SUVs are the most versatile rides in the world. Yes, some other models could make it to this list, but we will focus only on sport utility vehicles. Safe, powerful, durable, reliable… you can get all those treats. But, special upgrades can turn SUVs into specialists for various terrains. Hybrid drivetrains will make small models suitable for city cruising. Big engines can add power and third-row extra space for passengers. Finally, special packages will improve performance on all kinds of terrains. So, let’s check which are the 2022-2023 Best Off-Road SUVs and bundles that you can add to enhance the adventure.
2022-2023 Best Off-Road SUVs – TOP 3
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Just to make clear, this is not a countdown, so we don’t place the 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro above all others. However, all experts will agree that the SUV has been in the top three models in past few years. The TRD Pro package for all Toyota vehicles is making the difference. The 4Runner was one of the first ones to get it, alongside two trucks. Now, Sequoia also offers this model.
Even without it, the 4Runner is one of the 2022-2023 best off-road SUVs. The redesign is going to make it even tougher. Not only the SUV is being updated, but also the package that includes special shocks, 4×4 drive, unique suspension, skid plates. The price of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro will be above $50,000. We recommend waiting for the all-new SUV, rather than buying a 2022 version.
2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Wrangler is a legend, and probably an off-road vehicle with the most fans that will tell you this is the best model on our list for adventures. But, the competition is tough. Still, FCA is constantly improving the offer. Nevertheless, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon will be their best 4×4 configuration. Yes, the SUV finally received a V8 engine, but the Wrangler 392 didn’t join the lineup permanently.
The base price of the vehicle is under $30k for a 2-door version, while the larger Wrangler Unlimited costs $3,500 higher. Rubicon package includes a V6 engine, 4×4 drive, and various other upgrades that will make the price go over $52,000. The SUV is also available with a diesel engine. A 3.0-liter oil burner creates 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, improving the gas mileage to 21/26 mpg.
2022 Land Rover Defender 110
The British carmaker is closing the gap between luxury and utility. The 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 is advertised as a 4×4 vehicle and there is no need for further upgrades. Still, the base version will use a turbo-four engine. Some drivers won’t be happy about it. A 3.0-liter V6 is turbocharged and delivers 395 horsepower, making the Defender clearly one of the 2022-2023 best off-road SUVs. After the first appearance, it was clear that JLR is going to be a serious threat to Toyota and Jeep.
But, that is not all. For the 2022 Land Rover Defender 110, the British company prepared a surprise – a V8 engine. A 5.0-liter unit will crack 518 horsepower and drive you anywhere. The major downside of the Defender is its price. With a four-banger, the MSRP starts at $48,000. You can save a bit by ordering the Defender 90 version. But, you are getting less, as you can guess. A V6 upgrade will cost you $12,000. A 5.0-liter supercharged engine will make the SUV go into a six-digit price realm.
2022-2023 Best Off-Road SUVs – Top Alternatives
2022 Ford Bronco
The Bronco is back. It is one of the most anticipated models in the history of the automotive world. Even 6 years ago when the company announced the comeback, we know it will be a mean SUV, capable of doing many things. One of them is an off-road drive for sure. The new 2022 Ford Bronco is yet to live up to the expectations. Don’t worry, the Blue Oval company is not going to fail with this one.
If the Bronco is too big, then you can check out the Bronco Sport. We can compare these two to Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. What off-road fans want to see is the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor. This is the ultimate package of features, currently available only for the F-150 truck (and Ranger, but outside the US).
2022 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Since we already mentioned Toyota Sequoia during the praise of the TRD Pro package, it is obvious that we’ll include the full-size SUV to the 2022-2023 best off-road SUVs list. Even without the upgrade, the 2022 Sequoia could bring a serious 4×4 adventure, mostly thanks to a huge V8 mill. The SUV is waiting for an update, but it is not going to happen before 2024 or 2025, so the next couple of models will be unchanged, including the 2022 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.
The trim level was added to the lineup for the 2020 YM. Still, fans of the off-road drive are keener on smaller SUVs, such as Wrangler and 4Runner because of their agility. On the other hand, a V8 is a strong side for the 2022 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro. A 5.7-liter mill is producing 380 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. But, it could be replaced soon with a turbocharged six-cylinder powerplant.
2023 Nissan Armada
Like the Toyota 4Runner, the upcoming Nissan Armada for the 2022 season will be the same and the redesign is expected on the following model. The SUV is already big, bold, and capable of riding in the wild. But, the 2023 Nissan Armada might add the Pro-4X package, which is equivalent to the TRD Pro or Raptor. Still, the big rig will use only a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The price of the base model starts from $50,000. With the 4×4 and other equipment for all terrains, the MSRP goes up.
The good thing about the 2023 Nissan Armada is a three-row layout, so even more passengers can take seats. Captain’s chairs are optional, but the SUV is not cutting rear row at some point like some other vehicles do. Nissan can also posh up the offer by some premium features, such as a wireless charger, advanced audio, or leather upholstery.
2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Subaru is one of the synonyms for four-wheel drive. All their vehicles are using this setup. But, usually, the drive gains the quality of the street ride. Off the road, the 4×4 was not so spectacular. Now, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness brings other upgrades, such as extended ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The first impressions are very positive and the SUV immediately became one of the 2022-2023 best off-road SUVs.
A 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine is producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. A CVT is simulating an eight-speed gearbox. The Wilderness package will make Outback slightly slower, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The SUV also sits higher than the standard edition. The approach angle is 20 degrees, and at the back, it is reaching 23.6 degrees. Multiple modes are also available, but the X-Mode is the best for an off-road drive.
2022 GMC Yukon AT4
There is something special about the Yukon SUV. The vehicle splits the lineup to luxury and off-road sides, with the Denali and AT4 packages. The second one is more interesting, although the premium bindle is not a bad off-roader as well. The 2022 GMC Yukon AT4 is maximizing the potential of the V8 unit. A 5.3-liter mill delivers 355 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to a 6.2-liter V8 is possible if you want to invest around $10,000. Diesel is also available.
For the AT4, the 4WD is standard. Engineers added a 2-speed transfer case and there are 2 more inches more under the vehicle compared to the rest of the models. Skid plates will protect the body. Drivers find a hill descent control pretty useful. The 2022 GMC Yukon AT4 also brings some features that enhance interior comfort, such as heated seats and a steering wheel. Also, you can fold the third row to create more cargo space.
2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
General Motors updated its entire full-size SUV fleet. Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Escalade, are all-new models. We already wrote about the AT4 package for the Yukon. If you are a fan of bow-tie badges, then the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 is its closest sibling. Unfortunately, the SUV is not getting the ZR2 treatment, which makes Colorado the best off-road mid-size truck.
Like the Yukon, the base engine for the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 is a 5.3-liter V8. You can upgrade the ride with either a 6.2-liter petrol mill, or a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel. In both cases, the torque is 460 lb-ft. An oil burner creates 277 hp, while the gasoline configuration is the most powerful with 420 hp. Advanced suspension and a two-speed transfer case will make a ride smoother, front skid plates boost durability, and even the interior borrows some features from the premium High Country model, such as heated seats and a power tailgate. The Z71 is not a bargain, since the pricing starts from $61,000.
2022-2023 Best Off-Road SUVs – Premium Models
2023 Lexus LX
Toyota started the evolution of its vehicles. First, we’ve heard of the new engine, called I-Force Max. Then, the company filed for a new nameplate – Lexus LX 600. It is time for the new generation and the LX 600 is replacing LX 570. There are a lot of questions, but the company is not unveiling details about the upcoming vehicle. The number usually indicates the displacement, but it is hard to believe a 6.0-liter unit is a new powerplant. The I-Force Max will be turbocharged V6.
The 2023 Lexus LX will definitely keep its place in the 2022-2023 best off-road SUVs, even when the new drivetrain takes place. Toyota and its luxury branch are delivering some of the best off-road upgrades and for the LX, those are available with the standard package. There will be more vehicles by this carmaker on this list.
2022 Toyota Land Cruiser
They say the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser will be the last chance for US buyers to purchase this legendary SUV. The Japanese company is not discontinuing it, since the LC will be available in other markets. Still, the redesign would cost too much and Toyota is already preparing a big update for another full-size luxury SUV – Lexus LX. Nevertheless, the Land Cruiser is not only part of the 2022-2023 best off-road SUVs lineup, but also in previous years.
Luxurious inside, capable of extreme off-roading, the 2022 Land Cruiser will still be one of the best models for adventures. But, it is old. The current generation is nearly 15 years old. But, the crawl control and kinetic dynamic suspension setup are going to take the performance to a new level. Still, paying $87,000 for an old dog is not something buyers will bite.
2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Speaking of luxury, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the most expensive model on this list. The base price is $130,000 and if you want AMG treatment, you will have to pay $35,000 more. But, the G-Wagon is not only a great off-road SUV but also a statement vehicle. Wrangler, Land Cruiser and Mercedes G-Class have one thing in common – roots in the military. But, the commercial use and special treatment made all of them suitable for the everyday rides.
The G 550 is the base configuration and it brings a V8 engine capable of producing 415 horsepower. That is already pretty much, but the German carmaker is spicing it up with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG 63 version. The twin-turbo engine is cracking 580 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the off-road drive is boosted by a two-speed transfer case, three locking differentials, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. The wading depth is 27.6 inches. Enough?
2023 Lexus GX
Like we promised, there are more Lexus models on the 2022-2023 best off-road SUVs list. The 2023 Lexus GX follows the footsteps of the Toyota 4Runner. The version for the 2022 season is going to be unchanged, while the following year brings a redesign. We can’t wait to see a new look of the mid-size luxury SUV with superb off-road capabilities. Premium equipment makes it a bit too pricey. But, owners of the GX have nothing but praise for this model.
It will be interesting to see if engineers are going to keep a 4.6-liter V8 as the only engine choice. The company is downgrading a V8 on the LX. On the other hand, the GX is using a lighter displacement. If you compare it to a 3.5-liter V6, there is no big difference in outputs. But the drive impression is also important. A hybrid is also possible. So many options, but for now, not supported by official info, or spy photos.
2023 GMC Hummer SUV
The 2023 GMC Hummer SUV will clearly be one of the 2022-2023 best off-road SUVs. The nameplate comes back next year but as an electric truck. But, from what the company announced, it will be a mean off-roader. Just take a look at two highlight features – Crab Walk and Extract Mode! The vehicle can move diagonally to avoid obstacles. Or, you can increase ground clearance. Those upgrades already sound stunning.
The bad thing is the price. Such features are state-of-art upgrades. Plus, we are still waiting for the confirmation of the SUV version. Our sources say the conversion is not a problem. Like the truck, the SUV is going to use an electric motor. The full specs list will be available next year. We expect similar configurations, with long-range and performance editions.
