Is an Off-Road Trim Worth Buying on Your Next SUV?

The biggest common denominator among these SUVs is their all-terrain tires. Compared with conventional all-season tires, all-terrains have more aggressive tread patterns that improve traction on dirt, gravel, mud, and other loose surfaces. But that extra capability can come with compromises in everyday driving.

Fortunately, the on-road trade-offs proved not to be dramatic. While the all-terrain tires generally produced more noise and typically made the steering feel less precise through corners, handling remained reasonably capable. Among the vehicles we evaluated in our avoidance maneuver (which simulates swerving quickly to avoid a vehicle or an obstacle on the road without losing control), speeds averaged only about 1 mph slower than those of the conventional versions we’d previously tested. While that’s a measurable difference, it’s not one that drivers would regularly notice in the real world.

Keep in mind, those are “unofficial test numbers,” and won’t appear in our vehicle ratings. That’s because we only test vehicles that we purchase anonymously from local dealers. To that end, we’ve decided to purchase the off-road trims of some popular SUVs so that we can, in fact, put them through our usual full battery of tests to see how they stack up against the regular versions and each other.

Fuel economy is another matter. All seven off-road trims suffer an EPA-estimated fuel-economy penalty compared with their conventional counterparts. Most average about a 2-mpg drop in combined fuel economy. The Subaru Forester Wilderness shows the biggest drop-off in highway driving, suffering a 5-mpg hit compared to the conventional Forester, going from 33 mpg down to 28. 

But we also found some unexpected benefits. Beyond the improved traction on rugged trails, most off-road trims delivered better bump absorption than their conventional counterparts, thanks in part to their smaller wheels, the tires’ taller sidewalls and, in some cases, revised suspension tuning.

The takeaway? These rugged-looking SUVs aren’t necessarily much worse to drive on pavement than their conventional counterparts. But the differences matter, particularly when it comes to fuel economy, tire performance and longevity, and what you’re actually getting for the extra money.

“Every type of tire is a compromise,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, who leads Consumer Reports’ tire testing program. “To make performance gains in one or two aspects of a tire, there will be losses in other areas.”

All-terrain tires illustrate that trade-off. Their more aggressive tread patterns help provide better traction on dirt, mud, gravel, and often snow. But compared with conventional all-season tires, they can also increase road noise, reduce steering precision, and affect fuel economy.

“All-terrain tires are usually slightly noisier than all-season tires, particularly when driving through corners. They also tend to get louder as they wear in comparison to regular all-seasons,” Pszczolkowski says. “But we see performance gains with them in areas other than off-road driving. In our testing, all-terrain tires often exhibit slightly better snow traction vs. a comparable all-season tire.”

Owners will need to pay closer attention to tire wear with all-terrains than with all-seasons. “All-terrain tires are more susceptible to wearing unevenly, which means they need to be rotated more often. As they wear, they usually get even louder,” Pszczolkowski says.

Replacement cost also deserves consideration. All-terrain tires can be more expensive than conventional all-seasons, adding to the long-term cost of owning an off-road-oriented trim.

If you like the rugged styling of these SUVs, there’s nothing wrong with choosing one simply because you prefer how it looks. And if you regularly drive on unpaved roads, muddy trails, or other loose surfaces, the added traction and ground clearance offered by some models can provide a genuine benefit. Situations such as sloppy dirt roads, a soggy grass parking lot, or even deep snow will likely be easier to navigate with one of these models. 

But don’t assume every off-road trim is equally capable—or that the more adventurous appearance automatically translates into better performance away from the pavement. Equipment and capabilities vary considerably, as we found out with the seven models we evaluated for this story.

For shoppers who spend almost all their time on paved roads, a conventional SUV may be the smarter choice. It will often cost less, deliver better fuel economy, and avoid some of the tire-related compromises in noise, handling, and replacement costs. And if you are considering true off-roading, you’ll be better off with a much more rugged SUV, such as a Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, or Toyota 4Runner.

Ultimately, the choice depends on how much you value the styling, whether you’ll actually use the added off-road capability, and which everyday-driving compromises you’re willing to accept.

• Worse fuel economy
• Slight degradation in on-road handling
• Increased tire noise
• Higher cost to replace vs. all-seasons
• Potentially shorter tread life
• Tires need to be rotated more often to maintain consistent wear

• Improved traction on dirt, mud, wet grass, and potentially snow
• Some showed shorter stopping distances on wet roads
• Gives the vehicle a more rugged look

Below, we share highlights from our evaluation, along with ratings boxes for the regular, non-off-road version of the SUVs that we previously purchased and tested. Click through those links for the complete road test based on popular configurations, along with reliability, owner satisfaction, and more.

Price as driven: $64,405
EPA fuel economy: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway/19 mpg combined
Off-Road Tech:
• All-terrain tires - 265/65R18
• Off-road shock absorbers
• 0.9 inches of extra ground clearance
• Front and rear skid plates
• Limited-slip rear differential
• Front tow hooks
• Off-road auxiliary lights
• Surround view camera

Pros: Strong turbo V6, smaller wheels and all-terrain tires help with impact harshness, good off-road performance despite its large-for-trails size, tough-looking styling

Cons: Noticeably more highway tire noise, vague steering, reduced handling agility

The Explorer Tremor certainly looks ready for adventure, with its aggressive tires, additional ground clearance, and substantial underbody protection. And for the most part, it delivers. Its muscular 385-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 provides strong acceleration, while the off-road suspension and taller tire sidewalls help absorb bumps, whether on pavement or the trail.

But there are compromises. On the road, testers noted a significant increase in tire noise on the highway, along with vague steering and reduced handling precision when driving harder through corners compared to the regular Explorer. The 10-speed automatic transmission also occasionally delivers rough or delayed shifts.

Off-road, the Tremor proved capable over rocky terrain, but its considerable size made it challenging to negotiate narrow trails. Testers also experienced inconsistent power delivery in muddy conditions, with a notably weak throttle response that at times left some testers feeling close to getting stuck.

Ultimately, the Tremor is a comfortable, rugged-looking SUV with worthwhile off-road enhancements well suited to occasional adventures.

Tester quote: “Between the torquey powertrain and aggressive all-terrain tires, it felt capable on our off-road course. Despite its large size, ground clearance was adequate, and the steel skid plates held up well, suffering only a small dent. The camera views, however, weren’t particularly helpful. I had a better idea of where I was going just by looking out the windshield.”

Price as driven: $40,650
EPA fuel economy: 38 mpg city/33 mpg highway/35 mpg combined
Off-Road Tech:
• All-terrain tires - 235/60R18
• Unique exterior styling elements

Pros: Capable traction on muddy trails, excellent fuel economy, pleasant powertrain, comfortable ride

Cons: No additional ground clearance over the regular CR-V Hybrid, no “trail” or “off-road” modes, slightly dulled steering response, mediocre front-seat comfort

The TrailSport is essentially a CR-V Hybrid dressed for adventure, with rugged styling and all-terrain tires but little else to distinguish it from the conventional model. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

On pavement, the TrailSport retains the regular CR-V Hybrid’s smooth, responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain that has a combined system output of 204 hp. It also benefits from a comfortable ride and easy-to-use controls. The all-terrain tires slightly dull the steering response and cornering precision, but the differences are relatively minor. Tire noise was also better controlled than some other off-road trims we evaluated.

Off-road, the TrailSport proved surprisingly capable considering its lack of enhancements, with its all-wheel-drive system and all-terrain tires providing good traction through mud and over uneven terrain. However, its unchanged ground clearance limited confidence when navigating around larger embedded rocks, forcing testers to carefully choose their path. Apparently, we weren’t careful enough, as we still damaged the undercarriage during the off-road evaluation. 

Ultimately, the TrailSport is a good choice for buyers who appreciate the SUV’s rugged looks and occasionally venture onto unpaved roads. 

Tester quote: “The CR-V Hybrid is one of my favorite small SUVs, and adding all-terrain tires doesn’t change that. But I’m not convinced the TrailSport adds enough off-road capability to justify choosing it over a regular CR-V Hybrid.”

Price as driven: $54,700
EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined
Off-Road Tech:
• All-terrain tires - 275/60R18
• Off-road-tuned suspension
• Skid plates
• Recovery hooks
• Amber DRLs
• LED fog lights
• Multi-view camera system
• Front/rear camera washers

Pros: Strong off-road grip, effective Trail Mode, decent ground clearance, V6’s near-instant torque is a real boon for off-roading, all-terrain tires soften harsh impacts on-road, rugged styling

Cons: Elevated tire growl on pavement, vague steering, reduced cornering precision, occasionally abrupt power delivery during on-road driving

The Passport TrailSport certainly looks the part, with its brawny styling, aggressive all-terrain tires, and additional ground clearance. More importantly, it backs up those looks with genuine off-road capability.

On our rocky, muddy trail, the TrailSport impressed testers with its excellent traction, responsive 285-hp, 3.5-liter V6, and confidence-inspiring ground clearance. Its Trail mode helped maintain consistent momentum through muddy sections. Compared with the regular Passport (which we also took on our off-road course), the TrailSport provided noticeably better grip and greater freedom to choose a path around obstacles—or to just drive over rocks and through mud bogs.

On pavement, however, the compromises are harder to ignore. The taller sidewalls of the all-terrain tires soften sharp impacts but produce a pronounced growl and make the steering feel vague and less precise than the regular Passport, particularly during cornering. Fuel economy is also unimpressive.

Still, for buyers who want a rugged-looking SUV with meaningful off-road enhancements, the TrailSport makes a convincing case—provided they can tolerate the tire noise.

Tester quote: “I was impressed by how capable and sturdy the Passport TrailSport felt off-road. The all-terrain tires provided excellent traction, and the Trail mode made a big difference in the mud. You really had to intentionally try to get the tires spinning by giving it a lot of throttle; otherwise, it just crawled through without a problem.”

Price as driven: $51,110
EPA fuel economy: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway/19 mpg combined
Off-Road Tech:
• All-terrain tires - 255/60R18
• 1-inch extra ground clearance
• Electronic limited-slip rear differential
• Front and rear recovery hooks
• Tighter turning radius

Pros: Relatively quiet all-terrain tires, minimal reduction in steering precision, Mud mode provides manageable power delivery on slippery terrain, spacious cabin accommodates up to seven passengers and plenty of gear 

Cons: Large dimensions make negotiating narrow trails challenging, inconveniently located hill-descent control button, transmission can be hesitant to downshift

The Palisade XRT Pro looks ready for adventure, but its considerable size and limited ground clearance make it better suited to occasional off-pavement excursions than to any serious trail work.

On our off-road course, testers found the Palisade’s long hood and overall width made it challenging to negotiate obstacles through narrow sections, while the extra inch of ground clearance provided little additional confidence. The all-wheel-drive system and all-terrain tires kept it moving through mud bogs, but its traction was less impressive on slippery uphills. 

On pavement, the XRT Pro makes fewer compromises than many other off-road trims. Its all-terrain tires produce relatively little additional noise and only slightly dull the steering response. As with the regular Palisade, the 287-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine is smooth and sounds fairly sweet when it’s revved. But between the eight-speed automatic transmission’s hesitancy to downshift, and the engine’s soft power down low in the revs, this isn’t anywhere near as nice a combo as the Honda Passport.

Ultimately, the XRT Pro offers rugged styling and useful all-weather traction, but its off-road enhancements don’t transform this large, family-oriented SUV into a trail-ready machine.

Tester quote: “The Palisade is simply too big for tight trails, and the 1 inch of extra ground clearance doesn’t help much. The XRT Pro makes a lot more sense for muddy, grassy parking lots or rough gravel roads than it does for any kind of trail work.”

Price as driven: $42,055
EPA fuel economy: 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway/24 mpg combined
Off-Road Tech:
• All-terrain tires - 235/65/R17
• Multi-Terrain Mode

Pros: All-terrain tires and smaller wheels improve bump absorption over potholes, good off-road traction from the tires and AWD system, minimal increase in tire noise compared with some off-road trims

Cons: Jumpy accelerator response makes precise low-speed driving difficult, limited ground clearance restricts off-road capability, slightly vague steering, reduced cornering precision

The Sportage X-Pro Prestige takes a relatively modest approach to off-road upgrades, relying primarily on all-terrain tires rather than significant suspension or ground-clearance changes. 

On pavement, the Sportage retains much of the regular model’s agreeable driving character. Its smaller wheels and taller tire sidewalls help soften sharp impacts, making potholes less jarring, while the increase in noise from the all-terrain tires is relatively minor. Steering response is slightly less precise than the regular Sportage, but overall handling remains competent.

Off-road, the all-terrain tires and all-wheel-drive system provide good traction through mud and over slippery terrain. However, limited ground clearance forced testers to carefully navigate around rocks and resulted in some underbody scraping. It also tended to get bogged down in deeper mud. Jumpy accelerator response from the 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine made precise low-speed driving more difficult than it should be. 

Ultimately, the X-Pro adds some useful capability and comfort, but its modest upgrades hold it back off-road.

Tester quote: “The all-terrain tires improve the Sportage’s ride. Potholes that look like they’re going to deliver a nasty jolt are barely felt, thanks in part to the smaller wheels and taller tire sidewalls. Unfortunately, the limited ground clearance and jumpy throttle response make it less convincing off-road.”

Price as driven: $40,645
EPA fuel economy: 24 mpg city/28 mpg highway/26 mpg combined
Off-Road Tech:
• All-terrain tires - 235/60R17
• 0.6 inches of extra ground clearance
• Tighter turning radius
• Transmission cooler
• Full-sized spare tire
• Revised X-Mode

Pros: Generous ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, manageable size, excellent AWD system, grippy all-terrain tires, taller sidewalls help absorb sharp impacts and potholes   

Cons: Notably less tire grip on pavement, reduced steering feel through corners, noisy all-terrain tires, jumpy throttle delivery in X-Mode

The Forester Wilderness proved to be one of the most capable off-road trims we evaluated, combining manageable dimensions with impressive ground clearance, grippy all-terrain tires, and an excellent all-wheel-drive system.

On our off-road course, testers appreciated how easily the Wilderness navigated narrower sections and cleared obstacles that other SUVs struggled with. Its revised bumpers provide generous approach and departure angles, while the all-wheel-drive system maintains excellent traction through deep mud. Unfortunately, as with the regular Forester, the 180-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain can suffer from a touchy initial throttle delivery. 

On pavement, the Wilderness makes noticeable compromises. Its aggressive all-terrain tires dull steering response and reduce cornering grip, giving the handling a somewhat squishy, winter-tire-like feel. Tire noise is also more pronounced than in most other off-road trims, particularly at highway speeds. On the plus side, the taller tire sidewalls help soften the impact of sharp potholes.

For buyers who regularly venture off-pavement, the Wilderness offers genuine capability gains that help justify those everyday driving trade-offs.

Tester quote: “The Wilderness’ extra ground clearance and manageable size make it easy to navigate tight trails and avoid obstacles. And when you can’t go around something, it’s surprisingly capable of going over it. The all-wheel-drive system also works extremely well, making it easy to negotiate deep mud with little fear of getting stuck.”

Price as driven: $42,345
EPA fuel economy: 41 mpg city/35 mpg highway/38 mpg combined
Off-Road Tech:
• All-terrain tires - 235/65R18
• 0.4 inches of extra ground clearance
• Rigid Industries LED fog lights

Pros: All-terrain tires improve bump absorption, hybrid powertrain’s instant torque works well off-road, electric AWD system delivers impressive traction, excellent fuel economy, minimal increase in tire noise

Cons: Slightly reduced steering feel, gas engine gets loud during hard acceleration, mediocre front-seat comfort  

The RAV4 Woodland strikes an appealing balance between everyday livability and off-road capability, with relatively few compromises compared with a conventional RAV4.

On pavement, the all-terrain tires’ taller sidewalls help absorb sharp bumps and potholes slightly better, delivering a comfortable ride with surprisingly little additional tire noise. Steering response is less precise, but handling remains secure and predictable. The 236-hp four-cylinder hybrid powertrain provides smooth, responsive acceleration, although the gas engine gets loud under hard acceleration.

Off-road, the Woodland proved more capable than its modest increase in ground clearance suggests. The all-terrain tires provided good grip, while the electric all-wheel-drive system effectively maintained traction through mud and over rocks. Testers also praised the responsive low-speed power delivery. 

With impressive fuel economy, manageable dimensions, and useful off-road ability, the Woodland makes a convincing case for buyers who want a little more adventure without sacrificing too much everyday refinement.

Tester quote: “I was surprised how well the electric all-wheel-drive system worked. At one point, a rear tire got hung up on a rock and spun briefly before finding traction and pulling the Woodland through. It’s also pretty neat to be able to drive quietly through the woods in electric mode.”

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