Many believe that the current off-road market has become a bit soft, and to some extent, that is true. However, due to the rise in the popularity of off-roading and overlanding, manufacturers are starting to come up with more models that focus on tackling the rough stuff. To prove this, below are 10 vehicles that, if taken off-road, will surprise you with their abilities.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Let’s be honest, such a list must include the Wrangler. It is a vehicle that gets a lot of hate and that’s a shame as it is one of the last truly old-school off-roaders. What makes it so great is its solid front and rear axles, locking differentials, sway bar disconnects, good ground clearance, great approach, departure, and break-over angles, and the ability to modify it to your specific requirements.

We believe it is the most capable off-roader on the current market and it definitely needs to be on your list if you're on the hunt for an off-roader.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Specs

Ford Bronco Badlands With Sasquatch Package

The Ford Bronco was developed as a rival to the Wrangler, which, for a long time, was in a class of its own. Ford engineers have done a great job with the design of the vehicle by managing to differentiate the Bronco from the Wrangler while also keeping it capable.

The Ford also features sway bar disconnects, locking differentials, and good ground clearance; however, it lacks the solid axle of the Jeep. When both vehicles are stock this will barely be noticed. However, once you start modifying, the limitations of the independent suspension system the Bronco features will be obvious. It does offer a smoother and more comfortable on-road experience, though.

Ford Bronco Specs

Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO

The Toyota 4Runner is a staple of the U.S. off-road culture. Just like the Jeep, you are guaranteed to see one regardless of where you happen to be. Due to its popularity, it also has huge aftermarket support. However, its smaller tires, less ground clearance, and independent front suspension mean it is not as capable as the Wrangler or the Bronco. On the other hand, it is much more reliable; therefore, for long cross-country journeys, the 4Runner cannot be beaten.

Yes, its engine and transmission are by far some of the most dated on the current market. But, why change something if it just works?

The Lexus LX 600

Those who know their Toyotas well will understand straight away why this car is on the list – for those who don’t, let us explain. As you may know, the Toyota Land Cruiser is no longer being sold in the U.S. and that’s a shame. However, its Lexus variant is still available.

Underneath all the luxury and that immense front bumper and grille, the LX 600 is the new 300 series Land Cruiser. Both vehicles are based on the same chassis and are even built on the same production line in Japan.

So, there you have it, the U.S. still gets the Land Cruiser's durability and capability, but in a different skin. You will need to do something with that front bumper though.

Lexus LX 600 Specs

The Land Rover Defender

The new Defender may be completely different from the one it replaced, but there is no denying that it is an off-road capable vehicle. The traction control system on offer provides grip and the air suspension gives the vehicle the clearance it needs.

The independent front and rear suspension mean that the new Defender is limited when it comes to tough rock-crawl trails, but for normal off-road use, it is more than capable enough. If you are planning on buying one for off-roading you should keep in mind that modifying them is difficult. Suspension lifts are mainly in the form of spacers and the electronics and design of the body make fitting accessories such as steel bumpers and a winch problematic.

New Land Rover Defender Specs

Mercedes G-Wagon

Due to its price, the G-Wagon is not a vehicle you often see on the trails, but that wasn’t always the case. In the old days, it was arguably the best 4x4 available as it featured coil suspension and differential locks on both the front and rear axles.

During the last few years, it has lost one of its two solid axles but still features center, front, and rear locking differentials, good ground clearance, and the power to tackle any obstacle. There is no denying the fact that it is one of the most capable off-roaders on the current market.

Mercedes G-Wagon

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

When it comes to pickup trucks, the Gladiator is the most off-road-worthy as it has all the features a Wrangler Rubicon offers. Sway bar disconnects, two lockers, two solid axles, and the ability to modify to your desire. It lacks the departure and break-over angles but that’s to be expected from a pickup truck.

If you want to haul stuff on the weekdays and have fun on the toughest off-road trails on the weekend the Gladiator is the truck of choice.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Specs

Ford F-150 Raptor

The Ford F-150 Raptor is a different kind of off-roader as its main purpose is to cover rough ground as fast as possible. It comes with large off-road tires, a strong suspension setup that can withstand big hits, a rear diff lock, and good ground clearance. It is not as capable as the Gladiator when on tough trails, but it can cover rough ground at an impressive pace.

Ford Raptor Specs

Ram TRX

The Ram TRX is a similar story to the Raptor although with a bit more power. The 702 horsepower on offer makes light work of mud and sand, and thanks to its great suspension, having fun in the desert is something both you and the truck will enjoy.

As you would expect, the TRX offers great ground clearance and many off-road features, but like the Raptor, its strong point is desert bashing.

RAM TRX

Ineos Grenadier

The Ineos Grenadier was left last as it has not been fully released yet. Despite that, we have a lot of information on its specs and features, and they are impressive. Aside from its Defender-like styling, it is one of the few vehicles to offer a solid front and rear axle. Both axles can also be locked.

The front and rear ends are tucked providing good approach and departure angles, and the truck sits high; therefore ground clearance and break-over angles are also impressive.

It is a new vehicle; therefore, it is still untested. However, on paper, it sure looks like one of the most capable trucks on the current market.

Ineos Grenadier