For years, most SUVs on the market were soft versions of their famous predecessors, designed to handle highways and parking lots of big malls rather than the wilderness and dunes. However, in the last couple of years, this has changed, with the introduction of a new segment of SUV models that are true off-roaders and capable machines. We are glad that the car industry and SUV segment are finally returning to their roots, and that is why we present to you a new class of off-road machines that have restarted the trend.
1. Suzuki Jimny
Though compact, the Suzuki Jimny punches well above its weight class in off-road ability. This tiny titan, reintroduced in 2018 with boxy retro styling, solid axles, and a ladder-frame chassis, reminded the industry that true off-road capability doesn’t require bulk or a luxury badge. Its short wheelbase, exceptional approach and departure angles, and low curb weight make it incredibly nimble in technical terrain.
The Jimny’s back-to-basics appeal and serious trail chops turned it into a global icon, particularly in markets where narrow trails and tight switchbacks are the norm. While it’s unavailable in the U.S., its cult status and proven off-road credentials have greatly impacted SUV design philosophy.
2. Ford Bronco
The return of the Ford Bronco in 2021 was one of the most anticipated SUV revivals in decades—and it did not disappoint. Designed from the ground up to challenge the dominance of the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco brought a retro-modern aesthetic, body-on-frame toughness, and an arsenal of off-road technology.
From its available front and rear locking differentials to its electronic sway bar disconnect and Trail Turn Assist feature, the Bronco is a true off-roader in every sense. It also popularized terms like “G.O.A.T. Modes” (Goes Over Any Terrain) and offered hardcore Sasquatch packages with 35-inch tires right from the factory. The Bronco revived an iconic nameplate, reigniting mainstream enthusiasm for factory-built trail rigs.
3. Land Rover Defender
When Land Rover relaunched the Defender in 2020, off-road purists were skeptical. Could a tech-heavy, unibody-based SUV live up to the legacy of its rugged predecessor? Surprisingly, the answer was a resounding yes. While the new Defender adopted a more modern, comfortable, and high-tech platform, it didn’t forget its roots.
It retained serious trail-ready DNA, including standard all-wheel drive, advanced Terrain Response systems, adjustable air suspension, and locking center and rear differentials. Despite its luxury trimmings, the Defender has proven itself in everything from rocky trails to muddy river crossings, earning back its status as a true off-roader—and expanding the definition of what off-roading can look and feel like in the 21st century.
4. Ineos Grenadier
In many ways, the Ineos Grenadier was created to fill the void left by the old-school Defender. Developed by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe and his team at Ineos Automotive, the Grenadier is a purpose-built, body-on-frame off-roader designed to be as tough as the trails it tackles.
It combines rugged mechanical simplicity—think solid axles, a ladder frame, and permanent four-wheel drive—with a refined European design language. The result is a modern SUV that feels like a tribute to off-road purism yet doesn’t skimp on creature comforts. It’s a vehicle born out of a passion for exploration, and its emergence has reaffirmed that there’s still a global demand for truly go-anywhere utility vehicles.
5. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner has been a staple in the off-road community for decades, but its relevance in the modern off-road renaissance cannot be overstated. Despite riding on an aging platform, the current 4Runner has remained popular thanks to its unshakable reliability, body-on-frame construction, and serious trail capability.
Exceptionally, the TRD Pro models are equipped with features like Fox shocks, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select modes, making them worthy companions in the roughest conditions. As other midsize SUVs have softened, the 4Runner stood firm and helped keep off-roaders alive in the mainstream long before it was trendy again.
6. Jeep Wrangler
No list of off-road icons would be complete without the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler is the spiritual successor to the World War II-era Willys Jeep, and its modern iterations have remained steadfast in their commitment to off-road performance. With solid axles front and rear, removable doors and roof, and a full suite of 4×4 systems, the Wrangler is arguably the most capable factory-built off-roader you can buy.
The addition of the Rubicon trim brought locking differentials and rock rails, while recent models have even introduced plug-in hybrid (4xe) and V8 (Rubicon 392) variants without compromising trail capability. Jeep’s unwavering dedication to off-roading has influenced an entire generation of adventure-ready SUVs.
7. Jetour T2
Though relatively new and lesser-known outside of China, the Jetour T2 represents the growing global trend toward serious off-road capability. As a sub-brand of Chery, Jetour is pushing hard into the rugged SUV space, and the T2 serves as a bold statement of intent.
With its boxy styling, high ground clearance, and 4WD drivetrain, the T2 channels the spirit of classic off-roaders while delivering it in a modern, affordable package. Its presence in the Chinese market and select global markets shows how off-road capability has become desirable even in developing automotive regions—and how the off-road revival isn’t just a Western trend.
8. Toyota Land Cruiser
The return of the Toyota Land Cruiser to North America in 2024 (as the 250 Series) signaled a return to form for one of the most legendary off-roaders ever built. This new Land Cruiser is smaller, affordable, and off-road-focused than the previous 200 Series. It features a body-on-frame TNGA-F platform, locking rear differential, multi-terrain monitor, and crawl control.
In other markets, the Land Cruiser 300 Series continues the legacy of luxury and capability. Regardless of trim or region, the Land Cruiser’s reemergence has reminded the world why this nameplate has been trusted on the harshest terrain for over 70 years.
9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Once purely a military vehicle, the Mercedes G-Class has evolved into a high-end status symbol—but it hasn’t lost its off-road chops. Underneath the polished design and plush interior lies a hardcore ladder-frame SUV with triple-locking differentials, full-time 4WD, and immense articulation. Even the AMG variants retain off-road functionality, although buyers often prioritize performance over utility.
Still, the G-Wagon remains one of the most capable factory off-roaders on the planet—and one of the most iconic. Its ability to balance opulence and off-road power has inspired a wave of premium SUVs looking to strike the same balance.
10. Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
While full-size SUVs often lean toward suburban comfort and towing strength, the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 bucks that trend by offering real off-road capability in a large, family-friendly package. The Z71 trim brings features like hill descent control, skid plates, off-road suspension, and a two-speed transfer case, making it more than just a mall crawler.
It’s one of the few full-size American SUVs to invest in off-road performance seriously—and it’s helped make trail capability more accessible to families who don’t want to downsize. As automakers pivot back toward ruggedness, the Tahoe Z71 shows that big can still be bold on the trail.
