Want to Get Lost in the Woods? These SUVs Are Perfect

Fall has finally arrived. Nature’s colours are changing, and many people are eager to take it all in by going hiking or mountain biking. Others prefer to hunt or fish, maybe chop some wood or just spend time around their cottage or cabin in the forest.

This isn’t an outdoor blog, of course. We simply thought we’d take a look at the growing number of adventure- and off-road-oriented vehicles on the market today—available at various price points—and offer a few suggestions.

It goes without saying that not all of these vehicles are created equal. Some look a bit more rugged, but their actual capabilities are hardly improved. Think of the Hyundai Tucson XRT or the new 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, for example.

In the popular subcompact SUV segment, the only serious contender is the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness—properly equipped and protected, sitting higher off the ground, and even capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs if needed. A similar Wilderness treatment applies to its larger siblings, namely the Forester and Outback, the latter debuting a new generation for 2026 as we wrote in a previous blog post. These are two other models to consider for tackling trails and other difficult terrain.

Among compact SUVs, you might want to consider names like the Ford Bronco Sport equipped with Sasquatch Package or the Jeep Compass Trailhawk. Another option, to a lesser extent, is the new 2026 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, which arrives this fall with a bunch of extra gear including a tubular roof rack system for hauling more cargo. Forget about the sleek Mazda CX-50 Meridian, as imports to Canada stopped on May 12 (due to tariffs) and inventory is running extremely low.

Need an even more spacious SUV? Our recommendations include the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, Ford Explorer Tremor and GMC Acadia AT4, all available with three rows of seating.

The Best of the Best

That said, the ultimate SUVs for venturing into the woods and off the beaten path remain the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, especially in their more muscular and specially equipped versions (Rubicon/Mojave and Badlands/Raptor, respectively). Granted, build quality and reliability are still big question marks, but these two American off-roaders are never afraid to get dirty and take on obstacles. Their removable doors and roof are another asset when exploring nature. The Bronco is the one to choose if you’re looking for a smoother, more pleasant ride once you’re back on paved roads.

We can’t ignore Toyota’s 4Runner (redesigned for 2025) and Land Cruiser (new since 2024). They too can be described as life-size toys and are aimed at seasoned enthusiasts. They have all the tools and attributes to confidently and safely tackle most off-road courses. Their durability is an additional selling point, as is their available hybrid powertrain.

How about the new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport? This one is more serious and capable than ever when it comes to off-road driving. It also comes with many practical features, such as a unique matte black finish on the rear section enabling owners to lean skis, fishing poles and other adventure equipment against the vehicle without damage, as well as a TrailWatch system that shows four camera views along with convenient tire placement graphics to help drivers navigate obstacles outside their natural line of sight.

Let’s be real: these SUVs cost a pretty penny, and maintenance must also be factored into the calculation. However, if your budget is closer to $100,000 (or more), one last recommendation is Land Rover, especially the Defender. The wide selection of models, configurations and equipment allows you to create your dream 4×4. Watch out for fuel consumption, though (with the optional V8, especially), and remember that reliability can be a problem.