CarBuzz’s Take On Off-Roaders vs Soft-Roaders

SUVs and crossovers are all the rage, and while these were originally designed for off-roading adventures, many are now expressly used in the city. Some of the most popular brands at present try to offer a mix of both a capable off-roader and a comfortable utility vehicle for daily use. We take a look at some of the leading brands in the USA. 

The Korean Connection

Two brands that have built solid reputations in the States both offer a range of SUVs from compact to small. Whether you buy a new or used Hyundai, you will be abe to choose from a broad range of SUVs that stretch across regular gas models, hybrid and plug-in variants, and even all-electric and hydrogen-powered derivatives. These range in price from around $19k for the entry-level Venue all the way through to $60k for the Nexo Fuel Cell. Admittedly, these are all designed to be comfortable, unfussed urban cruisers, and won’t fair particularly well off-road. The same goes for those who have used Kia cars as family haulers and thought they could double-up as weekend adventurers. While the likes of the Telluride and Sportage have the looks and technical capacity to be able to take on rougher terrain, they certainly do much better on the tarmac where the most off-road action they see is climbing the pavements at the local soccer club after the extra-mural run. 

German Muscle

Historically, German brands have dominated luxury car segments, and it’s no different when it comes to the Sports Utility category, either. Even a used Audi holds its value as a comfortable, plush cruiser with the ability to do some spirited driving. Still, despite a range varying in size from the small Q3 to the imposing Q8, none of these are particularly suited to adventures in the bush. Instead, the brand offers sporting derivatives instead, with both the S- and RS-fettled options of its SUVs available for those who like a little spice in their ride. 

The Best of Both Worlds

Not very many automakers manage to straddle the line between off-road capable and city-ready, but the British manufacturer that is Jaguar Land Rover nailed it – and not just with one or two of its models. The Range Rover, both in hybrid or gas-fed guise, and as the Range Rover Sport, have proved to be excellent at off-roading. Naturally, the Land Rover Defender and even the Velar, can hold their own on rugged terrain. For this reason, there are many used Land Rover vehicles for sale, and many – like the Discovery Sport and Defender – are respected in the off-roading community for their ability to offer the best of both worlds. 

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