When SUVs began replacing station wagons in American driveways, the attraction was the go-anywhere capability. If you wanted to pursue an adventurous lifestyle, you needed something with a bit more ground clearance than a Country Squire. Today, drive through any parking lot in Fairfield County and you’ll witness the dominance of the SUV. Unfortunately, most current SUVs are skewed more towards style and less towards capability. Chrome 22” wheels wearing ultra-low-profile tires are fine on smooth asphalt but fall short when the road ends or the snow flies…or you clobber a pothole. To embrace the growing overlanding and off-road aftermarket trends, manufacturers are offering some intriguing new SUV options.
Ford Expedition Timberline
While the majority of SUVs sold are compact and mid-size models, some buyers need maximum interior space or towing capacity. Ford’s Expedition, now in its fourth generation, launched in 1997 as a four-door, nine-passenger successor to the Bronco. Based upon Ford’s best-selling F-150 pickup truck, the Expedition has been a consistent seller, delivering rugged reliability. With the Timberline Edition Expedition, Ford is making a strong argument for rethinking the large SUV. Featuring a class leading 10.6” of ground clearance, 18” all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, Trail Control offroad braking, and rough road suspension, the eight-seat Timberline is at home on a rocky dirt road or unplowed ski house driveway as it is on an I-84 commute. Switching into 4-wheel low mode, my Stone Blue test vehicle comfortably handled the steepest trails I could find yet will still tow 9,200 lbs. Expedition Timberline prices start at $71,400.
Mazda CX-50 Meridian
Mazda has a well-deserved reputation for building vehicles that are fun to drive, with upscale interiors, and good overall value. Up until now, their crossovers/SUVs have been strictly road focused. With the all-new CX-50 and its Meridien off-road package, Mazda wants drivers to play in the dirt. I recently spent a week with a Polymetal Gray Meridian CX-50. The CX-50 is plenty peppy, its 2.5l turbo delivering 320 lbs-ft of torque yet returning 29 mpg highway. This is a great looking compact crossover with the Meridian’s all-terrain tires adding some visual toughness. The interior is swathed in beautiful Terracotta leather and features easy-to-use controls. Switching to off-road mode, I was able to easily drive through deep mud. The CX-50 can tow 3,500 lbs and is a joy to drive on any surface. CX-50 Meridian prices start at just $39,950.
Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is the senior citizen in this group. The original debuted in 1983 and the current fifth generation platform has been around since 2009. Yet, the 4Runner continues to be a favorite, with 2021 being its best-selling year ever. Why? It looks good, drives comfortably on the road and is nearly unstoppable off-road. But most importantly, it’s darn near indestructible. Toyota reliability combined with a proven design and serious all-terrain chops is a recipe for success. My 40th Anniversary special edition model looked fantastic with retro graphics that would make Marty McFly swoon. The interior is lacking some features more modern competitors have, yet the 4Runner is still a compelling player in the off-road SUV game. 4Runner prices start at $39,555.
Subaru Forester Wilderness
Since the 70’s Subaru has made AWD a cornerstone of their vehicles. Looking to add even more capability to fit the active lifestyle of their customers, Subaru recently introduced a rugged new Wilderness package. The Forester Wilderness raises ground clearance to 9.2 inches, adds all-terrain tires, additional body cladding, and a front skid plate for better offroad protection. The package also includes a stronger roof rack and higher towing capacity. The Wilderness interior features Subaru’s StarTex water repellent upholstery. For those who have muddy pets, or passengers who like messy snacks, StarTex is super easy to clean. In Autumn Green, my test vehicle looked ready for adventure. Like all Subarus, the Forester’s outward visibility is excellent. Backing up the rugged appearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE with Hill Descent Control ensure whatever adventures you get into, you’ll get out of as well. Forester Wilderness prices start at $34,020.
Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
Nissan’s original Pathfinder, introduced in 1985, was a tough little off-road capable SUV based on the Hardbody pickup. Over the years, the Pathfinder grew bigger and softer, catering to American tastes. But for the new fifth generation Nissan is looking to regain some of those off-road chops. The three-row Rock Creek adds an off-road suspension, a bit more ground clearance and all-terrain tires mounted to beadlock-style wheels. The approach and departure angles are improved to more easily tackle steep hills and obstacles while the 24-valve V-6 puts out more power. The interior is roomy, comfortable and user-friendly with proper buttons and knobs. One of my favorite touches is the chunky roof rack which would look perfect carrying a roof mounted tent. Pathfinder Rock Creek prices start at $42,820.
Mercedes Maybach GLS600 4MATIC
If your idea of off-roading is driving on your private beach, Mercedes has you covered. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, is the ultimate expression of German luxury four-wheeling. Mercedes builds more capable off-roaders, including the wild G63 4X4 Squared, yet none deliver an interior or motoring experience as lavish as this. Open the door and retractable surboard-sized running boards present themselves and the suspension is lowered to allow for easy access. The interior will make you swoon, with soft perforated Nappa wrapped around cooling, heating and massaging seats to properly cosset your passengers. The rear lounge chairs, with pillows for heads and backs, fully recline with extending footrests. At night, the adjustable colored strip lighting throughout the cabin creates an environment befitting a high-end nightclub. If you do venture off the asphalt, switch to off-road mode which raises the suspension to its highest setting. If you still manage to get stuck, the GLS has a fun trick called Recovery Mode, aka Bounce Mode. The car bounces on its air suspension as it shimmies out of the sand or mud, gently so as not to spill the bubbly your rear passengers fetched from the backseat champagne cooler. Mercedes-Maybach GLS prices start at $165,100. •
