The off-road world is exploding in 2025 with new models, refreshed legends, and electric innovations shaking up the scene. Whether you’re crawling boulders, overlanding into remote backcountry, or hitting the trails at George Washington National Forest, choosing the right rig is key.
At VAOffRoad.org, we live for backcountry exploration and trail-tested gear. We’ve ranked the Top 10 Best Off-Road SUVs and 4×4 Trucks for 2025, comparing ground clearance, locking differentials, suspension travel, price, and trail-focused tech. From trail icons to electric newcomers, this guide is your go-to list for planning your next upgrade.
| Rank | Vehicle | Ground Clearance | Locking Diffs | Starting MSRP | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Bronco Raptor | 13.1 in | Front & Rear | $88,000+ | Best overall capability |
| 2 | Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X | 12.9 in | Front & Rear | $63,000+ | Ultimate trail control |
| 3 | Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison | 12.2 in | Front & Rear | $60,000+ | Best midsize pick |
| 4 | Toyota Land Cruiser (2025) | 8.7–9.2 in | Center (Full-Time 4WD) | $55,000+ | Best all-arounder |
| 5 | Rivian R1S | Up to 15 in (adjustable) | Electric vectoring | $79,000+ | Best electric off-roader |
| 6 | Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | 9.6 in | Rear only | $56,000+ | Best legacy rig |
| 7 | Ram 1500 Rebel / TRX | 11.8 in (TRX) | Rear only | $64,000–$96,000 | Most powerful option |
| 8 | Chevy Silverado ZR2 | 11.2 in | Front & Rear | $70,000+ | Best full-size balance |
| 9 | GMC Canyon AT4X AEV | 10.7 in | Front & Rear | $65,000+ | Best luxury midsize |
| 10 | Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE | 11.5 in | Center/Rear | $72,000+ | Best luxury + tech combo |
🥇 1. Ford Bronco Raptor – King of the Trail
Overview
Built by Ford Performance, the Bronco Raptor is the ultimate desert-running, rock-crawling monster. With a twin-turbo V6 pumping out 418 horsepower and 37″ tires straight from the factory, this SUV isn’t just trail-ready—it’s Baja-ready.
Pros
- Best-in-class ground clearance (13.1 inches)
- Factory 37-inch tires
- Front and rear electronic locking differentials
- HOSS 4.0 suspension with FOX Live Valve shocks
- Advanced G.O.A.T. Modes with Trail Control
Cons
- Too wide for tight trails (nearly 86 inches with mirrors)
- Hefty price tag (starts at $88K)
- Low fuel economy (~15 mpg)
- Long waitlists
Styles/Trims
Single high-spec trim with available Lux Package (adds adaptive cruise, B&O audio, and more).
Best For
- Potts Mountain Jeep Trail
- High-speed trail work and open terrain
- Rock crawling and desert runs
Expert & Owner Insights
“The Bronco Raptor is what happens when Ford builds a trophy truck for the street.” — Car and Driver
“Too big for the tightest Virginia trails. But if you’ve got the space, it’s unstoppable.” — VAOffRoad.org
“I never thought I’d daily drive a vehicle that climbs better than most ATVs.” — Bronco6G Forum User
🥈 2. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X (or 392) – The Purist’s Off-Roader
Overview
The Wrangler Rubicon continues to be the benchmark for rock crawling. With solid axles, sway bar disconnects, and both front and rear lockers, it’s ready for any trail. The Rubicon X adds comfort and tech, while the 392 adds pure V8 power.
Pros
- Removable top and doors
- Best articulation on tight trails
- Front and rear lockers
- 392 option brings 470 hp
Cons
- Dated infotainment (even with Uconnect 5)
- Rough highway manners
- Expensive in higher trims
Styles/Trims
Rubicon, Rubicon X, Rubicon 392
Best For
- Narrow, wooded Virginia trails
- Rock crawling and slow-speed control
- Peters Mill Run, Flagpole Knob
Expert & Owner Insights
“Still the gold standard for technical trail riding.” — MotorTrend
“Nothing beats solid axles on the rocks.” — VA Off-Road Club Member
“The 392 is crazy fun, but I miss the quiet of the V6 on longer trips.” — Wrangler Forum
🥉 3. Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison – Midsize Beast
Overview
Partnered with AEV, Chevy’s ZR2 Bison features boron steel skid plates, front/rear lockers, and DSSV Multimatic shocks. It’s the most trail-ready midsize truck out of the box.
Pros
- Factory steel armor
- Front and rear lockers
- Narrow and nimble for East Coast trails
- Better ride quality than rivals
Cons
- Not as plush inside as GMC sibling
- Less aftermarket support than Jeep/Toyota
Styles/Trims
ZR2, ZR2 Bison package (AEV enhancements)
Best For
- Technical, narrow trails
- Rock crawling with gear
- Multi-day overlanding
Expert & Owner Insights
“Best midsize truck for real off-road use.” — Overland Journal
“The AEV plates saved me twice last trip.” — TrailDriverVA on Reddit
4. 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser – The Comeback King
Overview
The return of the legendary Land Cruiser comes in a smaller, more affordable package. The 2025 model features the same platform as the Lexus GX550 with a hybrid 2.4L turbo engine and advanced off-road tech.
Pros
- Hybrid torque + reliability
- Full-time 4WD
- Sway bar disconnect
- Classic looks meet modern tech
Cons
- No front/rear lockers (yet)
- Lower ground clearance (9.2 max)
Styles/Trims
1958, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser First Edition
Best For
- Overlanding, national park touring
- Families needing comfort and utility
Expert & Owner Insights
“Toyota nailed the mix of nostalgia and modern capability.” — The Drive
“I miss the V8 but love the torque curve.” — Land Cruiser Heritage Club
5. Rivian R1S – The Electric Revolution
Overview
The Rivian R1S is the only quad-motor electric SUV on the market with serious off-road credentials. Adjustable air suspension, 11,000 lb tow capacity, and over 800 hp.
Pros
- Quiet, instant torque
- Up to 15” of clearance
- Water fording up to 43”
- Advanced software-based traction control
Cons
- Expensive
- Long-distance trail trips require planning
Styles/Trims
Adventure, Launch, Quad-Motor AWD
Best For
- Eco-conscious overlanding
- Off-road torque precision
Expert & Owner Insights
“The R1S is like a silent tank.” — Doug DeMuro
“Software traction control is wild—like an invisible locker.” — RivianForums.com user
6. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro – The Trusty Veteran
Overview
Still built on the 4th-gen Tacoma frame, the 4Runner TRD Pro is a fan-favorite for its dependability, crawl control, and classic off-road charm.
Pros
- Rock-solid reliability
- Crawl Control + Multi-Terrain Select
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Outdated engine (4.0L V6)
- Ancient infotainment
Styles/Trims
TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro
Best For
- Weekend trail rides
- Entry-level overlanding
Expert & Owner Insights
“The perfect starter rig for anyone serious about trails.” — TFLoffroad
“I’ll never sell mine. Too much history with it.” — ToyotaNation.com user
7. Ram 1500 Rebel / TRX – Full-Size Fury
Overview
The Ram Rebel and TRX offer the most horsepower and road presence of any truck here. The Rebel is more balanced, while the TRX is a 702-hp desert rocket.
Pros
- Powerful engines
- Strong suspension setups
- TRX is unmatched in speed
Cons
- Big and bulky
- Fuel economy is poor
Styles/Trims
Rebel, TRX
Best For
- Desert/high-speed trails
- Wide fire roads
Expert & Owner Insights
“The TRX is ridiculous. In a good way.” — Road & Track
“It’s a blast, but not practical for tight off-roading.” — TRX Owners Group
8. Chevy Silverado ZR2 – Full-Size Trail Crusher
Overview
Chevy’s full-size ZR2 borrows tech from the Colorado ZR2 and adds it to a more powerful, larger package. Dual lockers and DSSV shocks are the big story.
Pros
- Dual lockers on full-size
- DSSV suspension is plush
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive at higher trims
Styles/Trims
ZR2
Best For
- Overland rigs with gear
- Hauling + light crawling
Expert & Owner Insights
“You get all the Colorado’s perks in a bigger truck.” — Off-Road.com
9. GMC Canyon AT4X AEV – Premium Midsize Warrior
Overview
The Canyon AT4X AEV is a luxury-leaning twin to the ZR2 Bison with added refinement, head-up display, and upscale interior options.
Pros
- AEV steel armor
- Front/rear lockers
- DSSV shocks
Cons
- Pricey for midsize
Styles/Trims
AT4X, AT4X AEV Edition
Best For
- Stylish overlanding
- Trail-to-town commuters
Expert & Owner Insights
“AEV plus comfort? Yes please.” — AutoTrader
10. Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE – Tech Meets Terrain
Overview
The modern Defender combines luxury, trail tech, and air suspension. While not as rugged as its predecessors, it holds its own off the beaten path.
Pros
- Adaptive air suspension
- Terrain Response 2
- Elegant cabin
Cons
- Complex systems
- High cost of repairs
Styles/Trims
S, SE, X, X-Dynamic, V8 options
Best For
- Dual-purpose travel
- Overlanding in comfort
Expert & Owner Insights
“The most comfortable way to get dirty.” — Top Gear
| Vehicle | Value for the Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | ✅ Excellent | Technical rock trails |
| Ford Bronco Raptor | 🚫 High Cost | High-speed desert, big climbs |
| Chevy ZR2 Bison | ✅ Balanced | Mixed terrain + overlanding |
| 4Runner TRD Pro | ⚠️ Dated but reliable | Moderate trails, daily use |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | ✅ Promising Hybrid | All-around, expedition travel |
| Rivian R1S | ⚠️ High-tech, high price | Green off-roading, near home |
🧰 Must-Have Off-Road Features in 2025
When choosing the best off-road SUV, don’t just go by name. Look for:
- Locking Differentials (Front & Rear) – Crucial for rock crawling
- Crawl Control / Trail Control – Automated throttle/brake at low speeds
- Skid Plates – Armor against rocks and debris
- Off-Road Tires & Wheels – 33”+ is ideal for most VA trails
- Suspension Travel & Flex – More flex = better articulation
Final Thoughts
Whether you lean toward electric innovation, traditional trail crawlers, or full-size beasts, 2025 has something for every off-roader. Ready to pick your rig? Explore our trail maps, join a club ride, and consider becoming a member to support responsible off-roading at VAOffRoad.org.
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