While the buzz for the last few years has been around hybrids and EVs, there is a quiet yet growing trend toward off-road SUVs. You could argue that it started when Ford brought back the Bronco and Land Rover revived the Defender, and it continued with the return of the Land Cruiser. It didn’t stop there, either. Here are some of the off-road capable SUVs, listed in alphabetical order, that we expect to head your way in the near future.
1. 2027 Jeep Compass
Estimated Price: $30,000
Earlier this year, Jeep revealed an all-new Jeep Compass, which would be sold globally. Jeep announced several details about the all-new vehicle, but those may change if/when the vehicle arrives in North America. The new Compass is on a new platform and is significantly larger than the model that ended its run in 2025, which allows for more cargo and passenger space. In addition to hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, the Compass is said to offer a robust all-wheel-drive system and 7.9 inches of ground clearance. It’s said to be able to climb a 20-degree slope, and has a 27-degree approach angle, 31-degree departure angle, and a 16-degree breakover angle. While plans to sell it in North America are currently on pause, according to Car and Driver, we expect this SUV will arrive here — just later than planned.
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2. 2026 Jeep Recon
Estimated Price: $60,000
A changing automotive landscape also means the timing of the Jeep Recon is unclear. First announced in 2022, the Recon is expected to be an all-electric sibling to the Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. Jeep announced that this midsize SUV will have removable doors and glass, a one-touch power top, and true off-road capability thanks to the Selec-Terrain system that’s tuned for various driving surfaces, as well as an e-locker, off-road tires, and skid plates. It’s possible the Recon could also be available as a hybrid.
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3. 2027 Land Rover Defender Sport
Estimated Price: $45,000
Multiple sources report that a smaller version of the Land Rover Defender is on its way. Like the Bronco Sport is to the Bronco, the Defender Sport is said to be based on a different platform, smaller than the Defender, and still highly capable off-road. Whether the Defender Sport ends up more of a Wrangler fighter than a Bronco Sport competitor remains to be seen. Rumors suggest it will be introduced as an EV, arriving in late 2026.
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4. 2027 Mercedes-Benz ‘Baby’ G-Class
Estimated Price: $75,000
Mercedes-Benz announced a smaller version of the venerable G-Class. While the G-Class is a tough off-road SUV with military bones that has been around since the days of platform shoes and disco, the downsized G-Class is expected to use a 4-motor EV system and a large battery. We anticipate the new model will benefit from the current G-Class’s boxy retro good looks, ladder frame, and off-road prowess.
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5. 2027 Nissan Xterra (we hope)
Estimated Price: $40,000
The Nissan Xterra continues to have an enthusiastic following among off-roaders, long after it ended production in 2015. Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier is also a fan. He recently told industry publication Automotive News, “If I could bring a car tomorrow, that would be Xterra. We’re working on it. We’ll find a way.” What we hope is that we get an SUV based on the Frontier, with the option of a hybrid or PHEV powertrain. Time will tell if Nissan can reboot this well-respected model.
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6. 2026 Rivian R2
Estimated Price: $55,000
Smaller than the Rivian R1S, the R2 is set to be an affordable compact 5-seat electric SUV with legit off-road chops. Built on Rivian’s new connected vehicle platform, the Rivian R2 has many of the characteristics of the R1S, including impressive ground clearance – 9.8 inches – quick acceleration, and terrific range, in this case, more than 300 miles. It’s compatible with a North American Charging System (NACS) or CCS charger. Neat features include a rear window that slides down, a large frunk, a panoramic moonroof, and a slide-out panel in the cargo area. Plenty of accessories will be available for it, such as bike racks, camping gear, and storage pods.
7. 2027 Rivian R3X
Estimated Price: $50,000
The Rivian R3X was a surprise announcement unveiled at the same time as the R2. The R3 is a smaller vehicle than the R2, with two versions that use a retro hot hatch design. There’s the standard R3, but the most off-roady model is the R3X. Said to have more power than the R3, this isn’t a rock-crawling SUV. Based on the increased ground clearance and wider stance, the R3X has the potential to be a high-speed off-road racer. Range is estimated at more than 300 miles for the R3. We expect it to go on sale in early 2027.
8. 2027 Scout Traveler
Estimated Price: $60,000
For those who remember the International Harvester Scout of the 1960s and 1970s, the Scout name (without the International Harvester part) has been revived by Volkswagen as a brand. Two vehicles have been announced: the Terra, a midsize truck, and the Traveler, a 6-passenger midsize SUV around the same size as the Honda Passport but on a longer wheelbase. The Traveler looks an awful lot like the old IH Scout II, but is a much more modern vehicle designed in the spirit of the original Scout. It will be available with an electric powertrain, with the option of a range-extending gas engine.
The body-on-frame Traveler has all the right gear for off-road use. It has a solid rear axle with available front and rear mechanical lockers, ground clearance greater than 12 inches, and a 3-foot fording depth. Scout also plans to offer an off-road suspension with a front swaybar disconnect. Scout will sell the Traveler direct to customers with fixed pricing, and the company is currently taking deposits.
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9. 2026 Subaru Outback
Estimated Price: $35,000
Gasp! The beloved wagon we know as the Subaru Outback has completed the transition to full-fledged SUV. However, in a lot of ways, that’s a good thing. It means more headroom, passenger space, and cargo space. Plus, everything that made the Outback such a great vehicle, body style aside, lives on. When the Outback goes on sale later this year, it will come with a choice of two boxer engines backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and will come standard with an improved version of Subaru’s already excellent Symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive. X-mode will also be standard. The Outback also uses new electronically controlled shocks and standard all-terrain tires. If its 7.8 inches of ground clearance isn’t enough, the Wilderness trim level will return, bringing ground clearance to 9.5 inches.
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Off-Road SUVs Coming for 2026 and Beyond
- 2027 Jeep Compass
- 2026 Jeep Recon
- 2027 Land Rover Defender Sport
- 2027 Mercedes-Benz “Baby” G-Class
- 2027 Nissan Xterra
- 2026 Rivian R2
- 2027 Rivian R3X
- 2027 Scout Traveler
- 2026 Subaru Outback