On tire sidewall
Inside the door jamb
Taking your vehicle off-road can be a ton of fun. But it’s important to be prepared before you hit the dirt so you don’t endanger your vehicle or yourself. Great wheels and tires can go a long way in enabling you to drive off-road. You’ll need tough tires with thick treads that can maintain traction on uneven surfaces. But it’s just as important to make sure your car, SUV or truck is capable of handling off-road conditions.
In this post, we’ll be going through what makes a car an off-roader and some of the best makes and models for tough conditions.
What Are Off-Road Vehicles?
Ever wonder why the Jeep Wrangler is considered the iconic off-roader? Many of the features that are part of the Wrangler’s signature look are actually very useful when going off-road.
Off-road vehicles need to have a lot of ground clearance so that the undercarriage of the car doesn’t get caught on stones, branches, and other obstacles on uneven surfaces. This means having a lot of space between where the tires meet the ground and the underside of the car.
Your vehicle also needs to have its wheels stay on the ground at all times, while still having room for flexibility if driving over an uneven surface. This is accomplished by having a flexible and tall suspension system that can handle the larger, heavy tires.
Most famously, off-roaders will have some sort of four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system that can provide power to all the wheels. A four-wheel drive system helps ensure that you’ll maintain traction on slippery, uneven surfaces. It will also come in handy in case one or more of your tires becomes stuck, as cars with front or back wheel drive can be immobilized in similar conditions.
Best Affordable Off-Road Vehicles
In the market for an affordable off-road car for 2025? There are a lot of great choices on the market today. We’ve found that most lists of the best 2025 off-road cars have prices between $30,000 and $40,000 on the low end.
Of course, this is for new vehicles. You always have the option to search for a used, older model of the vehicles on this list. The prices for used vehicles will vary but will usually be far cheaper than a new model. These are some of the most affordable off-roading cars on the market.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
While the Subaru Outback doesn’t hit all the marks for an off-road vehicle, the Outback Wilderness is still one of your best bets for an all-wheel drive car that has around 9.5 inches of ground clearance and a 3,500 pound towing capacity, depending on the engine and trim. This smaller SUV feels stable to drive while still having surprising power and stability on the dirt trail. The Outback’s smaller size does mean less cargo space and ground clearance than an SUV or full-size truck.
MSRP: $39,000*
Tire: Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail — This rugged tire is designed to resist punctures from rock and road debris. The Wildpeak has a tread pattern that has deeper grooves that grip on uneven terrain and clear out mud and debris from underneath.
Wheel: Motegi MR131 — A lightweight wheel with a rugged, military appearance. This wheel is just one of numerous wheel brands that are suited for the Outback Wilderness. Tire Agent carries a wide range of finishes and styles that are perfectly suited for the Outback Wilderness.
Toyota Tacoma
Among the least expensive pickups on the market, the Tacoma has great value and reliability for its price point. You’ll have a powerful V6 engine for extra tough terrain and surprisingly good on-road gas mileage for a truck. Note that while you have a great base package for going off-road, the Tacoma does require an extra upgrade to get a four-wheel drive system installed. Even with the extra cost for the 4×4 system, a new Tacoma will still land at the low end of a 2025 off-roading vehicle price.
MSRP $31,590*
Tires: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 — The All-Terrain T/A K02 comes with reinforced sidewalls and a special construction that’s designed to wear down evenly while maintaining stability off-road. It is highly resistant to scratches and damages, making it a top choice for your off-road truck.
Wheel: Vision Offroad 398 — This heavy-duty, rugged rim comes in matte black and is designed to match the tough off-road style of your Tacoma.
With affordable options, you also may find that the vehicles won’t come with tires that have the thicker treads necessary to leave the pavement. If you’re looking for good off-roading tires for your vehicle, you can enter your make and model into our tire and wheel search tool, and we’ll show you some of the best options available for your vehicle.
Best Off-Road Jeep
Jeep is known for being the brand that specializes in off-roading, but the model that you decide on is dependent on your specific needs. Related: What are the best tires for Jeeps?
Wrangler Rubicon
Easily the most recognizable off-roader out there, the Wrangler Rubicon has great ground clearance (typically 10.8 to 10.9 inches), a 4-wheel drive system, and powerful suspension. It ticks almost all the boxes, and you can take your Wrangler in almost any road condition out there. Note that while the Wrangler is ideal for off-road environments, it isn’t as well suited for the pavement. You’ll notice lower-than-average ride comfort and gas mileage in normal driving circumstances.
MSRP $46,795*
Tires: Toyo Open County R/T — This serious off-road tire has durable side walls, a 3-ply polyester casing, and a thick tread pattern that can grip uneven terrain. As a bonus, the Open Country R/T is noted for being smoother and quieter while on highways and roads, improving the Wrangler’s overall performance.
Wheels: Fuel D531 HOSTAGE — Although we’ve picked out the D531 HOSTAGE for its high load rating and sturdy construction, just about any Fuel wheel will be a great choice for a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Check out all the options that Tire Agent carries by searching for your Wrangler’s model with our tire matching tool.
Grand Cherokee
If you’re looking for a larger off-roading SUV, the Grand Cherokee is one of the best choices you can make. Most notable is its powerful V6 or V8 engine; you’ll be able to cruise through tougher environments with ease. The Grand Cherokee also has plenty of passenger and cargo space if you’re planning to take the whole family on an adventure.
MSRP $37,035*
Tires: Atturo Trail Blade A/T — A perfect fit for the Grand Cherokee, this larger tire is designed to improve handling and turning with its larger shoulder blocks and sipes near the center that improve traction. This tire also comes with a rim guard to protect against larger rocks and tire channels that maintain grip and traction in wet road conditions.
Wheels: Touren TR60 — Match your Grand Cherokee’s rugged appearance with this gunmetal finish wheel that’s designed for the larger size of your car. Tire Agent has a bunch of matches for the Grand Cherokee size in our online store!
Best Toyota Off Road Vehicle
It’s not uncommon to see the odometer of a Toyota with 150,000+ miles. That kind of reliability is almost unmatched across all modern car manufacturers. If you’re looking for an off-road option that will last you for years to come, Toyota is an excellent choice.
Toyota 4Runner
With a similar frame as the Tacoma, the 4Runner has many of the same strengths of its reliable truck cousin. The 4Runner has great ground clearance and cargo space, powered by a V6 engine. Note that the 4Runner, like the Tacoma, may require an extra cost to secure four-wheel drive.
MSRP $40,770*
Tires: Nexen Roadian ATX — Built with an unwavering commitment to perform off-road, the Roadian ATX features a 3-ply sidewall that makes this tire more durable and resistant to scratches. It also comes with a 3-peak mountain snowflake rating that certifies it can perform in severe winter weather. Whether it’s mud, rocks, or snow, this is an excellent choice!
Wheels: Mayhem COMPASS — For the 4Runner, we’d like to highlight Mayhem rims. This brand has a variety of offsets and custom finishes to match your 4Runner. This wheel also has a higher load rating to match the extra capacity of your off-roading vehicle.
Toyota Tundra
The Tundra is meant for hauling cargo in any condition. With a payload capacity of up to 1,940 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds, the Tundra can handle almost anything you throw at it. The Tundra comes with 4-wheel drive and off-road capabilities such as crawl and downhill assist control. The Tundra is a great, hefty choice if you need to transport cargo through tough terrain.
MSRP $40,090*
Tires: Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme RF12 — This premium tire has some of the best snow performance on the market with a 3-peak mountain snowflake rating. This tire’s aggressive shoulder and sidewalls ensure it’s protected against road debris and damage. And yet, this tire’s staged block edges and tie bars are designed to reduce the road noise and improve the driving feel while on road.
Wheels: Gear Alloy 713MB Double Pump — Heavy duty and aggressive, the Gear Alloy brand is known for its after-market wheels for off-roading enthusiasts. Their wheels have a style that’s a perfect match for your Toyota Tundra!
Best Off Road SUV
Lexus GX 550
Off-road SUVs should balance comfort and performance, and that’s exactly what the GX 550 does. With a powerful V6 or V8 engine and gas-pressurized shock absorbers, you’ll be getting an efficient and comfortable drive on- and off-road. This SUV also has a towing capacity of up to 6,500 lbs.
MSRP: $65,285*
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar — The All-Terrain Adventure is designed for ultra-rugged strength with an extra layer of Kevlar that’s designed to protect the tire from damage. This tire is designed for wet and muddy terrain and is built using a special tread compound that maintains grip in snow and rain.
Wheels: Moto Metal MO 986 Siege — Moto Metal rims are an after-market choice that’s designed to be excellent value for what you get. As a top choice in the truck community, the MO 986 sieges are a great, aggressive off-road choice for your GX 550.
Ford Bronco
With a huge range of trim packages, the Bronco is a highly customizable off-roading vehicle that can be optimized for driving off-road. This car has an option for electronic locking front and rear differentials, precision steering, and ample cargo space. We’ll note that to get a truly great off-roading vehicle, you’ll need to go for the Black Diamond model, which is MSRP $46,760. This is a four-door model that comes with the extra off-road options you’re looking for.
MSRP: $39,890*
Tires: Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT — Designed for extra durability and reliability, the Discoverer is an all-terrain tire that has a rugged tread design that has enhanced traction while on the dirt trail. This tire is specially made for driving on mud, snow, rocks, and other uneven terrains. This is a top choice for the larger tire sizes that your Ford Bronco demands.
Wheels: Classic III Polished — The classic style of your Ford Bronco needs a classic look with Mickey Thompson’s wheels. These polished chrome wheels are an excellent choice for your Ford Bronco while still having larger size options and high load ratings.
Best Off Road Light Trucks
Ram 2500 Power Wagon
While Ram offers a variety of truck options, the Power Wagon is the option explicitly meant for off-roading. This heavy-duty hauler has lifted suspension for more ground clearance and a locking front and rear differential to allow all wheels to spin regardless of resistance. The Power Wagon is also rated to tow up to 7,680 pounds with a Hemi V8 engine that produces 410 lb-ft of torque.
MSRP: $69,725*
Tires: Continental TerrainContact A/T — A great fit for a great vehicle, the TerrainContact A/T tires feature all-terrain traction and improved wet cornering and braking for a tire that handles extraordinarily well. This tire is durable, fuel efficient, and comes in the larger sizes that your RAM 2500 Power Wagon needs.
Wheels: Ion Alloy 174 — Ion is a brand that’s known for being stylish and high quality at a great price. These alloy 174 wheels are a great match for your Ram 2500 Power Wagon with their machined finish and durable, classic style.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
GMC’s Sierra 1500 has a package specifically tuned for off-roading. The AT4 off-road package has locking differentials, off-road suspension, and a specific off-road drive mode that allows you to maintain normal speeds on dirt roads. The off-road package also comes with tougher shocks and hill descent control for ascending and descending tough terrain.
MSRP: $66,800*
Tires: Radar Renegade A/T Pro — One of the more aggressive tread designs, the Renegade AT Pro is an off-road tire that maintains a surprisingly comfortable driving experience while on the road. With interlocking tread blocks, this tire has better traction and stability when you’re driving off-road. It also features a unique silica compound that resistant to cuts, chips, and punctures.
Wheels: KMC KM545 Trek — A wheel brand known for their beadlock and non-beadlock wheels alike, the KM545 Treks are a great choice for a rugged, military appearance. Offered in satin black, KMC also carries wheels with machined finishes and colored accents, depending on your Sierra’s style!
*This goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: MSRP is subject to change. Many of these MSRP prices are for the base model, with additional off-road trim packages increasing the price. Always check that the tires and wheels that you’re buying fit the trim package of your vehicle!