There’s something about pointing your tires toward the unknown that stirs up the soul. Whether you’re blazing a trail through the backwoods, kicking up dust in the desert, or crawling over rocky ridges like a mountain goat, off-road adventures deliver the kind of freedom most people only daydream about. Lucky for all of us, you don’t need a brand-new rig or a garage full of gear to get in on the fun. The right used SUV can take you just about anywhere as soon as you drive it off the lot and save you money right off the bat.
But before you run that search for a used car dealer near me, it’s important to get familiar with some contenders that are likely to check all the right boxes to get your adrenaline pumping at an acceptable level.
There’s a whole world of capable, adventure-ready used SUVs out there just waiting for their next big journey, and I’m here to give you a little cheat sheet so you’ll be ready to ace the test when you start driving these fun and capable SUVs. Let’s dig into the best of the bunch with our top used SUVs for your next off-road adventures.
Jeep Wrangler
Let’s start with the obvious pick. The Jeep Wrangler isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a rite of passage for anyone serious about off-roading. Regardless of model year or trim, the Wrangler is engineered to eat trails for breakfast and then ask what’s for lunch and dinner.
Solid front and rear axles, a high ground clearance, short overhangs, a removable roof and doors, and an aftermarket scene that’s second to none all combine to make the Wrangler the go-to choice for adventurers who value capability above all else. It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s not trying to be subtle. It’s a purpose-built machine that thrives when the road gets ugly and the mud gets deep.
Even stock Wranglers come trail-ready, but they also beg to be modified with lift kits, lockers, beefy tires, you name it. If your idea of fun includes flexing over boulders, tackling switchbacks, or fording streams, a used Wrangler will get you there and back with a muddy grin on your face.
Let’s be honest, there’s just something cool about a Wrangler. From the iconic round headlights and wonderfully boxy frame to the open-air driving experience, it’s pure fun, pure capability, and pure Jeep. If you’re passionate about vehicles, you can join the online community of Jeep enthusiasts that is almost cult-like (but in a good way).
Toyota 4Runner
If the Wrangler is your wild, thrill-seeking buddy, the Toyota 4Runner is the friend who packs snacks, checks the tire pressure, and still manages to out-hike everyone on the trip. Used 4Runners are loved for their reliability and off-road prowess. These SUVs are built with a solid frame, high ground clearance, durable suspension components, and off-road features that let you fine-tune your approach to rough terrain. They’re tough, proven, and rarely say no to a challenge. If you want a used SUV that’ll handle abuse without complaining and still look good, the 4Runner is a solid choice.
Ford Bronco
The revived Ford Bronco stormed onto the scene with a vengeance, aiming squarely at the Jeep Wrangler, and it does a lot of things right. From packing multiple terrain modes to the packages with available independently locking differentials, this SUV means business as soon as it leaves the paved world.
New-generation Broncos are starting to hit the used car market, and if you can find one in good shape, you’ll get a rig that’s more than capable of keeping up with your rugged excursions. The potential downside is that recent Bronco models don’t yet have the decades of trail-tested heritage that models like the Jeep Wrangler have. With the Bronco undergoing a handful of body type transformations over the years, predicting its longevity is a little harder. Still, it’s off to a stylish and capable start.
Honda Passport
Let’s talk about one of the more under-the-radar players in the off-road SUV scene: the Honda Passport. This midsize SUV doesn’t scream “trail monster” at first glance, but it has some surprisingly solid chops for light and moderate off-road adventures.
Recent used Passports offer all-wheel drive options, and this thing can keep you moving on dirt, gravel, snow, and uneven terrain with confidence. It also packs a healthy punch of horsepower, decent ground clearance, and a roomy interior that’ll swallow tents, coolers, bikes, or whatever else you toss in. Plus, Honda’s reliability means you’re less likely to end up wrenching in the woods when you’d rather be roasting marshmallows.
Now, can it take on a gnarly rock garden? Not a chance, but that’s not the point of the Passport. It’s for people who want one SUV that handles daily life like a champ and won’t flinch when the GPS takes you down a sketchy forest road. Think of it as the logical, low-key adventurer of the group.
Chevy Tahoe
If your off-road adventures include towing a camper, hauling gear, or rolling deep with a big crew, the Chevy Tahoe is worth consideration. It’s not as nimble as the others, but it brings serious muscle to the table with a powerful engine and full-size SUV strength.
More rugged trims add off-road suspension, skid plates, and a two-speed transfer case, turning this suburban beast into a more legitimate dirt-road dominator. Since it’s a Chevy, parts are easy to find and repairs are generally straightforward.
Still, it’s more of a rough-terrain cruiser than a rock-crawling monster. Think forest roads, snow trails, and muddy campsites, not Moab. A used Tahoe hits the mark for folks who want big comfort and decent trail cred.
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport fits the bill for those who want their off-road adventure with a side of fine leather and a British accent. Thanks to features like advanced all-wheel-drive systems and Dynamic Air Suspension, Range Rover Sports are surprisingly capable.
At its heart, the Range Rover Sport is still all about unapologetic luxury, because it’s a Range Rover. Any time you’re in the same category as a Rolls-Royce SUV, you’re catering to a discerning buyer who isn’t afraid to spend a pretty penny for a pampered ride, even when you decide to leave civilization behind for a few days. A used Range Rover Sport strikes a pretty sweet balance if you’re after an SUV that can easily handle the occasional off-road adventure without giving up on opulence.
Subaru Outback
Let’s say your adventures lean more towards a campfire than a cliffside. You’re not out there rock crawling. You’re escaping the city, hitting fire roads, and finding the perfect fishing spot. That’s where the Subaru Outback shines. With all-wheel drive and a wagon shape that swallows gear like a champ, it’s a great tool for soft-roading and outdoor living.
It’s nicely built for dirt roads and mountain getaways, getting the job done with no fuss in its own laid-back way. Subaru is also well-known for its reliability, so you won’t need to worry about buying used instead of new. The Subaru Outback is one SUV that is beyond comfortable in its own skin.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
We come full circle with another Jeep. The Grand Cherokee is more refined than its Wrangler cousin but still knows how to throw down on the trail. The Grand Cherokee is what happens when you mix Trail Rated engineering with everyday comfort. This isn’t just a capable SUV with rugged good looks. It’s a serious off-road machine wrapped in leather and luxury. With true 4×4 options, hefty horsepower, fantastic ground clearance, and models with limited slip differentials, the Grand Cherokee is one pretty machine that’s still ready to take a beating. Unlike many off-road vehicles, the Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t make you choose between weekend fun and weekday functionality. It’s one of the few used SUVs that truly lets you have your trail cake and eat it too.
Time to Choose Your Own Adventure
We’ve come to the end of our collective journey, but yours is only beginning. Every car on this list rises above the sea of competition in the wildly popular and ever-growing SUV market, offering plenty of rugged durability and capability. So, what’s the best used SUV for your off-road adventure? It depends on your style, your trails, and how dirty you want to get.
If you’re after the pure off-road experience, demanding a vehicle that’s downright hungry to take on the mud, the rocks, and the wind-in-your-hair, doors-off, middle-of-nowhere thrill ride, all roads lead to Jeep. The Wrangler is the king of the hill (sometimes literally), and the Grand Cherokee brings that same spirit in a more refined package. Go ahead and pick your trail. You know which keys to grab if you want to lead the pack.
