Going off-road? You probably already have your favorites for those adventures. But, the list of SUVs specialized for the 4×4 ride is longer every season. Many companies want to get involved in this category, but it is not easy to compete with the best models with high reputations already.
There are not too many SUVs that are capable of the 4×4 drive and off-road adventures in the base form. So, they need upgrades. Here are the packages and configurations you need for the best impression.
2024 Jeep Wrangler
The entire lineup is capable of off-road drive. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler is definitely sitting at the No. 1 spot for 4×4 adventures. But, you can always make it better. The Rubicon package is the best upgrade for those needs. Or, Sahara can do some serious things as well. The ultimate upgrade is the Rubicon 392 with a V8 engine.
Here are some parts that make the off-road drive smoother. The Rubicon package is equipped with 17-inch wheels set. A V8 also brings larger rims. A shorter gear ratio and electronic locking differentials are standard. The company also adds rock rails and the special Off-Road Plus drive mode. The Rubicon 392 also comes with a premium interior, including Alpine audio and leather seats.
2024 Toyota 4Runner
This is basically the family vehicle, with three rows of seats. But, the TRD packages make the 4Runner a serious off-roader, in any form. You can select TRD Sport as the base configuration or the TRD Off-Road if you want more serious equipment. And, the ultimate 4×4 package is the TRD Pro. Well, it is the most expensive version, but people love it because of the many mods available.
It’s been a while since the 4Runner was updated. Many rumors predict the 2024 YM to bring a new generation. So, we recommend you to wait. The next-gen 4Runner will also come with the revisited off-road package. For Tundra, that is the Trailhunter. Toyota announced this concept as the new platform for all the big vehicles capable of off-roading.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NEXT-GEN 4RUNNER
2024 Lexus GX 460 and GX 550
Let’s stick to the Toyota family. The 4Runner is the favorite off-roader for many reasons. But, the Lexus GX was capable of doing pretty much the same stuff, but the price is way higher. Features from the TRD packages are included. However, paying more than $60k for the SUV is more because of the comfort and advanced options. Going off the road can damage body parts, so some kinds of upgrades are required.
Lexus filed for the new nameplate, the GX550. Now it is obvious that the next-gen SUV is coming out soon, so you should wait and see what it can bring. Another thing is sure – the price will be higher. Plus, according to trusted sources, the GX 550 will drop a V8 engine and use a turbo-six. Experts are not sure yet if it is going to affect off-road performance.
2024 Lexus LX 600
Like the GX, the 2024 Lexus LX will be equipped with some serious 4×4 gear. It is now the only big premium SUV by the Japanese company after Toyota dropped Land Cruiser in the US. Well, those are very similar models, with the gap between luxury and utility almost closed. The new generation is out and Lexus installed the I Force engine as the replacement for the old and reliable V8.
The first impressions are not bad, although fans were not happy with this change. But, the high-end version with the hybrid system made the 2024 Lexus LX 600 very capable for driving in any conditions. Serious equipment is installed, so the LX doesn’t need TRD badges. The biggest downside of this SUV is the price, which easily runs into the six-digit realm.
2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Again, Toyota. We’ll finish the countdown with the big non-premium SUV. It is the latest member of the TRD family. The base SUV is not too capable of off-road drive, but with the TRD Pro, the situation changes. The best options are there, including 4WD, aluminum skid plate, stabilizer bar, Fox shocks, and a few styling upgrades that make the vehicle more appealing.
Anyway, the SUV is new. The latest generation has just debuted and we are still collecting impressions. The styling is drawing attention, as well as the new 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 engine. It is as capable as the old V8, but fuel-friendlier. What’s next for the 2024 Sequoia? Well, old rumors were mentioning the new TRD Pro package, but it seems Toyota is going to add the Trailhunter version instead of it.
2024 Land Rover Defender
There are three versions available, but the 2024 Land Rover Defender 90 with the shortest wheelbase will be the favorite for off-road adventurers. Besides the LWB versions, there are many other upgrades available for the iconic SUV. You will probably want to maximize the impression with a V8 engine. But, that means a six-digit price. Other upgrades include skid plates and massive wheels.
The interior is luxurious and the price is pretty hefty. But, the British carmaker and the 2024 Defender are considered true successors of the old Hummer, the SUV that took out the market by storm ten years ago with its styling and capabilities. Land Rover is making a statement, and if the price was not so high, we could talk about it as one of the main rivals to the Wrangler and 4Runner.
2024 Mercedes G-Wagon
Speaking of luxury off-road SUVs, there are not too many things the 2024 Mercedes G-Wagon can’t do. This is the gem in the German carmaker’s lineup and the only SUV that uses a body-on-frame platform. That is one of the big things that make vehicles better in tough road conditions. Well, the G-Class is stylish, eye-catching, cozy, and ready for extreme adventures. Still, you need to pay a lot to get it.
The base price of the 2024 Mercedes G-Wagon will be above $140,000. The G550 model is equipped with a V8 engine that produces 416 horsepower. Of course, the 4×4 is standard. The AMG G 63 is an upgraded version with 577 horsepower and a price close to $190,000. Last year, the company launched the Squared edition, and exclusive model that nearly doubles the price.
2024 GMC Yukon AT4x
General Motors is back in the market with the new off-road package. Their GMC vehicles were well-known for splitting the lineup into premium Denali vehicles and 4×4 specialists AT4. Now, the upgraded package is making the 2024 GMC Yukon AT4x more capable of driving in difficult terrains.
It is a full-size SUV that makes handling a bit tough. But, several upgrades will make off-road controls way better. The front fascia is revisited to offer a better approach angle. Tow hooks are also there. Of course, 4×4 is standard with all-terrain rubbers wrapping big wheels. Adaptive suspension makes the ride more comfortable. Also, the stability is enhanced. There are also some accessories that make the interior cozier and safer.
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness
The success of the first Wilderness on the Outback SUV could make Subaru expand the lineup. But, until it happens, we’ll stick to this model. The Wilderness package stick to a naturally-aspirated flat-four engine. Every Subaru comes with a four-wheel drive, but for the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness, it is revisited to bring low ratio settings. You are getting 17-inch wheels, lifted suspension, skid plates, and many details on the body. The roof rack can carry a heavier load.
The price is another great thing about the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness. It costs under $40k. Still, this is the top-of-the-range version. The company will definitely expand the Wilderness lineup. Fans hope to see the big Ascent with the off-road equipment. Also, the new all-electric Solterra is coming out. We’ll see if the EV can offer some off-road excitement.
2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport
Honda is not so well-known for off-road action. But, the new 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport could change the image. This is a new model with specific upgrades that will helt the SUV perform better in tough terrain conditions. We already saw the Trailsport on the smaller Passport, but it was not a true 4×4 model. For the Pilot, we see suspension lift and ground clearance rising by 1 inch.
Designers also added a few skid plates. Three of them protect the fuel tank, rear end, and of course, the engine. The AWD is unique for this version. When a wheel is not touching the ground, the power for traction is distributed to other wheels. The 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport also adds some cool body and interior upgrades which makes the SUV more appealing. For example, Diffused Sky Blue is a unique paint for this model.
2024 Nissan Armada Pro-4X
The Pro-4X is an underrated off-road package. When speaking of the best 4×4 trucks, many will mention Ford Raptor, Ram Power Wagon, and Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. But, the Titan is at the same level when equipped with the Pro-4X features. Since the pickup is sharing the platform with a full-size Armada SUV, we can expect the expansion of the lineup using the special trim level.
Anyhow, this one is not official yet. We assume that the company is going to announce the next-gen SUV first and then specific upgrades and trim levels. The 2024 Nissan Armada Pro-4X would definitely be one of the most interesting truck-based SUVs at dealerships. Knowing the Japanese company is using the new platform, it will need some time to prove itself and take on the best models on this list.
2024 Ford Bronco Raptor
The only Raptor that is not a legendary F-150 truck is finally out. Now, people expect other vehicles to add this package to the lineup. But, the 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor is the star of the lineup, although its price exceeds $75,000. For this money, you are getting a high-performance 3.0-liter V6 engine with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. Well, that is something everyone expected from the Raptor.
Plus, the SUV will get a set of 17-inch wheels and 37-inch tires. The heavy-duty rear axle is installed and top-of-the-class Fox shocks are also there to make a ride at toughest conditions smoother. An active exhaust system is also part of the package. The Bronco Raptor is coming with unique graphics. If you pick a smaller Bronco Sport crossover SUV, the Badlands package is equipped for an off-road drive.
