Off-Road-Ready SUVs That Are Begging to Be Bought Used

The SUV class is the most popular and versatile among drivers. Many modern drivers associate the SUV with being a family-friendly method of transportation. However, the vehicle class’s formative years had catered to off-roaders and adventurers, and many of them still do. 

Here at Rusty Wallace Hyundai, we know a thing or two about performance. (After all, just look at who our founder is!) If you’re looking for a dealership with used cars for sale in Knoxville and an off-road-ready SUV is on your mind, we’re the location you should visit. 

We have many used SUVs that are primed and ready to help facilitate your next adventure. These models have all-wheel or four-wheel drivetrains and off-road-tuned suspensions for those who prefer to spend their time away from the pavement. Get behind the wheel of one of these four SUVs to get the edge you need at a fraction of the cost. 

The Jeep Wrangler 

No other vehicle is more synonymous with off-roading than the Jeep Wrangler. From its days overseas in World War II to becoming the premier option for adventurers in the 1980s, the Wrangler is truly in a class all its own. Its lengthy time in production has seen the vehicle adapt with the times to become a marvel at both off-roading and innovation regarding its technology. 

The Wrangler comes in multiple trims and can be equipped with one of numerous powertrains that push performance to the limit. Knoxville drivers who crave power and prestige will love the 470-hp 6.4L HEMI V8 on the 2022 model’s Rubicon 392 trim. Drivers who enjoy off-roading performance and great fuel economy going hand-in-hand would love one of that year’s 4xe trims, which gets 20 MPG combined and 22 miles of all-electric range. 

In addition to its off-roading prowess, the Wrangler is an SUV with many features that enhance time behind the wheel. Like all Jeep vehicles, the Wrangler has an intuitive infotainment screen powered by Uconnect. Off-roaders will stay safe and connected, regardless of where their travels might take them. Its exterior also stands out. The doors and top can be removed, transforming the SUV into an instant dune buggy. Lastly, its elevated ground clearance makes roadblocks and obstructions a non-issue on the road less traveled. 

The Ford Bronco 

The Jeep Wrangler isn’t the only off-road-ready SUV in town with removable doors and tops. Its biggest rival, the Ford Bronco, is just as versatile and tech-savvy. The Bronco comes in nearly as many trims as the Wrangler and has some unique advantages that will please Knoxville drivers who enjoy spending their time away from the pavement. 

The 2023 Ford Bronco came with one of two engines, both offering remarkable performance. Drivers can choose between a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder that produces 300 hp or a turbocharged 2.7L V6 with 330 hp. Both engines pair with a ten-speed automatic transmission to give you the smoothest performance Ford offers. 

In addition to its power, the Ford Bronco has tech-savvy attributes that heighten its ability while off-roading. It has an immersive infotainment screen with SYNC technology that features natural voice recognition and navigation. The Bronco’s GOAT (Goes Over All [Types of] Terrain) drive mode selector allows the SUV to adapt to multiple environments, allowing Knoxville drivers to go wherever they wish. 

Off-roaders who enjoy having style and flair as well as a means for adventure will love the vibrant trims of the Bronco, such as the retro Heritage Limited, which pays homage to the Bronco models of the past while including the modern attributes that make it one of the hottest SUVs on the road today. 

The Toyota RAV4 

Raw power and high ground clearance have always been top traits sought by off-roaders. However, not all SUVs that are built for adventure are known for high fuel economy and a quality of engineering that allows them to go without repairs for several years. Then, there’s the Toyota RAV4. Designed to be fuel-efficient and offer power for adventure, the RAV4 has the economical off-roader in mind. 

The RAV4 has available AWD and has long been a favorite among drivers who enjoy their adventures as much as they love going long distances between fill-ups. Since 2021, the RAV4 has come with two AWD-exclusive hybrid powertrains designed to cut fuel costs. That year, a traditional hybrid setup paired with a CVT produced 219 hp while achieving 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, for a combined 40 MPG. 

Off-roading performance and fuel economy are intertwined in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the RAV4. A 2.5L four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and 18.1-kWh battery together produce 302 hp. In 2021, the PHEV powertrain made 38 MPG combined and allowed for 41 miles of all-electric range, making it ideal for Knoxville drivers who want a vehicle that’s fit for both adventuring and getting around town. 

A bonus of owning a RAV4 is the multiple standard safety features that Toyota equips all its vehicles with. It’s an exceptional choice for Knoxville drivers who want an SUV that covers all the necessary bases. 

The Subaru Forester 

If you ask any off-roader who lives in Knoxville what the cornerstone of this activity is, they’ll most likely tell you all-wheel or four-wheel drive. Having power directed to all four wheels is necessary for traversing the trickiest terrain. Luckily, Subaru has equipped most of its fleet with standard AWD for several years, giving drivers a leg up on the competition.

Subaru’s Forester is a compact SUV with AWD that is versatile both on and off the pavement. Models built before 2025 come standard with a 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a CVT, allowing the Forester to grant drivers favorable fuel economy figures. For example, a 2023 Forester can achieve 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, for a combined 29 MPG. 

The Forester is an ideal choice for the modern family who likes adventure, particularly with its 74.2 cu.ft. of total storage space and plentiful safety features included. A used Forester also benefits from an infotainment screen, which keeps it connected to apps and other technologies. When the weekend comes around, the SUV’s elevated ground clearance makes navigating any trail easy. 

Finding Your Next Off-Road-Ready SUV 

Many drivers in Knoxville have their own opinion of the ideal off-road-ready SUV, and we’d love to help you find what best suits your needs. If you’re looking for an SUV designed from the ground up for off-roading, a used Wrangler or Bronco will suit your needs perfectly. Both SUVs have powerful engines, removable tops and doors, and technologies that make off-roading more exhilarating. 

If you like off-roading but are keen on reducing fuel costs, a used hybrid Toyota RAV4 can get you to your next adventure while going farther between fill-ups. Family-oriented drivers who enjoy their weekend adventures will love the versatility of the Subaru Forester. No matter what you might be looking for in a used off-road-ready SUV, you can find one here at Rusty Wallace Hyundai. We’ve been serving Knoxville for years and aim to do our best for every customer.

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