Trucks and SUVs are generally regarded as the best vehicles when it comes to off-road driving. But, not all SUVs and trucks have the same off-road capabilities. While some of them may have big tires with deep treads, or good ground clearance, their handling may not be great or their engine may not be powerful enough. Off-road performances vary greatly among different models of trucks and SUVs, so if you want a good off-road vehicle, you have to compare their specifications and see what they are capable of, so that you don’t end up buying a vehicle that looks strong and rugged on the outside, but doesn’t actually have what it takes to tackle difficult off-road terrains.
2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
The F-Series is one of the best pick-up truck series that have ever been created, with the F-150 as the most popular variant. The SVT Raptor was introduced in 2010, and its sales were pretty good right from the beginning. The 2013 model has everything a good off-road vehicle should have, but it’s also very fast, which is an added bonus. It is powered by a 6.2-liter, V8 engine, which is rated at 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, that features a manual shift mode, as well. It’s definitely one of the best off-road vehicles ever made, thanks to a variety of features that allow it to overcome even the most unforgiving terrains, such as the incredibly wide stance, the long suspension travel, the oversize skid plates that protect front and rear end components from impacts, and oversized tires, to name a few. In addition to all this, the SVT Raptor is one of the fastest trucks in the world, with a 98 mph top speed, going from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. You can get the 2013 F-150 SVT Raptor for $44,035.
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you are looking for a vehicle that has excellent off-road performances, but has a pretty comfortable interior, and a great exterior design, you can opt for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’s a rear-wheel-drive SUV, with a 3.6-liter, V6 engine under the hood, that delivers 290 horsepower, along with 260 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which operates pretty smoothly and provides a good acceleration. Its towing abilities have to be underlined, as it can tow up to 7,400 pounds, which ranks it among the best in its class. This is one of the most affordable off-road vehicles, with a base price of $28,795.
2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
This is one of those rare off-road vehicles that provide a comfortable ride in urban areas, as well. It is powered by a 4.0-liter, V6 engine, that produces 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. One of the most significant features that provide the FJ Cruiser with great off-road performances is the elevated air intake, that allows it to cross water surfaces that are up to 28 inches deep. The base price of the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is $27,030.
Author Bio:
Jordan Perch is an automotive fanatic and “safe driving” specialist. He is a writer for DMV.com, which is a collaborative community designed to help ease the stress and annoyance of “dealing with the DMV”.