2020 forced us to slow down and stay home, ultimately robbing us of our travels. This year we are slightly adjusting to the current setting and slowly turning the gears in planning for leisure activities such as off-road adventures and excursions.
For such trips, you want to be traveling in a terrain-commanding sport-utility vehicle (SUV) instead of your usual family sedan. With SUVs, you get a higher ground clearance and four-wheel driving experience on off-road trails.
Most likely, your chosen SUV will have standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot warning, to name a few. However, you still need to consider the seating capacity, available cargo space, and towing capacity of an SUV before you pay to take it out of the casa.
An SUV on an unforgiving terrain is usually a rough ride, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to experience comfort, travel with style, and have more tenacity on and off the road, go for a luxury SUV. Get your seat belts ready ‘coz you’re in for a ride.
1. Bentley Bentayga
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The luxury SUV that stands out above them all. The Bentley Bentayga will catch your eye with its shining chrome grilles and elliptical headlamps with crystal-cut-effect headlights. This SUV is a display of the company’s modern design and revered craftsmanship that garners a commanding presence on the road and highlights the classic dynamic stance of a Bentley.
Although it’s quite heavy at 3.2 tonnes, the Bentayga’s acceleration remains unfazed – 0 to 60mph in 3.9 seconds. The Bentley Dynamic Ride feature makes its 22-inch wheels easy to maneuver on any terrain despite its massive size. Hopping in, the Mulliner trim on the Bentayga’s interior screams luxury.
If you can afford the first edition of the V8 hybrid, you have the option to embroid either “First Edition” or the Bentley Wings onto the seats. I don’t know about you, but the last one gives me a sitting-on-a-throne vibe.
2. Mercedes Benz-AMG G63
Mercedes has already established itself as the epitome of luxury, and the brand drips of wealth and superior quality. If you’re on the hunt for an SUV that exudes confidence, premium quality, and individualization, then zero in on the Mercedes Benz-AMG G63.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine, there is no such thing as harsh terrain for the G63. It can conquer inclines and lateral slopes with relative ease, showcasing its extraordinary off-road aptitude.
Plus, with the ECO Start/Stop system, you can save fuel consumption and reduce emissions. With its five-passenger seating capacity, the AMG G63 does not skimp on legroom and cargo space.
You get to experience the exquisitely modern cabin made mostly of Nappa leather. Sit and rest comfortably even when this vehicle flies at 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Let the G63 give you the power to stay ahead.
3. Rolls-Royce Cullinan
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Because Rolls-Royce is fully aware luxury adds weight to any car, they introduced an innovation in 2018 – the aluminum space-frame. This space frame is what makes the Rolls-Royce Cullinan lighter and stronger than other luxury SUVs on the market.
Although this midsize SUV only has a standard five-seating capacity, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan provides ultimate comfort to passengers thanks to its unique three-box layout. This configuration separates the spaces for the driver, the passenger seat, the cabin, and the luggage compartment. Since noise and vibrations are included in the off-roading package, this SUV from Rolls-Royce made it a point to have these subdued, if not completely abated.
As their first all-terrain SUV, Rolls-Royce puts a premium on the Cullinan’s effortless steering while driving off-road. Air suspension and active sway bars are offered as add-ons to other luxury SUVs, but with the Cullinan, these are non-negotiable features.
4. Audi Q7
Although SUVs are made for individuals with a dynamic lifestyle, the Audi Q7 pays attention to the adventurous family man. The beefy parts of the Q7, such as the Audi Quattro all-wheel drive and the turbocharged V6 engine, provide you with more muscle when it comes to towing.
A midsize luxury SUV with three-rows, Q7 gives a refined driving experience using its car connectivity and driver assistance features. This SUV has accurate steering and restrained levels of body lean which makes turning the wheel left or right less nerve-wracking, especially on unforgiving mountain trails.
You don’t need to worry about your passenger’s comfort since the Q7 filters most of the bumps very well. Boasting the trademark Audi exterior aesthetics, you also get the MMI infotainment system and the Bang and Olufsen 3D advanced sound system for your passenger’s enjoyment. If you want more cargo space, the Audi Q7 is the SUV with a last row that completely folds in half.
5. Lincoln Navigator
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The Lincoln Navigator is a large luxury SUV fit for someone who doesn’t like to be subtle. With a body made of acres of chrome, this is the second biggest SUV on this list, next to the Cadillac Escalade.
Powered by a turbocharged V6 engine and delivering 450 horsepower, the Navigator has easy-to-use technology embedded in the posh, comfortable interior. It can seat up to seven passengers – eight if you take the second-row bench seat.
There’s so much legroom, and all the seats can recline, freeing up the back for all sorts of outdoor equipment. The Lincoln Navigator also offers more cargo space compared to most of its competitors.
This SUV is both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, which makes off-road driving in crazy weather still possible. You’ll never feel underpowered on the highway because the Navigator’s gas mileage and acceleration stand on par with most performance SUVs in this range. This luxury SUV lets you travel heavily with ease.
6. BMW X7
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The BMW X7 appears massive with an imposing 71.1-inch height, standing almost 6 feet tall. However, it’s surprisingly light and agile on the road. You’ll get adrenaline from revving this big boy, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
For the luxurious treatment, just grab the steering wheel and let this SUV figure out the rest for you with its smart, efficient driver’s assistance feature.
Pampering for both the driver and the passengers is the top priority in this vehicle. As if the cabin doesn’t give enough room for the passengers, the BMW X7 has a panoramic sunroof that makes the interior feel even more spacious than it already is. Six to seven passengers can sit on the luxurious seats while enjoying the straight-forward infotainment system on the appropriately sized 12.3-inch touchscreens.
Another big plus, the X7’s five-zone automatic climate system heats the steering wheel, armrests, and rear seats, letting you and your passengers ride comfortably in the cold.
7. Porsche Cayenne
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If you’re a fan of sports cars but want to have the features of an SUV plus a hint of luxury, the Porsche Cayenne is your top pick. The Cayenne can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and has a torque of 450 lb-ft.
Set on default for road performance, the Cayenne also rides easily on gravel, mud, sand, and rocks. The SUV stays quiet despite the terrain, keeping your passengers comfortable throughout the trip.
The exterior displays the iconic Porsche design – clean and classy. Inside, the motorsport atmosphere is undeniable thanks to the high-quality interiors and technology panels. If you’re out at night to impress, the 3D light design featuring the Porsche logo at night will help you out. And let’s not forget the Bose and Burmester speakers for a premium listening experience. Listening to Willie Nelson’s “On The Road Again” will be the same again.
8. Land Rover Range Rover
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As Land Rover’s flagship, the Range Rover redefined SUVs as a fashionable choice for outdoor yet classy people with bucket loads of cash. Like a standard SUV, the Range Rover offers a five-seating capacity with enough legroom and space for a comfortable ride. Going above and beyond, the rear seats have increased recline and deeper cushions.
One of this SUV’s innovative features is the pixel-laser LED headlights that command attention on the road. You can tell the exterior and interior designs are refined but classy, suitable for a first-class travel experience. Putting a premium on functionality, the SUV’s infotainment remains hidden in the panels until the driver or passengers decide to use them.
Probably one of the few SUVs with a fanatic following, the Land Rover Range Rover is the definition of a full-sized luxury SUV. This all-wheel drive is for city slickers who like to take over dirt roads and combat adverse weather conditions on their weekends off.
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Remarkably refined, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever, and for a good reason. Because of its power options, refined cabin, safety features, UConnect infotainment system, and off-road capabilities, the Cherokee has become the most decorated SUV on the market. It’s the first Jeep to have three rows of seating to allow more passengers to join the trip.
This mid-range SUV can tow a trailer weighing 7,200 pounds and features trailer sway control and a rear backup camera with a trailer view for safety purposes.
Furthermore, you can choose from five engine options starting with a 3.6L V6 (295 horsepower) to a 6.4L V8 (475 horsepower), depending on your preferences. Its iconic design exudes rugged elegance and features the trademark Jeep-brand design cues.
The cabin provides a luxurious feel with its top-of-the-line technology embedded in the high-quality leather upholstery of the interior. Finally, Jeep offers worry-free maintenance benefits if you buy the 2021 model, so there’s no better time to purchase one.
10. Cadillac Escalade
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A full-size luxury SUV might be daunting for some, but if size doesn’t phase you, the Cadillac Escalade is easily one of the best choices of SUV out there.
Living up to the Escalade in name, this SUV can scale off roads with ease with style and its horsepower of 420. Its 6.2L V8 engine delivers 460 lb-ft of torque with premium gasoline. You can also opt for the available Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel. This, on top of its magnetic ride control, air ride adaptive suspension, electronic limited-slip differential, and independent rear suspension, helps drivers have more confidence and command of their vehicle on the road.
One of the most striking features of the Escalade is its automatic seat belt-tightening, indicative of safety as the top priority in this big vehicle. The roomiest SUV on this list, the Cadillac can accommodate eight people without compromising the legroom and overall entertainment features.
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