Cars: Off-Roading
As they’ve come to dominate the driveways of America, SUVs have morphed into the modern versions of the station wagon, minivan or even hatchback. After all, the Grizzly Adams fantasy doesn’t often jibe with everyday reality, and automakers know it—they’re stuffing their wilderness-worthy SUVs with resort-level luxury and features in case the only hunting you’ll be doing is for that hot new restaurant. But some buyers are still drawn to the source: the ur-SUV, the hardy four-wheeler that can tackle off-road adventures. Here are five of the best.
Range Rover SV Coupe
History’s fastest, rarest, priciest Rover will mainly be seen wading into Monaco and other exclusive haunts. But should you choose to muddy its 23-inch wheels and breathtaking cabin, the Rover can also wade through 36-inch-deep water and tackle most any terrain. The two-door SV will be the first fully hand-assembled Rover, and no more than 999 will be built at the Special Vehicles Operations Technical Center in the UK. The SV gets 557 supercharged V-8 horsepower, enough to steam from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, which is remarkable for a car of this size. An air suspension, permanent four-wheel drive and selectable Terrain Response System ensure off-road bona fides, but this baby has luxury to spare: walnut, sycamore and other veneers, bespoke two-tone interior and a 1,700-watt, 23-speaker Meridian sound system. (Base price: $295,000) 800.346.3493, landroverusa.com
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The famed G-Wagen gets its first full redesign since its creation in 1979. A bi-turbo V-8 pumps out 416 horsepower, with mega-powered AMG models to come. Interior design rises to S-Class sedan levels, including a stunning dual-screen display and 6 inches of added rear legroom. Say auf Wiedersehen to the ancient recirculating-ball steering and solid front axle—to tame the old G-Class’ oafish ride and handling, they’re replaced by an electric rack-and-pinion unit and independent front suspension. But don’t think the G-man has gone soft: Low-range 4WD adds a robust new gear ratio for rock crawling, ground clearance is up and a new “G-Mode” adjusts multiple vehicle parameters for off-road derring-do. (Estimated base price: $125,000) 800.367.6372, mbusa.com
Jeep Wrangler
The all-new Wrangler can ford 30-inch-deep streams and clamber over anything in its path. That raw capability includes rock rails, skid plates and multiple choices in locking axles and 4WD systems. Just as important, the Jeep is no longer a noisy, jouncing chore to drive on pavement. A rigid structure incorporates aluminum, high-strength steel and lightweight composite fenders. A new, optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine boosts fuel economy even as it delivers a healthy 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Doors are easier to remove, the folding windshield is easier to lower and the interior is stuffed with four USB ports, the slick UConnect touchscreen and more—all waterproof, naturally. (Base price: $26,995) 877.426.5337, jeep.com
Jaguar E-Pace
It’s hard to imagine an SUV as pretty as the Jaguar clawing through off-road obstacles. But during a recent ride on the island of Corsica, the E-Pace did exactly that. Top-shelf models get a raucous new four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower. The Jag shares its platform with the Land Rover Evoque, and its multimode AWD system includes the All Surface Progress Control system that made short work of Corsica’s steep, rocky slopes. (Base price: $39,595) 855.524.8278, jaguarusa.com
Lamborghini Urus
The Urus isn’t Lamborghini’s first SUV. That was the bizarre LM002, a Hummer-esque monster released in the ’80s. Bowing to modern SUV realities, and markets from China to the Middle East, the Urus is more of a Swiss Army knife: a four-door, 641-horsepower supercar with space for shopping sprees, and a selectable 4WD “Terra” mode for high-speed dune dashing. The most affordable Lamborghini shares its platform with its Volkswagen Group stablemates, the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. And, scorching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and peaking at 190 mph, the Urus may be the industry’s quickest SUV yet. (Estimated base price: $200,000) 866.681.6276, lamborghini.com
Range Rover SV Coupe
History’s fastest, rarest, priciest Rover will mainly be seen wading into Monaco and other exclusive haunts. But should you choose to muddy its 23-inch wheels and breathtaking cabin, the Rover can also wade through 36-inch-deep water and tackle most any terrain. The two-door SV will be the first fully hand-assembled Rover, and no more than 999 will be built at the Special Vehicles Operations Technical Center in the UK. The SV gets 557 supercharged V-8 horsepower, enough to steam from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, which is remarkable for a car of this size. An air suspension, permanent four-wheel drive and selectable Terrain Response System ensure off-road bona fides, but this baby has luxury to spare: walnut, sycamore and other veneers, bespoke two-tone interior and a 1,700-watt, 23-speaker Meridian sound system. (Base price: $295,000) 800.346.3493, landroverusa.com
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The famed G-Wagen gets its first full redesign since its creation in 1979. A bi-turbo V-8 pumps out 416 horsepower, with mega-powered AMG models to come. Interior design rises to S-Class sedan levels, including a stunning dual-screen display and 6 inches of added rear legroom. Say auf Wiedersehen to the ancient recirculating-ball steering and solid front axle—to tame the old G-Class’ oafish ride and handling, they’re replaced by an electric rack-and-pinion unit and independent front suspension. But don’t think the G-man has gone soft: Low-range 4WD adds a robust new gear ratio for rock crawling, ground clearance is up and a new “G-Mode” adjusts multiple vehicle parameters for off-road derring-do. (Estimated base price: $125,000) 800.367.6372, mbusa.com
Jeep Wrangler
The all-new Wrangler can ford 30-inch-deep streams and clamber over anything in its path. That raw capability includes rock rails, skid plates and multiple choices in locking axles and 4WD systems. Just as important, the Jeep is no longer a noisy, jouncing chore to drive on pavement. A rigid structure incorporates aluminum, high-strength steel and lightweight composite fenders. A new, optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine boosts fuel economy even as it delivers a healthy 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Doors are easier to remove, the folding windshield is easier to lower and the interior is stuffed with four USB ports, the slick UConnect touchscreen and more—all waterproof, naturally. (Base price: $26,995) 877.426.5337, jeep.com
Jaguar E-Pace
It’s hard to imagine an SUV as pretty as the Jaguar clawing through off-road obstacles. But during a recent ride on the island of Corsica, the E-Pace did exactly that. Top-shelf models get a raucous new four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower. The Jag shares its platform with the Land Rover Evoque, and its multimode AWD system includes the All Surface Progress Control system that made short work of Corsica’s steep, rocky slopes. (Base price: $39,595) 855.524.8278, jaguarusa.com
Lamborghini Urus
The Urus isn’t Lamborghini’s first SUV. That was the bizarre LM002, a Hummer-esque monster released in the ’80s. Bowing to modern SUV realities, and markets from China to the Middle East, the Urus is more of a Swiss Army knife: a four-door, 641-horsepower supercar with space for shopping sprees, and a selectable 4WD “Terra” mode for high-speed dune dashing. The most affordable Lamborghini shares its platform with its Volkswagen Group stablemates, the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. And, scorching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and peaking at 190 mph, the Urus may be the industry’s quickest SUV yet. (Estimated base price: $200,000) 866.681.6276, lamborghini.com
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