The Best Off-Road Vehicles For 2022

Sometimes the paved roads and highways and byways are simply too boring. Drivers hit the conservative pavement on a daily basis. Change is good and adventure is calling!

Not all vehicles are equipped to handle rough, tough terrain, sandy beaches and the mud. But models boasting the drive train to tackle these landscapes can offer drivers the opportunity to explore the unexpected and take the path less traveled.

Ready to detour into the wilderness, cruise along the sandy coastline and even get a little bit dirty? Here are the best off-road vehicles for 2022 that can navigate all the wild and unpaved scenic routes created by Mother Nature and conquered by four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Top 10 List of Best Off-Road Vehicles for 2022

Every automotive site has their favorite vehicles in every category. The best of anything is subjective. Depending on the buyer, the best vehicle could be based on looks, speed, price or even brand. Off-road vehicle aficionados might want the toughest vehicle that can tackle nature’s greatest obstacles. 

But tough off-road vehicles should look good tackling the terrain ahead. When it comes to handling off-road adventures and—well—looking cool, here are our favorite vehicles for 2022:

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

When drivers want to go off the beaten path, the Wrangler Rubicon won’t disappoint. The Jeep Wrangler is a tried and true Jeep model, and it can tackle any messy adventure in style. The Wrangler is iconic, and its military-inspired design is sleek, rugged and just plain cool. Choose Sarge Green for the hue to really nod to the Wrangler’s original inspiration.

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender won the 2021 World Car Awards for World Car Design of the Year. The Land Rover Defender is available in three different trims: the Defender, the Defender X-Dynamic, and the Defender X. The Defender is capable of taking on tough terrains, and buyers can create the interior look that fits their style. Fun fact: Range Rovers drive the adventure in the latest James Bond film No Time to Die.

GMC Hummer EV SUV

Go on an electric adventure! The GMC Hummer EV SUV is power packed with voltage. While many off-road vehicles might not offer the best fuel efficiency, the Hummer disavows fuel. Charge up and hit the trails, the beach or find the action among the fields.

The Hummer also is offered in a pick-up truck model, too. And, yes, the pick-up is electric!

Honda Ridgeline

The 2022 Ridgeline has the capability to tow up to 5,000 pounds, making this pick-up ideal for those who want to pull their boat, haul cargo and more. The Ridgeline can conquer mud, snow, ice and desert sand thanks to its Intelligent Traction Management system. With all-wheel drive, icy conditions and slick wet pavement are easily navigated.

2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

While the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor hasn’t officially driven into dealerships yet, Gear Patrol offered a sneak peak. In fact, the site proclaims that it “…could be one of the most badass off-road SUVs ever.” The prediction is that the new Bronco will boast a V6 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. When will the Raptor be officially released? There is not yet a definitive date.

Ford F150

Ford’s most popular truck—and perhaps the most popular truck in general–the Ford F150 is capable of taking on almost anything. Per Ford, the 150 has been the most popular truck (in sales volume) for nearly a quarter of a century (23 years, to be precise). Buyers should opt for the off-road package for all the power and amenities.

Subaru Outback Wilderness

Looking for a more moderately-priced off-road option? The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness can tackle all the wild landscapes without a high price tag. The Outback Wilderness posts a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of less than $37,000. Its towing capacity isn’t as great as other models (it can tow up to 3,500 pounds), but the price might be more affordable for buyers.

2022 Nissan Armada

An Armada is defined as “a fleet of warships.” The Nissan Armada nods to this power with a V8 engine. This SUV can tow up to 8,500 and tackle all the rough off-road conditions. Visiting a beach for vacation? Don’t sweat the sand! As for price, the Armada falls into the moderate category; it starts at around $49,000. The Nissan Armada also has plenty of space for family, plus room to spare.

2022 Lexus GX

Go off-roading in luxury with the Lexus GX. With a base price of $55,425, the GX offers space for up to seven. The off-road package allows the GX to tackle the sandy beaches or just handle the pavement in safe style. While some drivers might not want to get their luxe Lexus muddy, this off-road SUV could handle getting out of muddy obstacles. Tread Magazine took the GX off-roading, and those who want to take the GX into really tough terrain might make some modifications.

2022 Kia Telluride

The Telluride makes the list for its budget-friendly price; the MSRP is less than $33,000. The Telluride is the most affordable option on the list, and, yes, it’s capable of tackling those off-road adventures! While the towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds, the SUV is still a great option for families that want the all-wheel drive performance to tackle some more rugged paths.

Smaller Off-Road Vehicles

Off-roading doesn’t always mean investing in a pricier vehicle. For adventure-seekers, small all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) could tackle those wooded trails. Some might even have the ability to haul!

However, smaller vehicles might not be street legal, so those looking for these fun rugged vehicles need to research where they can—and cannot!—be driven. Those ready to zoom around the beach or other sandy terrain might consider a dune buggy!

Smaller ATVs could be a more affordable option for thrill seekers or adventure enthusiasts who want to explore beyond the paved streets.

Shopping for Off-Road Vehicles

Car buyers who are ready to take on nature’s terrain can shop for the latest off-road vehicles via Carzing. Search by price, make and model or body type to find the best options in the area.

Buyers can further narrow down their options by choosing specific features that they consider ‘must-have’ elements. Search results can be narrowed by transmission, fuel type, color, equipment and more. Once that perfect option is discovered, buyers can get prequalified for financing via Carzing, too.

With Carzing, buyers can choose financing that works for them. Opt for specific loan terms (longer or shorter), and find the financing with the monthly payment that best fits into the budget. Carzing helps buyers understand their down payment expectations, too.

Once a buyer is prequalified, they can visit a participating dealership and test drive their favorite car. Then it’s time to finish the deal, sign the paperwork and hit the road—or go off the road!—in a new car!

Buyers with a trade-in also can factor in their vehicle when prequalifying for financing. Understand how that trade-in will impact the loan payments and how much the dealership might pay for that older car. Carzing provides all the tools buyers need to find their perfect car and finance it on their terms!