10 4x4 Crossovers That Perform Well Off-Road

The Passport’s off-road capability is enhanced by Honda i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and its four-mode Intelligent Traction Management system with snow, sand, and mud modes. It’s powered by the much-used Honda 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 280-horsepower and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard 20-inch wheels, a matte-black grille, aggressive wheel arches, and an off-road-oriented ride height make it clear that off-highway use was high on the list of design parameters.

The Outback’s AWD is accompanied by active torque vectoring, vehicle dynamics control, and X-MODE with hill-descent control. Though the Outback might appear station-wagon-like, its 8.7 inches of ground clearance is greater than that in many SUVs. For the first time since 2009, the Outback offers a turbocharged engine. Standard on XT models, the 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine delivers 260 horsepower. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder offers 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. All Outback models are fitted with a Lineartronic continuously variable (CVT) transmission.

North American models are powered by the 180-horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine, and they offer the choice of three transmissions. For those seeking automatics, a nine-speed automatic transmission is used on 4x4 models, while front-drive models use a six-speed automatic. In addition, a six-speed manual transmission is offered on both four-wheel-drive and two-wheel-drive models. The Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 system features a 20:1 crawl ratio and the five-mode Jeep Selec-Terrain system. “Auto,” “Snow,” “Sand,” and “Mud” modes are standard on all 4x4 models, while Trailhawk models have the additional “Rock” mode.

For 2020, Nissan has introduced a special Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition, which emphasizes the vehicle’s go-anywhere heritage. Key differences between the four-wheel-drive Rock Creek Edition and standard 4WD Pathfinder models include unique 18-inch wheels with 255/60R18 all-season tires, a black mesh grille, black roof rails, black door handles and outside rearview mirrors, black front and rear fascia accents, black molded overfenders, and black 4WD badges. Every Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition also features a standard trailer tow hitch, harness, and splash guards, plus 6,000-pound towing capability. Ample power comes from the Pathfinder’s 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with direct injection.

The base engine is a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while a 224-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid version are also available. The powertrains are complemented by Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system that automatically distributes driving torque between the front and rear wheels as necessary. Drivers can select from four distinct driving modes: the standard “Normal” mode, enhanced feel in slippery conditions with the “Snow” setting, maximum control in "Lock”, and an "AWC Eco” mode that maximizes fuel efficiency.

Available active on-demand all-wheel drive actively distributes torque between front and rear wheels depending on surface conditions and driver input. During normal driving, power is distributed according to the drive mode selected. “Eco” and “Smart” modes deliver 100 percent power to the front wheels. “Comfort” and “Snow” modes deliver 80 percent power to the front wheels and 20 percent to rear. “Sport” mode splits the power 65-35 percent between front and back, while “Lock” mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels. The four-wheel independent suspension is fitted to a stiff and torsionally rigid body structure that is up to the rigors of off-road driving.