Trails on a Budget: 4 of the Cheapest SUVs for Off-Roading Enthusiasts
There are quite a few worthy options for off-roading SUVs on the market. However, many of them are on the more expensive side of the spectrum. Luckily, there are a few quality off-roading SUVs to choose from that don’t come with an excessively high price tag. Additionally, these vehicles are fully well-rounded and serve as great commuter vehicles.
The Ford Bronco is a contender for best off road SUV
The 2023 Ford Bronco is one of the top affordable off-roading SUVs in the market. Not only does it revive an iconic name from the 90s, but the new Ford Bronco is a bonafide hit on the market, and not just for people who need an all-wheel drive vehicle. Its ground clearance makes it one of the best off-roading SUVs, as it grants between 7.8 inches and 13.1 inches. In particular, the Ford Bronco Everglades trim is best for hitting the trails. It’s easily a contender for best off road SUV.
The 2023 Ford Bronco is also a pretty powerful vehicle, making it even better for the trails. It comes with a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four with a maximum output of 300 horsepower. However, the Raptor trim is the most powerful with its 3.0-liter V6 engine that uses a 10-speed automatic transmission and is four-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour between 6.2 and 7.4 seconds. The Bronco is perfect for the trails but also fits right in on the highway. The Bronco starts at $34,595.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is often called the best off-road SUV
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is another relatively affordable off-roading SUV. In fact, some would say it’s the best off-road SUV because it’s so versatile. One of the highlights of this long-running Jeep SUV is its ground clearance of up to 10.9 inches. Many off-roading enthusiasts would recommend the Overland or the 4xe trims of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
According to Edmunds, the base trim of the latest model Jeep Grand Cherokee has a 293 hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. While the base trim is rear-wheel drive, some trims are all-wheel drive. The 4xe version accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds. It takes other trims 7.4 seconds. The Grand Cherokee price starts at $41,035.
2023 Toyota 4Runner
Another top affordable SUV that makes the perfect off-road SUV is the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. The vehicle is super popular because it’s excellent for the trails and for regular highways. Additionally, it has the legendary Toyota guarantee of quality and reliability. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner allows for up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance, which isn’t the most on this list, but it still works great for many trails.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is also a powerful SUV. It has a 4.0-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 270 horsepower. The highest trim, the TRD Pro, is similar, but it’s one of the all-wheel drive options. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro comes highly recommended by many off-roading enthusiasts. The price starts at $40,155.
2023 Subaru Forester is also great in this regard
The 2023 Subaru Forester is another great option for off-roading enthusiasts. It may not be the obvious first choice, but it’s solid in this regard. The 2023 Forester has a ground clearance of up to 9.2 inches, with the Wilderness trim being the best for trails. In addition, this vehicle has a pretty great suspension system. Some would say this is the best off road SUV because of the price.
Regarding performance, this off-roading SUV has a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with a maximum output of 182 hp. It uses a continuously variable transmission, and the base trim is all-wheel drive. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds. The 2023 Subaru Forester starts at $26,395.
