10 Vehicles That Need an Off-Road Model
Vehicles designed with off-road driving in mind are a major trend across the auto industry. Even models you wouldn’t expect are getting the rugged treatment, from electric crossovers like the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally to sports cars like the Porsche 911 Dakar.
Others are coming, for sure. Without further ado, here are 10 vehicles that still don’t offer an off-road variant in Canada but we wish they did.
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Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi is certainly no stranger to rallyes and off-roading. The automaker should use its best-selling product to bring back Ralliart models. The Vision Ralliart concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon in 2022 would make a nice foundation for a more capable Outlander.
Ford Explorer
Off-road models are aplenty at Ford. While some people keep wishing for a Mustang Raptor, we’ll focus on the Explorer, which is significantly redesigned for 2025 but missing its Timberline model. That needs to be fixed. Even better, Ford should launch an Explorer Tremor by taking a page from the F-150 and Maverick.
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet, which gave us the Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2, not to mention the new Traverse Z71, revived the Blazer and Trailblazer names for two SUVs that have nothing to do with off-roading. It’s probably too late now, and trying to beat the Wrangler or Bronco is too much to ask, but a Blazer Z71 wouldn’t be so hard to pull off.
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai is starting to add XRT models throughout its lineup. Consider the latest Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Tucson and even the IONIQ 5. Next up? It’s got to be the Palisade, especially since the closely related Kia Telluride offers a rugged model of its own (X-Pro).
Subaru Ascent
You can order a Subaru Outback, Forester and now Crosstrek in rugged Wilderness trim, but wouldn’t it make sense to offer the same thing with the Ascent? Let’s ask the question to large families that need three rows of seats.
Polestar 2
The Swedish electric sedan already has a unique design and character, but we’d love to see an off-road model to further stand out from competitors such as the Hyundai IONIQ 6, Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4. Why not take a page from former parent company Volvo and introduce a Polestar 2 Cross Country or something like that?
Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota knows a thing or two about adventure: 4Runner, Land Cruiser, TRD Pro models of the Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia, plus the RAV4 Trail. The new Grand Highlander definitely could jump on the bandwagon and offer a more capable package. Maybe for 2026?
Nissan Rogue
Technically, the Rogue already has a more adventurous model, called Rock Creek. However, it is currently limited to the U.S. and not yet confirmed for Canada. Probably just a matter of time. Beyond the revised exterior, this SUV stands out with Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires (235/65R17) and a tubular roof rack with integrated crossbars for carrying extra gear.
Nissan Z
What, an off-road-ready Z? It could happen. We’ve all seen the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato. Plus, remember the Datsun 240Z Safari from the early 1970s. Nissan presented a rally-style Z concept at the 2023 SEMA Show (pictured above) and recently filed to trademark the “Z Warrior” name. Stay tuned.
