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What’s the most reliable 4×4 SUV of all time? If you’re in the market for an all-terrain vehicle, you’ve got a lot of options. The best 4x4s are durable and designed for rough ground, with 4WD, high ground clearance and enough torque to get out of tough spots. You’ll want to ensure you’re choosing a vehicle that will stand up over time, too.
From vintage off-roaders to cutting-edge models, we’ve compiled a list of the five toughest SUVs of all time.
1. Toyota LandCruiser 70
- Ground Clearance: 11 inches (CarsGuide)
- Average Maintenance Cost: $843 per year (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During First 10 Years: $6,782 (CarEdge)
Toyota is known for producing what many consider the best off road SUV of all time — the LandCruiser, notably the 70 Series. Built to take a beating and keep going, this off-roader can navigate some of the most challenging terrains in the world.
Originally manufactured in 1984, the LandCruiser 70 has been in production for decades. There’s a good reason for that, too. It’s utilitarian but incredibly reliable. The modern LandCruiser J70 has a diesel V8 engine and interior tech upgrades — like a digital dashboard. Unfortunately, it’s tricky to find one of these in the U.S. since Toyota never released the 70 series in America, only the 80 series and the older 60 series.
The 2024 LandCruiser 70 will only hit Japanese roads. It won’t appear in North America due to the dreaded Chicken Tax. Uncle Sam imposes a 25% tariff on imported light vehicles, discouraging auto dealers from selling them on American soil. This tax has blighted the likes of Toyota Hilux. The latest LandCruiser 70 is only the latest on the list.
2. Jeep Wrangler
- Ground Clearance: 12.9 inches (Jeep)
- Average Maintenance Cost: $694 per year (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During First 10 Years: $10,397 (CarEdge)
When most people think of off-road vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the first things that comes to mind. Dating back to the original Willys-Overland MB, the Jeep has long been an icon of the 4×4 market. The Jeep Wrangler is the most popular model, known for its stability, versatility and reliability.
If you’re shopping for a good 4×4, it’s always worth considering a Wrangler. They’re not for everyone due to their rollover rate, but they’re often a great place to start.
They come in various 4WD systems and two- and four-door models. Thanks to the Wrangler’s pedigree, most overlanding enthusiasts approve of it. More than 80% of the 5 million Wranglers sold since 1986 are still on the road, so owning one makes you a member of a massive global Jeeper family.
Modifiability is part of the Wrangler’s charm. With abundant aftermarket components available for new and vintage models, you push the boundaries of customization — from adding skid plates to accessorizing with lightbars — to achieve your desired look, performance and functionality.
Keep an eye out for the Jeep Rubicon, as well. The Rubicon is a souped-up version of the standard Wrangler, making it an excellent choice for those who want to tackle particularly hostile terrain.
3. Ford F-150
- Ground Clearance: 9.8 inches (Ford)
- Average Maintenance Cost: $788 per year (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During First 10 Years: $10,245 (CarEdge)
The Ford F-150 has been America’s top best-selling truck for over 40 years and continues to impress. Not only does it look great, it also handles off-roading like a champ. The F-150’s popularity also makes it easy to find affordable models on the used market and get replacement parts if needed.
It’s worth noting that the F-150’s most dependable off road incarnation is the Raptor. This edition of the F-150 has improved long-travel suspension, a supercharged engine and larger tires that give it an edge over the standard F-150.
Both models suffer a bit from their bulk. If you want to navigate narrow passes in your off-road vehicle, this one’s probably not the way to go.
The F-150’s most unassailable advantage is its hauling capacity. This half-steel, half-aluminum beast of burden can drag a staggering 14,000 pounds max. An SUV that could tow an average African elephant earns it a spot among the toughest SUVs of all time, including the nimble Suzuki Samurai.
This 4×4 can be fuel-hungry, too. Its 2023 model can burn as high as 8.3 gallons per 100 miles, translating to mileages of 15 and 10 on the highway and in the city, respectively.
If you’re environmentally conscious, buy one that takes E85. This 85% ethanol and 15% gas fuel blend won’t help you cover more ground. However, you’ll generate more torque and horsepower, produce zero residue, emit less pollution and help slow down climate change.
4. Toyota Tacoma
- Ground Clearance: 9.4 inches (CarParts.com)
- Average Maintenance Cost: $478 per year (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Cost During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
The Tacoma is one of Toyota’s most popular off-road-capable trucks alongside the larger Tundra. Both are tough and reliable, but the Tacoma’s smaller size gives it the edge on trails and rough terrain. It’s more maneuverable and better suited for narrow passes than the Tundra.
The Tacoma fills a helpful niche as a mid-sized pickup truck. So, it’s smaller than an F-150 but still gets you a spacious truck bed. You can even add a few modifications to take the Tacoma’s trail performance up a notch. As a Toyota, you can rest assured that this truck will stand the test of time and trails. It’s in the same league as the legendary Toyota LandCruiser and has a solid case for being the most reliable 4×4 SUV of all time, hands down.
5. Suzuki Samurai
- Ground Clearance: 8.1 inches (Jerry)
- Average Maintenance Cost: $239 per year (RepairPal)
The Suzuki Samurai is small but quick, light and agile. It fills a niche in the off-road market that’s become increasingly empty over the past few decades. Originally produced between 1985 and 1995, the Samurai remains arguably the most reliable off road SUV ever made. If you can find one on the used market, this classic has the potential to deliver a fantastic performance.
Samurais are particularly good for unique off-roading scenarios — like dunes or narrow trails. Its small size offers tremendous hauling capacity and allows you to take the Samurai virtually anywhere.
As a testament to the Samurai’s endurance, one of its 1986 resto-mods owns the distinction for reaching the highest altitude out of all cars. In 2007, a pair of Chileans named Eduardo Canales and Gonzalo Bravo drove the four-wheel Unimog on the slopes of the dormant Ojos del Salado volcano in the Andes and parked 21,942 above sea level — 138 feet higher than the previous record held by a Jeep Wrangler.
The duo brought down with them a marker the team they beat left. It’s a sign that says, “Jeep parking only—all others don’t make it up here, anyway.” The air might be thin on South America’s second-highest peak, but Canales and Bravo could breathe easy knowing they made history and their Samurai — a battle-tested off-road warrior — did exactly what it says on the tin.
What’s the Most Reliable 4×4 SUV of All Time?
It’s hard to choose just one most reliable 4×4 of all time, but the five vehicles on this list are certainly front-runners. The number one spot is a toss-up between the Toyota LandCruiser 70 and Jeep Wrangler, although there are also a few tough off-road pickup trucks worth checking out.
Ultimately, it depends on what you value. All vehicles on this list can stand the test of time, so you could pick one with your eyes closed and still have a great time on the road and trail alike for years to come.
Originally posted 10/18/23 – Updated 5/22/24
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
