Toughest Suvs Of All Time
There are usually two types of drivers. One type buys a vehicle expecting to replace it every five years or so. The other type buys a vehicle known for lasting as long as possible. In the modern world of high-tech vehicles with nanny systems to monitor your driving and more safety features than anything else, you won’t find too many tough SUVs left. The toughest SUVs often appear outdated compared to modern standards. Many are indeed outdated. Let’s take a look at some of the most rugged SUVs ever made.
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Jeep Wrangler
No tough SUV list would be complete without the Wrangler. Even though the latest versions have been noticeably modernized, they’re still pretty tough. The old ones are even tougher. The Wrangler has always been built to hold it's own off-road, and if you go back to models made before 2007, it also had an engine to match in the venerable 4.0-liter inline-six. This engine was well-known for lasting 200,000 miles and beyond. Even modernized, the Wrangler is still one of the toughest off-road vehicles in the world.
Land Rover Defender
The Defender is a British SUV that debuted in 1948, and the new versions aren’t much different from the original. The current engine in the Defender is a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, but it offered several different engines throughout its long run. Even with this more modern engine, the Defender is often described as having a driving feel not much different from a tractor.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Don’t let the brand name or available luxury features fool you, the G-Class was originally built as a military vehicle. Many drivers still buy them for off-roading purposes. The G-Class is built tough on the exterior, but inside it offers an amazing array of off-road controls that make it hard to stop off the pavement. The top model of the G-Class features a powerful 603-horsepower engine.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Despite its more modern and luxury look today in the United States, the Land Cruiser has gone through much of its history since 1984 looking very stark with a bare-bones interior. It’s still one of the most popular SUVs around the world for driving in harsh conditions. Outside of America, it’s possible to get a 4.5-liter V8 turbo diesel for plenty of low-end power. The original Land Cruiser had leaf springs and a ladder frame combined with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Land Cruiser didn’t get the slightly more comfortable-riding coil springs until 1999.
All of these SUVs are still built tough and most offer a reliable engine choice or two. However, there’s no doubt that vehicles were built tougher before high-tech took over and these models are no different.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
