The 5 Best Cars for Off-Roading and Adventure (2023 Edition)

With the nice summer like weather we have been experiencing, I’m sure many of you have been out and about taking in as much sun as you can. This week’s blog post will surely give you some motivation to kick your adventure mode into high gear. Find out which cars are the best for these categories, and trust me you might be surprised at which few make the list!

1. 2023 Ford Bronco 

The 2023 Ford Bronco starts at $35,999 (for a 4 door) and honestly it’s no surprise it made the list. It was awarded the winner of the 10 best trucks and SUVs award and has a really unique feature – the doors can be removed. Under the hood it sports a twin turbo 2.7 liter V6 engine that makes 330 horsepower. 

For 2023, Ford introduced a new edition of the Bronco – the Bronco Heritage Edition for both 2 door and 4 door models and it really takes you back in time with the look, all the way to the 1960’s. This version makes 330 horsepower with a 2.3 liter turbo engine available in either a 7 speed manual or 10 speed automatic transmission. Throwback styling includes: a white grille, a white roof, and 4 1960-inspired wheels. The more expensive limited edition Bronco Heritage comes with metal Bronco script fender badging, leather-trimmed plaid seats, and Heritage Limited badging on the center console. 

So what makes it so special for off-roading and adventures you ask? Well, the base Sports Model comes with 4×4 capabilities adding traction and minimizing wheelslip, electronic traction control, and four wheel disk brakes with Anti-lock brake system (ABS) – all standard. It also sports 17 inch wheels and a standard flip up rear glass that gives you easier access to cargo. Not to mention, the Sport SUV also features Water-Fording Capabilties, impressive ground clearance, and HOSS (High Performance, Off Road, Stability, Suspension System) making this vehicle a fun choice all around.   

2. 2023 Jeep Wrangler 

The Jeep Wrangler for very obvious reasons made this list. Jeep has always been the first brand that comes to mind when you think of adventure or off-roading and their vehicles hold a reputation of being able to do so much. However, it is when driving on pavement that the Wrangler shows it’s flaws. 

The base price for the Sports model starts at $43,790 and comes with a 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 Engine with Start/Stop technology (ESS) under the hood. It comes available with either a 6 speed automatic gearbox or 8 speed automatic transmission and features 17 inch black wheels that come standard. 

Interestingly enough, the 2023 Wrangler comes in 2 body types – a plug-in hybrid variant and a V8 powered Rubicon 392 model. All Wranglers come with 4 wheel drive and a varying set of off roading capabilities, all of which can be found on Jeep’s official website. 

For 2023, a new Freedom Edition Wrangler joins the lineup (among others) but only for a limited time. It comes with a military themed exterior treatment, a steel front bumper, and rock rails on the sides. The Rubicon also sees a couple of upgrades for 2023 which include a new set of 17 inch black wheels, and two new paint colours – Earl and Reign –  two names that aren’t very obvious with what the colour looks like. I have included images featuring both colours for reference in this post below. 

Off-Roading and Adventure Capabilities: 

• 4×4 innovation deliver the necessary traction and handling needed 
• Superior traction and control
• Ample ground clearance 
• Precision steering systems 
• High performance wheelbases

3. 2023 Land Rover Defender 

The 2023 Land Rover Defender starts at $54,975 and it is just as legendary as the Wrangler for all the right reasons. This version Defender is powered by a standard turbocharged four cylinder engine paired with an eight speed automatic transmission. Every model features four wheel drive and locking differentials for navigating those difficult paths. 

For 2023, Land Rover added a Defender 130 variant to the lineup. It comes available in a new colour – Sedona Red and comes standard with features that are optional on the 90 and 110 models, including a larger 11.4 inch infotainment display. The body has also been extended giving the Defender the capability of seating up to 8 passengers thanks to a third row of seats. 

There is also a 30th anniversary edition model that will be available in limited quantities. Only 500 4-door 110 S Models will be built with a 296 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Land Rover is charging a whopping $76,350 for it, so get yours while you can!  

Check this video out to see just what makes the Defender capable of great things: 

4. 2023 Mercedes Benz G Class 

The 2023 Mercedes Benz G Class starts at $141,050 but the price is no surprise. Mercedes Benz is known for being expensive and attracting a higher-end customer (that also enjoys off-roading in style).  

For 2023, the SUV only sees a couple of minor equipment changes, since it was redesigned only 4 years ago in 2019. A new G Professional package was added this year, which includes: a roof rack, spare wheel holder, cherry wood trim (for the luggage compartment) and 18-inch matte black wheels. An optional logo package is also newly available. 

The G550 is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine that allows the vehicle to make 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, making it the quickest on the street and the trail. The engine generates power with a 9 speed transmission and all-wheel drive comes standard.

When it comes to off roading capabilities, the G550 was designed as an off road vehicle for the Austrian military so everything in the lineage ties back to off roading in some way. Two features that really stand out though are the three locking differentials and maximum towing capability of 7000 pounds.  

5. 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

We have made it to the last vehicle on the list but there are so many other great vehicles for off-roading, so doing your own research is important. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro starts at $48,520 and did you know the Tacoma and Jeep Wrangler are the only 2 pickups sold in the United States with 3 pedals? 

For 2023, the Tacoma TRD Pro saw a couple of upgrades including a revamped suspension with forged control arms, Fox Racing shocks, and a new neon orange paint option. There is also better breakover and departure angles as well as a metal skid plate.

The TRD Pro sports a 3.5 litre V6 engine under the hood that makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb ft of torque. It comes standard with a 6 speed manual transmission, however, there is also a 6 speed automatic option available at extra cost. 

Off Roading Capabilites: 

• Maximum towing capability of 6400 lbs 
• 4 x 4 access 
• Multi Terrain Select (on automatic only)
  • Locking rear differentials, fuel tank and transfer case skid plates, Bilstein shock absorbers (Front/Rear) 
• Crawl Control (on automatic only)
  • So you can focus on steering and the Tacoma adjusts the traction and speed to help out 
• Panoramic Multi-Terrain View Monitor 
• Heavy Duty Suspension 

Final Thoughts

These are all great choices so no matter which one you prefer, you will surely have a great time on your off roading adventures. Let us be apart of your adventures by sending us pictures over on our socials or tagging us in the pictures you post of the places you go! Let your imagination run wild, as wild as the places you will go.  

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