Road-tripping to the desert for an off-roading vacation is a great way to get your 4×4 dirty. Desert terrain offers a medium-difficulty environment with loads of options and variety. However, you want to have the right vehicle for this sandy, sometimes slippery region. Here are the best off-roaders for taking on desert terrain.
Ford F-150 Raptor
Ford has a cult-like following. However, many gearheads out there dismiss the manufacturer and prefer other contemporaries. But you can’t deny the raw power and excellent performance of the Ford F-150 Raptor. This special-edition vehicle handles rough, slippery desert terrain with ease. With skid plates, a powerful engine, massive tires, and significant ground clearance, the Raptor can tackle any surface. This vehicle was designed after the off-roaders that drive in the Baja 1000.
Subaru Forester
This entry on the list is complicated because there’s a legitimate argument that a whole plethora of other 4x4s perform better in the desert. However, the Subaru Forester offers a better bang for your buck, with more flexibility. For starters, the Forester is an outstanding daily driver, as it’s very comfortable, loaded with technology, quite spacious, and fuel efficient. When you do decide to take this car out to the sand for some off-roading, it handles the terrain quite effectively. With advanced locking differentials, standard all-wheel drive, and an option for a six-speed manual transmission, there’s no environment the Subaru Forester can’t handle. However, the ground clearance is just 8.7 inches, so avoid any large obstacles.
Jeep Wrangler Gladiator JT
Before 2018, the only Jeep-branded pickup truck was the Comanche, which stopped production in 1992. The Wrangler Gladiator is a special-edition 4×4 that brings back a cargo bed. More importantly, this car possesses the proper features for off-roading. Every Gladiator comes standard with all-wheel drive, high-tech amenities, and a fortified exterior. This vehicle’s main appeal is that it’s effortless to customize with high-performance aftermarket parts.
Ultimately, the best off-roaders for taking on desert terrain are vehicles that possess the power and structure to handle rugged environments. After that, the perfect car for you is up to its affordability and your preference.
