Sports utility vehicles are all the rage; American motorists can’t get enough of them.
Statista reports that the Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling SUV/crossover in the U.S. last year, with a whopping 434,900 sales. Next up is the Honda CR-V, with 361,457 units sold, followed by the Tesla Model Y, with 284,498 sold. While the Tesla Model Y was a distant third in the U.S. market, it’s the world’s best-selling SUV.
Why Are They So Popular?
There are many reasons why SUVs are selling like hotcakes. Some consumers like their higher ground clearance and better view of the road. Others appreciate their ruggedness and ability to tackle challenging terrain, especially when equipped with AWD or 4WD.
Let’s face it: many consumers want SUVs just because they like them. They may not need them, but they like the segment, and that’s pretty much that.
You’ll Pay a Premium for an SUV
The average price for a new car this summer was $48,401. Meanwhile, the average cost for a full-size or luxury SUV is north of $100,000. A compact SUV costs much less than the six-figure mark. But head-to-head, sedans tend to be cheaper than SUVs.
It’s up to you to decide whether the premium price for an SUV is worthwhile. Depending on what you want, it just might be worth it.
What’s Waiting in the Wings for 2025
If you’re in the market for a new SUV, particularly an off-roader, the 2025 model year offers some sweet options. Here are 13 off-road SUVs to look out for. Who knows? You might end up buying one of them.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is an off-road SUV to look forward to next year. The 2025 Bronco Sport models come with standard features like a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the SYNC 4 system, Co-Pilot 360 Assist+, and more. For an even more capable off-roader, consider Ford’s high-performance Sasquatch off-road package.
To get the Sasquatch off-road package, you’ll need to order the Outer Banks or Sport Badlands models. Ford says most 2025 Bronco models will arrive at dealerships in November, while the Sport Sasquatch package will arrive in the first quarter of 2025.
Land Rover Defender
It won’t surprise anyone who knows anything about the Land Rover brand that the 2025 Land Rover Defender is a capable off-roader. According to the manufacturer, “4×4 has been updated with a suite of comfort‑enhancing features for more luxurious all‑terrain travel.” It adds that “streamlined specifications and bundled options” simplify choosing the right Defender.”
With the Defender 130, you’ll get second-row capital chairs. You can also add on one of three package options: off-road, advanced off-road, or the air suspension package.
There is also a cold climate pack and a towing pack to choose from. The SUV is now available, with starting prices for the Defender 90, 110, and 130 at $56,900, $60,800, and $69,700, respectively.
GMC Hummer EV
The 2025 GMC Hummer EV has a hefty starting price of $96,550. According to GMC, key features include 0-60 mph in around 3.5 seconds, crabwalk diagonal driving, a 315-mile range, and Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance tech. While probably too much SUV for most motorists, it’s the ultimate off-roader with tons of interior and exterior tech.
Jeep Wrangler 392
The Jeep Wrangler 392 “is roaring back for the 2025 model year by popular demand.” While it was initially announced that the Wrangler 392 was winding down, fans weren’t about to stay silent and watch that happen. They raised a ruckus, and it worked.
For the 2025 model year, the Jeep Wrangler 392 has a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 generating 470 hp and 470 ft-lbs of torque. Its 4.5-second 0-60 mph time makes it the fastest Wrangler yet. With 11.6 inches of ground clearance and a Warn winch capable of 8,000 lbs, the Jeep Wrangler 392 is a capable off-roader. Production will start in the first quarter of 2025.
Rivian R1S
The 2025 Rivian R1S is another off-road SUV for the 2025 model year to consider. Rivian offers the following R1S models:
R1S Adventure Dual Standard: 270-mile range, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, 533 hp, starting at $75,900.
R1S Adventure Dual Large: 329-mile range, 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, 665 hp, starting at $82,900.
R1S Adventure Dual Max: 410-mile range, 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, 665 hp, starting at $89,900.
It’s a capable off-roader available with AWD and seating for up to seven.
Toyota Land Cruiser
With a starting price of $56,450, the 2025 Land Cruiser could be quite the bargain, considering what it offers to consumers seeking a capable off-roader. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Powertrain, 8-speed automatic transmission, 4WD, standard crawl control, multi-terrain select, and more. It can tow up to 6,000 lbs.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Want a hybrid Jeep Wrangler? If so, consider the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Starting at $50,695, it offers an all-electric range of 49 miles and a total driving range of 470 miles.
If electric vehicles intrigue you but you’re not ready to ditch your gas motor, a plug-in hybrid might be the perfect compromise. You won’t have to worry about running out of power while off-roading.
Jeep says owners can plug in off the grid. The company says, “Whether it’s lights while camping or music at the tailgate, the Jeep 4xe Power Box with two duplex 120-volt outlets and a 32-amp total output lets you use your battery to power good times on the go.”
Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
Toyota says the all-new 2025 4Runner is “ready for your next adventure.” Offering up to 326 hp and 465 ft-lbs of torque, an 8-speed transmission, and 6,000 lbs of maximum towing capacity, the 4Runner is ready for another model year. Its Trailhunter and TRD Pro models come standard with a stabilizer disconnect mechanism to help drivers tackle all types of terrain confidently.
With the touch of a button, you can disengage the stabilizer bar and afford more wheel articulation to the front suspension, which helps ensure all four wheels maintain good ground contact. The SUV will go on sale toward the end of 2024. Pricing ranges from approximately $43,000 to $54,000.
Lexus GX
The 2025 Lexus GX is an SUV to look out for—especially the Overtrail variant with 33-inch off-road tires and multi-terrain select capability. If you want a luxury SUV capable of off-roading, the Lexus GX Overtrail is worth adding to your consideration list.
While Edmunds compliments the vehicle’s “boxy styling” and off-road cred, it adds that the “small third-row seating area and limited cargo room mean you’ll have to choose between carrying passengers or their things.” But remember that not all buyers need a vehicle with tons of interior space. The starting price for the 2025 Lexus GX is approximately $65,000. The Lexus GX should hit dealerships before the end of the year.
Ford Expedition Timberline
Another off-roader to look out for is the 2025 Ford Expedition, which starts at $61,700. If off-roading is your thing, consider the Tremor model, which features 4WD and a terrain management system that includes rock crawl mode. Its 33-inch all-terrain tires and 10.6 inches of ground clearance are pluses when driving non-paved roads.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at a reasonable $36,495. The 4xe model is a plug-in hybrid offering an estimated 56 mpg, 25 miles of all-electric range, 375 hp, 470 ft-lbs of torque, and 6,000 towing capability. Jeeps says its “Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe has the off-road capability that its competitors only dream of.”
Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is also worth considering. For the 2025 model year, the Toyota Sequoia offers an exclusive TRD Pro color called Mudbath. Toyota adds that part-time 4WD comes standard on TRD Pro, 1794, Platinum, and Capstone models.
Toyota says the TRD Off-Road package “enhances off-road capability with the addition of a selectable locking rear differential, multi-terrain select, and crawl control.” According to U.S. News & World Report, the TRD Pro has a starting price of $80,045.
Hyundai Palisade XRT
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade XRT starts at $42,650 and features a 3.8-liter GDI V6 engine producing 291 hp. It also has 20-inch XRT-exclusive wheels. You’ll also get a surround-view monitor, which is a parking support system. It’s already on sale.
Watch Out for These 2025 Models
If you want an off-roading SUV, these are 13 models worth looking at for the 2025 model year. The good news is some of them are already on car dealership lots. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until next year for others.
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