike. While perhaps not perfect off-road, it’s certainly adept at handling a number of terrains and with a spacious interior and good build quality, it’s a great option for those wanting an off-road vehicle that doesn’t have a huge price tag attached.
Fiat Panda 4×4
The Fiat Panda 4×4 isn’t exactly what you’d expect for an off-road vehicle. It’s smaller size and lighter weight don’t appear to lend themselves to being good for off-roading, however this vehicle certainly holds its own. With a raised suspension, steel bash plates and solid bumpers, this seemingly small SUV can nip around even the tightest of bends up in mountainous terrain and handle a surprising amount of uneven ground. While not quite as capable as the larger Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover Defender at tackling some seriously rocky roads, it is a great option for those wanting a lighter off-road experience in a vehicle they can trust.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one vehicle that may surprise a lot of people here in the UK. However, while the Land Rover Discovery is popular here, it’s the Toyota Land Cruiser that proves popular in other places overseas. Like the Wrangler, it isn’t the best in terms of everyday family driving, however this seven-seater SUV certainly holds it’s own when you head off-road and onto new terrains. Toyota are well known for being reliable and the Land Cruiser is particularly good at not getting stuck.
If you are looking to invest in an off-roading SUV, we hope this guide has helped you in your decision. We offer servicing and repairs on a huge range of manufacturers and for a wide array of issues – simply get in touch to find out more, or to book your existing car in with our team.