If you want something that can handle some hardcore off-roading, you know where to go. The Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, Mercedes-Benz G-Class — this is where you go when you want real capability off the beaten track. If you don’t head off-road often, or don’t want to make the necessary compromises to drive a trail-crushing rig, there’s another category of cars out there. These are the “soft-roaders”, and make up most all-wheel drive crossovers that can handle some light trails, but still maintain car-like dynamics.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Why don’t you buy a Subaru?” You make a great point, and in fact a lot of people do. Among soft-roader wagons, the Subaru Outback is by far the most popular. Out of the segment’s 1.4 percent total market share in the U.S., the Outback takes up 1.2 percent (or 86 percent of the wagon market). But, for whatever reason, some people just don’t want to actually buy a Subaru. Maybe they want something different.
What are the best soft-roader options if you don’t want something like a Subaru Outback or a Forester? These are our top 10 picks.
Top 10 Soft-Roaders (That Aren’t Subarus)
While this list is by no means comprehensive, it does show a fairly robust range of crossovers that can at least get a little bit dirty when the situation calls for it. Crossovers like the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass Trailhawk have an off-roading heritage to live up to. Others like the Buick Regal TourX may be less obvious options, as may be the Volkswagen Atlas. However, both have capable all-wheel drive systems in their own right. What’s more, they’re both substantial family haulers that can get you and yours where you need to be, so long as it’s not the Rubicon Trail.
We recently saw the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad unveiled, as yet another wagon option for buyers to choose. Which SUV or crossover would you pick for a daily drivable soft-roader? Let us know in the comments!
