Whether you’re planning weekend camping trips, tackling mountain trails, or simply want the confidence to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way, choosing the right off-road SUV can make all the difference. The 2025 model year brings an exciting lineup of capability-focused SUVs that range from hardcore rock crawlers to adventure-styled family haulers.
Bottom Line Up Front: For serious off-road enthusiasts, the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler remain the gold standards, but never count out the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Lexus GX. If your goal is trail access without rock crawling, there are many options you may not have considered. These include some three-row models, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, the Chevrolet Traverse Z71, and Kia Sorento X-Line.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner finally gets a complete redesign after 15 years, transitioning from its legendary V6 to a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with available hybrid power. The base i-Force engine produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, while the i-Force Max hybrid delivers 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque. Find 4Runners.
What Makes It Special: The 4Runner remains body-on-frame construction with solid axles, making it ideal for serious off-road adventures. The TRD Pro trim features Fox QS3 dampers optimized for high-speed desert running, while the new Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter focuses on low-speed rock crawling with ARB/Old Man Emu dampers and additional skid plates.
Pricing: Starting at $42,220, with TRD Pro and Trailhunter models reaching $68,350.
Visit Earnhardt Toyota in Mesa for 4Runner availability and test drives.
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler received meaningful updates including standard power windows and locks (finally!), and the addition of active cabin ventilation. Starting at $32,690, it remains the most affordable option for serious off-road capability. Find Wranglers.
Trail-Ready Features: The Wrangler Rubicon delivers Dana 44 axles front and rear, an ultra-low 4:1 gear ratio, electric locking differentials, and remote front swaybar disconnect. These features make it easily a match for the rugged Ford Bronco Badlands, even with the Sasquatch package.
Engine Options: Multiple powertrains including V6, turbocharged four-cylinder, plug-in hybrid (4xe), and the monstrous Hemi V8 in select trims.
Locate Earnhardt Jeep in Gilbert for Wrangler test drives and inventory.
The Ford Bronco brings modern refinement to the off-road party with features like G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes that make challenging terrain more accessible. The base model starts at $37,995, with the extreme Bronco Raptor topping $90,000. Find Broncos.
Technology Advantage: Standard features include a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability – making it more tech-forward than the Wrangler.
Off-Road Capability: Available with removable doors and roof, plus serious hardware like locking differentials and advanced suspension systems
Find Earnhardt Ford in Chandler or Rodeo Ford in Goodyear for Bronco availability and pricing.
The redesigned 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport bridges the gap between hardcore off-roaders and comfortable daily drivers. With its 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, it offers smooth power delivery and excellent on-road manners. Find Passport.
Real Off-Road Upgrades: TrailSport models get specific suspension tuning, forged steel suspension arms, cast-iron knuckles, skid plates, front recovery hooks, and 31-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. Ground clearance reaches 8.3 inches.
Why It Works: While it can’t match the 4Runner’s articulation or rock-crawling ability, the Passport excels at fire roads, camping access, and moderate trails while providing superior comfort and luxury for daily driving.
Pricing: Expected to range from $45,000 to $51,000.
Contact Earnhardt Honda in Avondale for Passport TrailSport availability and test drives.
The Lexus GX was built for off-roading. It offers legitimate adventure capability wrapped in a premium package. Starting at $53,250, it includes Kinetic Dynamic Suspension and low-range four-wheel drive. Find Lexus GX.
Off-Road Package: The Off-Road package (available on Luxury trim) adds crawl control, terrain-select system, skid plates, and oil cooler for serious trail work, though it adds $12,000 to the price.
Find Earnhardt Lexus in Phoenix for GX 460 information and test drives.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, priced at $50,766, offers enhanced off-road capabilities in a modern package. It provides both 5- and 7-seat configurations, making it versatile for families. Find Santa Fes.
Ground Clearance Advantage: The Santa Fe XRT boasts 8.3 inches of minimum ground clearance, matching the Honda Passport TrailSport and exceeding many competitors.
Locate Earnhardt Hyundai in Avondale or North Scottsdale Hyundai for Santa Fe XRT details.
The Kia Sorento shares the same wheelbase and interior capacity as the Santa Fe, offering multiple powertrain options including turbo-4 and hybrid configurations. It provides excellent value in the adventure SUV segment. Find Sorentos.
Find Earnhardt Kia in Avondale or Earnhardt Peoria Kia for Sorento X-Line pricing and availability.
The Chevrolet Traverse Z71 offers 7.8 inches of ground clearance and provides three-row seating for larger families who need adventure capability. It’s part of Chevy’s expanding Z71 off-road lineup. Find Chevy Traverse.
Contact Earnhardt Chevrolet in Queen Creek for Traverse Z71 availability and features.
The GMC Acadia AT4 brings the brand’s premium AT4 off-road treatment to the midsize SUV segment, offering enhanced capability with upscale appointments. Find AT4.
Find Earnhardt GMC in Mesa for Acadia AT4 information and test drives.
The 2025 off-road SUV landscape offers something for every adventure seeker. Traditional body-on-frame vehicles like the 4Runner, Wrangler, and Bronco provide maximum capability for serious off-road enthusiasts. Meanwhile, unibody options like the Passport TrailSport, Santa Fe XRT, and others offer a more refined balance of capability and comfort for weekend warriors.
Your next step: Visit local dealerships to experience these vehicles firsthand. Each offers a unique blend of capability, comfort, and character that can only be fully appreciated behind the wheel. Whether you’re drawn to Toyota’s legendary reliability, Jeep’s uncompromising capability, or Honda’s refined approach to adventure, there’s never been a better time to join the off-road SUV revolution.
Ready to start your adventure? Contact Earnhardt Auto Centers to schedule test drives and explore financing options for your perfect 2025 off-road SUV.
