Recommended SUVs and Crossovers for the Indiana Outdoor Enthusiast

Autumn in Indiana brings many things. School kids adjust to their new grade. High school, college, and professional football bring excitement and rivalries. Christmas and winter in general loom ahead. Leaves put on a spectacular show in their dying days, and those without kids find the campgrounds and tourist areas less crowded. And last but not least, hunting season begins for several game and fowl. For the last, and some of the others, a good SUV could be very useful, and it can save you a lot of money if you find one used. Alderman Automotive has some suggestions for you. 

SUVs vs. Crossovers 

The term SUV is used to describe almost anything with a wagon shape that offers either four-wheel or all-wheel drive. However, true Sport Utility Vehicles and the crossover sub-genre have their differences and their own advantages. 

Long before the term SUV was coined, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts were driving various Jeep models, International Scouts, Chevrolet Blazers, Ford Broncos, and similar 4×4 vehicles. Most were built from a truck chassis or had a similar body-on-frame construction, with 6- or 8-cylinder engines and four-wheel drive, often equipped with manual locking front hubs.  

The four-wheel-drive system was designed to lock the front and rear wheels together, causing them to rotate in lockstep. This system is not meant for use on dry roads, as turning can cause tires to rotate at different speeds and put stress on the drivetrain. However, off the pavement, this remains the best way to navigate very rough terrain. Today, several SUVs and almost all 4×4 pickup trucks offer a version of this system. Their body-on-frame design typically gives these vehicles a higher maximum towing capacity. 

Crossovers are typically based on car or similar platforms. This means they often feature unibody construction and transverse-mounted engines configured for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The latter system distributes power to all four wheels, but the amount of power sent to the front and rear wheels varies, with a computer determining the best distribution at a given time. The main goal of these systems is to improve traction and keep the vehicle stable on slippery surfaces, though all-wheel drive also provides benefits off the pavement. Generally, crossovers sit lower to the ground, offer a more comfortable ride on the road, and are more fuel-efficient. 

SUVs are the more capable off-road vehicles, but many crossovers offer features that can easily meet the needs of all but the most dedicated off-road enthusiasts. Both SUVs and crossovers are typically wagon-shaped, providing ample space in the rear for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor gear. The fact that all of this is enclosed gives them an advantage over pickup trucks, where stopping at a roadside café for lunch raises concerns about the security of gear in an open bed. This also makes SUVs and crossovers more convenient as family vehicles. 

Recommended SUVs and Crossovers 

The ideal vehicle depends on what kind of off-road activity you prefer, how many people you bring along, and your daily needs for the vehicle. There is no one best choice for everyone. 

Subaru Outback 

Essentially a raised wagon, Subaru’s experience with all-wheel drive lends the Outback crossover surprising off-road capability, and its ground clearance is higher than most other crossovers. The Outback also serves as a great family vehicle. The Forester has similar capabilities but is taller and shorter compared to the Outback, being lower and longer. 

Toyota 4Runner 

Built on the nearly indestructible Tacoma platform, the 4Runner with 4WD offers excellent stock off-road capability and can be modified to handle almost anything. Fuel efficiency isn’t impressive, and used models may have an aged drivetrain, but the 4Runner remains beloved by millions. 

Nissan Xterra 

Produced from model years 2000 to 2015, the Xterra, like the 4Runner, is an SUV built on the brand’s mid-size truck platform. Nissan prioritized ruggedness, practicality, and affordability over luxury and comfort. For hauling exterior loads, a roof rack with a removable forward gear basket was standard equipment. 

Honda CR-V 

Honda’s best-selling model, the CR-V crossover isn’t meant for rock-hopping, but its available AWD system can take you through most trails without any trouble, making it a great family car or daily driver during the week.  

Toyota RAV4 

The RAV4 is often credited with essentially inventing the crossover category. Adventure, Woodland Edition, and TRD Off-Road trim levels enhance off-road capability with a higher ride height and multiple skid plates. Like the CR-V, the RAV4 also works well as a daily driver during the week, and available hybrid models are likely to be the most fuel-efficient options on this list. 

Jeep Cherokee 

The original boxy (XJ) Cherokees made a great off-road vehicle with a modest size footprint, though the newest ones are now over 20 years old. For the more modern KL generation, which began in 2014, look for the “Trail Rated” badge for the more capable off-road models.  

Chevrolet Tahoe 

If size and/or towing capacity are a priority, it is difficult to do better than a Chevrolet Tahoe. With its V8 or 6-cylinder diesel engine, efficiency isn’t its strong suit, but it can seat up to eight people, tow as much as 8,500 pounds, and handle rough terrain as long as the trail is wide enough. The GMC Yukon is essentially the same vehicle, and much of what was just said also applies to the Ford Expedition. 

Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco 

We group these two together because much of what can be said about one applies to the other. Both are designed specifically for off-roading, and only the 4Runner and Xterra mentioned above can approach their level of capability, with some models exceeding a foot of ground clearance. As a result, both the Ford and Jeep have drawbacks on the road, such as a rough ride, high noise levels, and lower efficiency. It’s possible, but you have to work hard to get stuck with either of these models. 

Other Models 

There is an endless amount of crossover models out there, from Mitsubishi to Mercedes-Benz. When equipped with all-wheel drive, most will get you from one end of a relatively light trail to the other. All-terrain tires are the first step in making them off-road capable, and if the surfaces are rocky, you might want to look at aftermarket skid plates. 

4X4 full and mid-size pickups can be exceptional off-roaders, and there is no shortage of aftermarket parts to raise their capability.  For the gear security issue, you may consider getting a bed cap. 

With an ever-changing inventory, Alderman Automotive can’t guarantee having any one of these models at a given time, but if we do have them, we make them easy to locate with our inventory tool. Also, if you are not sure which model is best for you, feel free to consult with one of our sales professionals about your plans, and let them help you find the vehicle that best fits your needs.