In recent years, automakers have turned toward outfitting their SUV models with off-road ability. If you’re a rural driver looking for a capable compact SUV, you’re in luck as there are many new and used cars to choose from. These compact SUVs all have something in common, including good ground clearance, all-terrain tires, AWD, and underbody armor to protect against off-road obstacles.
Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
It may be one of the cheapest options for compact off-road SUVs, but that doesn’t mean it lacks capability. In fact, the value for your money in the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is quite impressive. The Wilderness trim upgrades the regular Crosstrek with over half an inch of additional ground clearance, plus skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a better cooling system. The X-Mode AWD system gives drivers advanced control over various terrains, including mud, gravel, and deep snow. With only a 2.5-liter flat-four that makes 182 horsepower, it’s not the most powerful SUV, but it still holds its own.
Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road
Toyota is well-known for making off-road-ready SUVs and the automaker has outfitted the compact RAV4 with off-road upgrades in its TRD Off-Road trim. It boasts a bit more power than the Crosstrek above with 203 horsepower, but it also adds a TRD skid plate, all-terrain tires, a tuned suspension, and a range of drive modes. The compact RAV4 in this format is pretty good off-road, but it can be a bit harsh on the pavement thanks to its off-road-tuned suspension. It does include some luxury niceties like heated seats and wireless charging.
Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
The Ford Bronco Sport is the crossover version of the big Bronco, but it can still hold its own off-road when you get the Badlands trim. This off-road-ready trim includes the famous GOAT modes driving system, plus Trail Control for the off-road equivalent of cruise control. It’s a good choice for overlanding thanks to its spacious interior and rugged rubber flooring that’s easy to clean. It has the most horsepower listed so far at 250, but its turbocharged engine is also quite thirsty and the 23 MPG combined is the worst fuel efficiency of the bunch.
Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Jeep SUVs have a pretty good reputation as off-road capable and the Jeep Compass Trailhawk is no exception. The Trailhawk is the off-road trim of the Compass. It has some of the best ground clearance in the segment and features a Traction Management System that allows you to choose the best drive mode for your terrain. The Trailhawk also boasts Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4X4 system with a 20:1 crawl ratio.
What Makes a Good Off-Road SUV?
If you’re looking at compact SUVs for the occasional jaunt off-road, you’re probably not looking for something with the powerful off-road prowess of the Jeep Wrangler. However, some features set off-road SUVs apart from the rest. The SUVs on this list generally feature higher ground clearance, a numerically higher axle ratio, and selectable drive modes. Tire choice is also important. Most SUVs sold in off-road trims come with all-terrain tires, which are extremely crucial for adding grip in slippery situations.
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