If you are an experienced adventurer, you probably already have your favorites and models you trust. But, drivers that face the tough terrain for the first time will have a dilemma before deciding which off-road SUV to pick. Here is our list of the best models you can find in 2023.

2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and Sequoia TRD Pro

Actually, there are two leaders in this segment. Some other models can meet the capabilities, but 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler are the best-sellers. Fans of Toyota’s off-road SUV shouldn’t be worried by numerous changes planned for big rigs, since this vehicle is up for the redesign in 2024 or 2025. Buyers are not too worried about the styling, and only the performance matters.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro comes with 4×4 drive and special suspension. The SUV is not lifted compared to the standard edition, sitting 9.6 inches above the ground. This is more than enough for various obstacles. All-terrain tires are wrapping 17-inch wheels. A notable change compared to the standard vehicle is a two-row layout replacing a seven-seat configuration. Well, it has sense. A 4.0-liter V6 is under the hood and delivers 280 hp.

4Runner is one of the first vehicles that introduced the TRD Pro to US buyers back in 2015. Two other models are trucks, Tundra and Tacoma. Now, the lineup is expanded by adding the off-road package to the largest SUV. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a larger version of the 4Runner, with significant upgrades. First of all, it remains a seven-seater, but more importantly, a V8 is delivering more power. On the other hand, it is not easy to maneuver with such a huge vehicle. Nevertheless, the TRD Pro package will make Sequoia one of the best off-roaders in 2023.

2024 4Runner FULL REVIEW

Sequoia FULL REVIEW

6th gen 2023 Toyota 4Runner

2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

It is a big battle between Toyota and Jeep. Wrangler is a legendary vehicle, available with two- and four-door layouts. The other one is called Unlimited. The package that brings the most for adventurers is the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. If you need a lighter version, the Trailhawk is still a good option. The Trackhawk is not going to happen for the 2023 Wrangler or any other year in the foreseeable future.

The ground clearance of the Rubicon model is nearly 11 inches, one more than for all other editions. Approach and departure angles are also making it pretty capable of driving over many obstacles. The company might add another drivetrain option for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. For example, the 4xe plug-in hybrid has 375 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque to offer. Still, the main power comes from a 2.0-liter block. We are eagerly waiting for the debut of the Wrangler Magneto all-electric SUV. Jeep will definitely make it capable of an off-road drive.

FULL REVIEW

2023 Jeep Wrangler release date

2023 Ford Bronco, Bronco Raptor, and Bronco Sport

We can already expand the lineup of no-brainers to three vehicles now the Bronco is back. The iconic SUV caused a huge interest back in 2015 when the company announced it. It is a bit late, but the vehicle is out, finally. Now, it won’t be hard to catch up with the class leaders.

Even the base 2023 Ford Bronco will show some promising off-road capabilities. But, the Raptor version would kill the competition. We just need to take a look at what does the F-150 Raptor is doing in a truck segment or Ranger Raptor outside the US. On the other hand, we are listening for a long time about the expansion of Raptor vehicles. So far, all those stories were just rumors.

But, in 2023, Ford could change a few things. Still, if the big SUV doesn’t see such an upgrade, there is an alternative. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller vehicle, designed for 4×4 adventures. It will compete against 2-door Wrangler. Knowing the Blue Oval company, they won’t save to make an immediate breakthrough.

2023 Bronco Raptor Review

2022 ford bronco

2023 GMC Hummer Electric SUV

Like the mind-blowing memes, the comeback of the Hummer continues to impress. First, we found out it will be GMC’s vehicle. Immediately, the company announced a truck, which will use electric power. Fans were optimistic about the SUV version, and here it comes as the 2023 GMC Hummer Electric SUV. The truck will be out in 2022 and after the premiere, we will know more details about its sibling, capacities, capabilities, and first impressions.

Well, the 2023 GMC Hummer Electric SUV might be off-road ready, but the new technology needs to earn the trust of off-road enthusiasts. Plus, the price is not going to be low. Hummer will cost significantly more than the Wrangler of 4Runner. But, for the first time, we’ll see Extract mode. Body lifts up by 6 inches when you need it in tough terrains. Plus, there is the so-called Crab Walk, the feature that will allow the 2023 GMC Hummer Electric SUV to drive diagonally. Advanced technology deserves a high price.

FULL REVIEW

2023 GMC Hummer SUV price

2023 GMC Yukon AT4

If you are a fan of the GMC but don’t want to spend a fortune, or you don’t like new technologies, the company will offer another cool option. The 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 definitely deserves the place on this list. However, its size, like with Toyota Sequoia, is the main problem. It is not easy to handle such a big mule on the road, and off the road, everything is becoming even more complicated.

But still, there is a lot of power to support your adventure. Buyers can choose between 5.3 and 6.2 gas engines. The first one is good for 355 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque, while the second one raises the bar to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. That is not all – a 3.0-liter turbodiesel can provide 277 hp and 460 lb-ft as an excellent alternative. Plus, an oil burner is going to save some fuel as well.

2023 Yukon Review (Denali Ultimate, AT4, Electric, Diesel)

2024 Yukon Review

2022 GMC Yukon towing capacity

2023 Mercedes G-Wagon

The most expensive model on this list with a price tag of $130,000. For this money, buyers can expect their vehicles to deliver everything. The 2023 Mercedes G-Wagon is not going to disappoint you. Boxy look brings a distinctive appearance. The interior is equipped with state-of-art equipment and premium materials. Under the hood, you’ll find a mighty 4.0-liter V8 powertrain capable of delivering 415 hp and 450 b-ft.

That is not all. There are plenty of upgrades if you are willing to spend more money. Of course, the 2023 Mercedes AMG G 63 is going to be one of the most popular options. Outputs are getting a boost by a special treatment of the twin-turbo system and make it to 577 hp and 625 lb-ft. Plus, there are a few other interior and exterior treatments to make the 2023 Mercedes G-Wagon AMG more eye-catching. Even more, Brabus packages are possible, after the limited-time offers in 2020 and 2021.

FULL REVIEW

2023 Mercedes G-Wagon amg

2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender is still wearing the badge “the most capable off-road SUV”. Well, that is the company’s logo and the vehicle has a lot to prove. In the US, the competition is cruel. Defender definitely drew attention with the variety of options. The base model starts under $50k. It is a short-wheelbase two-door model and you have to pay about $3,000 more for the larger 4-door version. Of course, the British company will pack the legendary SUV with plenty of features as you are climbing the trim-level ladder.

At the top of the class is the 2023 Land Rover Defender X, specialized for off-road adventures. If you want to make it unstoppable, go after a V8 engine. The price enters a six-digit realm, no matter if you select a two- or four-door SUV. Depending on the configuration, the Defender is going to return between 300 and 515 lb-ft of torque. Supercharged V8 makes the SUV sprint 0-60 mph in just five seconds.

2021 Land Rover Defender two door

2023 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser is the last model on this least just because one reason – we might not see it next year! Yes, that’s right – the company is considering discontinuation for the US market due to slow sales. It will also make more room for the upcoming Lexus LX. Well, those two are basically the same SUV. But, the Land Cruiser is the vehicle that showed the world that the combination of luxury and utility is possible and almost closed the gap between those two.

Now, the next-gen 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series is coming and we won’t see it. It is a sad day for a huge fan base. Still, we believe that the LC is coming back one day. The new generation is bringing a new look we’ve been waiting for 15 years. Plus, a V8 is getting a replacement. Toyota finally finished the development of a twin-turbo V6 engine, which already debuted on Tundra truck. Land Cruiser will get the enhanced version with 440 horsepower.

2024 Land Cruiser Prado Hybrid Review

Is the 2024 Land Cruiser coming to the US?

2023 Toyota Land Cruiser