When tackling mountains, you need a vehicle that laughs in the face of steep inclines, powers through the snow, and shrugs off boulder-strewn paths. Whether aiming for the Rockies, the Alps, or some gnarly backcountry trails, these 23 four-wheel drive (4WD) machines will take you there and back without breaking a sweat.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the Chuck Norris of off-road vehicles. Introduced in 2003, the Rubicon trim is named after California’s legendary Rubicon Trail, a grueling off-road route that serves as Jeep’s proving ground. It has heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, locking front and rear differentials, an electronic disconnecting sway bar, and a Rock-Trac 4×4 system, providing superior crawl ratios (up to 84:1 in manual models). The 33-inch all-terrain tires and skid plates ensure that even the roughest trails are merely a playground.
Toyota Land Cruiser (J300)
The Toyota Land Cruiser is the king of durability. Built on the TNGA-F platform, it sheds 441 lbs. (200 kg) compared to its predecessor, thanks to high-strength steel and aluminum use. Toyota ditched the V8 for a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (409 hp, 479 lb-ft) and a 3.3L twin-turbo diesel V6 (304 hp, 516 lb.-ft), both mated to a 10-speed automatic. Off-road capabilities include Multi-Terrain Select, E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Ford Bronco Badlands
The Ford Bronco Badlands is the most off-road-capable trim of the revived Bronco lineup, built to tackle extreme terrain with heavy-duty Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, a front stabilizer bar disconnects, and 33-inch all-terrain tires (or optional 35-inch tires with the Sasquatch Package). And, with water-fording capability up to 33.5 inches and 11.6 inches of ground clearance, the Badlands is the ultimate factory-built Bronco for hardcore adventurers.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G 550 & AMG G63)
The G-Wagon isn’t just a luxury icon. It’s a serious off-roader. The AMG G 63, a high-performance variant, boasts a handcrafted 4.0L twin-turbo V8, churning out 577 hp and 627 lb.-ft, launching from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It also includes an AMG-specific RIDE CONTROL suspension for better handling. Both models retain triple locking differentials, a ladder-frame chassis, and 14 inches of water-fording depth, making them off-road beasts wrapped in a plush Nappa leather cabin.
Land Rover Defender 110
The modern Defender is part tech marvel, part mountain goat. Launched in 2020, the new Defender departs from its boxy predecessor, featuring an aluminum-intensive unibody construction (vs. the old body-on-frame) for improved rigidity and crash safety. Its short front and rear overhangs and a 38° approach, 40° departure, and 31° break-over angle ensure serious off-road capability. And, despite modern tech, it retains the spirit of adventure, with adjustable air suspension and terrain response systems.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is an off-road beast wrapped in a rugged yet refined package. It is designed for serious trail duty and boasts a heritage-inspired front grille, aggressive stance, and exclusive 17-inch TRD alloy wheels wrapped in Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires. A 1.5-inch front and 0.5-inch rear suspension lift, courtesy of Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, enhances clearance and articulation. It’s the kind of SUV that makes you want to find the steepest, roughest mountain to flex on it.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Who says midsize trucks can’t be mountain conquerors? The truck has a 2.7L turbocharged inline-four producing 310 hp and 430 lb.-ft torque. An aggressive flow-through grille, high-clearance front bumper, and stamped steel skid plates enhance durability. Inside, it features an 11.3-inch touchscreen and premium materials. Also, the ZR2 Bison variant, developed with AEV, adds boron steel skid plates and steel bumpers. Built for hardcore adventurers, the Colorado ZR2 balances daily drivability with Baja-style toughness.
Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram TRX is a muscle truck that doesn’t care how high the mountain is. Its 8-inch-wider body houses functional hood scoops and a menacing front grille that screams performance. Inside, it’s loaded with luxury and tech, featuring a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, suede-trimmed seats, and paddle shifters, a first for a Ram truck. Also, this 6,350-pound beast launches from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds while retaining serious off-road capability. The TRX is essentially a Hellcat on steroids with a truck bed.
Nissan Patrol
A sibling to the Land Cruiser, the Nissan Patrol is an off-road beast known for its bulletproof reliability. Introduced in 1951, it has undergone multiple generations, balancing utility with premium appeal. The latest Y62 generation (2010–present) features a bold V-motion grille, C-shaped LED headlights, and a muscular stance, emphasizing modern luxury while retaining its off-road DNA. And, with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, 4WD with low-range gearing, and a 5.6L V8, this thing eats tough trails for breakfast.
Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny is a pocket-sized off-road ninja. Its short 2250mm wheelbase, ladder frame, and 3-link rigid axle suspension give it excellent off-road agility. Designed for utility, it boasts a high roofline, flared wheel arches, and a spare tire-mounted tailgate for a rugged appeal. Plus, weighing just 1090-1135 kg, the Jimny achieves an impressive 37-degree approach angle and 49-degree departure angle, making it a true off-road beast. And, despite its tiny 1.5L engine, its design maximizes functionality while keeping a quirky, lovable personality.
GMC Hummer EV
This electric monster isn’t just about torque (though it has 11,500 lb.-ft). Its innovations include Crabwalk, which allows diagonal movement via four-wheel steering, and Extract Mode, which lifts the air suspension by 6 inches for extreme terrain. The Infinity Roof features removable panels for an open-air feel. And, despite its 9,000+ lb. curb weight, it retains a 7,500-lb towing capacity. Plus, prices start at $96,550, making it a luxury off-road powerhouse. Critics praise its tech and power but note its hefty size and price.
Lexus GX 550
Luxury meets rugged capability with the GX 550. Redesigned for the first time since 2010, it rides on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, shared with the Land Cruiser and Sequoia. Under the hood, it packs a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (badged as a 3.5L), producing 349 hp and 479 lb.-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with a Torsen limited-slip center differential. Further, towing is rated at up to 9,096 lbs., making it a workhorse wrapped in luxury.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor is an off-road performance truck built for high-speed desert running and rugged terrain. Introduced in 2010, it evolved from the SVT Raptor into today’s high-tech beast. The third-gen (2021–present) Raptor features a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, making 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and standard 4WD. Its long-travel FOX Live Valve shocks, 37-inch tire option, and five-link rear suspension give it incredible off-road capability.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric truck that makes gas-guzzlers look like dinosaurs. With up to 835 horsepower, it rockets from 0-60 mph in about 3 seconds. It also boasts up to 410 miles of range (if you pick the Max pack) and a quad-motor AWD system, meaning it can go off-road like a mountain goat on steroids. And, thanks to Rivian’s “tank turn” in development, this beast might spin in place like a Roomba one day. Take that, regular trucks.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is like the tough guy at the gym who also reads philosophy—rugged yet sophisticated. It packs a 3.6L V6 (293 hp) standard, but if you want more vroom-vroom, there’s a 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 hp) or even a plug-in hybrid 4xe (375 hp, 470 lb-ft torque) because, hey, Mother Earth matters. It’s all luxury meets adventure: Leather, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and plenty of room for muddy boots. And yes, it wears that Trailhawk red tow hook bling because looking cool while pulling lesser SUVs out of ditches is important.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is the beefed-up, mountain-goat version of the already adventurous Outback. Towing? 3,500 lbs.The roof rack? Rated for 700 lbs., so rooftop tents are fair game. Inside, you get water-resistant Startex seats (because adventure is messy). Gas mileage? Not Prius levels, 21 city/26 highway MPG. And, starting around $39K, it’s the rugged, go-anywhere Subaru for folks who like dirt more than pavement.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Tacoma TRD Pro is built to go anywhere. With Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, this truck practically off-roads itself. The 1.5-inch front lift and 1-inch rear lift make it taller than your cousin, who insists he’s 6’0″ but isn’t. The interior? Heated leather-trimmed seats and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Also, it starts around $47K, meaning your wallet might cry, but your adventure-loving soul will rejoice. In short, if Indiana Jones drove a truck, it’d be this one.
Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover: the chariot of the refined, the adventurous, and the unapologetically posh. Since 1970, this British luxury SUV has conquered everything from Buckingham Palace driveways to the muddy trails of the Scottish Highlands. With a plush interior fit for royalty and off-road chops that could embarrass a mountain goat, the Range Rover is the ultimate “have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too” vehicle.
Chevy Silverado ZR2
The Chevy Silverado ZR2 happens when Chevrolet takes a regular Silverado, feeds it protein shakes, and tells bedtime stories about Baja racing. This off-road beast packs a 6.2L V8 pumping out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, enough to make mud, rocks, and lesser trucks tremble in fear. Ground clearance? A respectable 11.2 inches. Towing capacity? is 8,900 lbs., which means it’ll haul your boat, trailer, or a competitor’s broken-down truck. Chevy also threw in a steel front bumper with “bash plates,” because why not?
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is what happens when Elon Musk asks, “What if a tank and a DeLorean had a baby?” This all-electric, stainless-steel-armored beast boasts a range of up to 340+ miles and goes from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.6 seconds (that’s supercar territory, folks). It features an Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel exoskeleton, which laughs in the face of minor dents and dings. And, with a starting price of around $60,990, it’s a head-turner.
Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero)
The Mitsubishi Pajero (a.k.a. Montero in the Americas and Shogun in the UK, because Pajero is a rude word in Spanish) is a legendary off-roader that has been conquering dunes, mountains, and pothole-ridden city streets since 1982. This boxy beast has won the Dakar Rally a record 12 times, making it the automotive equivalent of an action hero. It’s durable, capable, and beloved worldwide—except in the U.S., where it was discontinued in 2006 (because Americans love bigger SUVs).
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35
The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is a rugged pickup that eats a protein-rich diet and hits the gym. Born from a collaboration between Isuzu and Arctic Trucks (the mad scientists of off-road tuning), this beast is jacked up with 35-inch tires, enhanced suspension, and flared wheel arches that scream, “I eat potholes for breakfast.” Also, built for adventurers and apocalypse preppers alike, this truck is ready for snow, sand, or supermarket curbs.
Bollinger B1
The Bollinger B1 is an all-electric SUV that resembles a love child between a classic Land Rover and a tank. Built by Bollinger Motors, this beast boasts a boxy, no-nonsense design because who needs curves when you have pure utility? Under the hood, it packs a dual-motor AWD system cranking out 614 horsepower and 668 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to tow 7,500 lbs. or outrun a bear (for a short distance, at least). But, originally priced at a kidney ($125,000), the B1 was sadly canceled in 2022 as Bollinger pivoted to commercial trucks. It’s too cool for this world.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
