There were times when off-road driving could only be undertaken in the biggest and toughest four-wheel-drive vehicles built by the likes of Jeep, AM General, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and International Harvester. However, many automakers have recently gone soft, prioritizing a new design language focused on style, comfort, and on-road refinement. This has translated into the crossover segment being replete with numerous comfortable runabout small and midsize SUVs without plenty of off-road readiness.
But with more and more customers demanding a vehicle that enables them to make a personal statement and go off-road at the same time, manufacturers have begun to add off-road cred to their lineups. From offering off-road-specific trims with knobby tires and rugged exterior looks to seemingly innocuous crossovers with retuned suspensions, efforts are being made to ensure adventure-seekers don't need a Raptor or Wrangler to enjoy and experience adventurous events. Below, we've identified ten new crossovers that are plenty capable in snow and mud, some of which might surprise you.
10 2023 Hyundai Palisade
At first glance, you might believe there is nothing off-road-worthy about the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. It looks every bit like a soft family hauler lacking the features needed to ply a dirt driveway. However, that perception changes when you move up in trims to the outdoorsy XRT model, which is all-new for 2023. The three-row midsize SUV looks rugged enough to cope with challenging off-road events without problems yet elegant enough to create an image of a comfortable urban cruiser.
Like all other Palisade trims, the XRT features a 3.8-liter V6 engine that generates 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Interestingly though, it doesn't come standard with all-wheel drive (front-wheel drive is standard), with Hyundai choosing to offer that as a $1900 option. Adding the HTRAC AWD provides the Palisade XRT with increased driving confidence on all road surfaces, especially in wet, snowy, and icy conditions. The XRT, however, does come standard with front and rear skid plates to protect critical underbody components, unique 20-inch alloy wheels, XRT-specific dark exterior trim, black roof rails, and a sunroof. In front, a MacPherson strut suspension allows for excellent ride comfort and driving feel. In the rear, a multi-link suspension helps improve handling and stability.
9 2023 Kia Telluride
Like its Hyundai cousin, the 2023 Kia Telluride will pass for a vehicle that looks more at home on the road than it does on the trail. Beyond the base models, however, this midsize crossover can easily handle most off-road challenges. That's because Kia added off-road-oriented X-Line and X-Pro models to the Telluride lineup to target adventure-seeking consumers as part of a mid-cycle refresh. And, since the Kia Telluride shares features with the Hyundai Palisade, you get the same 3.8-liter V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive also comes standard across the board, meaning you'll have to fork out an additional $1900 if you want all-wheel drive.
Compared to the regular Telluride models, the X-Line has a slightly higher ride height (about half an inch taller than the usual 8 inches), a reworked traction control system that enhances grip on slippery surfaces and around curves, improved approach and departure angles, a trim-specific grille and a roof rack, and unique 20-inch wheels that contribute to the slight lift in ride height. X-Pro models are identical to the X-Line, but replace the 20-inch wheels with 18-inch variants riding on all-terrain tires. X-Pro Telluride versions also feature a 110-volt power inverter in the cargo area to let you power your laptop and other devices on the road.
8 2023 Mazda CX-50
Mazda has a history of delivering refined sporty rides on the pavement, but the 2023 CX-50 is about so much more – allowing consumers to do more road trips and keep close to stunning wild lands. Based on the CX-30 unibody platform, this compact crossover SUV was tuned to ensure the suspension damping is firm enough to provide high-traction road-holding on dirt roads. Standard all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance (8.3-inch for the base models and 8.6-inch for upper trims) also contribute to driveability off-road. In addition, Mazda outfitted the CX-50 with an Intelligent Drive Select technology that allows drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, and Off-Road drive settings for optimal performance.
Under the hood, base CX-50 models have a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Consumers who want more muscle can opt for the available 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, which is good for 227 or 256 horsepower, depending on the gasoline grade used. While we do not recommend heavy off-roading in this vehicle, consumers who want to test the CX-50's limits should consider the more rugged Meridian Edition, which comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires (others offer either 17- or 29-inch wheels).
7 2023 Mazda CX-60
If you're looking to venture into the wild and get its good tidings but prefer to do so in a luxury-class Mazda vehicle, the 2023 Mazda CX-60 is a good option. The CX-60 is the first Mazda vehicle to ride on the automaker's new longitudinal platform and comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, a 134-horsepower electric motor, and a 17.8-kWh battery. Together, they deliver about 323 combined horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Mazda says the PHEV will have an electric-only range of 39 miles. The manufacturer will also later offer a 3.0-liter straight-six petrol engine and a 3.3-liter diesel for those who desire something else. Both of these powertrains will feature mild-hybrid technology that enhances efficiency and reduces emissions. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.
All-wheel drive isn't the only good news for off-road enthusiasts, though. CX-60's Mazda Intelligent Drive Select technology will bring five driving modes, including an Off-Road drive mode that improves traction in driving conditions like snow, ice, rocks, and other rough or soft surfaces. The other modes are Normal, Sport, Towing, and EV. That said, the CX-60's low ground clearance (around 7.17 inches max.) can sometimes make clearing obstacles tricky.
6 2023 Kia Sportage
A Kia vehicle might not be the first crossover that comes to mind when you need serious off-roading, but the 2023 Sportage is plenty capable. Based on the same chassis that underpins the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage range now includes an array of models with impressive off-roading credentials. The Sportage X-Line, for one, brings off-road enhancements in the form of an all-wheel drive system with a center locking differential, higher ground clearance (an extra 1.2 inches of ground clearance over the FWD models with 7.1 inches), 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, as well as X-Line-specific exterior styling with gloss black trim.
The Sportage X-Pro swaps out the 19s for 17-inch matte black alloy wheels while adding a multi-terrain drive mode selector and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. Those looking to add a luxurious side to their adventures should consider the Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige, which has the same features as the X-Pro but adds extra safety features alongside a power-adjustable front passenger seat and ventilation for the front seats. All three models come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard.
5 2023 Honda CR-V
The superb Honda CR-V gets a major redesign to kick-start its sixth generation and is much more attractive for customers who may want to take their vehicle off-road. Its retuned suspension components and stiffer structural elements mean this compact crossover can venture further than the muddy trail and handle most off-road challenges without problems.
The base powertrain is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 190 horsepower. The Sport and Sport Touring CR-V trims feature a hybrid powertrain setup, which includes a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors that together produce 204 horses. The Sport Touring model comes with a traction-enhancing all-wheel-drive system out of the box. All other models have front-wheel drive but can be fitted with all-wheel drive upon request. Hill Descent Control comes standard to provide a smooth and controlled hill descent on steep, rough roads and other off-road obstacles.
4 2023 Toyota RAV4
Few vehicles inspire driving confidence quite like the RAV4. Not only is it comfortable navigating city streets, but it also represents the modern and confident image shoppers seek in a modern off-road-capable compact SUV. For 2023, Toyota is bringing a new RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition to spice things up a little bit.
It features a TRD-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires for improved off-road capability, black mudguards, and a roof rack to ensure you do not leave your camping gear, luggage, or other items behind when you don't want to. Under the hood, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition will feature a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and two electric motors that produce 219 total horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque.
3 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a logical choice for consumers looking for the perfect blend of performance, supreme on-road comfort, and uncompromising off-road capability. It comes standard with an adjustable air suspension that soaks up rough terrain and handles well on tight trails, giving you an off-road experience unlike any other.
Base Range Rover Sport models feature a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. The setup generates 355 horsepower in the new-for-North America P360 SE and 395 horsepower in the P400 SE Dynamic. The Range Rover Sport Autobiography grade has a plug-in hybrid configuration that pairs a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six with a 38.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and 105-kilowatt electric motor for 434 total horsepower. Those who want a higher-power engine should consider the P530 First Edition, which features a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 mill making an eye-popping 523 horsepower. This powertrain propels the Range Rover Sport from zero to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard.
2 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes' best-selling model is all-new for 2023 and brings plenty of capability alongside a bigger attitude. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that combines with a 48-volt mild hybrid system to make 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard. However, drivers looking to take this vehicle off-road should opt for the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The 4Matic version features Downhill Speed Regulation that assists you when driving down a steep grade and an off-road mode that enhances traction when driving in challenging terrain. When in off-road mode, the GLC utilizes the Surround View System to show an accurate view of obstacles ahead, so you can avoid them.
1 2023 Aston Martin DBX
You probably think this vehicle is insanely cool and way too pricey to risk damaging it off-road. However, the beauty of the Aston Martin DBX 707 is far more than a superficial affair. If anything, this SUV's confident, commanding and muscular appearance is an indication of the strength that lies beneath.
An adaptive air suspension comes standard, helping to improve handling, enhance comfort, and provide the flexibility you need in arduous off-road conditions. Under the hood, there's a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that puts out 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The more muscular DBX 707, which makes its debut for the 2023 model year, has a tuned version of the V8. It puts out 697 horses and 663 pound-feet of torque. In addition, the DBX's rear-wheel drive system has been intelligently designed to send torque to the front axle when it detects slippage at the rear. This, combined with the equipped limited-slip rear differential, makes the DBX adept at navigating slippery and difficult terrain. So, you can be confident your prized SUV will make it back home in one piece, regardless of the obstacles off-road.