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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Best 4×4 for a Daily Driver And Off-Roading
If you love exploring the great outdoors and spicing up your daily commutes, you need a vehicle that can handle both work and play.
But how do you know which one to choose? And what features should you look for to enhance your off-roading experience?
This article will explore the top 4x4s for daily driving and off-roading, focusing on mud terrain. We’ll also provide insights on what to consider when selecting your ideal ride.
Read on!
1. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has stood the test of time in the highly competitive midsize truck market. Known for its exceptional durability, the Tacoma is the ultimate workhorse. It can easily handle your daily driving needs and your wildest off-road adventures.
In 2022, Toyota upped the ante by making a locking rear differential standard. They also 
boosted Tacoma’s ground clearance for even greater off-roading capabilities.
This rugged truck boasts Toyota’s renowned reliability, but its ride quality on the road leaves much to be desired compared to its more refined and quieter competitors.
Unfortunately, the Tacoma’s steering is not its strong suit either, with slow reaction times and minimal feedback for the driver, making it less exciting to drive around turns.
If you’re primarily an occasional off-roader, sticking to dirt roads, you might be better off opting for the Honda Ridgeline. It is a great everyday vehicle with smoother ride quality and more comfortable steering.
But the Tacoma is worth considering if you’re looking for a true workhorse that can handle any terrain.
2. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is the holy grail of off-road vehicles coveted by enthusiasts for ages. With its rugged yet iconic convertible design, the Wrangler is known for its exceptional performance on rocky terrain and distinctive style.
While its on-road ride quality may not be the best, with vague steering and noisy wind and tire sounds at higher speeds, it remains a top choice for those seeking a compact SUV that can handle daily driving while delivering unparalleled off-road capability.
The latest-generation Wrangler offers extensive customization options, boasting a body-on-frame construction and rustic charm. And a more comfortable interior than previous models. Its solid-axle suspension and high ground clearance give it unparalleled off-road prowess.
Its towing capacity surpasses the competition, rated at 3,500 lbs compared to 1,500 lbs to 2,000 lbs for popular daily drivers. And with all trim levels featuring four-wheel drive (4WD), the Wrangler’s off-road DNA is undeniable.
However, if you’re looking for a quieter ride but still want the ability to venture off-road, consider other non-convertible Jeep models like the Jeep Compass (Trailhawk trim), Jeep Grand Cherokee (Trailhawk trim), Jeep Renegade (Trailhawk trim), and Jeep Cherokee (Trailhawk trim).
These options are all worth considering for their impressive off-road capabilities and quieter ride experience.
3. Toyota 4Runner (Midsize 3-Row SUV)
The Toyota 4Runner is the definition of a true, rugged SUV. Something that can tackle any terrain without breaking a sweat.
With its mediocre ride quality and subpar fuel efficiency, it may not be the ideal choice for daily commutes- but it more than makes up for it with its impressive off-road capabilities. Not forgetting the spacious interior.
This midsize three-row SUV is perfect for larger families needing a versatile and roomy hauler that can easily navigate challenging landscapes.
While many competitors have shifted towards smoother car-based chassis, the 4Runner remains firmly on the truck-based construction, making it an easy choice for those who seek an SUV that can handle the toughest terrains while still providing a livable driving experience.
4. Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is an iconic SUV that has been capturing the attention of off-road enthusiasts since its inception as a Jeep CJ-5 rival.
This versatile off-road machine offers a range of trims, engines, and wheelbase options. So it’s a go-to option for those seeking a unique driving experience.
It has a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine or an optional 2.7-liter V6. So it delivers impressive power and torque, ready to tackle any terrain.
Boasting the 4×4 system’s front and rear locking differentials, the Bronco provides unmatched traction and stability in rough and challenging conditions. But its ability to balance driving comfort with off-road capability sets it apart from its rivals.
Despite its rugged exterior, the Bronco’s interior is spacious. And it features modern technology, making it a perfect daily driver.
The latest updates include enhanced suspension components, all-terrain tires, and advanced terrain management systems- all of which have taken the Bronco’s off-road capability to a new level.
And with the addition of protective skid plates, you can confidently take on the most uneven terrains. The vehicle is well-equipped to handle any obstacle.
5. Ineos Grenadier
The Ineos Grenadier, a rugged off-road vehicle inspired by the classic British Defender, has proven its worth in conquering wild terrain. While it hasn’t reached the top five yet, our limited experience behind the wheel confirms that it’s a force to be reckoned with.
With a ladder frame chassis, live axles, and a choice of sophisticated BMW engines, this no-nonsense SUV can easily handle rock-crawling and other extreme challenges.
Its ground clearance, the trio of differential locks, and impressive approach and departure angles make it a formidable off-road machine that barely breaks a sweat when scaling challenging terrain.
However, the Ineos also has a softer side. Its interior is roomy and comfortable, balancing practicality and luxury. It may lack the refinement of the Mercedes G-Wagon- but it’s a capable and easy-to-drive vehicle.
It can handle daily commutes as well as off-road adventures. So if you’re looking for a versatile SUV that can conquer the wilderness and deliver a comfortable ride on pavement, the Ineos Grenadier might be the perfect choice.
6. Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator was created to meet the demand for a versatile vehicle that could function as a daily driver and an off-road machine.
Based on the Wagoneer platform, the original Gladiator was introduced as a pickup truck in the 1980s. However, the model was phased out due to poor sales figures. In 2019, Jeep revived the Gladiator nameplate, this time built on the frame of the Jeep Wrangler.
The latest model boasts impressive ground clearance, approach angles, and the legendary 
4×4 system Jeep is known for. The Gladiator is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Moreover, it can be fitted with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. With nine different trims available, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 1,000 pounds.
Its removable doors and tops make it an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile and dynamic driving experience.
7. Ford Ranger
The original Ford Ranger was nothing special and lagged behind its competitors in the pickup and 4×4 categories. However, Ford turned things around. With the T6 model released in 2012, this machine proved to be a game-changer for the company.
The current Ranger offers an impressive variety of power options, cab styles, and configurations to suit drivers’ needs. If you’re looking to tackle rugged terrain, the Tremor Off-Road Package provides everything to do so with ease.
It is equipped with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It packs a punch with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Additionally, Ford installed a Terrain Management System. This allows drivers to fine-tune the vehicle’s responsiveness and gearing for different types of terrain.
8. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 stands out in the fiercely competitive full-size truck market, which Ford has long dominated. While trucks with locking differentials reign supreme in rocky terrain, they typically struggle with a rough ride on smoother roads.
However, the Ram 1500 balances off-road capability and a comfortable ride, thanks to its coil spring rear suspension and luxurious cabin.
For those who prioritize off-road performance, the Rebel and TRX trims provide a more rugged experience with an elevated ride height, unique shock absorbers, and a locking rear axle. The TRX model, in particular, boasts an adaptive off-road suspension that delivers greater stability at higher speeds.
Inside the crew-cab Ram 1500, passengers are treated to ample head, shoulder, and legroom, making it a class leader in comfort.
And while safety may not be the top priority for some off-road enthusiasts, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 (introduced in 2019) boasts top-notch safety ratings, giving drivers peace of mind no matter where their adventures take them.
9. Hummer H1
The original Hummer H1 is a beast that wasn’t designed for city streets. With its massive size and sluggish speed, it was built by AM General for military purposes. But when demand for this monster truck skyrocketed, the manufacturer brought it to the civilian market.
The Hummer H1 was engineered with four-wheel independent suspension and mammoth 37-inch tires, providing an impressive 16 inches of ground clearance – a feat unrivaled by any other production 4WD.
Its central tire inflation system is also revolutionary, enabling drivers to control air pressure inside the cab.
Whether deep sand, rocky terrains, or snow- the four-ton H1 is up for the challenge. It comes with a range of diesel and gasoline engines- capable of producing up to 500 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.
10. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been around for decades and has proven to be one of the best off-roaders. Recently, the car underwent its first major redesign in 40 years.
This resulted in a more capable vehicle on and off the road. Despite the update, the G-Class retains its traditional features, such as the door handles and catches, which give it a retro feel.
The car has three locking differentials, an improved ground clearance, and a ladder-frame chassis with a fully independent front suspension developed by AMG. On the road, the G-Class handles well and is powered by a creamy straight-six diesel engine in the G400d model.
However, if you have the budget, you can opt for the Mercedes-AMG G63- this one has a twin-turbocharged petrol V8 that produces almost 600bhp.
This video has been included for its clarification of the topic matter. Credit goes to Ideal Media
Conclusion
If you do decide to take your everyday car off-roading, it’s crucial to exercise caution, choose suitable trails that match your vehicle’s capabilities, and drive with care. Start with easy or moderate trails to gauge how your car handles off-road conditions. It’s also advisable to have recovery equipment like tow straps, a jack, and a spare tire in case you encounter any difficulties.
Keep in mind that for more intense or specialized off-roading experiences, it’s recommended to use vehicles specifically designed for that purpose, such as SUVs or trucks with off-road capabilities, which have been engineered to handle rugged terrain and offer additional features to support off-road driving.
If you’re after a vehicle that can conquer any terrain, you need more than just an SUV with a tough exterior. They may be popular, but when it comes to truly rough terrain, they don’t have the chops to make it. A proper 4×4 can handle the most challenging terrain. And they’re built to go the extra mile.
While picking the right one can be tricky, you must prioritize off-road performance without overlooking versatility so the vehicle can handle any surface.
And then there are all the technical details to consider, from breakover angles to wading depths, not to mention locking differentials and low-range gear ratios. So if you’re looking for a 4×4 that can handle anything, you’re in the right place.
