10 Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 07/03/21 •  10 min read

Aerodynamic quality isn’t the only consideration when shopping for an off-road vehicle. Depending on the user, one of these off-road vehicles may not be suitable, so while there are many factors to consider, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. 

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This is correct: Not only do modern SUVs and pickup trucks make fantastic off-roaders, but they can be done in a relatively short time with various components and accessories. Here is our list of the 10 best off-road SUVs in 2021.

Here is Out List Of 10 Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021

Vehicle types used for off-roading, such as trucks with 4×4 low-range gearing, typically drive vehicles with extended ranges. A few crossovers, such as the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee, also make use of advanced terrain management systems to handle trails. 

The options include various packages, trim levels, and equipment setups that make sure your vehicle is capable in various conditions, including off-road and rough terrain. Additionally, the best off-road SUVs in 2021 tend to be the roughest and stiffest to drive, due to their off-road driving conditions.

10- 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Price : $26,660 |Overall Score: TBD

The compact Ford Bronco Sport will be new for 2021, while the Bronco model that arrives for the 2022 model year is the larger version. Although based on the Ford Escape, the Dodge Journey is more rugged, features a more muscular design, and includes parts developed with additional functionality in mind. It handles well over hard-packed roads and has a fuel-efficient turbocharged three-cylinder engine or a powerful 250-horsepower turbo-four.

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The Bronco Sport lineup includes the Bronco Sport trim which is the specific trim for off-road driving. This vehicle includes a turbo-four engine, and it comes loaded with various performance-oriented features. Front-facing cameras are used by drivers to better navigate difficult terrain.

Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021
2021 Ford Bronco Sport © edmunds

9- 2021 Land Rover Defender

Price : $46,100 | Overall Score: TBD

The Defender, a vehicle that had been absent from the United States for decades, is making a comeback for the 2020 model year. Though it looks like a true heritage model, it has been redesigned with modern underpinnings and components. 

There are two versions available: a two-door Defender 90 (powered by a 296-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine) and a four-door Defender 110 (powered by a 395-horsepower turbo-six). An available front-center jump seat or a third row can expand the five-passenger seating to seven. 

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The Defender reflects its pedigree as one of the best off-road SUVs in 2021 by offering an additional tall ground clearance. When it comes to prepared trail rigs, having a two-speed transfer case, a terrain response system, hill descent control, wade sensing, and an off-road front-view camera is an array of trail-ready equipment. With these upgraded pieces of equipment, the Defender can climb all-terrain and achieve maximum abilities, such as when off-road.

8- 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Price: $41,900 | Overall Score: TBD

On paved roads, the compact 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport handles and rides well, but its off-road capabilities are lacking, and the turbocharged four-cylinder engine does not get good fuel economy. 

The vehicle is equipped with an upgraded infotainment system that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for 2021. The list of features continues to grow with the addition of traffic sign recognition and a surround-view parking camera. A third-row seat is available as an option. 

Standard off-road vehicle features include four-wheel drive, hill descent control, and all-terrain progress control (known as low-speed cruise control in other brands). One of the key Terrain Response 2 vehicle settings, which enables drivers to customize their driving experience on various terrain types, is the Drive Modes. The wading depth alert feature alerts the driver when the vehicle’s maximum wading depth is approaching.

Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021
2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport © topgear

7- 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Price : $43,300 | Overall Score: TBD

Many will argue that the brand’s subcompact SUV, the Evoque, is among the most stylish, and also an off-road champ among the best off-road SUVs in 2021.The inside of the vehicle is equipped with numerous comfort and convenience features, which gives riders high-quality treatment. 

Even though the Evoque isn’t considered a high-performance model, it has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces a respectable 246 horsepower with a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

Standard equipment includes a four-wheel-drive system and Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system, which detects various off-road surfaces to give the driver maximum traction on varying terrain. 

For a depth of approximately 21 inches, the Evoque has an 8.3-inch ground clearance, which allows the driver to know when he or she has reached the wading limit. A ClearSight Ground View system allows the driver to see the ground along with any obstructions on the vehicle’s path using multiple front-facing cameras.

Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque © carbuzz

6- 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Price: $69,500 | Overall Score: TBD

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport, with its robust capabilities in terms of ride and handling, and four-, six-, and eight-cylinder powertrain options, comes equipped with a 266-hp gas engine, a diesel, and a plug-in hybrid. 

This is a different and more exciting approach to the stodgier non-Sport Range Rover, which is equally impressive on the inside thanks to its luxurious and comfortable five-passenger cabin. Even with its handy infotainment system and climate controls, driving the vehicle’s third-row seat can be difficult, and kids may have difficulty fitting in. 

It’s a magnificent off-road vehicle, the Range Rover Sport. An adjustable air suspension is included as standard, with a ground clearance of 10.9 inches to help you tackle rutted and rocky trails without damaging your vehicle. 

The Terrain Response system is also like the other Land Rovers and adds to the traction of all kinds of surfaces, especially mud, sand, rocks, and snow. The high- and low-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, and crawl control system are available in higher trims, as well.

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5- 2021 Jeep Wrangler

Price: $28,295 | Overall Score: 7.6/10

A Wrangler in 2021 is considered to be something of an off-roader even before it even drives. This is the most “American” vehicle currently on the road. You can purchase a convertible model in two- and four-door hatchback designs with soft or hardtops. 

A fully open-air experience can be had by removing the roof and doors, and the windshield can be folded down. Gas V6s with a manual transmission is still available, though you can go with one of four engine choices: a standard V6, a mild-hybrid V6, a diesel V6, or a turbocharged four-cylinder. Plug-in hybrid models are being introduced for the model year 2021. 

In contrast to other models, the Rubicon version of the Wrangler has the most capable four-wheel-drive system, and all Wrangler models are well-suited for trail use. This results in a higher level of excitement by upgrading the transfer case, using the four-wheel drive, mounting rock rails, using a sway bar, and using big all-terrain tires.

Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021
2021 Jeep Wrangler © kbb

4- 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

Price : $86,665 | Overall Score: 6.9/10

Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser © CARBUZZ

Even though the full-size 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser has never been a blockbuster seller, the model has been on the market continuously for the longest of the brand’s vehicles. 

This upscale vehicle keeps its boxy profile with two or three rows of seats and includes all of the comforts and safety features you would expect from a vehicle like this. 

The 5.7-liter V8 powering this luxurious sedan packs a burly 381-horsepower punch and transmits that to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. A newer version of the Land Cruiser, with even more luxurious features, is known as the Lexus LX. 

However, while the Land Cruiser’s interior is highly opulent, it is quite off-road capable. All-terrain tires, tow hooks, skid plates, and locking differentials are all included. An important complement to these features is Crawl Control (a sort of cruise control for off-road use), which is available on all models.

 Likewise, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (which electronically disables the vehicle’s sway bars for additional wheel travel when needed) is also available on all models.

Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser © Toyota

3- 2021 Toyota 4Runner

Price: $36,340 | Overall Score: 7.1/10

The burly exterior styling projects a reputation for toughness, and it’s an excellent off-road vehicle. but it’s not refined in the city While it gets poor gas mileage, it has strong towing abilities with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that offers 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. To be more contemporary, standard on this vehicle is a rather dated five-speed automatic transmission, and 4WD is available as an option. Basic accommodations and safety features are all that are provided.

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For a 4Runner that has trail potential, you should opt for the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims. They have 9.6 inches of ground clearance with skid plates included, just like the rest of the line. Both TRDs include four-wheel drive, have crawl control, and floor mats for all weather conditions.

Also available is an Off-Road TRD Premium version, which adds some features, including navigation. Meanwhile, the TRD Pro takes the TRD Pro roof rack, FOX shocks, TRD front springs, and a TRD Pro skid plate all the way with them. To opt for the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, please enter your order code above.

2- 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Price: $131,750 | Overall Score: 8.4/10

Despite the risk of ruining a luxury SUV with all-terrain capability by subjecting it to dirt roads, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a contender for the best off-road vehicle in the luxury segment. 

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Also, just like the Jeep Wrangler, it’s heavily based on post-war Germany and, like the Jeep, it is roomy and well-equipped, but it is different in that it’s more luxuriously equipped. The Kia Borrego’s classiness does not diminish no matter where it is driven

G 550 standard V8 produces 416 horsepower; if that’s not enough oomph, the AMG G 63 can crank out 577 horsepower and a thundering 627 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbo V8. Four-wheel drive and two-speed transfer case, locking differentials, and a wading depth of 27.6 inches make the off-road capabilities of this vehicle a breeze. Optional all-terrain tires are provided.

1- 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

Price: $49,000 | Overall Score 7.9/10

Best Off-Road SUVs in 2021
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe © Chevrolet

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe shares a similar style and design to the GMC Yukon, which features a modern, stylish design, as well as more passenger and cargo room across three rows. It also has an easy-to-navigate infotainment system, an outsized cargo area, a simple driver assist system, and several other advanced features. 

It is available in an extended-length version, which is referred to as the Chevrolet Suburban. With a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engine as standard, and a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter version as a $5,500 upgrade, the Tahoe is built like the Yukon. 

A six-cylinder turbo diesel with a 3.0-liter displacement and 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque has recently become available. Four-wheel drive is optional. 

If you intend to go off-road with this massive vehicle, the Z71 is a suitable option. Additionally, the new model features leather power seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and hill descent control.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.

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