The best off-road SUVs | FOX40 [Video]

(iSeeCars) – Demand for off-road vehicles has been climbing for decades as the popularity of trucks, SUVs, and nature-based adventures has grown. Pickup trucks and SUVs now account for nearly 75 percent of new vehicle market share, with SUVs alone responsible for more than half of all new vehicles sold.

Both of these vehicle types feature rugged styling and raised ground clearance, two common traits associated with off-road abilities. But serious off-road enthusiasts know it takes more than a boxy exterior and a few extra inches of ground clearance to make a capable off-roader.

The best off-road vehicles feature a long list of rock-crawling upgrades that ensure they won’t get damaged or stranded while venturing over hill and dale. We identified these features and combined them with ground clearance to rank the best off-road SUVs.

To earn a spot on these lists a vehicle must have at least 6.5 inches …