10 4x4 Crossovers That Perform Well Off-Road

The crossover suv is the vehicle type that has ruled the market during the past decade. And as the 2020s dawn, it appears that crossovers will continue to dominate for years to come.

But because a crossover is, by definition, built on a car platform, you might wonder if it can perform well off-road. It is a legitimate question because some crossovers lack the ground clearance and approach and departure angles to give them true off-road credibility. On the other hand, though, a number of crossovers do possess good off-road capabilities. In fact, some manufacturers are creating sub-models of their popular crossovers with an off-road emphasis. So if you seek to drive off the beaten path, these 10 4x4 crossovers will perform well off-road.   

It is not surprising that the Jeep Cherokee leads our list of crossovers that perform well off-road. First of all, the Cherokee is a Jeep, and second, the Cherokee got the small SUV segment up-and-running decades ago. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee may be the most all-around capable mid-size sport utility vehicle on the planet, able to negotiate terrain you shouldn’t even attempt in most midsize crossovers.

The featured powertrain is the 270-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is the 180-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, while a 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 is also available, delivering a tow rating of 4,500 pounds. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee offers a choice of three 4x4 distinct systems, enabling you to choose the level of capability you desire for off-road and bad weather situations. If you choose a Trail Rated version of the Cherokee, you’ll get the most-capable off-roader of all mid-size crossovers.

GMC has been expanding the availability of its AT4 off-road trim packages, and one of the latest recipients is the versatile GMC Acadia. The all-new Acadia AT4 includes a black chrome-accented grille and a rugged, off-road-inspired design that is far beyond a simple “appearance package.”

The Acadia AT4 features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, plus a standard twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system. Unique 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires are also standard on the AT4 trim, with 20-inch wheels available. For 2020, a new nine-speed automatic replaces the previous six-speed automatic as the standard transmission for the 2.0-liter, 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter engines offered in the Acadia. The nine-speed’s additional clutches and gears offer better all-around power application, acceleration, and efficiency.

Toyota designers definitely made the fifth-generation RAV4 the boldest of the breed, hinting at its off-road prowess. The RAV4 crossover has two powertrains offerings that get the job done — the conventional gasoline-powered version and a hybrid.

The conventional gasoline powertrain features a 2.5-liter 203-horsepower naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that offers a 184 lb-ft of peak torque teamed with a direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 176 horsepower in tandem with electric motors to drive front and rear wheels. The new hybrid system increases total torque to the rear wheels by 30 percent compared to the previous generation. The RAV4 Adventure Grade and TRD Off-Road models are specially designed and equipped for those who seek to drive off the beaten path.

The 2020 Honda Passport SUV combines sleek sheetmetal with rugged wheel-arch cladding to deliver the message that it is ready for off-roading. Wedged between the compact CR-V and the mid-size Pilot in Honda’s crossover lineup, the Passport’s reinforced unibody, powerful V6 engine, and fully independent suspension indicate that its mission is doing it in the dirt.

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 Jeep Renegade is the smallest of the Jeep models, and that might suggest it doesn’t have at the off-road chops of other Jeeps, but that is not the case. Built in Melfi, Italy, and similar to the FIAT 500X small sport utility that is also assembled there, the Renegade has been given a thorough Jeep treatment inside and out.

To improve its off-road credentials, the vehicle has best-in-class approach and departure angles, something stylists of many competitive vehicles don’t even consider. The standard engine in the Sport and Latitude trim levels is the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine. It delivers 180 horsepower, which sounds promising, but only 175 lb-ft of peak torque. A better choice is the 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is standard in the Renegade Limited and Trailhawk and optional on the Sport and Latitude. While it has a lower horsepower number, 177,  it delivers significantly more peak torque, 210 lb-ft at a 1,750 rpm.

The Subaru Outback is all-new for 2020, and the enhancements are manyfold. As you would expect, the sixth-generation of one of the original crossover suvs comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology.

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.

The Jeep Compass is sized between the Renegade and Cherokee. Though the Compass doesn’t have the visibility of other Jeep vehicles in the United States, it has been a global success. It’s currently manufactured in Brazil, China, India, and Mexico, and it is sold in more than 100 countries.

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.

The Nissan Pathfinder has a lengthy tradition as a family SUV, and though it has changed over the course of its history, it still retains off-road capabilities that outdo many of its competitors.

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.

Mitsubishi has a long off-road/SUV heritage that includes rally championships around the world. All of that is reflected in the value-oriented Mitsubishi Outlander. This compact crossover delivers substantial interior room, commodious cargo space and available three-row seating in addition to having good off-road capabilities.

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.

The new-for-2020 Kia Telluride is a stylish three-row SUV that offers good off-road and inclement weather traction. Ample power and torque come from a 291-horsepower normally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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.