Over the river and through the woods, the snow, the mud, and any other trail off the beaten path life takes you on your way to Grandma's house. Off-roaders know what we mean. And although the Jeep Wrangler is the poster-child of off-roading, many drivers look towards its many worthy competitors.
Perhaps the Wrangler's tendency to roll over is a deterrent for you, or you're just not into the 'Jeep Wave'. Regardless, we gathered the vehicles we'd hop into first. Although there's only one Wrangler, we can all be a cowboy in these rugged rides. We'll work on exclusive waves later.
15 Toyota 4Runner
The sibling of the discontinued honorable mention, the FJ Cruiser, the 4Runner is as ready and eager as its name. Founded on a strong and traditional body-on-frame construction, the TRD Off-Road premium package brings a sporty edge to dependable durability, and even offers a third row of seating.
With a V6 engine and standard all-terrain tires, high-performance shocks, 4-wheel drive, and the latest technology in active traction control, the 4Runner will take you new places; Literally.
14 Subaru Forester
From rugged and humble beginnings, Subaru has been the pioneer in the pursuit of new paths. Boasting over 8 inches of clearance, 4-wheel drive, driver-assistance technology, all-terrain handling, and top-fuel economy ratings, the Forester makes no sacrifices in functionality despite its powerful ride.
Equipped standard with a leading collision avoidance system and built on Subaru's new Global Platform of beastly traction underfoot, and superior steel protection all around, the Forester will traverse as far as the eye can see with certainty, and that signature Subaru safety.
13 Lexus GX
Commonly considered the luxury cousin of the 4Runner, the GX drives with trademark Lexus confidence and handles with a sporty addition of stability. With a one-upping V8 engine and third row of seating, the GX will get the whole crew there, wherever 'there' is.
The Off-Road package equips the GX with Crawl Control for off-road cruising, a Multi-Terrain Select System for the wide variety of land types out there, and additional durability, driver-assist, and safety features that all beg for an adventure.
12 Ram 1500 Rebel
This off-roading Ram is specially equipped with a rear axle lock that adds the highest caliber of control and capability to your trek. Three different sets of lamps bring you superior visibility on any trail, and the commanding appearance to match.
Steel bumpers, multi-functional tailgate, tow hooks, off-road shocks, Hill Descent Control, and a factory lift from an IIHS top-safety pick, this truck has more plans for you than you did for yourself. If you're looking for a vehicle that will take you to the ends of the world, and then through them, look no further.
11 Land Rover
Land Rover was originally founded to produce vehicles for the military following WWII, and Land Rover continues to provide units in active circulation for Government agencies today.
The entire line boasts strong off-roading capabilities and the latest in technology handling. With custom settings for six different terrains and free-range response systems for the rest, Land Rover is ready to do just that.
10 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
If you're ever unsure of what to do with a spare $120k, the G-Class is a great option. Founded in military-grade vehicles, not much has changed. In recent years Benz has evolved the interior to its lush trademark luxury, while keeping the V8 engine under the hood.
Standard front, rear, and center-locking differentials and 4-wheel drive add grappling abilities to this beast. If the price doesn't surprise you, the impressive handling will.
9 Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban
Sporting truck-based platforms and distinct Chevy durability, they may not come from military roots like others on this list, but they certainly feel bulletproof, so it's no coincidence they are the vehicles of choice for many of the municipalities' finest.
These sturdy rides offer room for the whole crew, and reassuringly strong safety. Upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, and 4-wheel drive will command any beaten path you take with the security and confidence trademark to Chevrolet.
8 Nissan Frontier
All-around airbags and advanced sport-grade torque make the 2020 Frontier your best road buddy, and it will keep you safe as a good friend should. Newer models come strapped with an even more beastly V6 engine that offer a lovely complement to the standard 4-wheel drive.
Special sensors in the truck bed assist the anti-lock breaking system, adding another dimension to the safety feature by adding additional break assistance when the vehicle senses cargo weight in the rear.
7 Nissan Xterra
Sporting the classic body-on-frame structure rarely used in builds of present day, this beast was made specifically to trek land without trails. The rugged and functional design of both the interior and exterior of the aptly named Xterra SUV make luxury models look silly.
The powerful V6 engine guarded in skid plates and underbody protection brings perfect torque and resilience, while the 4-wheel drive brings you an industrious and steady ride, or climb. Even older models continue to receive praise for their durability, true to the enduring style exclusive to Xterra.
RELATED: 15 Most Reliable 4x4's You Can Buy Under $20k
6 Toyota Tacoma TRD
From a line of vehicles built to romp through the woods, this beast looks like the leader. A V6 engine and custom shocks are only some of the most basic features on this guerrilla. Yes, we meant that. CRAWL Control and electronically locking rear differential keeps balanced traction in any conditions, while Multi-terrain Select offers 5 modes of throttle control for the land ahead, and the Monitor allows you to see it, with front, rear, and side cams.
Hill Start Assist Control minimizes the roll-back as you go from gas to break, meaning you can tackle any elevation, and move onward and upward with confidence. The TRD Pro even comes standard with a front-mounted air intake, skid plates, and fog lights ready to be the most diesel ride of the apocalypse.
5 Nissan Titan
If you desire a vehicle built with no extra features but to drive over obstacles rather than around them, the Titan is your match. The simplicity of the Titan complements its power, and it lives up to the name. The V8 engine and 4-wheel drive handle with strength, even with a full cab and bed, and up to 9,660 pounds in tow.
The 2020 PRO-4X even comes with some new features to be excited about, like upgraded lamps, a whopping 8 air-bags, Hill Descent Control, and a re-tuned Direct Injection V8 boasting new levels of horsepower and torque.
4 Suzuki Jimny
Not commonly sold in the US, owning one of these would be indefinitely cooler than the dime-a-dozen doppelgänger Wrangler. Although Suzuki sometimes markets vehicles in the US under the name 'Samurai', finding one pre-owned is your best bet.
The Jimny is as nimble as its wriggly name would imply. Sporting the boxy go-kart frame also traditional to the Wrangler, the Jimny is standard 4-wheel drive, and comes from a specific line of "off-road" SUV's.
3 Ariel Nomad
If a muddin' toy is all you're looking for, you've found your new favorite. Though some are reluctant to even call this buggy a car, it is a mean little machine. Chunky tires and long-travel suspension make it ready for any trek.
Lightweight and lacking in extra frame, nothing was skimped on its 2.4L 6-speed engine kicking impressive torque. Street-legal, this off-road savage will make driving goofy-fun again.
2 Ford F-150 Raptor
The F-150 that has always commanded respect got a vigorous off-roading sport package in the Raptor. Beastly torque is matched with impressive handling bringing precise control to that F-150 power.
The Raptor comes equipped with 4-wheel drive and the class-exclusive Off-Road FOX Racing Shox, Trail Control for all-terrain cruising, and an additional Terrain Management System with six different drive modes. Not for the faint of heart, this beautiful predator machine was made for getting dirty.
1 RAM Power Wagon
The model says it all and this Dodge is certainly true to its name. Evolving from repurposed military trucks, the Power Wagon was built to ride through Hell safely. A strong V8 with lifted suspension and Bilstein shocks boasts no lack of capability in the Power Wagon's massive size.
The 410 horsepower with even stronger torque challenges you to get the Power Wagon stuck; you can't. This truck thrives on dirt roads and worse, giving this powerhouse a fun and satisfying drive on uncertain terrain.