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A black 2020 Jeep Wrangler SUV goes off-road.

Going Off-Road Doesn’t Have to Cost You a Fortune With These SUVs

Just because you want to get behind the wheel of an SUV doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg to do it. There are several affordable yet rugged options for the off-road adventurer who wants the power of an SUV without the huge price tag. U.S. News recently compiled a list of the …

Just because you want to get behind the wheel of an SUV doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg to do it. There are several affordable yet rugged options for the off-road adventurer who wants the power of an SUV without the huge price tag.

U.S. News recently compiled a list of the 10 least expensive four-wheel-drive SUVs. We’ve narrowed the lineup to five to give you the biggest bang for your buck. 

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: $42,650

Leading U.S. News‘ list of the most affordable SUVs, the Evoque might be the perfect crossover.

After all, when people think of SUVs, they tend to scoff at and dismiss crossovers as less than powerful. But the 2020 Range Rover Evoque shows you can have the power of an SUV with the sensibility of a crossover. With all-wheel drive and a design meant to survive a wide array of wet and dry terrains, the Evoque might be the answer to your off-road problems. 

Furthermore, the Range Rover Evoque comes with several features that adjust the car’s performance as it drives on rocks, freeways, gravel, mud, and even sand. For anyone who hopes to go off-road in a versatile vehicle that can still survive the environment, this might be the one. 

2020 Toyota 4Runner: $37,995

With a four-wheel-drive built to survive even the roughest terrain, the 4Runner is a poster child for what adventuresome drivers want out of their off-road SUV. Combining the classic rugged build of an off-road vehicle with 21st-century technology, the 2020 4Runner stands 10 inches off the ground, and everything from the fuel tank to the engine is built to survive the harshest conditions. 

And when it comes to safety, the 4Runner comes decked out in collision avoidance, lane-departure detection, and emergency braking in case the conditions get too rough. 

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee: $34,450

Jeep is synonymous with off-road capabilities and toughness. A mid-sized car with full-sized power, the Grand Cherokee has been an industry standard for years for a good reason.

Not only does the Grand Cherokee give drivers full range on its four-wheel-drive system, but it does so to the degree that most other SUVs on this list could never dream of. Though Jeep vehicles might not come with as many frills as the competition, if you’re looking for a good off-road drive, you can’t do much better than this. 

2020 Jeep Wrangler: $28,295

Continuing a Jeep-dominant streak on U.S. News’ list, the Wrangler comes with many of the same perks as the Cherokee, albeit with a more rugged design. With four-wheel drive and nearly 10 inches of ground clearance, the Wrangler remains one of the industry leaders when it comes to off-road capabilities.

For those looking for the full experience, the Wrangler also comes with tow hooks and skid plates. 

2020 Jeep Compass: $25,625

The Jeep Compass provides SUV power in a compact size. Though it might not be the best car to push the limits, any casual off-road driver will love this small, affordable Jeep. With four custom options for snow, sport, dunes, and everyday driving, the Compass is easily the most affordable four-wheel-drive option on the market. 

Plus, more ground clearance and safety features can be added for a total of less than $30,000. The Compass might not be the first car that someone who lives outdoors would choose, but there isn’t a better price on the market for those willing to compromise some ruggedness to go off-road. 

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