Off-road SUV models are great for adventuring. They can navigate challenging terrain and help drivers overcome obstacles. Here are the best mid-size off-road SUVs of 2021, according to U.S. News.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a classy off-roading beast

Some may believe the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is reserved for pop stars and Kardashians, but it also earned a place in the off-roading world. G-Class models are uniquely designed to endure off-roading adventures despite their luxurious features and styling. U.S. News & World Report gave this mid-size SUV an overall 8.4/10 score on a list of best off-road SUVs of 2021.

The Mercedes-Benz G550 comes standard with a V8 engine that makes a massive 416 horsepower. It has the power to overcome most obstacles that would challenge other mid-size SUVs. It also has 9.5-inches of ground clearance.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class features three locking differentials to help with traction as well as a two-speed transfer case and four-wheel drive. The G-Class may look like a luxury SUV, but it’s equipped to get down and dirty.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler does predictably well off-road

The Jeep-Wrangler is an off-roading staple. This mid-size SUV has been tearing up trails for decades. The Wrangler debuted back in 1987, but its lineage traces back all the way to the early 1940s.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is one of the best mid-size off-road SUVs on the market. U.S. News gave it an overall score of 7.6/10. It has 10.8-inches of ground clearance.

The Wrangler is extremely customizable. Buyers can opt for two or four-door versions. They can also choose between hard or soft-top roofs. Some drivers remove the doors and roof completely to get the true Wrangler experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler comes standard with all-wheel drive. It has plenty of engine options, including a new plug-in hybrid option. The Wrangler also comes in plenty of different trims that offer superior off-road capability like the Rubicon.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner off-road SUV runs straight over the competition

The Toyota 4Runner has been hitting trails and charting its own path for over 35 years. U.S. News gave the 2021 Toyota 4Runner an overall score of 7.1/10. The mid-size SUV is as trail-tested as any off-road vehicle can be, and the 2021 model continues with the tradition of being prepared for whatever the outdoors has to throw at it.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner’s V6 engine makes 270 horsepower. It comes optional with four-wheel drive. The 4Runner has 9.6-inches of ground clearance.

The mid-size SUV also comes standard with Toyota Hill Start Assist Control. The 4Runner comes standard with a multi-link suspension as well for better traction. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is available in TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims for an even more fantastic off-road experience. The 4Runner has been one of the better mid-size off-road SUVs on the market for decades.

Should you buy a mid-size off-road SUV?

Mid-size off-road SUVs aren’t the best daily drivers. Other SUVs can offer better fuel efficiency and comfort. Off-road SUVs are great for folks who regularly want to take their vehicle off the beaten path.

If you desire the road less traveled, a mid-size off-road SUV is an excellent option for adventuring. Off-roading isn’t just a hobby for many enthusiasts, it’s a lifestyle.