These ten all-terrain SUVs offer plenty of practicality, safety, impressive towing capabilities, and robustness....CONTINUE READING
SUVs are among the most sought-after vehicles thanks to their higher ground clearance, larger cabins, and impressive capabilities.
All-terrain SUVs offer the perfect balance between on-road and off-road capability. They can easily double as everyday vehicles, allowing you to drive comfortably during all weather conditions. These are ten of the best all-terrain SUVs that offer practicality, safety, impressive towing, and robustness.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Despite being discontinued in 2014, the FJ Cruiser remains a legendary Toyota all-terrain SUV. This mid-size SUV was Toyota’s answer to the Jeep Wrangler. It had an exterior style slightly similar to that of the FJ40 Land Cruiser but with Toyota’s modern touches.
Besides its appealing retro styling, the FJ Cruiser was also a reliable machine, thanks to its sturdy build quality. These aspects made it possible to drive the FJ Cruiser on all terrains and still cover over 300,000 miles.
Toyota also fitted the FJ Cruiser with off-road ready hardware, including electronic locking rear differentials, low range transfer case, switchable off-road traction control, a part-time all-wheel-drive system, and a heavy-duty suspension.
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet first introduced the Tahoe nameplate in 1995 after rebadging the existing Blazer lineup. It was a large SUV that could handle a family’s needs better than a station wagon.
Since then, the Tahoe has undergone a few changes, making it the go-to SUV for most families who want a big SUV that’s more agile on the road. The Tahoe has three engine options, all with decent towing capacity and reasonable performance figures.
All Tahoe models have had a V8 engine underneath the hood, and that’s the case with the latest generation. Chevrolet offers either a 355 hp 5.3-liter V8 or a 420 hp 6.2-liter V8.
There’s also a 3.0-liter diesel 6-cylinder engine with less power but an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque. Besides the impressive engine options, Chevrolet also offers an off-road capable Z71 model with adjustable air suspension, a two-speed transfer case, and meaty all-terrain tires.
GMC Yukon
Since its introduction in 1991, the Yukon has successfully transformed the off-roading and highway cruising experience. GMC originally designed the Yukon as the ultimate expression within the SUV segment, while engineering it to deliver the best refinement and technology.
Nowadays, the Yukon is among the most luxurious and accommodating passenger vehicles in GMC’s lineup.
It’s a large family SUV with three rows of seating and an optional long-wheelbase variant known as the Yukon XL. Most GMC Yukon models feature a V8 motor, either with a displacement of 5.3 liters or 6.2 liters.
GMC also offers a 3.0-liter turbodiesel variant. All engines offer impressive acceleration and towing capacity. However, the V8 options aren’t the most fuel-efficient options.
Ford Bronco
Ford is reputable for many achievements, including introducing the world’s first SUV in 1965. The Bronco was in production for five generations until Ford revived it with the sixth generation in 2021.
The modern iteration retains the off-road pedigree and old-school vibe of its 1960s predecessors but with innovative features, modern technology, and a cozy cabin.
While there’s no V8 option, the lineup offers impressive engine options, including a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 330-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6.
For added performance, Ford also offers the Bronco Raptor with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, churning out 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. Besides having a punchier engine, the Bronco Raptor also boasts more off-road amenities, including a beefier suspension setup, chunkier BF Goodrich tires, and an upgraded transfer case.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep first introduced the Wrangler in 1986 at the Chicago Auto Show. Since its debut, Jeep has produced four generations of the famed model, with the latest boasting the latest technologies while retaining the ruggedness of its predecessor.
The modern Jeep Wrangler continues to tell a patriotic story, thanks to the inspiration of the military Willys Jeeps. It also boasts two body styles and an array of fuel-swigging powertrains.
Jeep also offers a plug-in hybrid option for more efficiency. However, the range-topping Rubicon 392 boasts a monstrous 470 hp 6.4-liter V8 motor.
The modern Wrangler lineup features a varying set of off-road capable features and four-wheel drive. Most models can survive all types of terrains. The interior showcases Jeep’s seamless blend of modern and vintage Wrangler models.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is unlike most of its competition, thanks to impressive off-road chops and an aging pickup truck frame. Toyota first introduced the 4Runner in 1984, gaining inspiration from the Land Cruiser and Trekker.
Since then, the 4Runner has been around for five generations, with the latest models receiving a facelift in 2014. The 4Runner retains the boxy looks of its predecessors while adding impressive practicality and a go-anywhere attitude.
The modern Toyota 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V8 engine, churning out 270 hp. Toyota offers either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems.
The engine and the drive system use a 5-speed automatic transmission. While the combination doesn’t have remarkable acceleration, the 4Runner boasts a composed on-road experience and impressive off-road capability.
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover first introduced the Defender in 1983, but the lineup adopted the Defender nameplate in 1990. Over the years, the Defender has been a great all-terrain SUV, with modern iterations offering a refined SUV for your daily commute.
Nowadays, the Defender offers the best of both worlds. It boasts a comfortable and plush cabin filled with the latest tech and safety features.
The Defender has a pleasant on-road demeanor thanks to its range of powertrains and body styles. The smallest Defender offering is the 90 model, boasting a two-door setup, likely to boost your cool factor.
The mid-size 110 model is the most preferred option thanks to its added practicality over the 90 model. Land Rover also offers an extended Defender 130 model with usable third-row seats and more space.
Nissan Armada
Nissan first unveiled the Armada in April 2003 at the New York International Auto Show. Since its launch, the Armada has had a monstrous V8 motor under its hood – with each generation boasting over 300 hp.
The Armada has been around for two generations, with the second generation starting in 2017. The second-gen Armada was a quantum leap for the model, giving the lineup an imposing and luxurious exterior.
Despite the impressive leap, Nissan recently redesigned the Armada in 2021, giving it enhanced capabilities and a fresh face. The modernized three-row SUV still boasts impressive off-road and on-road capabilities, thanks to the fully independent suspension and punchy 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser has had a legendary off-roading resume since its introduction in 1958. Over the years, the Land Cruiser grew to become the brand’s flagship vehicle, offering more luxury and all-terrain capability.
Nowadays, the Land Cruiser is still a hugely capable SUV, thanks to its sturdy build quality. It boasts a variety of upscale features, trail-ready equipment, and a towering sticker price.
Currently, Toyota hasn’t introduced the latest Land Cruiser in the U.S. market, leaving enthusiasts with the 2021 Land Cruiser as the only option or the more luxurious Lexus LX lineup.
The Lexus offers more luxury than the Land Cruiser and also boasts the new Land Cruiser platform, including a new engine. However, for Land Cruiser enthusiasts, the 2021 model still has a lot of grunt, thanks to a potent 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque.
Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover first introduced the Range Rover in 1970, and since then, the lineup has continuously evolved into the world’s most luxurious SUV. The Range Rover offers superb levels of sophistication, modern design, and inherent capability.
For the 2023 model year, Land Rover gives the Range Rover a full redesign with new luxury touches, updated styling, and new tech features. The lineup also boasts three powertrain options, including a turbocharged inline-six, a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, and a 434-hp plug-in hybrid..CONTINUE READING>>
