Five Tough Models to Tackle the Desert with Style

2018 Toyota land Cruiser

With its blend of off-road performance, on-road comfort, luxury features and spacious seating for eight, this is the king of the desert. It has a reputation for ruggedness that goes back over six decades. The latest model has a 5.7-liter V8-powered engine paired with an 8-speed automatic that can easily handle a payload of 1,320 pounds and tow more than four tons. The four-wheel drive system can be used all the time and has a Torsen center differential to put the torque where it’s needed.

2017 Volvo XC70 (Cross Country)

This model is notable for its traction and durability. Its all-wheel drive system, raised suspension for better ground clearance, cuff protection, large cargo capacity, safety features, supportive front seats, front and rear underbody skid plates and body panels with a material that resists scratches all make this vehicle a winner in the desert. The fuel efficient engine is another plus.

2017 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester’s symmetrical AWD technology is what makes this model a winner in the desert. The powertrain offers outstanding traction in slippery conditions. As one of the strongest models in the Subaru range, this vehicle is one that you can depend. It has a highly reliable 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The all-wheel drive system has a unique viscous coupling locking center differential that distributes torque equally to the front and rear. It has the lowest combined gear ratio and offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance for really comfortable travel on rough terrain.

2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is built for the desert with its long wheelbase, square body, large all-terrain tires, angular arches over the wheels to deflect stones and dirt and a front fender that is made of tough, protective plastic. The model is powered by a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 engine coupled with a five-speed automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission that will allow you greater control. Jeep’s advanced Command-Trac® 4WD system transfers power and torque to each wheel to help the Wrangler find grip at times when it is needed most. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a highly popular model and parts are easily available.

2017 Ford Raptor
The Ford Raptor is a vehicle that was designed specifically to master the desert. A take on the best-selling and hugely popular F-150 pickup, the Raptor offers an even better ride when compared to the F-150 in the desert with its new long-travel suspension. Running on the sand is no issue at all for the Raptor with 11 inches of wheel travel up front and 13 in the rear. The all-new Raptor has a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine, a ten-speed automatic transmission, and a new four-wheel drive system with six preset drive modes. This truck needs no modifications to handle even the steepest desert dunes.