Most Off-Road Capable Stock Vehicle

[EC Transplant]

I'll post this to see how it will float here:

What is the most capable, stock, street-legal off-road vehicle that you can purchase in the past 5 years? Since a lot of you will probably ask what "capable" is, for this case, let's just say that capability will be defined as being able to drive the most trails in Moab.

-Stock
-Street Legal
-Less than 5 years old
-No mods other than tires
-No cap on cost

Post up what you think would be your choice, a pic would be nice, and tell us why (features etc...).

[gtivr4]

Are you limiting this to regular commercial vehicles only (Jeeps etc)? Otherwise you are opening a whole big can of what fits your definitions.

[Turbio!]

I'm gonna go with the Wrangler Rubicon.

[Turbio!]

Are you limiting this to regular commercial vehicles only (Jeeps etc)? Otherwise you are opening a whole big can of what fits your definitions.

I don't see how there's a lot of ambiguity. New, stock, street-legal, available for sale in the last 5 years.

[CBJ]

I'll post this to see how it will float here:

What is the most capable, stock, street-legal off-road vehicle that you can purchase in the past 5 years? Since a lot of you will probably ask what "capable" is, for this case, let's just say that capability will be defined as being able to drive the most trails in Moab.

-Stock
-Street Legal
-Less than 5 years old
-No mods other than tires
-No cap on cost

Post up what you think would be your choice, a pic would be nice, and tell us why (features etc...).

From my perspective, based on where I live, I'd like either of two vehicles. A Ford Raptor or a 200 Series Land Cruiser. Over all types of terrain, for comfort and durability I'd give the LC the edge.

That said if we are specifically talking Moab, I'm going to guess that a Rubicon/Wrangler due to it's short wheel base and off road capability would probably be the best choice. A late H3 with three lockers shouldn't be overlooked either, especially in Alpha, V8 form.

At any price, LC200, most comfort everyday and the equal of most any off-road vehicle available.

[robbyb413]

I guess I'd just go with a Wrangler Rubicon. Solid front and rear axles, locked front and rear, good 4low for crawling, small enough to take most places, lots of cheap replacement parts on the market for when you bang it off something on the trail.

[Jory]

this would be my choice:

[EC Transplant]

Are you limiting this to regular commercial vehicles only (Jeeps etc)? Otherwise you are opening a whole big can of what fits your definitions.

If anyone can purchase it without needing a speical license to drive, and/or permits to operate and drive it home on the street to your home or to the trailhead, then it's fair game. (that should take care of tracked vehicles and quarry machines right?).

[Turbio!]

this would be my choice:

Too old.

[EC Transplant]

This would be my choice. Good low range t-case with a low 4.1:1 axle ratio, locking diffs front and rear, electronic swaybar disconnects, fits 32" tires stock. All for a hair over $30k.

FYI, I have JK Unlimited in Sport/X trim and have had it out on "mild" trails in Moab, Sedona, and Ouray. Been very happy with it off-road so far, stock 30" street-oriented tires and all. Quite competent with all four wheels on the ground, but have been in situations where a locked front and rear diff would have been nice and wishing on getting the Rubicon instead. I've got some wheels and tires (32") coming so I'm sure that will be an improvement for sure.

[Sporin]

I guess I'd just go with a Wrangler Rubicon. Solid front and rear axles, locked front and rear, good 4low for crawling, small enough to take most places, lots of cheap replacement parts on the market for when you bang it off something on the trail.

This.

Various Land Cruisers are certainly better on road but now where near as suited for the trails (too big, too much shiny sheetmetal).

I'm a Toyota guy through and through but for what the OP is asking for, a Wrangler Rubicon is the only choice imo.

[CreeperSleeper]

Unimog

Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

[fighters_of_foo]

A Ford Raptor

This is what i was going to say

[Amsterdam087]

This is what i was going to say

its full size is going to limit the trails you can use it on.
rubicon for the win

[Turbio!]

This is what i was going to say

The Raptor is a very specialized, niche offroader optimized for high-speed desert running. I'd sooner walk than take it on a tight forest trail or crawl slickrock in Moab with it. Its overall level of capability is severely limited by its size and mechanical setup. It's the best civilian desert-runner there is, but it's nowhere near the most capable stock offroader, because it's not especially versatile.

A Wrangler Unlimited, however, could do just about anything but high speed desert running. And I'd LOVE to see a Baja Wrangler, personally.

[deucestudios]

The only things I'd put in front of the Wrangler Rubicon, with electronic sway bar disconnect and 2 locking axles, are the Dodge Ram with the package that gives you the winch, and has an LSD, or any LR/RR that comes stock with a winch, and has the 2 e-lockers (not sure if there is one). Although, if the winch doesn't play, because it's an add on, the Jeep has to take the prize.

[BIGNICKSGTIS420]

dodge power wagon

[Turbio!]

dodge power wagon

Doubtful. Just too big. Mechanically magnificent, but too big for Moab.

[robbyb413]

...stock for stock out performed in pretty much every variable that would be valuable off road by the Rubicon: Approach angle, departure angle, axle clearance, break over angle, gas mileage, covered storage area (dust in you gear sucks).... the list goes on.

At least it's got a SFA unlike some ideas mentioned in this thread. It's got that going for it.

[CBJ]

This is what i was going to say

I only mentioned it the context of my environment which is desert bisected by gravel roads in a country the size of texas and oklahoma combined. It makes little sense in any slow rock intensive area.

[EC Transplant]

Looks like everyone is thinking along the same lines as I am. Question: So in what situations will the modern (independent suspension) Rovers be more capable than the solid axle vehicles?



Obviously not here (just kidding--sorry LR fans, just had to post this pic).

[CreeperSleeper]

Maybe I needed to be more specific... Unimog U20



U20 site

[Turbio!]

I only mentioned it the context of my environment which is desert bisected by gravel roads in a country the size of texas and oklahoma combined. It makes little sense in any slow rock intensive area.

I get a little lightheaded and giggly when I think about driving a Raptor through the south African deserts.

[Turbio!]

Looks like everyone is thinking along the same lines as I am. Question: So in what situations will the modern (independent suspension) Rovers be more capable than the solid axle vehicles?

Sorry, I've just got to laugh at this pic - it's obviously taken at an angle. Look at the dirt in the corner of the frame. You could drive a Rav4 on that.

[Jory]

Maybe I needed to be more specific... Unimog U20

[Amdek]

pretty hard to beat a stock wrangler IMO


This is my Dads 01 4.0 up by crown king. We took the back way up that day ( lake pleasant @castle rock - crown king)


*NOT my video* but this shows the back road. 14+ miles of relatively punishing terrain, lots of vehicles meet their demise out there but our wrangler was tough as nails and did just fine in 100% stock trim, we didn't use spotters or even take our time


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24hci6bQTb0

[EC Transplant]

Sorry, I've just got to laugh at this pic - it's obviously taken at an angle. Look at the dirt in the corner of the frame. You could drive a Rav4 on that.

Yup. First pic I found that had a Rover that looked somewhat good.

[robbyb413]

Looks like everyone is thinking along the same lines as I am. Question: So in what situations will the modern (independent suspension) Rovers be more capable than the solid axle vehicles?

The situation where you've got to haul your family to soccer practice and you need the quietest ride possible to talk on your cell phone? If you can find a map of "Neverland" you'll see all the trails that an LR3 is suited for.

[Pool Runner]

Why has the G-Wagen not been posted? OP said no price cap so here you go....

[Amdek]

Does MB even sell these without 20" rims and a "sporty" ride height anymore?

[Amsterdam087]

Why has the G-Wagen not been posted?

it hasn't been mentioned because it is not the most capable. not even close.

[deucestudios]

Doubtful. Just too big. Mechanically magnificent, but too big for Moab.

Factory winch.
Arguably, a rear LSD and winch gets you further than a pair of lockers.

[Quinn1.8t]

it hasn't been mentioned because it is not the most capable. not even close.

I would disagree and say it is pretty close to what has been mentioned so far. Solid front and rear axles and selectable lockers.

[robbyb413]

Lockers and axles don't do anything if the vehicle can't get it's tires to the obstacles to begin with. The gwagen is still bested by the Wrangler Rubicon for Approcah/Breakover/Departure angles, axle clearance, and flex. Stock it's only 9 inches of axle clearance and pulls 36/25/31. vs a stock Wrangler coming in at 10 inches pulling 44/25/40.

Stock for stock the Wrangler Rubicon really isn't going to be bested by anything that is capable of the OP's criteria in the 1st post.

Here's a list of common competitors and their stats:

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4x4 (2-Door) (JK)
Ground Clearance: 10.2"
Approach Angle: 44.3 degrees
Departure Angle: 40.4 degrees

Land Rover LR3
Ground Clearance: 9.5" (off-road mode)
Approach Angle: 37.2 degrees (off-road mode)
Departure Angle: 27.9 degrees (off-road mode

HUMMER H2 (with optional air suspension)
Ground Clearance: 9.7"
Approach Angle: 42.8 degrees
Departure Angle: 40.0 degrees

Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD 4.7L V8
Ground Clearance: 9.1"
Approach Angle: 30 degrees
Departure Angle: 26 degrees (w/o tow hitch)

HUMMER H3 Alpha (with optional 33" tires)
Ground Clearance: 9.1"
Approach Angle: 39.0 degrees
Departure Angle: 36.5 degrees

Nissan Xterra Off Road
Ground Clearance: 9.5"
Approach Angle: 33.2 degrees
Departure Angle: 29.4 degrees

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4
Ground Clearance: 8.3"
Approach Angle: 35.0 degrees
Departure Angle: 27.0 degrees

[Quinn1.8t]

Stock for stock the Wrangler Rubicon really isn't going to be bested by anything that is capable of the OP's criteria in the 1st post.

I agree. The Wrangler Rubicon is still more capable than all vehicles posted thus far.