Your Guide to the Best off Road Vehicles of 2020
Posted on January 19, 2021
As winter wraps up and the snow thaws and spring settles in, it’s an exciting time to think about upgrading your old off-road vehicle. Sure, she got you through the coldest and toughest winter days but you feel after so many years together, an upgrade may not be a bad idea. What’s more, is this year’s best off road vehicles pack a greater punch than their predecessors.
You can choose from more trims, enjoy better control, and more power. Enjoy some comfort as you traverse the muddy roads and trails this spring.
While Jeep still holds the lead as one of the best off road vehicles, you’ll be happy to find more brands topping the list! Whether you need a tough vehicle for work or one for pleasure, there’s a brand new off road vehicle with your name on it.
Are you ready to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in a reliable vehicle? Then this guide to 2020’s best off road vehicles is for you!
The Best Off Road Vehicles of 2020
As you start your hunt for the perfect off road vehicle for your lifestyle, there are several points you should consider before you buy. The biggest one to look for is a reliable 4-wheel drive. Without it, there’s almost no point in purchasing a vehicle for off road use.
There are different 4x4 kit options available depending on the make and model of the vehicle and what you’ll be using it for. If you’re planning to pull trailers on unpaved roads and trails in rural Canada, you’ll want a strong 4x4 kit paired with a powerful engine.
As you have fun driving through exciting obstacles, you don’t want to forget about safety. The best off-road vehicles should have advanced safety features such as rollover sensors, airbags, and brake assist. You want a vehicle that will keep you safe both on the road and off.
You will also want great suspension. For most people, the factory model should work just fine. However, if you’re planning to embark on a truly gutsy off road adventure, you may want to upgrade your suspension to a more efficient one.
With those few safety and quality considerations in mind, you’re ready to take a peek at the 2020s rocking off road vehicles. Make your vehicle shopping a little easier by checking on this year’s best of the best.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
The Jeep Gladiator made its unveiling in April of 2019 joining an already powerful and well-known Jeep family. Of the pickup trucks available today, none come close to the Gladiator’s unparalleled off road capabilities.
What sets this midsize pickup apart from the rest is its combination of advanced equipment and features. The front and rear TruLok differentials allow you to lock your axles as needed. You’ll find this truck also has a robust suspension and an advanced 4x4 system to get you through your toughest obstacles.
Under the hood is a 3.6L V6 engine with 285 horsepower. Choose between a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic with 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 model gives you the option of a 3.0L V6 diesel engine with 260 horsepower with a towing capacity of 7,650 lbs.
The spacious Gladiator offers more cabin space, a smoother ride, and better handling compared to other Jeep models. The rock-crawling axis ratios, skid plates, and the ability to safely cross 30 inches water make the Gladiator one of the best off road vehicles of 2020.
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Reliable and long-lasting are the 2 words that describe almost all Toyota vehicles. When it comes to investing in an off road vehicle, these are 2 words most consumers want to hear. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro holds to that while offering amazing off road capabilities.
The Tacoma features a 3.5L V6 with a 278 horsepower engine and 265 lb-ft of torque. The truck sits on Fox 2.5-inch coil shocks and boasts a set of 30.5-inch all-terrain tires. There’s no need to worry about trail debris with the Tacoma’s protective skid plates.
When you’re adventuring off road, you can enjoy advanced features such as Crawl Control and Hill Start Assist Control. The Multi-terrain Select lets you drive confidently in any terrain. Whether you’re new to off roading or an experienced adventurer, you’re sure to love the reliability and control of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma.
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Another vehicle featuring Toyota’s most advanced and dependable off road features is the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. This SUV is a beast specifically built for your off road adventures.
It stands on 4 attractive 17-inch matte black alloy wheels with all-terrain tires that offer on road comfort and off road traction. Beneath the hood is a powerful 4.0L V6 engine with 270 horsepower and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
As for the 4Runner’s unique off road equipment, it features TRD-tuned front springs, FOX shocks and locking rear differentials. Like the Tacoma, this SUV also comes with Hill Start Assist Control, Crawl Control, and multi-terrain control. All of which will make your trips off road easier and safer.
The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 X
Land Rover is back at the top of every off road vehicle list with this new reimagined Defender. The Land Rover Defender features one of the strongest and most durable bodies constructed with lightweight aluminum structure.
But it’s strength doesn’t end there. The Defender features an independent suspension and twin-speed transfer box giving you more control on steep inclines and declines. Many drivers enjoy the reliability of the Defender’s permanent 4-wheel drive.
The Defender comes with a powerful 3.0L Petrol MHEV P400 AWD Automatic Engine which offers up to 394 horsepower. To make your adventures smooth, the Defender offers advanced technology such as the All-Terrain Progress Control and ClearSight Ground View. Drivers will feel safe and in-control in even the most extreme situations as they view hidden areas in front of their vehicle.
The Ford F-150 Raptor
Are you looking for a powerful engine that packs a punch when it comes to driving both on and off road? The F-150 Raptor boasts a forceful 3.5L V6 engine offering 450 horsepower and EcoBoost.
As a sport utility truck, the Raptor comes standard with features such as Trail Control. It's like a cruise control designed for low traction through rough terrain while letting you focus on the steering. You set your speed and the system will automatically adjust acceleration and braking as conditions change.
For enhanced safety, the Raptor includes features such as AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and Curve Control. The rearview camera comes with Dynamic Hitch Assist to make attaching trailers a breeze.
This tough and rugged truck can stand up to the toughest off road adventures. But don't feel you need to sacrifice comfort. This truck has a smooth ride, advanced safety features, and much more.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Specifically designed for the most demanding off road adventures, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is bursting with advanced off roading capabilities. This Jeep Wrangler model comes standard with Jeep’s outstanding 4x4 technology and 2 sturdy Dana 44 axles.
Inside the Rubicon, there’s a tough 3.6L V6 252 horsepower engine with 260 lb-ft of torque. It sits upon 4 32-inch all-terrain tires and front and rear Tru-Lok locking differentials. The Rock-Trac 4x4 system comes with a low range transfer case allowing the Rubicon to crawl at lower speeds for better control on rugged terrain.
The outside of the vehicle has flared fenders that offer a higher ground clearance. This Wrangler includes sill rails keep your protected should you rollover. Drivers will also enjoy the rearview camera and a variety of trims for added comfort.
The Ram 1500 Rebel
For those looking for an off road vehicle that combines rugged capabilities with a splash of luxury, look no further. The Ram 1500 is a beast off road without sacrificing the comfort inside.
The Ram 1500 Rebel is ready for your biggest adventures and most demanding jobs with its tough 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires and factory lift. The electronic locking rear axle and front tow hooks come standard.
Open the hood and you’ll see a powerful 3.6L V6 24V VVT eTorque engine that produces 305 horsepower. This engine has a maximum towing capacity of 11,470 lbs.
Other advanced off-road technologies include Blind Spot and Cross-Path Detection, Hill Start Assist, and a rear stabilizer bar. Drivers will also enjoy the rearview camera, Hill Descent Control, and Electric Power Steering.
The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
People with demanding jobs or who live an exciting lifestyle will love the durability and features the 2020 GMC Sierra AT4 offers. Powered by a 6.2L V8 Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, no job or journey is too big. Take this truck for a ride and you’ll have 420 horsepower with 460 lb-ft worth of torque and a towing capacity of 9,800 lbs in your hands.
The Sierra’s off road capabilities include greater ground clearance, 20-inch all-terrain tires, and durable suspension designed for driving through rugged terrain. The Sierra comes standard with 4-wheel drive and a 2-speed AutoTrac transfer case for low-speed gears. Whether you need a powerful truck to perform well in poor conditions or one for your camping adventures, the Sierra has you covered.
The Chevrolet Silverado Z71 Off-Road Package
This truck becomes a monster when it when gets off the road, especially with the unique off road package. This heavy-duty Silverado has both a 2500HD and 3500HD option. When it comes to off-roading and towing heavy loads, this truck does not mess around.
The Silverado comes equipped with a 6.6L V8 gasoline engine with over 400 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. The transmission comes standard as a 6-speed automatic and can tow up to 17,400 lbs.
If you need a little more kick, there’s a Duramax diesel V8 option with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft worth of torque. With this beast, you can tow an additional 2,000 lbs and enjoy a 10-speed automatic transmission.
When comes to off roading, the Silverado features Hill-descent Control and a 2-speed transfer case to maintain control in complicated terrain at slow speeds. Other options include automatic grade braking, trailer sway control, and much more.
The Nissan Armada
You don’t need to sacrifice power or equipment when it comes to off-road capabilities that the whole family can enjoy. For those with families, the 2020 Nissan Armada can fit up to 8 passengers while keeping up with the powerful trucks and SUVs mentioned above.
The Armada features a strong 5.6L V8 engine with 390 horsepower and the strength to tow up to 8,500 lbs. Of course, 4-wheel drive comes standard with a low range option of maneuvering difficult off-road trails.
The Armada also boasts several refined comforts inside the cabin. You’ll enjoy an 8-inch touchscreen control center, a Bose audio system, and several driver-assist features. You, your family, and your friends will have a blast on every off road adventure.
Mercedes Benz G 550 4x4
With deep roots in military vehicle legacy, the Mercedes Benz G 550 blends luxury with military-grade off road capabilities. This G-class model features reliable 4-wheel drive, dual coiler shock cushions, and over 17 inches of ground clearance. It rides on 22-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
Under the hood is a monstrous twin-turbocharged 4.0 L V8 engine with 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It can handle any situation both on and off road you throw at it.
This sharp-looking vehicle includes a luxurious interior with plenty of driver-assist options. The one drawback is it’s price almost doubles most of the best off road vehicles in this guide.
Find Your Off Road Vehicle Today
Reading about the amazing features and technology of this year’s best off road vehicles is only a fraction of the fun. Accomplish your biggest jobs and make unforgettable memories in one of these off road vehicles today.
Want to take one out for a spin? Let us know and we’ll help you find the best off road vehicle for your needs and lifestyle.