SUVs have played a dominant part in the industry. SUVs help you conquer places no other vehicle can. More or less, every segment in the auto industry has seen a make-shift revolution except SUVs. They’re still rugged, butch, and intimidating as ever. In fact, these beautiful monsters age gracefully and are known for their longevity and reliability. See the Landcruiser for example; or even the 4Runner. They’ve been around for decades and are still selling strong. Here is a list of 5 ultimate, off-road SUVs of 2016:
2016 Land Rover LR4
A vehicle that defines the stereotypical image of an SUV, the Land Rover LR4 has us drooling for its beautiful looks. The generous use of glass makes for a cabin that feels wide open and spacious. On the inside, the LR4 is plush and feature-rich for an SUV of its class. The automaker has also packed the LR4 with a lot of off-road electronics, like Terrain Response, a central locking differential, hill descent control, etc. Unlike the base trim which offers a single speed transfer case, the higher trims offer a two-speed transfer case with active-locking rear differential. However, the on-road mannerisms don’t match today’s car-like crossovers and SUVs. The feedback from the steering is not confidence-inspiring at higher speeds, there is noticeable body roll, and don’t even think about flooring the gas pedal.
EPA Fuel Economy |
16 mpg combined |
Maximum Cargo Capacity |
90.3 cu.ft. |
Available Total Seating |
7 |
Drivetrain Warranty |
4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Available Drivetrains |
4WD |
Government Crash Rating |
Not Rated |
Approach Angle |
32.2 degrees |
Departure Angle |
26.7 degrees |
Fording Depth |
27.56 inches |
Breakover Angle/Ramp Angle |
22.8 degrees |
Wheelbase |
113.6 inches |
Engine |
3.0-liter, supercharged, V-6 engine with direct injection. |
Horsepower |
340 HP |
Torque |
332 pound-feet |
Towing Capacity |
7,716 pounds with braked trailer equipped. |
Read our full driven review on the 2016 Land Rover LR4
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
This is an SUV that’s synonymous with off-roading. The Land Cruiser is still intimidating and imposing, and it’s huge. On the inside, material quality is not really up to the mark, although it comes with modern stuff like navigation, climate control, etc. This way, the Land Cruiser manages to provide a comfortable ride even on tarmac. Features like hill climb assist and Crawl function help make the off-road experience even better. There is also an off-road turn assist program that throbs the rear brakes to help make sharper turns. The seats are comfortable and the view from the driving seat is commanding. Despite the sheer size of the SUV, the third-row seats are best suited only for kids.
EPA Fuel Economy |
15 mpg combined |
Maximum Cargo Capacity |
81.7 cu.ft. |
Available Total Seating |
7 |
Drivetrain Warranty |
5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Available Drivetrains |
4WD |
Government Crash Rating |
Not Rated |
Approach Angle |
32 degrees |
Departure Angle |
24 degrees |
Fording Depth |
27.56 inches |
Breakover Angle/Ramp Angle |
21 degrees |
Wheelbase |
112.2 inches |
Engine |
5.7-liter, eight-cylinder engine |
Horsepower |
381 HP |
Torque |
401 pound-feet |
Towing Capacity |
8,100 pounds |
Read our full review on the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee started off as an SUV known for its muscular looks and great off-road capabilities. These days it's a lot more lavish and has all the bells and whistles one can ask for. This two-row SUV has a wheelbase longer than the seven-seaters available on the market, so space is not an issue here. The seats are large and comfortable as well to give you good support, be it on highways or when offroading. While the V-8 HEMI looks strong on paper, it’s the 3.0-liter, V-6 turbodiesel engine that steals the show. It has great low-end torque, making it perfectly viable when trying to dodge (pun intended) the boulders and logs. This unit also delivers 30 miles per gallon and has a range of 730 miles on a full tank. Other engines offered are not that fuel efficient though.
EPA Fuel Economy |
16-24 mpg combined |
Maximum Cargo Capacity |
68.3 cu.ft. |
Available Total Seating |
5 |
Drivetrain Warranty |
5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Available Drivetrains |
RWD, 4WD |
Government Crash Rating |
4 Stars |
Approach Angle |
29.8 degrees |
Departure Angle |
22.8 degrees |
Fording Depth |
20 inches |
Breakover Angle/Ramp Angle |
27.1 degrees |
Wheelbase |
114.8 inches |
Engine/Horsepower/Torque |
3.6-liter, V-6 petrol engine/295 horses/260 pound-feet; 5.7-liter, V-8 HEMI engine/360 horses/390 pound-feet; 3.0-liter, V-6 turbodiesel engine/240 horses/420 pound-feet; 6.4-liter, V-8 HEMI engine/475 horses/470 pound-feet |
Towing Capacity |
6,212 pounds for V-6; 7,275 pounds for the V-6 diesel and V-8 Hemi |
Read our full review on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2016 Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler has a bold military history and a place in the heart of any true off-roader. There’s nothing to complain about in terms of the interior, but nothing to write home about either - It's basic, neat, and functional. It does not have fancy features like the others in this list, but it’s strong in its bones, and has good engines under the hood as well. But that doesn’t help with the towing capacity either. The cabin space is sufficient in both, two-door and four-door versions. The sharp exterior has nullified the phenomenon known as aerodynamics. Ride quality is a bit firm but there's plenty of suspension travel when needed.
EPA Fuel Economy |
18 mpg combined |
Maximum Cargo Capacity |
55.8 / 70.6 cu.ft. |
Available Total Seating |
5 |
Drivetrain Warranty |
5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Available Drivetrains |
4WD |
Government Crash Rating |
Not Rated |
Approach Angle |
38.7 degrees |
Departure Angle |
29.1 degrees |
Fording Depth |
TBA |
Breakover Angle/Ramp Angle |
21.5 degrees |
Wheelbase |
95.4 inches |
Engine |
3.6-liter, V-6 Pentastar |
Horsepower |
285 HP |
Torque |
260 pound-feet |
Towing Capacity |
2,000 pounds |
Read our full review on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
2016 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is one other SUV that is not adapting to the new crossover-esque body styling. This rugged SUV is an off-roader at its core, but a decent cruiser as well. The 4Runner does not boast healthy cargo space, but the cabin space is sufficient. Leave the third-row seats to the kids, though, as adults will be rather uncomfortable. Coming to the engine, the 4.0-liter unit is well-suited to the 4Runner. It has a good low-end torque, and decent horsepower. Cornering is not a trait of many SUVs, and with its tall, body-on-frame structure, the 4Runner suffers from the same problem. On the safety front, the 4Runner is definitely not the fore-runner. It doesn’t lack anything per se, but the rivals offer so much more protection. In the end, the 4Runner is a blend of good pavement and off-road skills, but still leaves a lot to be desired.
EPA Fuel Economy |
18-19 mpg combined |
Maximum Cargo Capacity |
89.7 cu.ft. |
Available Total Seating |
7 |
Drivetrain Warranty |
5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Available Drivetrains |
RWD, 4WD |
Government Crash Rating |
4 Stars |
Approach Angle |
33 degrees |
Departure Angle |
26 degrees |
Fording Depth |
TBA |
Breakover Angle/Ramp Angle |
TBA |
Wheelbase |
109.8 inches |
Engine |
4.0-liter, V-6 unit |
Horsepower |
270 HP |
Torque |
278 pound-feet |
Towing Capacity |
5,000 pounds |
Read our full review on the 2016 Toyota 4Runner
Conclusion
Off-roading is a skill, and you require a perfect tool for it. These five SUVs are the best tools from 2016. While some of these have kept their bone structure strong and are light on electronic support, there are some that have infused old-school techniques with modern technology to create the perfect SUV for your adventurous side. Which one would you choose out of these 5 SUVs? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.