Top 10 SUVs for Off-Roading

When the paved road ends, does your SUV stop too? Or do you long to plow ahead, off-roading in your SUV? You don't have to choose between a dedicated off-roader and a sophisticated around-town SUV any longer. Shop carefully, and you can find the best of both worlds in one SUV: A good citizen on the pavement, and an accomplished athlete in the dirt.

If you want to do serious rock crawling or mud paddling, look for some key features in your new SUV: Robust construction, body-on-frame (as opposed to unibody); four-wheel drive with a locking differential; at least eight inches of ground clearance; and big approach and departure angles (bigger numbers are better).

Most of the SUVs in this group blend high-end luxury with off-road ruggedness.

Land Rover LR3
Ground Clearance: 9.5" (off-road mode)
Approach Angle: 37.2 degrees (off-road mode)
Departure Angle: 27.9 degrees (off-road mode)

In a very capable lineup of SUVs, the LR3 is Land Rover??s best off-roader. Land Rover's Terrain Response control makes dialing in the right suspension, engine management and traction control settings as simple as turning one dial.

HUMMER H2 (with optional air suspension)
Ground Clearance: 9.7"
Approach Angle: 42.8 degrees
Departure Angle: 40.0 degrees

The toughest-looking SUV on the market is also one of the most capable off-roaders out there. The impressive H2 can climb a 60 degree grade -- a feat even a mountain goat would appreciate.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4x4 (2-Door)
Ground Clearance: 10.2"
Approach Angle: 44.3 degrees
Departure Angle: 40.4 degrees

The iconic Jeep Wrangler is still the best down-and-dirty off-roader on the market. Though purists decry its increased use of technology and (gasp) V6 engine, the Wrangler challenges drivers like no other SUV. The deep aftermarket makes customizing a Wrangler extremely tempting. Stick with the two-door for off-roading.

VW Touareg 2 V10 TDI
Ground Clearance: 6.3" to 11.8"
Approach Angle: 33 degrees
Departure Angle: 33 degrees

The only diesel-powered SUV on our list, the Touareg 2 brings massive low-end torque (553 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm) to the party, along with a highly adjustable air suspension. Touareg 2 gives the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 a run for their money, and the diesel puts it over the top.

Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD 4.7L V8
Ground Clearance: 9.1"
Approach Angle: 30 degrees
Departure Angle: 26 degrees (w/o tow hitch)

The venerable 4Runner has become more of an urban assault vehicle over the years, but not at the expense of its off-road chops. 4Runner's beefy frame provides exceptional rigidity, keeping it solid when the trail gets uneven.

HUMMER H3 Alpha (with optional 33" tires)
Ground Clearance: 9.1"
Approach Angle: 39.0 degrees
Departure Angle: 36.5 degrees

Not as capable as its big brother the H2, the H3 Alpha can still bring the game to off-roading, especially with its powerful 5.3 liter V8 (300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque).

Nissan Xterra Off Road
Ground Clearance: 9.5"
Approach Angle: 33.2 degrees
Departure Angle: 29.4 degrees

When it comes to style, Xterra goes its own way. Love it or hate it, the Xterra Off Road has the chops to back up the looks. A very rugged interior with lots of tie-down points and available wipe-down surfaces complete the package.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4
Ground Clearance: 8.3"
Approach Angle: 35.0 degrees
Departure Angle: 27.0 degrees

Jeep virtually defined the off-road SUV, and the latest Grand Cherokee continues the tradition. Don't be deceived by the refined details -- this Jeep is Trail Rated, and ready to attack the terrain.

Range Rover Supercharged
Ground Clearance: 11.0" (off-road mode)
Approach Angle: 34 degrees (off-road mode)
Departure Angle: 26.6 degrees (off-road mode)

If the idea of taking a $94,000 vehicle off-road seems nuts to you, you've never experienced the Range Rover Supercharged. With 420 lb-ft of torque, the V8 engine under the RR S/C's hood is the perfect motivator for serious off-road work.

Lexus GX 470
Ground Clearance: 8.3"
Approach Angle: 30 degrees
Departure Angle: 29 degrees

Like the best Toyota 4Runner ever built, the GX470 brings a big dose of luxury to the equation. Combine toughness, reliability and the legendary Lexus quietness, and you get a midsize luxury utility vehicle that is as comfortable in the mud as it is at the Met.

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