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Based on what you want to do, I'd recommend either an XJ Cherokee or if you are dead set on that list above, the Nissan. I'm not a big fan of Chrysler in general but that Cherokee would definitely do the trick and they're pretty reliable.
I'm not sure why Subaru made it on your list. They're good cars, but not built for any kind of off road use.
The Xterra is the only one on your list I would consider. You should also give serious consideration to the Jeep Wrangler or XJ Cherokee like the other posters mentioned.
Out of all those I would go with the Chevy Colorado. It's a very well designed vehicle with a lot of ground clearance.
Don't just look at those numbers. They are for the lowest point which on a truck is the bottom of the differential. You can avoid bashing it on objects if you put some thought into the path you take down a trail. Put your WHEEL over a rock or a bump.
For new, factory vehicles the choices for actual 4x4 trails, vs dirt roads, is pretty limited. Short of exotics, the two that come to mind are the Jeep Wrangler and Nissan Xterra. Both are body on frame, with real 4x4 transfer cases and low range. Both are available with locking differentials ( I believe both front and rear on the Rubicon and Pro4X). They also come with (or are available with) skid plates to protect the spendy parts.
I saw the claim of the ground clearance of the Outback. My wife had one (at the same time I had the X). I find the figures highly questionable-the Outie sits far lower. It's possible the low point of the X(bottom of the diff) is close to the same GC as the entire bottom of the Outie, but I really question that. I don't think many people are going to recommend an Outie on a trail.
Really though, if you are going to off road, a new or nearly new vehicle isn't the way to go, unless you have a lot of money to blow. Think about a used X, Wrangler, Cherokee or modify an old Toyota pickup. Wheeling with any daily driver can get expensive, both for repair parts and for modifications to make it more capable off road. At the least you're going to want a limited slip or locking rear axle. You might be better off to buy a street vehicle and get a ATV/UTV for offroading. There is a whole lot to be said for not trashing the rig that has to take you to work Monday morning, and a quad/UTV is a whole lot more fun for many off-road adventures.
For 15k you can buy a first gen Porsche Cayenne S with AWD and low range gear setting, lockable center/rear differentials, 350hp, etc. It'll beat any SUV you put it up against offroad. Ground clearance is a max of 10.8" with the adjustable suspension models, I think it's 10" with the standard suspension.
They were overbuilt machines, much more offroad capable than my Jeep GC Overland is, with proper tires of course.
Yes, the subaru is AWD and doesn't have the low gear. These are the factory clearances...what are you getting at?
You seem to be confused about ground clearance. Factory ground clearances are 7-9 inches. Most 4x4 vehicles are adequate for normal off road excursions and unless the driver is just plain stupid and asks the vehicle to do something its not equipped to do most 4x4s will perform fine. Unless you plan on doing some crazy rock crawling or high speed desert running off road (and buy a vehicle designed for that type of off road)you're better off investing in front and rear lockers winch and a good set of tires. Those are fairly minimal upgrades IMO.
And most important know your and your vehicles limitations. Use your head when off the beaten path
Last edited by Electrician4you; 05-30-2014 at 10:20 PM..
For 15k you can buy a first gen Porsche Cayenne S with AWD and low range gear setting, lockable center/rear differentials, 350hp, etc. It'll beat any SUV you put it up against offroad. Ground clearance is a max of 10.8" with the adjustable suspension models, I think it's 10" with the standard suspension.
They were overbuilt machines, much more offroad capable than my Jeep GC Overland is, with proper tires of course.
you have absolutely no clue about offroad now do you? When this little pretty SUV car can do this you let me know.
This might be the worst advice I've ever seen given on this forum. Do you have any idea what maintenance costs are on a Cayenne? Also, it isn't and never was built and intended to be used off-road other than dirt roads. Seriously, a Cayenne for off-roading...LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by MckinneyOwnr
For 15k you can buy a first gen Porsche Cayenne S with AWD and low range gear setting, lockable center/rear differentials, 350hp, etc. It'll beat any SUV you put it up against offroad. Ground clearance is a max of 10.8" with the adjustable suspension models, I think it's 10" with the standard suspension.
They were overbuilt machines, much more offroad capable than my Jeep GC Overland is, with proper tires of course.
I know enough to know that the JK isn't what the OP is looking for, at all. I also know that between my Cayenne and my Jeep GC Overland, (true SUVs) which came standard with the Upcountry suspension, quadra drive, rock rails, skid plates, etc... is no match for my Cayenne offroad.
But good job posting a video of a Wrangler, which isn't an SUV at all compared to what the OP listed.
(I can see your timeout didn't improve your attitude any.)
This might be the worst advice I've ever seen given on this forum. Do you have any idea what maintenance costs are on a Cayenne? Also, it isn't and never was built and intended to be used off-road other than dirt roads. Seriously, a Cayenne for off-roading...LOL
Yes, I kind of do... since I have one. My Jeep has cost a lot more to maintain than the Cayenne by far. I suggest you go read reviews of the first gen Cayenne to learn how badass it is offroad, because clearly you have no idea.
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They're good cars, but not built for any kind of off road use.
