8 Affordable Off-Road Vehicles

If you’re not one for city life, your car shouldn’t be either. Check out these affordable off-road vehicles to find the adventure mobile you’ve been looking for.
Written by Elaine Duvet
If you want to
buy a vehicle
that can drive through water, crawl on rocks, and traverse any terrain you want, look no further. These thrill-seeking machines are ready to hit the trails. 
Jerry
, the
trustworthy insurance comparison app
, checks out the most affordable off-road vehicles that won’t break the bank.

Affordable off-road vehicles for under $10k

You should be able to snag a Ford Ranger XLT (1998-2011) for about $7,000 in the 2000s range. Since the affordable off-roader was made in massive quantities, it should be easy to find. 
The truck may not be the most reliable of the bunch, so having some experience with a wrench could save you money on maintenance. Luckily, Ford Ranger parts are cheap. It’s also a great midsize option if you want to ensure you’re still able to fit into a normal parking spot. 
The Toyota 4Runner (1995-2009) is a capable SUV. The reliable auto can be found with decent mileage for less than $10,000. Four adults fit comfortably inside, and the affordable off-roader is convenient for long road trips and getting around town. 
The interior storage is more minimal than you’d expect, and the clearance could be better. With a body-on-frame design, you’ll be able to get some off-roading out of your system, even if it’s not too hardcore.
If you live in snowy Colorado or Idaho, you know all about the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback (1994-Present) offers full-time all-wheel drive and amazing traction on snow. The affordable off-roading vehicle is efficient, spacious, and lasts longer than you can imagine. 
Five passengers can fit inside, with lots of included extras and the ability to fold down the seat and sleep in the back for some true car camping. If your model has good head gaskets and you make sure it doesn’t overheat, you’ll be golden for years to come. 
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Affordable off-road vehicles from $20-$30k

The
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport
goes for about $30,000. The popular 4x4 is an excellent budget buy, with a base trim offering some serious capability. The entry-level Sport features a strong V6 mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The four-door vehicle can comfortably seat five passengers. 
The
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
sports an all-wheel drive and high ground clearance. The interior is comfy and the SUV offers roof rails and X-Mode capabilities. While the base engine could be more exciting, its additional features more than makes up for it. This affordable off-roader has a starting MSRP of $23,295. 
Since the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was announced, it has been a sought-after fan favorite. The SUV may not be as capable as the regular-sized Ford Bronco, but it sure is cheaper. With a starting MSRP of $23,155, the baby Bronco features four-wheel drive and ample storage space. 
The cargo area allows additional storage for extra supplies and front-facing cameras will take your next off-road adventure to another level. Drivers can also take advantage of the Bronco Sport’s low-speed cruise control, which often comes in handy when venturing off the beaten path. 

When you’ve got some serious cash for an adventure vehicle

The Ford F-150 Tremor starts at $52,000. You may not be able to leap off sand dunes like a Ford Raptor super-truck, but you will get a more than capable 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that pumps out 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and features a locking rear differential. 
Buyers will also receive four-wheel drive and 33-inch General Grabber A/TX off-road tires. Another bonus is the Tremor’s advanced tech like Trail One-Pedal Drive, Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist that help with off-road maneuvering. 
The $72,500 Rivian R1S is a fully electric option and when it comes to its factory-available equipment and use of cargo space—groundbreaking. The SUV’s motors crank out a combined 600 hp and a whopping 600 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can expect a range anywhere from 260 to 320 miles. 
The Rivian R1S has a 14.9-inch ground clearance and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. There’s also lots of smart safety tech, a luxurious interior, and high-end audio equipment. If the Rivian sounds like your cup of tea, sign up for the reservation list as soon as possible.
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