There are plenty of off-road SUV options that aren't fronted by a seven-slot grille.
If you're considering a used Jeep Wrangler, then you'll be glad to know that there's an ample supply of these SUVs for sale on our Marketplace. But there are two related pieces of bad news: The Wrangler's popularity means the model holds its value very well, and its popularity means you're going to see a lot of them out on the street, the trail, and everywhere in between.
There are other options for drivers looking for the Wrangler's off-road-ready persona, and some are arguably better suited to on-road activities than the Jeep. Here we've selected some equally capable 4x4s that you're less likely to find in a rental fleet or grocery store parking lot, including options from Ford, Land Rover, and Toyota.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars | Shop Used Cars 2020–Present Land Rover Defender Who says the off-road lifestyle has to be uncomfortable? If you want something a bit more posh than the hose-out interiors of a Wrangler or Bronco, consider a Land Rover Defender. In its latest incarnation, which means used 2020 Land Rover Defenders and newer models, this ute is more creature-comfortable than the original or its American competitors. Today's Defender comes in three lengths—the shorty 90 two-door, and the 110 and 130 four-doors. You also have your choice of four-, six-, or eight-cylinder power. As with the others on this list, you can select the level of capability you need or want within the Defender lineup. Even the most basic can tackle difficult obstacles, while the new Defender OCTA is easily one of the most technically advanced SUVs Land Rover has ever created. Clean used Defenders are available from about $25,000, though used Defenders in certain specs can cost significantly more.SHOP LAND ROVER DEFENDER 2021–Present Ford Bronco Ford certainly had the Wrangler in its sights when it brought back the Bronco name. In its current generation, meaning used 2021 Ford Broncos and newer, this dirt-ready SUV is available with mild to wild levels of equipment, from used base models all the way up to the extreme performance of used Bronco Raptors, which offers lots of power and advanced off-road gear. One of the Ford's biggest advantages over the Jeep is that it provides some semblance of steering feel, whereas the Wrangler's wheel keeps you guessing with its vagueness. It doesn't hurt that the Bronco won 10Best awards in both 2022 and 2023.Like the Wrangler, the reborn Bronco is available with two or four doors—the latter of which is much more prevalent. You'll also see a lot of customization on used Broncos, so pay attention to what's been swapped, added, or jettisoned when considering price. Clean used examples start at around $25,000 for older models in a more basic guise.SHOP FORD BRONCO 2025–Present Toyota 4Runner As long as you're cool with doors and a roof that are permanently attached, the Toyota 4Runner is likely a lot more everyday-usable than a Wrangler or Bronco. The newest version, which means used 2025 4Runners and newer, is a little nicer to drive and be in than its predecessor. It also comes with modern powertrains— a turbocharged four-cylinder with or without hybrid assist. Bonus: Several 4Runner trims offer an available third row, albeit a cramped one, that can carry two additional passengers.The 4Runner still feels like a truck underneath—it's based on the same body-on-frame stuff that underpins the likes of the Toyota Tacoma pickup—but the ride is pliant enough that it's not likely to make you sore on a long road trip. Unlike the others on this list, the 4Runner is available with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. If you're looking to wander off the beaten path, be sure to look exclusively at four-wheel-drive versions of this SUV. However, if you're more interested in the 4Runner's off-road-ready looks than its off-road capability, then you may want to consider a rear-drive model, which ought to sip fuel at a more miserly rate than the equivalent four-wheel-drive 4Runner .Because this latest 4Runner is so new, used models without major damage will set you back at least $35,000 or so. Choosing the fancier trims, some of which force you into the hybrid powertrain, requires spending more dough.SHOP TOYOTA 4RUNNER Tips and Insights Get a Pre-Purchase InspectionThe best thing you can do before purchasing a used vehicle is have a pre-purchase inspection done. It's a simple process: find and pay a local mechanic to give the vehicle you're considering a lookover to ensure there are no hidden issues. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind.Get a Vehicle History ReportThe second-best thing you can do before purchasing a used vehicle is to get its history report. Make sure there are no mileage inconsistencies or major car accidents on the record that could jeopardize the value or safety of the vehicle. Be sure to get under any used car if possible. You'll want to make sure there's no sign of rust setting in. Be sure to look and feel under the wheelwells, too. Stick to the Test DriveIf you're looking at a stick-shift-equipped SUV, then test to see if the clutch is in good condition. An easy way to do this is to take a test drive, bring the car to around 40 mph or so, and put the car in its top gear. Then floor the accelerator. If the car's clutch is worn, then the engine speeds will rise at a rate that's out of sync with the vehicle's forward acceleration. What exactly does that mean? To paraphrase Justice Potter Stewart, 'you'll know it when you feel it.' Check Out That Underbody Off-road-oriented SUVs often have underbody shielding to keep vulnerable areas safe from off-tarmac obstacles, such as jutting rocks. Be sure to get a good look underneath any truck you're looking at and make sure any uncovered portions are free from damage. Take note of the condition of the underbody shielding too. Lots of deep dents likely signal that the SUVs you're looking at did some heavy off-roading. Given that these SUVs are designed for such activities, the presence of one or more dented underbody shieldings is not necessarily a bad thing; however, it does mean other issues from these excursions may be present. If you were on the fence about getting a PPI, then well-worn underbody shielding should be the final straw that convinces you to get one.
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