Since the dawn of the first SUV, we’ve expected these vehicles to handle some off-roading duties for us. Thankfully, you’ll still find some that can do this.

Much like wolves became domesticated into various breeds of dogs that live in our homes, SUVs have changed. Today, we can find small vehicles barely worthy of the term SUV, but they are part of this class. If you’re looking for one of these vehicles to give you the traditional performance that came with the first models, you’ll want to choose one of the SUVs on this list.

Should the Class be Broken Up?

Before we get into the list, we have an interesting question. Should there be more classifications of vehicles than just SUVs for most of what we see in this category? There have been several variations of cars throughout the years; maybe the same should be done for these models. If an SUV can’t go on the trails, there should be a specific class for it. Maybe those models should use a completely different title and not be called SUVs at all.

The Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch Package Can Take You Deep in the Wilderness

The Ford Bronco missed out on a quarter-century in the market, but now it’s back. This SUV offers a rough and rugged build with the chops to challenge the top off-roading SUVs in the market. The Bronco has a tough interior, rubberized controls, hard or soft roofs, and the Goes Over All Terrain (GOAT) mode. You’ll ride on 35-inch mud-terrain tires, and enjoy a high-clearance suspension, large fender flares, and electronically locking axles. This is an SUV that can take you everywhere you want to go.

You Can’t Go Wrong with the Land Rover Defender 90

The Land Rover name began as a farm/military vehicle and eventually became a luxurious brand filled with highly-capable SUVs. If you’re looking for one of the top models that deliver a great ride on the trails while remaining comfortable on the roads, the Defender 90 is an excellent choice. If you start with the base trim, you’ll want to add some packages made to give you added terrain riding equipment that will take you everywhere you want to go into the wilderness.

Drive the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Tackle All of the Trails

When you think of off-roading SUVs, the first one you often think of is the Jeep Wrangler. This iconic vehicle has proven itself for generations, dating back to the war-torn landscape of Europe during World War II. The Rubicon version gives you 33-inch mud-terrain tires, heavy-duty Fox shocks, and 10.3-inches of ground clearance. This SUV has locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, and rock sliders to give you more equipment for your fun out on the trails.

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a Trail-Riding Expert

If you want to add the benefits of one of the most reliable names in the auto industry to the mix, the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is an excellent choice. This is one of the few SUVs in the market that still uses a body-on-frame construction, making it an expert in the wilderness. The TRD Pro trim adds the benefits of skid plates, a locking rear differential, Fox off-road shocks, and the KDSS system, which gives this SUV an excellent suspension for your time on the trails.

Enjoy the Luxurious Build of the Lexus GX with the Off-Road Package

When you want a high-quality and comfortable SUV that feels great but can handle some fun on the trails, the Lexus GX is a wonderful choice. Add the Off-Road Package to give this SUV the capability desired for serious off-roading fun. The GX starts with a standard 4WD and a V8 engine, and this package gives you a fuel-tank skid plate, crawl control, a terrain management system, and an adaptive air suspension.

Go to the Heights of the Land Rover Range Rover for Your Off-Road Fun

The Range Rover is at the top of the list when it comes to what Land Rover brings to the market. The latest version of this SUV is the most comfortable that this SUV has ever been. The suspension gives you 11 inches of ground clearance, four-wheel steering, Terrain Response 2, a twin-turbocharged straight-six, and the option of a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. You’ll find the fun and active package for some trail-riding fun when you pick the Land Rover Range Rover.

If you Want a Bigger Jeep, Drive the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

The Trailhawk trim o the Jeep Grand Cherokee takes an already impressive SUV to be one that’s incredible at off-roading everywhere. This SUV has more off-road qualities than the more luxurious models in the Jeep lineup, giving you the capability desired when you’re ready to head out on the trails for some fun. This version brings skid plates, tow hooks, a terrain management system, an air suspension, and a limited-slip differential to the mix. You’ll love driving this SUV on unpaved paths.

The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is a Small but Capable SUV

The rugged characteristics of the Bronco Sport instantly made it a hit among off-road enthusiasts. This SUV brings the drive you want, and it won’t take up the entire trail. The Badlands trim is the best in the lineup when you want a trail-riding SUV. You’ll find an upgraded 4WD system, skid plates, added terrain management modes, a beefed-up off-road suspension, and crawl control. If you want a small and capable SUV, the Bronco Sport Badlands is a great choice.

The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is the Most Capable Version of this SUV

Most models of the Jeep Cherokee are relegated to light trails and paved roads, but not the Trailhawk trim. This version is one of the best SUVs for off-roading, giving you the qualities and features you want in your vehicle. This smallish SUV gives you 8.7-inches of ground clearance, an upgraded Active Drive Lock 4WD system, all-terrain tires, and the Selec-Terrain traction management system.

Are you ready to head out into the wilderness for some fun on the trails? If so, find one of these SUVs for your off-roading adventures and see what’s waiting for you in some unexplored territory.