Best off-road vehicles

After a long hiatus, the Bronco is back, and stylistically pays homage to the 1960s original while adding capability and technology. A direct rival to Jeep’s Wrangler, the new Bronco has rugged body-on-frame construction and standard four-wheel drive. It will be available with two and four doors and have plenty of available customizing accessories.

Ford will fit the Bronco with off-road assist features such as trail cameras to more easily see obstacles, locking differentials to enhance traction, and skid plates and big tires to help it clamber over rocks. The Bronco also has removable doors and fenders to allow for an open-cockpit experience. There are even optional drain plugs in the floor so you can more easily wash out the interior at the end of the day. Expect to see the Bronco at dealerships in late 2021. Starting MSRP: $30,000 (estimated)

The Ford F-150 is completely redesigned for 2021, and it features improved interior materials, refreshed design and upgraded technology features. Along with those changes comes the latest version of the off-road-focused Ford Raptor.

Notably, the new Raptor uses a coil-spring rear suspension instead of the regular F-150’s leaf-spring design. This should improve off-road stability and traction. For power, the Raptor will have a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 good for around 500 hp. Additional enhancements such as Fox monotube shocks and available 37-inch tires mounted on lightweight wheels further boost the Raptor’s dune-busting capability. It should hit dealers this summer. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $60,000 (estimated)

It would be odd to leave the Jeep Wrangler off a list of off-road vehicles. With standard four-wheel drive and features such as disconnecting sway bars to enhance wheel articulation and pre-installed connections for modifications like a winch or off-road lights, there’s plenty of capability baked into the Wrangler Rubicon.

Jeep is keeping the Wrangler fresh with two new versions. First up is the Rubicon 392. The 392 refers to the V8 that generates 470 horsepower, making it the most powerful factory Wrangler ever. And if a growling V8 isn’t your style, there’s even a new plug-in hybrid Wrangler called the 4xe. It’s available in the Rubicon trim and can go about 20 miles on all-electric power. Starting MSRP: $40,370 with destination fees

We recommend taking a closer look at the recently reintroduced Land Rover Defender if you’re looking for a bit more luxury from your off-roader. Taking on off-road duties with a bit more finesse than most rivals, the Defender has sleek styling, a wide range of options and a comfortable interior not often found in the most rugged of vehicles.

Hardware such as a low-range gearing and an adjustable air suspension help the Defender get where it needs to go. And interior features such as heated seats, leather upholstery, and even a refrigerated compartment for drinks help it feel that much more special along the way. New for 2021 is a two-door version, the Defender 90, that joins the four-door Defender 110. Coming soon is an optional 518-horsepower supercharged V8. Starting MSRP: $47,450

Based on the standard Ram 1500 light-duty pickup, the devilishly powerful TRX uses the same engine as Dodge’s Charger and Challenger Hellcats — a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces 702 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

The TRX uses wide-body fenders, a 2-inch chassis lift, a reinforced steel frame and 35-inch tires to considerably boost its off-road prowess. Like the Ford Raptor, the TRX is capable of serious high-speed desert travel. Starting MSRP: $71,890