Discover the best vehicles for mountain driving, built for power, safety, and control on steep slopes, rough terrain, and winding roads.
Introduction
Driving in the mountains requires more than muscle it requires a combination of power and all terrain capability in a vehicle as confident on a mountain road as it is in the city. When you are navigating tight turns steep grades or sudden changes in weather your vehicle needs to be able to deliver performance when you need it. In this piece we look at the top mountain driving vehicles in 2025 based on various classifications. This classifications include a list that ranges from rough and tough SUVs to rugged crossovers and dependable pickups.
Best Vehicles for Mountain Driving
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
Jeep is one of the few names that can always be associated with climbing a mountain. For off road prowess and elevation handling there is the 2025 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk trim. Equipped with its Quadra Drive II 4WD system Select Terrain traction management. An electronic limited slip rear differential this SUV has amazing grip on slick or rocky mountain trails. It has adjustable air suspension too so you can jack the ground clearance when needed great for rutted turf or cruddy roads.
Clearance on the Ground: Up to 11.3 inches
Horsepower: 293 hp or an available 357 hp V8
Tow Weight: 7200 Pound
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
The Toyota 4Runner is the mountain goat of sport utilities. For 2025 the TRD Pro trim reinforces its already impressive off road cred thanks to FOX high performance shocks. Its multi terrain select and crawl control perfect for navigating tough ascents and descents. This is because its body on frame construction and mass provide it with strength and rigidity that are ideal for mountain trails.
Ground Clearance: 9.6 inches
Horsepower: 270 hp
Signature Move: Crawl Control automatic throttle/braking for steep climbs
Subaru Outback Wilderness
If you are craving something more fuel efficient yet capable of negotiating mountain roads with aplomb the Subaru Outback Wilderness is a top choice. The Wilderness model further ratchets up the vehicles off road capabilities. This has always been a Subaru hallmark with improved suspension and 9.5 inches of ground clearance.
Horsepower: 260 (turbocharged)
MPG: Up to 26 combined
Pros: perfect for snow and ice with impressive fuel economy
Ford Bronco Badlands Trim
The new Bronco is a beast in the mountains especially with the Badlands trim that comes with Bilstein position sensitive dampers front and rear locking differentials, and G.O.A.T. modes. Its sway bars are removable for improved articulation on rocky paths and the 4×4 system includes honest low range gearing for hairy climbs.
Ground Clearance: 11.6 inches
Horsepower: up to 330 hp (with turbo V6)
Bonus: Removable roof and doors for the authentic alfresco experience
Ram 1500 Rebel
For men who like a big pick up truck they can take off the road the Ram 1500 Rebel is a pickup that combines muscle with luxury. It includes electronic locking rear axle Hill-Descent Control and off road tuned suspension. The Ram is a comfortable truck for the long haul even in rough country when fitted with gear.
Horsepower: Up to 395 hp
Towing Capacity: 11,000+ lbs
Interior: Surprisingly refined with luxury tech and comfort features
Land Rover Defender 110
Land Rover Defender Luxury collides with rugged mountain capability in the Land Rover Defender. It is up for anything from rocky climbs to creek crossings thanks to air suspension that can be adjusted along with Terrain Response 2 settings and wading depth sensors. The Defenders advanced driver assist features are also useful for challenging descents and blind bends.
Horsepower: 296 horsepower to 518 horsepower
Clearance: 11.5 inches
Luxury Touches: Heated seats, panoramic sunroof, premium navigation
Conclusion
Choosing the best vehicle for mountain driving depends on how extreme your terrain is. It also depends on whether you value performance, fuel economy, towing capabilities or luxury. For off piste purists the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Ford Bronco Badlands are state of the art. You want a no nonsense daily driver and one that can handle high elevations all with a touch of the Subie Outback Wilderness. And for those cases when luxury is just as important as being off road capable the Land Rover Defender makes no excuses.
