When it comes to talking the talk, that’s easy. Every automaker is eager to tell you that its family SUV is capable of taking on the wilderness, but when it comes to walking the walk, some of them fall short on anything more challenging than a dirt trail. Consumers are starting to get tired of these marketing promises and the difference between what an SUV can actually do and what it looks like it can do.
It’s sometimes hard to tell which SUVs are actually engineered to take you on adventures, but with the six choices below, you’re getting more than just special colors and tires. So if you’re planning on getting dirty in your family SUV in 2027, these are the best options.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro/Trailhunter
The Toyota 4Runner looks like it’s ready to do business in either one of these off-road trims. The SUV comes in Trailhunter and TRD Pro guises, and even if they look similar, they have different purposes.
The Trailhunter is the one to choose if you’re planning on going on slower, tougher off-road adventures. That’s because its Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks are built for crawling, and it has a high-mounted air intake for wading. There’s also an air compressor on board.
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While not at Ford’s Raptor model levels of comfort and ability, the TRD Pro’s Fox suspension is impressive in how it adds to the agility, balance, and stability of the 4Runner. It didn’t take us long to be confident pushing it through tight, dusty corners.
The TRD Pro, on the other hand, takes inspiration from Toyota’s Baja racing past. The FOX suspension, 33-inch off-road tires, and aluminum skid plate mean that it can handle hard hits during sustained high-speed exploring.
Both trims share multi-terrain selection, a stabilizer disconnect mechanism for more suspension movement, and a powerful hybrid engine with 465 lb-ft of torque. You might feel the body-on-frame chassis rolling on the road, but with this level of trail-conquering ability, who cares?
Honda Passport TrailSport
The changes for the 2027 Honda Passport mainly concern the TrailSport off-road-focused trim. The revisions include a re-engineered suspension that adds 1.38 inches of ground clearance over the 2026 TrailSport to give you 9.7 inches total, which beats the Toyota 4Runner. This revised suspension means better breakover, approach, and departure angles. The latest Passport also has much more suspension articulation.
Beyond the suspension, it has visual changes like hood scoop lights, more aggressive fender flares, and a resculpted front fascia. There’s also a camera system that gives you more visibility over obstacles and data on roll, pitch, and elevation.
The suspension is one of the most important things to consider with an off-roader, so we can’t wait to test and see if the revised setup in the 2027 actually makes a difference.
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Think off-roading SUVs, and you might think Jeep. The latest Cherokee Trailhawk is Trail Rated, meaning it has passed internal tests to prove it can handle some of the toughest conditions the automaker can throw at it. That’s backed up by some serious hardware, including a 37.5:1 crawl ratio. It also delivers impressive low-speed torque and strong engine braking when going downhill. The rear differential lock ensures power can go to the ground even when a wheel is in the air.
It also has 9.0 inches of ground clearance, a revised suspension for 2027, and all-terrain tires measuring 29.5 inches. Skid plates under the vehicle protect the hybrid battery.
Power comes from a hybrid-assisted 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 210 horsepower. Jeep promises 31 mpg in combined driving, making it more efficient than its competitors.
Subaru Trailseeker EV
We could’ve chosen many models from Subaru, but we’re highlighting the Trailseeker EV for its off-road prowess. Standard dual motors give you a tuned all-wheel-drive system for slippery conditions, and the company’s X-Mode software can control grip much faster with an electric motor than a combustion-powered vehicle. Dual motors deliver 375 hp instantly, which helps you get out of a pickle on the trail.
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It’s handy to know that if you ever find yourself lost in the bush, you might be able to creep your way out. And if nothing else, a wintry commute or a campground fire road will present zero challenge to the Trailseeker.
Plastic fender cladding and fascia mean you don’t have to worry as much about damaging the paint, and 8.5 inches of ground clearance helps with bumps. Standard roof rails give it a proper Subaru stance while also adding functionality when you’re bringing equipment. While Subaru’s EVs are still fairly new, in general, 96% of its models from the last ten years are still on the road, which indicates the company knows how to create a reliable rig.
Ford Bronco RTR
The Raptor sits at the top of the Ford Bronco stable, but with the new RTR version for 2027, the Blue Oval is bringing many of its features to more people. A Raptor sets you back at least $80,000, while this new variant starts at around $50,000. Even with the cool graphics and Sasquatch Package, you’re still looking at only around $60,000. The list of changes over the standard Bronco is lengthy, including 17-inch beadlock wheels with 33-inch tires.
You’re also getting reinforced steering hardware, a 1,000-watt cooling fan, and even anti-lag technology for instant turbo pressure when you put your foot back on the gas. With the Sasquatch Package, which we assume most customers would get, you get even bigger 35-inch tires and HOSS 3.0 suspension with FOX Internal Bypass shock absorbers. We’re glad more people can experience the Raptor’s potential, and even if you don’t get the V6 engine, the smaller four-cylinder would be enough for most people with 300 hp.
Rivian R2
While other SUVs shout about their off-road prowess, the Rivian R2 might be the more minimalist choice if you want to retain adventure-ready capabilities. The Performance trim offers 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires for a 32-inch overall diameter. A flashlight is in the door for when extra illumination is necessary, and there’s a semi-active suspension. The latter reacts to your inputs and driving mode selection to make sure you’re getting the right balance of body roll and harshness.
The Rivian also has a powered rear window so you can store long objects much more easily and 9.6 inches of total ground clearance. We wish it came with the camp speaker the R1S offers, but you can add crossbars for extra cargo space. We like that it has 4,400 lbs of towing capacity, which is a lot for an EV, and if you need external power at the campsite, there’s no bother with vehicle-to-load capability.
Base Trim Engine
Electric
Base Trim Transmission
single-speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
350 hp
Base Trim Torque
355 lb-ft
0-60 MPH
5.9 sec
Segment
Compact SUV
Sources: Rivian, Honda, Subaru, Toyota, Ford, Jeep
