What Is the Best Off-Road SUV?

The sport utility vehicle market continues to develop capable SUVs to handle just about any road surface or weather. However, are SUVs good for off-roading? The answer depends on the SUV and your definition of off-roading. This article will explore what makes an SUV suitable for off-road excursions, which SUVs excel at the task, and what performance features you want to have to conquer your next adventure.

What Makes a Good Off-Road SUV?

Image via Flickr by gvgoebel

For starters, you want a 4×4 drivetrain. A four-wheel-drive vehicle provides maximum traction under more extreme conditions than a two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system. So what’s the difference between four-wheel and all-wheel drive? 

The answer depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Some all-wheel-drive systems operate full time, while others use advanced sensors to engage the second axle when it senses you need the traction. Four-wheel-drive vehicles typically operate in two-wheel drive until you manually engage the second axle. As a result, you gain economy when only one axle operates, and you gain traction when both axles work simultaneously.

After the drivetrain, you’ll want a beefed-up suspension system with increased ground clearance and enhanced wheel articulation. Articulation represents one wheel’s ability to move up or down relative to the wheel on the opposite end of the axle. Articulation enables your SUV to move over uneven ground without losing traction. 

Types of Off-road Driving

Before you invest in an SUV, you should have a good idea of what you’ll need it to do, especially if you plan on driving off the road. For example, if you need to take it on dirt roads that are relatively flat, you might not need a 4×4 drivetrain. However, if the track has ruts, washed-out gullies, fallen trees, or other obstacles that make traversing it a challenge, you’ll want a capable all-wheel or four-wheel-drive system to handle it.

If you like to spend your weekends smashing through brush, cruising the desert dunes, or looking for treacherous elevations to conquer, you definitely want a four-wheel-drive powertrain. Of course, you’ll also enjoy an SUV with an enhanced off-road suspension, aggressive off-road tires, and a protected underbelly.

GMC SUVs

You have several good SUVs to choose from in the GMC lineup to suit any off-road needs. Here are the top two off-road options:

GMC Hummer EV

If you’re looking for off-road capability in an SUV, the GMC Hummer EV has everything you need. The Hummer made its name as a military vehicle that was deployed worldwide. Literally battle-tested, the Hummer has an incredible capability that GMC now makes available to everyone.

The Hummer EV has an all-electric powertrain that uses three electric motors and GMC’s new Ultium battery platform. GMC claims the Hummer EV SUV puts out an incredible 830 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft. of torque. On the road, the Hummer EV travels from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and boasts a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. In addition, its 350-kW fast-charging capability can recharge 100 miles in only ten minutes.

Off the road, the Hummer EV brings performance to new heights. An adaptive air ride suspension system features a first-of-its-kind Extract Mode that raises the SUV up to six inches. Coupled with the heavy-duty suspension and special 35-inch off-road tires, the Hummer EV can handle just about anything. It also features Crab Walk, an off-road ability that can steer the rear wheels up to ten degrees to help navigate tight trails.

The Hummer EV comes with Ultravision, a unique 17-camera system that provides you with a bird’s-eye view and two underbody cameras that feed live views of the terrain. These waterproof underbody cameras face forward and to the rear and have replaceable lens protectors and a washer function to clean as you drive.

GMC Yukon AT4

You can get the Yukon in one of four trims: SLE, SLT, AT4, or Denali. However, if you’re looking for off-road capability, the AT4 was explicitly designed for that purpose. The standard 5.3-liter V-8 engine puts out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque, or you can opt for the 6.2-liter V-8 rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque. 

Standard 4×4 capability, plus a trim-exclusive front end design with a 32-degree approach angle and protective skid plates, make the AT4 more than capable of tackling the harshest terrain. In addition, the AT4 uses an adaptive air ride suspension system to raise all four corners up to two inches for improved clearance. You also get the Traction Select System with selectable drive modes, including an Off-Road mode that calibrates powertrain, traction control, and stability control settings for optimal performance.

Buick SUVs

Buick offers a lineup of SUVs in various sizes, all with available all-wheel-drive systems. So if you have lighter off-road demands, such as taking the boat to the lake house, Buick SUVs deliver off-road performance with the comfort and convenience features that make your every day commute better.

Buick Enclave

The Enclave gives you three rows of seating for up to seven people, making it a spacious and comfortable ride. In addition, an available intelligent all-wheel-drive system actively monitors things like wheel spin, engine torque, and speed to automatically deliver torque to the wheel or wheels that have the best grip. 

Opting for the Trailering Package, you get the Hitch Guidance with Hitch View system, an HD Rear Vision Camera with dynamic gridlines, and the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. In addition, you get the latest in-vehicle technology and a sophisticated interior that keeps you connected and comfortable no matter where you travel.

At #1 Cochran Buick-GMC Youngstown, we know what off-road drivers want in an SUV. We stock an expansive inventory of SUVs in various sizes and powertrain configurations to suit any lifestyle. So whether you need a capable all-wheel-drive SUV to handle wintry weather and light off-road adventures, or you want to take your adventures to the next level, we have your dream SUV. 

Feel free to browse our inventory online. However, if you prefer a more personalized experience, you can visit our Market Street dealership at any time. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will show you the different SUVs and let you take your favorite for a test drive.