August 21, 2021

The Best Vehicles for Your Off-Road Journeys

Photo by dimitrisvetsikas1969 under Pixabay License

In looking for the best off-road vehicles, enthusiasts have different wants and needs. Just because a certain off-road-ready truck works best for someone doesn’t mean that another driver will have the same sentiments about it. With so many variables available today, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Some of these off-roaders are designed to handle loose surfaces at lightning speed. Others are made to crawl up boulder-strewn slopes where a single crimped brake line will bring a sudden halt to just about any activity. Then we have the desert survival specialists that are too tough to be stopped by any elements.

In no particular order, Veteran Car Donations presents below the 10 vehicles that are best suited for adventure away from paved roads. While they may come with different features, one thing’s for sure: They all have their own unique blend of strengths.

• 2021 Land Rover Defender

The legendary Land Rover Defender was recently brought back to life in an all-new form. Despite a decades-long absence, it stays true to its heritage by retaining its boxy and purposeful styling. The only difference is, it’s now updated with modern underpinnings and components.

A superior off-roader that boasts an extra tall ground clearance, the Defender is equipped with an array of trail-ready gear such as a terrain response system, wade sensing, hill descent control, an off-road front-view camera, and a two-speed transfer case. What’s more, the 4×4 can be further enhanced with an all-terrain cruise control, an electronic active differential, and a raised air intake snorkel for ultimate abilities over mud, water, rocks, or dirt.

No wonder the Land Rover Defender bagged the MotorTrend SUV of the Year award.

• 2021 Ford Bronco

Ford’s version of the Jeep Wrangler, the all-new compact Ford Bronco, was engineered to be a rugged and capable off-roader out of the box.

The Bronco comes with an impressive host of standard and available off-road goodies, including a hydraulic anti-roll-bar disconnect, two-speed electronic transfer case options, a heavy-duty suspension, and electronic front and rear locking differentials. Plus, you can’t go wrong with its side rock rails, underbody protection, off-road driving modes, steel bumpers, and various tire options.

• 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

If there’s a quintessential vehicle for conquering rocks, mud, ruts, and slop that would destroy most vehicles, the Wrangler Rubicon should be it. There’s no denying that it’s the most capable 4×4 available on the market.

The only Wrangler with a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, the Rubicon features a dual exhaust that lets you toggle between quiet and performance exhaust modes, an elevated interior, dynamic maneuverability, and a 470 horsepower engine that powers through a quarter-mile in 13 seconds.

• 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

Although the Land Cruiser may appear posh inside, it might surprise off-road enthusiasts that it’s more than capable of traveling off-beaten paths. It packs a brawny 5.7-liter V8 engine that channels 381 horsepower to all four wheels through its 8-speed automatic transmission.

Among the Land Cruiser’s essentials are all-terrain tires, skid plates, a locking center differential, tow hooks, and a two-speed 4-wheel-drive transfer case with low-range gearing. Its Crawl Control, which is a low-speed cruise control system for off-road purposes, and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for disengaging the sway bars for added wheel travel, are additional reasons you’d want to take it to the mountains.

• 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

A luxury vehicle on a dirt road may sound totally out of place, but the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class might just prove you wrong. In fact, it’s one of the leading off-road performers among luxury SUVs.

Just like the Jeep Wrangler, it traces its roots back to the military, particularly from post-war Germany. What sets it apart from the Jeep, though, is that it’s much more spacious and comes armed with tons of enjoyable and safety amenities. It also runs well and efficiently wherever you take it.

This Mercedes boasts a fully independent front suspension, improved ground clearance, locking differentials, and off-road abilities that have gotten better than ever. An upgrade to rack-and-pinion steering has made the biggest difference.

• 2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Arguably the latest hotness in the world of off-road vehicles, the brand-new Ram 1500 TRX is your best bet if dominating sandy, rocky desert terrain is your kind of fun. It’s so good that it brought home the 2021 MotorTrend Truck of the Year award.

Geared with 13 inches of front travel and 14 inches of rear travel, the 1500 TRX has aggressive fenders, clearance for 37-inch wheels, and skid plates beneath. Under the hood, you’ll see a supercharged 6.2-liter, 702-hp engine that provides an incredible boost like no other. It can take on any terrain at any time of the day.

• 2021 Jeep Cherokee

One of the few small crossover SUVs that can tackle tough trails when properly equipped, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is fully amenable as a daily commuter. It comes with a standard 180-hp four-cylinder engine, and a 271-hp V6 and 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine optional for added pep.

The Cherokee is reasonably roomy and features an infotainment system that’s super easy to operate. It also has driver-assistance features. What’s more, it offers a choice of three 4WD configurations, all of which have the Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system that maximizes grips according to five on- and off-road settings.

• 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

A great option for those searching for a mid-size truck for off-roading is the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2, which rolls on 31-inch Goodyear DuraTrac tires and sports a 2-inch-taller ride height and 3.5-inch-wider track than the base Colorado.

The Colorado ZR2 features front and rear electronic locking differentials, purposeful skid plates, stainless steel rock sliders, high-clearance bumpers, and an off-road mode that allows for fully disabling off-road hindrances like stability control and traction.

• Ford F-150 Raptor

The third-gen Ford Raptor is another top pick for drivers who love adventures. Not only does it boast a wide, aggressive stance, but it’s also packed with the latest off-road technology.

The Raptor’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine pushes 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It may produce wheezy noises at times. But its 14-inch front suspension and 15-inch rear suspension can always make up for it. And, with a Raptor R in the works, that annoying sound will no longer be an issue.

• 2021 Nissan Armada

Last on our list is the plush body-on-frame Armada SUV, which is basically a Nissan Patrol minus the Patrol’s lockers.

Apart from utilizing a durable and off-road-ready ladder frame design, the latest Nisan Armada benefits from a powerful engine. Its 5.6-liter V-8 engine produces 400 horsepower and 413-lb-ft of torque. It can tow 8,500 pounds of cargo, an absolute bonus off the trail.

Get Rid of an Unwanted Beater for a Meaningful Cause

Ever thought about what to do with your old off-roader once you get yourself a brand-new one? If you feel like you no longer need it, you might as well donate it, or just about any old vehicle that you have. When you hand it over to us at Veteran Car Donations, you’ll get the opportunity to help transform the lives of our struggling veterans.

We’ll sell it through an auction and distribute the proceeds to our nonprofit partners. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are dedicated as we are to improving the lives of former service members who are homeless and jobless as well as those who are suffering from service-connected disabilities and illnesses, including mental health disorders.

These nonprofits use the funding to provide deserving veterans with free quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.

We won’t leave you empty-handed after making your donation. We’ll provide you with valuable rewards such as the free towing of your unwanted vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country. Your gift will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

However, the best reward you’ll get is not a material thing. It’s the priceless feeling of joy and satisfaction, knowing that your donation will be used to give our disadvantaged veterans the decent and dignified life that they fully deserve.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle, such as an ancient car that has a couple of damaged parts or a truck that no longer runs properly. Trust us, we’re not picky!

To get an idea of our quick and easy donation process, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, call us at 877-594-5822 or send us a message here.

Turn Your Beater into a Source of Hope Today!

Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS under Pexels License

Let our nation’s heroes know how much you appreciate their service through a simple vehicle donation. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!

Last Updated: March 8th, 2023