As the government keeps updating and rolling out a patchwork of restrictions on social distancing, more people opt to go off-grid to enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors. Instead of engaging in risky social gatherings or staying cooped up indoors, the majority are gradually opening up to road trips and adventures with a few friends or family. Consequentially, 2021 has proven to be a banner year for off-roading vehicles.
Although the economic contraction experienced last year made many households more conscious of spending, there are still budget options aplenty. The off-road market has expanded significantly in the past decade, with numerous automakers exploring the field; therefore, there's a rich list of fantastic vehicles to take on off-road adventures. Moreover, the off-roaders in this list prove that you don't have to compromise on capability or fun when sticking to a sound financial plan that suits your lifestyle.
10 Off-Road Truck: Nissan Frontier
The Frontier is a great compact truck that comes with a range of drivetrains, equipment, and body configurations that Nissan carefully selected to fit all its customers' needs. The 2022 model builds on six-plus decades of reputable Nissan trucks with an updated bold exterior, adventure-driven interior, and the latest in connectivity and driver assistance technology.
The Frontier King Cab 4X4 models include S and SV 6-foot bed grades, while the Frontier Crew Cab comes in S, standard wheelbase SV, long-wheelbase SV, and PRO-4X. Apart from the 6-foot bed SV LWB model, all other Crew Cab models feature a 5-foot bed. Depending on the body style and grade, the 2022 Nissan Frontier retail prices range between $31,040 and $37,240.
9 Off-Road SUV: Jeep Wrangler
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Jeep purposely designed the Wrangler to go beyond the pavement, slapping it with a trail-rated badge that proves its ability to withstand harsh conditions, rugged terrain, and inclement weather. The current Wrangler generation is available with Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials, electronic front sway bar disconnect, and a Rock-Trac 4X4 traction system in either full-time 4X4 or part-time 4X4.
Powertrain options include a 2.0-liter ESS turbo, 3.0-liter ecodiesel, 3.6-liter E-Torque Pentastar V6, and a 3.6-liter ESS Pentastar V6. The 35-inch tires in the new Xtreme Recon package offer impeccable approach, departure, and break-over angles, not to mention the ability to traverse deep bodies of water. The base Wrangler trim is available from $28,475 for the two-door and $31,975 for the four-door option. The higher-spec Rubicon demands $38,875 for two-doors and $42,375 in four-door body style.
8 Off-Road Truck: Toyota Tacoma
Toyota's steady stream of improvements has ensured the long-lasting Tacoma maintains its status as one of the best rough-road trucks in today's market. The mid-size 2022 Tacoma is available in SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trim levels. Toyota also introduced a limited-edition Trail trim based on the entry-level SR5 and the Nightshade Special Edition based on the top-ranking Limited model.
The SR5 and SR trims come fitted with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder powertrain, while a 3.5-liter V6 comes standard in all other trims but is optional for SR and SR5. The midtier TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport are arguably the most appealing trims due to their impressive diversity of features and options while keeping the costs at reasonable rates. The Toyota Tacoma starts at $26,500, extending to $39,255 for the top-tier Limited model.
7 Off-Road SUV: Ford Bronco
After more than 20 years, the Ford Bronco returns with an instantly recognizable retro design that rivals the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's convertible nature, body-on-frame configuration, and four- or two-door options make it a hot off-road SUV option. Interestingly, the 2021 Bronco's platform features the same underpin designated for the next Ranger mid-size truck.
Although there's no V-8 option, the 270hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and the 310hp2.7-liter Ecoboost V-6 deliver a refreshingly good time. For extra fun, Ford offers a Sasquatch package that includes 35-inch LT mud-terrain tires, clever suspension, more prominent fenders, locking front differential, and a more capable transfer case. The entry-level two-door base Bronco will cost $29,995, and affordability tops at the $43,590 Badlands trim since the Wildtrak and First Edition models blast through the $45,000 mark.
6 Off-Road Truck: Nissan Navara
In the past, it was hard to distinguish the Navara from the Frontier. But with the incredible-looking four-unit projector headlights, new tailgate, more muscular shoulders, and new taillamps with C-shaped signatures, the Navara can finally rock a unique identity.
For 2021, Nissan increased the Navara's payload capacity and truck bed and strengthened its rear axle to make it more capable. The new model also arrives with the more athletic PRO-4X grade, distinguished by add-ons like the orange accents and blacked-out bits. The Navara is available in Australia, New Zealand, Central America, South America, Asia, Europe, and South Africa, starting at $27,150.
5 Off-Road SUV: Suzuki Jimny
When MotorTrend reviewed the 2020 Suzuki Jimny, they described it as a tiny 4X4 with a massive appeal. A year later, the Jimny is still a cracker of a car with a pretty long waiting list of eager enthusiasts. To Suzuki's credit, it managed to maintain the Jimny's lightweight down-to-earth character and remarkable capability both off and on the road.
The 2021 model is 45mm wider, 30mm shorter, and 20mm taller than the previous year's model, an improvement that best balances the Jimny's off-road articulation, trunk space, and cabin space. Underneath the distinctive retro design, the standard four-wheel drive Jimny houses the same live axles front, no-flex ladder frame chassis, and rear plus long-travel coil-spring suspension. Sadly, the Jimny isn't available in the States, but elsewhere, this likable off-roader is available for just $28,490 in base trim, while the GLX model demands $29,990.
4 Off-Road Truck: Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a strong competitor in the mid-size truck class thanks to its outstanding off-road performance, excellent road manners, and daily usability. Furthermore, the truck offers the versatility of a traditional pickup without the compromise everyone expects of a full-size truck. The Chevrolet Colorado's trim range comprises the base work truck, LT, Z71, and the jacked-up ZR2.
The 2022 Colorado received a new dealer-installed Trail Boss package that enhances the LT and Z71's off-roading capabilities. Powertrain options include a base 200hp 2.5-liter inline-four with a six-speed automatic transmission, a 181hp 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-four with a six-speed automatic, and a 308hp 3.6-liter V-6 with eight-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim and body style, Chevrolet Colorado prices range from $26,395 to $43,795.
3 Off-Road SUV: Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester may feel out of place in this list, but this crossover SUV is high enough to be a 4X4, and it boasts the wheelbase, boot space, engine power, and even the 4WD aesthetic to some extent. However, the Forester may not precisely be a fully-fledged off-roader for extreme terrain, but the new Wilderness trim adds additional ground clearance and an extra-rugged appearance package.
The Subaru Forester offers an alternative to the daunting, tank-like off-roaders that may appear intimidating to drive, let alone to look at. Subaru equipped the Forester with an onboard computer to constantly monitor traction and grip for every new surface, and an X-Mode that optimizes the SUV's off-road conditions. Trim options include the base model, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring, with prices between $26,320 to $36,420.
2 Off-Road Truck: Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a versatile all-around mid-size pickup truck capable of filling several roles, depending on the configuration. Although it bears the same bones as the global-market Ford Ranger introduced in 2012, the U.S.-spec Ranger boasts unique bodywork, updated suspension, a single-spec drivetrain, and easy-to-use off-road features.
The Ranger features standard rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the truck's payload and towing capacities are stout enough to compete with GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado in its class. For 2021, the Ford Ranger is available from $26,000 to $41,000, spread across its XL, XLT, Splash, Lariat, and Tremor trim options.
1 Off-Road SUV: Jeep Renegade
The Renegade is the tiniest model in the Jeep lineup, but its adorable design and abbreviated dimensions amplify its big personality. The balanced handling, relatively spacious interior, stylish cabin, and impressive off-road features are significant factors that set the Renegade apart from other subcompact crossovers.
The 2021 model comes with additional trim levels and standard drivers assists such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Trim options include Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland Edition, Freedom Edition, 80th Anniversary Edition, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk. Despite its diminutive frame, the top-of-the-line Trailhawk is the best-suited trim for tackling rugged terrain. Nonetheless, the Trailhawk is the most expensive trim at $31,620, but prices dip to $24,445 in the lowest-ranked Renegade Sport trim.