Yes, the Wrangler 2020 is one awesome off-road SUV. But is it the only off-road SUV around? Die-hard Jeep fans would probably answer in the affirmative, but this is far from the truth. While Jeeps have earned the distinction of being one of the toughest and most capable off-roaders, there are plenty of other options to explore from other carmakers.
And some of them may truly delight you with their off-road prowess coupled with refinedness and luxury. Most car buyers do tend to get loyal to a particular marque or get turned off because of their personal experiences with their rides. But if and when you are looking to get some new off-road wheels, keeping your mind and options open is always a good thing.
So if you want one of the coolest off-road SUVs of 2020 that is not a Wrangler, try these options…
10 Ford Bronco
Yup, Bronco-lovers have it good in 2020 for it is back and it is big. Offered in two and four-door layouts, with a removable roof and an infotainment unit that does need WiFi to download trails and map, the Bronco promises to be a big experience.
For now, there’s no V8 (though a Paxpower V8 Ford Bronco is in the offing) but there are a 270-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four and a 310-horsepower EcoBoost V6. The Bronco has been announced in 2020 but deliveries are only likely to start in the spring of 2021. Features-wise, it takes the Wrangler head-on. Now let’s see if off-road fans take to it.
9 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
Well okay, so we are pitting a Jeep against a Jeep. But the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is everything you want in an off-road SUV and comes Trailhawk-rated for superior off-road capabilities.
Yes, the Wrangler is a better off-road SUV but lacks the luxury a Jeep Cherokee can offer, and there’s little that a Cherokee Trailhawk can’t do when it comes to the path less taken. This one comes with an optional Hemi V8 for some crazy power though the standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that jets 285 horses.
8 Land Rover Discovery
When you want to off-road but with seven people inside one car, it’s the Land Rover Discovery to go for. Not only is it posh yet reasonable but it is also a very well-rounded off-roader that can hold its own even in 35.4 inches of water. It rides on an optional air suspension that lifts the car a good 11.1 inches off the road and its all-wheel-drive is freakishly awesome.
It also boasts advanced terrain management systems to make the best of the road. Engine options are a 254-horsepower and 443 ft-lb torque rated 3.0-liter Turbodiesel V6 or a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that jets 340 horses on gasoline.
7 Chevrolet Suburban Z71
The Chevy Suburban, or Sub as people call it because of its XL size, comes beautifully off-road ready in its Z71 trim that starts upwards of $60,000. The 355-horsepower V8 runs on a 10-speed automatic transmission for pure power. The front bumper has been given a better approach angle to help it ride over things and it comes with 20-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires for the best possible road grip.
The optional air suspension also allows for another two inches of ground clearance in 4LO to give you the best possible chance while trundles over obstacles.
6 Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is one very capable if ginormous family vehicle but do not let that affect your thinking about its off-road prowess. The FX4 Off-Road package on the 2020 Ford Expedition makes it a delight to drive on just about any terrain with its V8 or optional turbocharged V6 engines.
In the off-road package, the car comes dressed with limited-slip differential skid plates, special shocks, and of course, the all-terrain tires. So not only can it seat many with ease, but it can also handle tough roads JLT.
5 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
With twin-turbocharged engines, the G-Class is not just OTT elegancy and snobbery but also has a military background. Initially, the G-Class was never even supposed to be sold to the civilians because was a military vehicle that could take a lot and be fixed in a jiffy.
Probably why the four-wheel drive of the badass G-Wagons today is one of the most advanced ones there are and the reason why it can wade through 27.6-inches of water with ease. If it lagged somewhere, the 2019 updates made sure it caught up and if possible, lead in some features too.
4 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition
Now, this may be a 2020 model but it’s a bit dated because they didn’t make many (read any) changes to the design of the Toyota Land Cruiser since 2007. It’s a good car with an old school feel to it because of a nearly monstrous size. But as an off-road SUV, it is no less capable and can get the job done with ease.
The full-time four-wheel-drive with a Torsen locking center differential still is one of the most advanced in the world and this Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition is ably powered by a 5.7-liter DOHC V8 that crushes all-terrain with 381 horsepower.
3 Kia Telluride
Technically, the Kia Telluride is not a traditional off-road SUV, it’s more of a three-row midsize crossover but comes with many features that make it a great option to take the road less traveled on, in. The all-wheel-drive system in the Telluride locks for better road grip and there are underbody skid plates which are a standard feature.
While the Telluride cannot do hardcore off-road rides, it can do gentle off-road pretty well and function as a great family vehicle on roads too. Perfect for those who want just one car to do both and not take up too much space.
2 Lexus LX
Technically, the Lexus LX is not a “new” or “different” car. Think of it as a Toyota Land Cruiser loaded with even more features and luxury that borders on the OTT. But we will still count it as a separate entry because it is as capable as the Land Cruiser but more upmarket than its economy cousin.
There are added features like hill start assist along with the terrain management. While you may not want to tackle extreme terrains with this, it could do good on squelchy and rough roads.
1 Nissan Armada
If you have had a Wrangler and your family has outgrown the space in it, well, try the Nissan Armada. Made for a large family of tall and well-rounded people, the Armada is built like a ship that can take on just about anything, much like a Land Cruiser or a Range Rover can.
Its built old school with body-on-frame construction and yet it’s a dream to drive, especially on paths that do not seem drivable. The 5.6-liter V8 in its jets out 390 horses and roundabout the same torque making the Armada the Hulk of the off-road SUVs.