When the wilderness is calling, how will you answer? Will you grab one of the best hybrid off-road SUVs and head deep into uncharted territory, or will you stick to light to medium well-traveled paths through the forest? Our list of rugged hybrid SUVs for off-roading gives you options for adventure away from the paved and lined roads we travel every day.
Off-roading doesn’t have to be complicated, provided you have the right vehicle for the job. Some of the best off-road SUVs now come with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to sip fuel and take you deeper into the wilderness. These SUVs are great for off-roading and can be upgraded to suit your needs with great accessories like winches, steel bumpers, roof racks, and bigger off-road tires for your adventures.
10 Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Head Deeper Into the Forest In The Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is well-known as one of the best off-road SUVs in the world. In fact, other brands have worked tirelessly to match the Wrangler’s off-road prowess for years. This plug-in hybrid version brings the desired power and capability to your deep wilderness adventures.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
2.0-liter 4-cylinder PHEV |
|
Engine Output |
270 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
21 miles |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
4WD |
|
Approach Angle |
47.4 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
40.4 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
25.1 degrees |
When the call of the wild catches your attention, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the ideal off-road SUV for your fun and adventures. Will you answer that call?
9 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: This Jeep Hasn’t Met A Trail It Couldn’t Tackle
If you’re searching for a hardcore off-road SUV but need more cargo room than what the Wrangler provides, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is here to save the day. The Grand Cherokee is renowned for being one of the toughest and most rugged off-roading vehicles. Toss in the hybrid powertrain, and you have a mean green fuel sipper.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
2.0-liter 4-cylinder PHEV |
|
Engine Output |
375 horsepower, 470 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
26 miles |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
4WD |
|
Approach Angle |
25.7 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
27.1 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
22.8 degrees |
With impressive off-road angles and amazing off-road upgrades available as accessories, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe could be the best off-road SUV for your fun away from the boring paved roads.
8 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Your Daily Drive Has An Adventurous Side
You might not instantly think of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as an off-roading SUV, but it certainly can be. Utilizing the AWD drivetrain and respectable off-road angles, this Toyota SUV could take you on some of the most adventurous light and medium trails.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid |
|
Engine Output |
219 horsepower, 163 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
N/A |
|
Transmission |
CVT Automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
AWD |
|
Approach Angle |
19 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
21 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
N/A |
Whether you’re looking for an easy way to get to a remote lake or want to ensure you have the right equipment for foul weather, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is up to the task. This reliable, rugged, and useful SUV is made to meet most of your driving needs.
7 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: Standard AWD And A Flat Engine
The secret sauce in the Crosstrek’s off-road success is the combination of the flat engine and standard AWD. While one of the smallest SUVs on our list, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is worthy of being considered one of the best off-road SUVs in the market today.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
2.0-liter flat 4-cylinder PHEV |
|
Engine Output |
148 horsepower, 134 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
17 miles |
|
Transmission |
CVT Automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
AWD |
|
Approach Angle |
18 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
30.1 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
N/A |
If you spend most of your time in the city but want to go off-roading on the weekends, this little Subaru could be exactly what you’re looking for. Drive for a few miles on electric power and let the off-road angles and low center of gravity provide the desired stability while out on the trails.
6 Land Rover Range Rover: Legacy Off-Roading With a Hybrid Twist
Land Rover is the name mentioned in the same breath as Jeep when discussing which SUVs are great for off-roading. The Range Rover sits at the top of the Land Rover lineup with an impressive hybrid powertrain and excellent off-road specs.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
3.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged 6-cylinder hybrid |
|
Engine Output |
395 horsepower, 406 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
N/A |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
4WD |
|
Approach Angle |
34.7 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
29.6 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
28.0 degrees |
Some off-road upgrades are available for the Land Rover Range Rover, but you might want to see how it performs in the wilderness before adding to it. This hybrid SUV has proven itself repeatedly on some of the most grueling trails in the world.
5 Land Rover Discovery: A Smaller Land Rover With Impressive Off-Road Capabilities
If you’re looking for one of the best off-road SUVs, finding the Discovery could end your search. Typically, if the Land Rover name is on the vehicle, it’s a safe bet that you’ll enjoy off-roading with it. The Discovery is smaller than the Range Rover, making it more agile and drivable on tighter trails.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
3.0-liter 6-cylinder mild-hybrid |
|
Engine Output |
335 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
N/A |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
4WD |
|
Approach Angle |
29 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
28 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
27.5 degrees |
Could the Land Rover Discovery be the right hybrid of-road SUV for your off-roading adventures? It certainly has the stats to give you a fighting chance against any wilderness trail.
4 Toyota Sequoia: This Big Toyota Brings Power To The Trails
Whoever said bigger isn’t better? The latest Toyota Sequoia includes three rows of comfortable seats, an upscale cabin, and an excellent hybrid powertrain. This brute is also one of the most capable SUVs, making it perfect for off-roading adventures.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
3.4-liter 6-cylinder hybrid |
|
Engine Output |
437 horsepower, 583 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
N/A |
|
Transmission |
10-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
AWD |
|
Approach Angle |
23 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
20 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
N/A |
If you’re considering off-road upgrades for the Toyota Sequoia, a roof rack, larger tires, and a winch could all be useful when you take this hybrid SUV onto the trails.
3 Kia Sportage: This Small Kia Might Surprise You While Off-Roading
Most shoppers considering the Kia Sportage don’t think of it as one of the best off-road SUVs, but this hybrid Sportage could surprise you. It’s not made for the rugged trails that a Jeep or Land Rover might tackle, but it could get you to your favorite fishing spot.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid |
|
Engine Output |
227 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
N/A |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
AWD |
|
Approach Angle |
17.2 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
25.5 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
26.6 degrees |
The Kia Sportage is small and agile, making it easy to maneuver around obstacles in the wilderness. If you stick to light or medium trails, the Sportage hybrid can take you wherever you want to go.
2 Ford Explorer Hybrid: Does This Ford Off-Road SUV Live Up To Its Name?
With a name like Explorer, you would think this would be the most rugged and adventurous off-road SUV on our list. Although that’s not the case, the Ford Explorer hybrid is still one of the best SUVs for off-roading on most light and medium trails.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mild-hybrid |
|
Engine Output |
300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
N/A |
|
Transmission |
10-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
4WD |
|
Approach Angle |
23.5 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
23.7 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
17.1 degrees |
In addition to the off-roading capabilities of this SUV, the Explorer can be a smooth and easy vehicle to drive and enjoy on any road. This makes it a great option for the adventurous soul that can only get to the wilderness once in a while.
1 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Unexpected Off-Road Capabilities
Can the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid actually handle your time on the trails? It can if you stick to the light trails. The shallow off-road angles make this hybrid SUV better for some paved paths and flat ground, but it can still get you to your campsite or next to the trailhead.
Specs and Features
|
Engine |
1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder PHEV |
|
Engine Output |
261 horsepower, 195 lb-ft of torque |
|
Electric Range |
31 miles |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
AWD |
|
Approach Angle |
16.7 degrees |
|
Departure Angle |
20.2 degrees |
|
Breakover Angle |
N/A |
You’re probably not considering the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid as an off-roading vehicle when shopping for it, but it can fit plenty of gear and take a small family to most campgrounds around the country.
FAQ
Q: What SUVs are good for off-roading?
SUVs with a wide stance, high ground clearance, and either 4WD or AWD are good for off-roading. Adding bigger tires, lift kits, and off-road accessories improves the off-road performance of an SUV.
Q: Do I need 4WD for off-roading?
It’s possible to tackle some light trails using a 2WD vehicle, but 4WD sends power to all four wheels, giving an SUV a much better chance of crossing a muddy lakebed or rocky trail. If you get stuck in snow or sand, your vehicle has a better chance of getting unstuck when equipped with 4WD or AWD.
Q: Is AWD good for off-roading?
A vehicle equipped with AWD is much better when given the option between 2WD and AWD for off-roading. Still, if you want the most capability on the trails, the right choice is an SUV or truck equipped with 4WD.