If you are looking for motorized adventures, few things beat the thrill of taking a capable off-road vehicle into the wild and seeing what it can do. It’s also good news to know that you don’t always have to buy new to enjoy a fantastic performance experience.
Off-Road Cars That Are Amazing
Many of the best off-roaders are available at an attractive price when you buy used. That means you can score a reliable, adventure-ready machine at a fraction of its original cost.
Let’s pinpoint some great off-road cars, and one versatile powersports option, available from someone like Karl Malone powersports, that are amazing to drive and ride, while also offering great pre-owned value.
Jeep Wrangler
Quite simply, the Jeep Wrangler is the undisputed poster child of off-road vehicles, and for good reason. There are so many positives. It is built with solid axles, excellent ground clearance, and a nearly limitless catalog of aftermarket parts, which is a big plus.
The Wrangler is renowned for its toughness. Without question, older models hold their own off-road, and newer generations add a higher level of comfort without losing capability.
Overall, buying used can save you thousands while still giving you access to Jeep’s legendary 4x4 system.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Arguably, few SUVs have a reputation as bulletproof as the Toyota Land Cruiser. It enjoys a global reputation for ruggedness, as this full-size SUV has taken on deserts, jungles, and mountains with consummate ease.
You can still find older models from the ’90s and early 2000s on the road today, proving their long-term reliability. While they may not come cheap, even used, Land Cruisers offer incredible value for drivers who want a truck that can conquer extreme terrain while lasting well hundreds of thousands of miles.
Ford Bronco
Without question, the Ford Bronco is a model that has made a huge comeback in recent years, but the original classics still make excellent used off-road vehicles. With removable tops, and very capable 4WD systems, Broncos successfully combine nostalgia with true trail credentials. The newer generations are commanding higher prices, but if you can find a used Bronco in good shape, you’re getting a winning blend of style and off-road power.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner has been a firm favorite among off-roaders for decades thanks to its reliability, durability, and versatility. Used models are especially attractive because they’re built to last and retain much of their original capability.
The body-on-frame design, combined with solid ground clearance, and a proven V6 engine, all help make this SUV a dependable choice for backroad exploration.
Land Rover Defender
If you want a vehicle with character and capability, look no further than the Land Rover Defender. In addition, older Defenders have an iconic look and a rugged off-road pedigree. These are the sort of attributes that make them highly desirable.
The Defender rewards owners with an unbeatable combination of heritage and trail performance. Buying one used gives you access to a classic 4x4 with undeniable personality.
Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra is a model that often flies under the radar, but some savvy used buyers know it’s a hidden gem. The combination of a stout V6, solid off-road suspension, and 4WD, all mean that the Xterra delivers adventure-ready performance at a relatively low price point.
Nissan no longer makes the Xterra, so used models are the only way to get your hands on one, and they’re worth the hunt.
Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
If you need to combine the family duties of an SUV with something that holds its own on rough trails, the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 is a smart used buy. With its powerful V8 engines, spacious interior, and off-road-oriented Z71 package, the Tahoe scores well on both comfort and toughness.
The added bonus is that buying used means you can enjoy all that capability at a more affordable price, making it a versatile option for combining daily driving and weekend adventures.
Subaru Outback
To be fair, it might not be a rock crawler like a Wrangler, but the Subaru Outback earns its place on this list for its affordability and versatility. With standard all-wheel drive, and good ground clearance, the Outback is a go-to choice if you want a used vehicle that’s just as comfortable on the highway as it is on gravel trails.
Another great selling point is that the Outlook is always popular with outdoor enthusiasts who want to camp, hike, or ski without needing a massive SUV or truck.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class G-Wagon
The G-Class might be famous as a luxury SUV, but don’t think it’s a classy one-trick pony. Beneath its stylish exterior lies serious off-road DNA.
The G-Wagon was originally designed as a military vehicle. You can see this identity locking differentials, a ladder frame, and incredible off-road ability. Buying one new requires deep pockets, but used models, especially older generations, can be surprisingly attainable for a vehicle with such incredible capability.
It’s one of the few vehicles that can climb a rocky trail and turn heads on a city street.
CFMOTO Off-Road Range
Last but not least, although technically not a car, CFMOTO’s off-road range deserves a spot on this list . Especially if you are a buyer who wants versatility and adventure without the bulk of a full-size SUV. Their side-by-sides and ATVs are robust, reliable, and built for having fun in mud, sand, and rocky trails.
Buying used can save thousands, and since CFMOTO has built a reputation for solid engineering and value, you can trust that a secondhand machine will deliver plenty of off-road excitement.
It’s fair to say that if you want to explore trails that full-size vehicles can’t reach, a used CFMOTO is an unbeatable option.
Buying an off-road vehicle doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar for something brand new. If you pick one of these options highlighted you are sure to get a great experience without breaking the bank.
A used model is going to be just as much fun, even when you pay less by going down the pre-owned route.
