Best Off Road Vehicles Ever

International Harvester Safari II :


The International Harvester Safari II or the Super Scout II, was an American-made off-road vehicle produced in direct competition with the Jeep CJ. Also referred to as the “Cornbinder,” The Safari II / Super Scout II is one of the few 4×4’s that could be taken direct to work off road or to enjoy the trails from the dealership. It featured a whopping 106.5 inch wheelbase, and in later models had a V-8 (345 cubic inch) engine driving the T427 (BW-T19) manual transmission. The 1977-1979 models of the vehicle were the culmination of more than 10 years of tweaking with the vehicles design, axles, and engine), and remained a purpose-built automobile through the end of the decade.

Ford Bronco

The 4×4 Ford Bronco debuted in 1966 and was one of three true off-road choices for consumers in the United States at the time due to parts support for foreign made vehicles being almost non-existent. The Bronco from this era remains one of the best off-road vehicles produced, and it includes a 92 inch wheel base allowing it to enjoy a “Jeep-like” turning circle of just 33.8 feet. Later models of the Bronco could be purchased with Ford’s V8 (302 inch) engine), and the Dana 44 was debuted in 1971 for under the hood. The production line for the original Bronco lasted until 1978 when the company shifted the line to a F-150 based SUV. Despite this, you can still find models that are off-road worth, and they feature the Ford 3.03 three speed manual transmission which is fun to drive.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a compact, four-wheel drive, off-road SUV that is one of the best off road vehicles every produced by a company. The vehicle is produced by Chrysler under the Jeep brand, and it is not directly related to the Jeep of WW2 fame. The small size makes the Rubicon perfect for driving on tight trails, and it features great off-road tires, a 4:1 transfer case, six speed transmission, a high torque inline six engine, an option for automatic transmission for those who can’t drive a manual one, and the ability to remove the hard top or zip down the soft top depending on the driver’s preference for configuration. The Rubicon comes with air conditioning, a heater, and a radio, with a number of “add-on’s” available during different years of production of the vehicle.

Different strokes for different folks. Not all vehicles are created equal, and not all vehicles are designed for the same purpose. Case in point – off-road vehicles. As many people like to take their vehicle into remote, rural areas for excursions that include camping, fishing, hunting and exploring, there are many vehicles on the market today that are designed for rugged terrain and hard climbing. Whether it is driving up steep dirt embankments, crawling over rocks and boulders, or using a winch to pull themselves out of a culvert or river, these are vehicles designed to withstand the harsh side of mother nature. Here are 10 of the best off-road vehicles on the market today.

10. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – Hard Rock Edition

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon remains the gold standard when it comes to 4×4 Jeeps. It is a vehicle that is so durable, that it scales rocks as easily as it cruises through city streets. The latest incarnation of the Wrangler Rubicon includes some impressive new features that only serve to enhance this rugged off-roader. These include Dana 44 axles, a 4;1 transfer case to help with slow crawling, an improved suspension and removable sway bars. The current model of the Wrangler Rubicon also has heavy duty bumpers, tow hooks at the front and rear, and rock rails on all sides to protect the vehicle’s body. This Jeep is so damn tough, it even comes with a specially designed tool kit to help owners remove the doors, roof and bumpers if needed. Awesome!Via Jeep.com




9. Nissan Xterra Pro-4X

Consider the Nissan Xterra Pro-4X a fortified sport utility vehicle (SUV). The heavy duty Pro-4X package can be added to Nissan vehicles such as the Titan, Frontier and Xterra trucks and SUVs. But it is the Xterra SUV that is best equipped and positioned for off-road adventures. Built specifically for dirt terrain, the Xterra Pro-4X package gives owners hill descent control, as well as hill start assist that prevents the SUV from rolling backwards when on a steep incline. Outfitted with larger all-terrain tires and top of the line Bilstein shocks, there are few places this vehicle cannot go. A massive suspension and hard exterior plating round out the rugged offerings on the Xterra Pro-4X. This is a vehicle that was meant to be taken into the woods and driven up and down hillsides. It’s durability is the main reason it has remained one of Nissan’s most popular vehicles.Via RoadandTrack.com




8. Ram Power Wagon

If a typical Ram Heavy Duty truck is not enough power for you, then you may want to consider jumping up a level to the Ram Power Wagon. This takes the monster pick-up truck to a whole new level with an amped up coil link suspension and a sway bar that disconnects with the push of a button to provide even more maneuverability. Locking front and rear differentials help to pull this truck through even the harshest and muddiest terrain. On the off chance you do find yourself stuck in the Power Wagon, you can use an electric powered winch in the front bumper to pull yourself out of trouble. Able to tow more than 10,000 pounds, the Ram Power Wagon is perfect for big jobs, rough terrain and powering through just about any type of environment. A truck to be reckoned with.Via automobilemag.com




7. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

With its line-up of consistently strong pick-up trucks, the engineers at Toyota have proven that they take off-road driving seriously. And now, the good folks at Toyota are offering a TRD Pro package for their venerable trucks and SUVs, notably the Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner. The TRD Pro package on the 4Runner SUV gets our vote. Armed with what Toyota calls “crawl control,” the 4Runner basically has a cruise control option for off-road driving. The TRD Pro package also features a supped up suspension, Bilstein shocks and extremely large BF Goodrich all terrain tires wrapped around beadlock wheels that can grip anything and look pretty intimidating in the process. Available for about $35,000, the 4Runner also remains one of the most affordable 4×4 vehicles on the market today. And one that is super fun to drive in any conditions.Via yonkerstribune.com




6. Ford Raptor

Kudos to Ford for continuing to push quality enhancements and overall improvements in all of its vehicles. When it comes to off-road vehicles that can take the punishment and keep on working, we like the Ford Raptor. Introduced in 2010, the Raptor continues to be the best performing off-road vehicle in dessert terrain. No other four-wheeled vehicle comes close when driving on sand. Boosted by a 411 horsepower V8 engine, the Ford Raptor is not only capable of scaling any road, it is also extremely fast. A bouncy suspension and massive 35 inch tires help make this truck a dream to drive on sand and dirt. Independent front suspension and solid-axle rear suspension give the raptor more wheel space than any other pick-up truck. Add on Fox Racing shocks and carbon fiber brakes and you’ve got the makings of an off-road brute that is capable of speeding over dirt and taking corners with ease. Beauty!Via trucktrend.com





5. Chevy Colorado Z71

As a mid-sized truck, the Chevy Colorado is not the strongest or best at towing heavy loads. But for running down a trail or driving in off-road conditions, there are few vehicles that can equal it. Built on a modified and nimbler chassis than the large full-sized Chevy Silverado, the Colorado is swift and agile. The body is much lighter than larger trucks and the Z71 package arms this truck with a hill descent control system, automatic locking rear differential, enhanced shocks and a loose suspension. Now available in a diesel powered version, the Chevy Colorado is ideal for camping and taking into the woods on light trails. If you want a workhorse hauling truck, then the Colorado may not be the best choice. But if you want to tow a couple of dirt bikes into the woods or throw some fishing rods and tackle in the back and head to the lake for the weekend, than this is your truck.Via motortrend.com




4. The Range Rover

One of the SUVs most associated with off-road adventures, the Range Rover continues to remain an industry leader when it comes to driving off the beaten path. Don’t let the sleek design and luxury interior fool you. The flagship Land Rover vehicle was built with one purpose in mind – off-road driving. Fitted with an adjustable air suspension and a high-tech computer controlled “Terrain Response” system that adjusts the four-wheel drive to the road conditions, the Range Rover is fearless in any conditions – dirt, rock, gravel, sand, up hill and down. On wooded trails, the Range Rover can elevate on its springs and provide a foot of ground clearance. Did we mention that this vehicle is also capable of crossing water that is up to three feet deep? A five liter, supercharged V8 engine provides 510 horsepower that helps the Range Rover go from 0-to-60 miles an hour in five seconds flat. Luxury never looked so good.Via landrover.ca




3. Jeep Grand Cherokee – Overland

For off-road driving and comfort, look no further than the Jeep Grand Cherokee – Overland model. Powerful 4×4 action in comfy leather seats never felt so good. A leather covered dashboard, heated front seats and an Alpine sound system mean you’ll be cruising through the woods in style. But make no mistake. This is still a vehicle meant for rugged roads and harsh terrain. Propelled by a 217 horsepower, V6 engine and 4×4 drive train, this is one SUV that can deliver in the difficult spots. The patented Active Drive II four-wheel drive system enables people to adjust to slick, sticky or deep mud conditions. It is designed to make it easy for the driver to adapt to any and all roads. Sleek and stylish, the Jeep Grand-Cherokee – Overland is like the SUV you drive to a wedding that is taking place on the side of a mountain at a wooded retreat.Via teucy.




2. Toyota Land Cruiser

One of the original off-road vehicles and still one that is closely associated with dirt roads and steep hill climbs, the Toyota Land Cruiser remains one of the most popular vehicles in this class. And while the Land Cruiser has been modified over the years to include more bells and whistles, this vehicle remains, at its core, an SUV built for slogging it out on broken rock roads and through mud pits. What truly sets the Toyota Land Cruiser apart is its huge 381 horsepower V8 engine, as well as its coiled solid axle rear suspension that enables this SUV to bounce over any surface. The suspension in this vehicle literally adjusts to off-road or city street driving conditions. As with the aforementioned 4Runner, Toyota’s Land Cruiser also comes with crawl control and brakes that automatically tighten on the outside wheel when taking a tight turn on a narrow trail. Not for everyone at a starting price of $80,000. But, if you can afford it, the Land Cruiser will not disappoint – in any environment.Via motortrend.com




1. Ford Super Duty Truck

The previously mentioned Raptor might be the fastest and nimblest truck that the Ford Motor Company makes, but for sheer power, hauling capability and off-road crawling ability, look no further than the Ford Super Duty pick-up truck. The “Big Bertha” of trucks, the Super Duty can haul a heavy payload over virtually any surface or terrain. The axles and suspension on this truck put it in a class of its own, and a diesel engine gives this monster some serious power and a mind inflaming 860 pounds of torque – more than enough to pull just about anything you can think of – a boat or a boat house. When it comes to four-wheel drive vehicles that are capable of taking any load over any terrain, the Ford Super Duty truck is number one. It really is “Built Ford Tough.”