Let’s be honest: I used to think off-roading was just a fancy excuse to get a car dirty. Then I spent a weekend in a 4Runner and understood the religion. The love for SUVs and crossovers is at an all-time high, not because we all became farmers overnight, but because drivability beyond pavement now outweighs the low-slung sedan dream. A comfortable and practical SUV that can hit muddy trails while keeping you cozy in a plush cabin? That wins over anyone with an attitude for fun.

Even supercar manufacturers have pitched in their share to get a bite of this off-roading madness with the Lamborghini Urus and Maserati Levante. And Ferrari’s Purosangue hype is still steadily on the rise. But every now and then I like to look back at a year that gave us the best mix of nostalgic nameplates, first-ever hybrid Jeeps, and fully electric off-road potential. That year was 2021. Here are the ten off-road cars that, even in 2026, I would happily take on the roads less traveled.

🚙 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: The Reliable Bruiser

Toyota is revered for reliability and value, but the 2021 4Runner TRD Pro is proof the brand knows how to have fun. The base 4Runner packs a 3.5L V6 with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, but the TRD Pro is the serious off-roader at $51,645. It comes only in 4WD with TRD wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, a TRD roof rack, and beefed-up Fox dampers. Does that make it a Lexus in mud? No, but it makes it nearly unkillable.

🦖 2021 Ford Bronco: The Comeback Kid

After 30 long years, the Ford Bronco came back and had the Jeep Wrangler sweating. No V8 this time around, but the most powerful engine is a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 pumping out 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. The much-anticipated Sasquatch package adds insane 35-inch tires and an off-road-specific suspension. Couple that to the Bronco and you get a very capable, very nostalgic off-roader. Was the wait worth it? If you saw one on the trail, you knew the answer was yes.

💪 2021 RAM 1500 TRX: The Muscle Truck

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX packed the same 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 as certain muscle cars, churning out a whopping 702 hp. Priced at $70,095, it came with adaptive AWD as standard, 35-inch off-road tires, 11.8 inches of ground clearance, and a 0–60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Yes, a truck that tows 8,100 pounds was quicker than some sports cars. What were the engineers thinking? Probably ‘hold my coffee’.

🦅 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor: The Flying Pickup

The 2021 Raptor arrived with a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 making 450 hp and 510 lb-ft, expected to start around $53,455. It got 3-inch Fox Racing Shox internal bypass shocks with 13 inches of front wheel travel and 14 inches in the rear. It could zip past 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That is not just a truck. That is a leather-wrapped pterodactyl.

🌊 2021 Land Rover Defender: The Luxury Swimmer

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came in 2-door and 4-door flavors with either a 296 hp 2.0L turbo inline-4 or a hefty 395 hp 3.0L inline-6. Starting at $46,100, it had an 8,200-pound towing capacity, 11.5 inches of ground clearance, and could wade through 35.4 inches of water. Who needs a bridge when you have a Defender?

🔋 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe: The Hybrid Hero

Jeep has been the go-to brand for off-roading enthusiasts because of its value and modification potential. The 2021 Wrangler started at $28,495 for the 2-door models and served up 4WD as standard with a manual. But the real headline was the 2021 Wrangler 4xe, the first hybrid Wrangler and the torquiest yet. At $49,490, it packed a 2.0L hybrid inline-4 producing 375 hp and 470 lb-ft, while returning a combined 50 MPGe. A hybrid that can crawl rocks and still sip fuel? Sign me up.

🏔️ 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser: The Retiring Legend

Toyota was pulling the plug on the original Land Cruiser powerplant after 2021, which made that year feel like a farewell tour. The 3-ton SUV got its juice from a 381 hp 5.7L V8, full-time 4WD, skid plates, and loads of electronic assists to keep you comfortable on demanding trails. Starting at $85,665, it was the off-road equivalent of a private jet that did not mind getting its wheels dirty.

🎿 2021 Subaru Crosstrek: The Underrated Crossover

This was the only crossover in the group that I found genuinely capable for the off-roader in you. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek started at $22,245, packed a humble 182 hp 2.5L boxer motor, AWD, and raised suspension. It could tow up to 1,500 pounds and was massively underrated. Did it have the flex of a Wrangler? Nope, but it would embarrass sedans on a trail and still get decent fuel economy.

🛻 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71: The Family Trail King

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe used the same capable platform as the Silverado. The Z71 package added a 355 hp V8, 10-speed transmission, standard 4WD, a 2-speed transfer case, and 20-inch all-terrain tires. It was a tread-anywhere full-size SUV that could also haul the whole family to soccer practice. A win-win, if you ask me.

🏰 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: The Luxury Mountain Goat

The G-Class has a serious cult following. For serious off-roaders, the G 550 4x4 was the one to go for. It packed a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with 416 hp and 450 lb-ft, 22-inch wheels, 17.7 inches of ground clearance, and a hefty price tag of $131,600. It was a luxury hotel room that could climb a mountain, which is exactly as ridiculous and wonderful as it sounds.

🧭 Final Verdict

Looking back from 2026, some of these machines have been updated, and a few are becoming modern collector bait. But the 2021 class proved that off-roaders did not have to sacrifice comfort, capability, or personality. Would I buy all ten? My garage and my wallet say no, but my heart says yes.