Five best off-road cars to buy in 2023
Will their owners take them off-road, though?
While SUVs are popular in nearly every new-car category, the reality is that there are only a handful that are really able to tackle the toughest off-road conditions. Here we select five of our favourite 4x4s to get you over the most demanding terrain.
To be the best off-road car, four-wheel drive is essential. Sending power to all four wheels makes the most of the grip available, or lack of it, while clever electronics and differentials help these cars to send power to the tyres with the most traction on offer. The ability to lock differentials, electronically or manually, is also key for proper off-road ability.
Low-range gears can help massively in the toughest conditions but having them wasn’t a prerequisite for our list. Some of these cars have electronic control systems that manage all of the mechanical and electronic parts, including hill descent control, which is enough to get you out of all but the most extreme of situations.
Our selection of the best off-road cars covers most bases, from the budget conscious to the utilitarian and luxurious.
Dacia Duster
From £23,345
If you’re intent on heading off road in a brand-new car, then the Dacia Duster makes a lot of sense since it’s such excellent value. With prices for the four-wheel-drive versions starting from around £23k, you won’t be quite so precious if it gets the odd knock here and there.
The 4×4 models are diesel only, so good fuel economy will help to keep those costs down in everyday driving.
It’s not the most hardcore 4×4 on our list but it does have decent ground clearance, short overhangs, off-road displays on the infotainment system, hill descent control and an electronic locking centre differential to help make sure there’s traction in slippery conditions.
Ford Ranger Raptor
From £46,300
While it’s based on a commercial vehicle, the Ranger Raptor doesn’t qualify as a CV because it can’t carry a tonne of payload. That’s because it has rally raid-based suspension under those wide wheelarches that’s designed to cope with fast off-roading rather than heavy load-carrying. Think of it more like a performance off-roader than a workhorse pick-up.
The trick suspension isn’t just good for travelling across rough terrain at speed; it’s also pretty comfortable as family transport on road.
The second generation of the Ranger Raptor continues where the original left off, though now with a brawny petrol engine.
- 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor review: American looks, brawny engine and serious off-road capability
- 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor review
Ineos Grenadier
From £55,000
Ineos is a newcomer to the 4×4 sector and the firm’s first model to launch here is the rugged Grenadier. Created by billionaire petrochemicals industrialist Jim Ratcliffe after production of the old Land Rover Defender was ended, the French-built Grenadier features similar utilitarian styling, a basic interior and go-anywhere off-road ability. However power comes from very modern BMW-sourced petrol or diesel engines.
Land Rover Defender
From £51,365
The old Defender was no longer up-to-spec when it comes to safety or emissions standards, so an all-new model was inevitable. Launched in 2020, the second generation is more upmarket, with more sophisticated tech and a far more comfortable interior, but the Defender is still supremely talented off road.
The addition of air suspension and Land Rover’s most sophisticated version of its Terrain Response off-road electronics help it conquer all surfaces.
There’s plenty of space in the five-door 110 and longer 130 versions, while the three-door 90 model offers a more compact package — and there’s a commercial “Hard Top” version, too.
The most impressive things about the Defender are its on-road refinement and handling, which are light years ahead of the old machine.
- 2020 Land Rover Defender review
- Jeremy Clarkson reviews the new Land Rover Defender: ‘It’s a properly serious off-roader’
Toyota Land Cruiser
From £47,675
Japan’s answer to the Range Rover is still going strong and combines near-unstoppable off-road ability with decent luxury, though it’s nowhere near as plush as its British rival.
The four-cylinder diesel engine under the bonnet isn’t the most refined or economical either, but if you want to head for the hills with the confidence that your 4×4 won’t let you down, then the Land Cruiser is a top choice.
Related articles
- If you liked our article on the best off-road cars to buy in 2023, you might also be interested to hear that you can still buy a new Lada Niva 4×4 in the UK – but there are some snags
- Also check out our guide to the best used 4×4 estate cars for adventures off the beaten track
- And if you’re into affordable 4x4s, take a look at how we got on off-road with the Ssangyong Musso and Rexton
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