Top 10 SUVs for Off-Roading
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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.
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What makes a good off-road SUV?
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.See More Galleries at AOL Autos
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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.Research the 2008 Land Rover LR3
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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.Research the 2008 HUMMER H2
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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.Research the 2008 Jeep Wrangler
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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.Research the 2009 VW Touareg 2 V10 TDI
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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.Research the 2008 Toyota 4Runner
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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).Research the 2009 HUMMER H3
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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.Research the 2008 Nissan Xterra
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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.Research the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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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.Research the 2008 Range Rover
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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.Research the 2008 Lexus GX 470
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