Whether going to the mountain and driving through some serious dirt and mud, these are the best off-road vehicles of the year.
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Adventurous drivers seeking off-road thrills would be well-placed to take a look at the best off-road vehicles of the year. The year's top picks include a combination of trucks and SUVs that will get you where you want to go, wherever that might be. Most of these off-road vehicles combine performance, stability and traction with a series of options that will make you feel like you're in a luxury vehicle with a price tag that isn't out of reach for most.
Nissan Frontier
Regarded the best off-roader by Autobytel, the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X midsize pickup will get you off the asphalt in style. The truck comes with Bilstein shock absorbers, under-chassis skid plates, 16-inch knobby tires, a locking differential and four-wheel drive.
Its 4.0-liter V6 engine generates 281 pound-foot of torque and 261 horsepower and a choice of manual or automatic transmission at a cost of between $27,000 and $30,000. Fuel economy is not its strong point, however, as it only gets 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is also considered one of the best off-road vehicles of the year. This midsize SUV comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 271 pound-foot of torque and 260 horsepower that gives the car its off-road panache. You can choose the off-roading package you want, all the way from the type of transmission to its performance options.
While the FJ Cruiser offers rear-hinged doors that offer flexibility, passengers might find the interior a bit uncomfortable for long drives with more than two people. Its fuel economy is only slightly better than the Nissan Frontier, delivering 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler has been a sport-utility favorite for many years, and the latest model gained it notoriety as one of the best off-road vehicles of the year. With four-wheel drive as a standard feature, higher-than-average ground clearance, and sporty look, the Wrangler is a tough off-road vehicle to beat. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 260 pound-foot of torque and 285 horsepower to give this SUV the power it needs.
It also has locking differentials and an option to electronically disconnect the front sway bar to improve suspension on the fly. Available in five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, the Wrangler is a bargain with models ranging from $28,000 to $32,000.
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is also a contender, and was designed and built with a unique suspension system that gives this full-size pickup truck what it needs to get across the desert. It comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 434 pound-foot of torque and 411 horsepower, giving it unparalleled performance.
Get the lowest price quotes on the best off-road vehicles now!
Stability, traction, and power are the hallmarks of any good off-roader. Whether you are looking for a full-size pickup or a compact SUV, you will find that the best off-road vehicles offer a variety of options so you can take on the terrain of your choice. When you are ready to start shopping, use Buyerlink to find a reputable dealer who can help you to make side-by-side comparisons.