Best 4×4 Off-Road Vehicles for Daily Driving (SUVs & Trucks)
Off-road vehicles have four-wheel-drive (or 4×4), enhanced ground clearance, and locking differentials that allow them to venture into rockier terrains, but they don’t typically ride as well on-road.
However, these SUVs and trucks are off-road capable and livable daily drivers.
Best 4WD Off-Road Daily Drivers (SUV)
#1 Jeep Wrangler (Small SUV)
Best Trim for Off-Road: Rubicon
Off-roading enthusiasts have long coveted and pursued the iconic Wrangler convertible for style and rocky terrain prowess.
Despite the subpar ride quality on-road, with vague steering and intrusive wind and tire noise at higher speeds, the Jeep Wrangler remains the undisputed off-road champ that you can reasonably drive every day if you’re after a compact SUV.
It oozes rustic charm and distinct proportions in a body-on-frame construction, although the latest-gen Wrangler has a more comfortable interior with extensive customization options.
The solid-axle suspension and high ground clearance give it unwavering off-road capability.
The Wrangler’s towing capacity is also higher than the competition, rated at 3,500 lbs, versus 1,500 lbs to 2,000 lbs in popular daily driver models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.
All Wrangler trim levels have four-wheel drive (4WD), a testament to its off-road DNA.
If you want to own a non-convertible Jeep for a quieter ride but can still venture off-road, these models are worth considering:
- Jeep Renegade (Trailhawk trim)
- Jeep Compass (Trailhawk trim)
- Jeep Cherokee (Trailhawk trim)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (Trailhawk trim)
#2 Ford Bronco (Midsize SUV)
Best Trim for Off-Road: Sasquatch
The famous Bronco nameplate has a story of two halves; it began as a burly, gas-guzzling two-door that ceased production after 1996, while the later iteration saw a 2021-revived version with a more agreeable on-road ride comfort.
Designed to compete with the ever-popular Wrangler, the midsize Bronco SUV has enhanced daily-driver qualities compared to the Wrangler, making it one of the better 4×4 SUV daily drivers you can confidently take off-road.
The Bronco has body-on-frame construction like other off-road capable models. Yet, it rides reasonably well, with stable and predictable steering at highway speeds, thanks to an independent front suspension.
Still, you should expect elevated wind noise levels as speed increases, a common issue with removable hardtops.
If you don’t mind sacrificing some off-road ability for a considerably quieter daily commute, the Honda Passport is worth researching.
While it doesn’t have the Bronco’s mastery of the rockier territories, its rugged look, quiet cabin, and above-average off-road ability will appeal.
#3 Toyota 4Runner (Midsize 3-Row SUV)
Best Trims for Off-Road: TRD Off-Road & TRD Pro
The burlier a truck is for the rougher topography, the more the ride suffers when taken to the pavement.
This common perception applies to the Toyota 4Runner, a midsize three-row SUV.
Still, despite its mediocre performances in daily-driver ride quality and fuel efficiency, it’s hard to fault the Toyota 4Runner with its impressive off-road capability and roomy and versatile interior.
It’s a compelling pick for larger families after a seven-pax hauler, outstanding utility, and a tall SUV that can go places most gentler rivals cannot.
Most midsized SUVs have gradually transitioned to car-based chassis for a smoother ride.
However, the 4Runner remained on the truck-based construction, making it a straightforward decision if you want a sufficiently livable midsize SUV but with immense mastery of the rugged landscape.
#4 Subaru Outback (Midsize SUV)
Best Trim for Off-Road: Wilderness
If you do light off-roading – which applies to the majority of buyers – a considerably more comfortable daily driver is within reach.
The Subaru Outback combines many qualities that make it a solid choice as a daily driver that can tackle light off-road duties:
- Standard all-wheel drive – suitable for enhanced grip on slippery grounds with loose gravel.
- Remarkable ride comfort – excellent on-road demeanor that carries over to rougher, off-pavement surfaces. Plus, it’s a quiet cruiser.
- Raised ride height that gives it better-than-average off-road ability.
- Roomy interior and storage space.
Besides, the Outback SUV’s crash safety credential is utterly impressive, winner of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)’s top accolade.
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2021 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2020 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2018 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2017 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2016 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2015 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2014 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2013 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2012 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick |
| 2011 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick |
| 2010 Subaru Outback | Top Safety Pick |
| 2009 Subaru Outback | – |
Best 4×4 Off-Road Daily Drivers (Truck)
#5 Toyota Tacoma (Midsize Truck)
Best Trim for Off-Road: TRD Off-Road & TRD Pro
No truck has had the staying power of the Tacoma in the midsize truck market.
The Toyota Tacoma is impeccably durable and the perfect workhorse that you could employ for off-road adventures and daily drive to an acceptable degree.
A locking rear differential became standard in 2022, with a slightly enhanced ground clearance for extra off-roading capability.
While it enjoys Toyota’s top-notch reliability, Tacoma’s ride quality on the road is barely passable compared to quieter and more refined newer rivals.
The numb steering is slow to react around turns, with minimal feedback and excitement for the driver.
If you only do the occasional off-roading primarily on dirt roads, the next car on the list (Honda Ridgeline) will serve you better as an everyday vehicle.
#6 Honda Ridgeline (Midsize Truck)
Best Trim for Off-Road: All trims are decent off-roaders.
The Ridgeline is unique among pickup trucks with its car-based construction, giving it a markedly better-than-average ride quality that makes daily commuting a more relaxing experience.
Although more similar pickups have emerged, the Ridgeline remains a compelling pick in the midsize segment.
While it doesn’t rule the rugged terrains like solid-axle trucks, the Honda Ridgeline, with its unibody chassis, independent front and rear suspension, and all-wheel-drive, is an abundantly comfortable truck for daily use with reasonable off-road potential.
It drives more like an SUV than a conventional rough-and-tumble workhorse.
Still, it rides washboard dirt roads with confidence and composure, so the Ridgeline is the perfect fit if you aren’t into serious off-roading.
Plus, the cabin remains quiet once the vehicle gets moving, making it feel more upscale and refined than the typical pickup.
The unified construction provides the Ridgeline with a cornering ability that outdoes other pickup trucks, making it remarkably livable and enjoyable to drive.
The V6-equipped Ridgeline returns a commendable low-20s mpg overall, marginally better than its Toyota (Tacoma) and Chevrolet (Colorado) rivals with a similar engine.
#7 Ram 1500 (Full-Size Truck)
Best Trim for Off-Road: Rebel & TRX.
In a Ford-dominated segment, the Ram 1500 manages to differentiate itself as a top light-duty full-size contender.
Pickup trucks with locking differentials typically reign supreme when tackling rockier grounds but falter with poorer ride quality on smoother pavements.
Still, the coil spring rear suspension and pleasing cabin appointment ensure the Ram 1500 remains the most comfortable daily driver truck that can perform just as capably off-road.
The Rebel and TRX trims are the more rugged models, with elevated ride height, unique shock absorbers, locking rear axle.
But if you drive on rough dirt roads more than rocky landscape, the TRX version allows greater stability at higher speeds with its adaptive off-road suspension.
Rear passenger head, shoulder, and legroom are abundant inside the crew-cab Ram 1500, a class leader in these aspects and a pleasant place to be for the long haul wherever the truck goes.
While a pickup’s safety ratings often aren’t front-and-center when choosing an off-roader (rpd), it’s comforting to know that the fifth-generation Ram 1500 (2019 debut) is first-rate in this regard.
It won consecutive awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | Top Safety Pick |
| 2021 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | Top Safety Pick |
| 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2019 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2018 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | – |
| 2017 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | – |
| 2016 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | – |
| 2015 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | – |
| 2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | – |
| 2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab | – |
#8 Ford F-150 (Full-Size Truck)
Best Trim for Off-Road: Raptor
Long America’s best-selling truck, the F-150 is as tough as a light-duty full-size truck can be, with class-leading towing strength when properly equipped.
Its all-rounded qualities include a roomy interior, relatively comfortable ride, and a broad selection of powertrains to suit almost every use case.
Further, the ample ground clearance with optional locking differentials, giving it massive off-road potential, thrusts the Ford F-150, particularly the Raptor trim, to the top of the pile as the best truck you can daily drive and venture off-road.
Although the ride isn’t as plush as the Ram 1500, the F-150 has a comfortable cabin and reasonable handling agility to tackle most pavement surfaces at any speed with poise.
The F-150 boosts:
- Exceptional tow and haul capabilities – 14,000 lbs and 3,300 lbs, respectively, when properly equipped.
- Strong fuel economy for a V8 – the 20 mpg overall betters the Chevy and Ram with a similar-size engine. Opt for the hybrid version for higher efficiency.
- Feature-rich, with a broad selection of engines to suit any taste and need.
- Solid safety ratings – see the table below.
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2021 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2020 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | – |
| 2019 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | – |
| 2018 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2016 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | – |
| 2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2010 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | – |
| 2009 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | Top Safety Pick |
| 2008 Ford F-150 SuperCrew | – |
While the SuperCab can also seat up to six, the SuperCrew provides appreciably more legroom for the rear passengers to travel longer distances and off-road comfortably.
References:
https://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale