Off-Road Vehicles and Trends to Look Out for in 2021
Summertime is almost here, flowers blooming, sunshine, and fresh air – and that means it’s a great time to go off-roading! Take some time to explore new trails, nature, and feel the wind on your face.
Off-roading has become extremely popular, and automakers are embracing it now more than ever. Whether you’re a hobbyist or an experienced mudder, vehicle manufacturers offer a wide variety of capable off-road vehicles. No matter what you’re looking for, you have your pick of vehicles to meet your needs.
Let’s take a look at the most popular off-road vehicles for 2021.
1. Jeep Wrangler
Every Wrangler can go off-roading, but the Rubicon package has the most capability of all the Wrangler models. The original off-road vehicle boasts front & rear Dana 44 axles, all-terrain tires, rock rails, and steel bumpers. If you’re looking for the ultimate ride, this Wrangler is the way to go.
2. Ford Ranger Level 3 Off-Road Package
The highest performance level that Ford offers for the Ranger Off-Road packages, the Ranger Level 3 Off-Road is the most rugged. Combining the other two package’s features, it has a few extra touches. With Fox shocks, tow hooks, off-road tires, and a winch-capable front bumper, this off-road vehicle can take you anywhere you want to go.
3. Mercedes Benz G-Class
When you think of Mercedes Benz, you automatically think of celebrities, luxury, and a high price. Even though the price-point is higher than the Jeep or Ford, the G-Class offers a powerful V8 engine, a mode for altering powertrain, traction control, and stability control. If you are looking for luxury and adventure, the G-Class has the capability and style you want.
4. Ford Bronco Sport
Like the original Ford Bronco, the Sport is equipped with locking differentials for the front and rear, making it capable of driving all four wheels in any off-road conditions. An economical unibody crossover, the Bronco Sport is fitted with a true 4-Wheel drive, and you can opt for a locking rear differential. This means the Bronco Sport will be genuinely off-road, and in winter, a first for modern crossover.
5. Land Rover Range Rover
One of the most well-rounded vehicles available today, the Range Rover offers a high-class interior and impressive off-road capability. It’s not cheap, but you get a lot for your money. The Range Rover is the ruler of the mud, above the G-Class, Bentley Bentayga, and Rolls Royce Cullinan.
The Range Rover’s body is designed to maximize ground clearance and has short front and rear overhangs to make climbing obstacles easier. Its Terrain Response system sets various parameters for different terrain. You can also wade into water up to 35.4 inches deep. Land Rover offers a variety of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a supercharged V8.
Electric Off-Road Options On the Way
2021 might just be the year for a fully electric pickup. It’s still a toss-up if this truck will come from Ford, GM, Rivan, Tesla, or one of the other brands making a run for the electric pickup. Each has made wild claims of performance, but the front-runner so far is the Hummer EV by GM.
If you’re looking to go the electric route, it’s important to manage your expectations. While the electric truck looks pretty sexy, a lot of questions remain about practicality. Because this technology is still in its infancy, there’s no real data on how far you can go off-road on a single charge. The most common ways of handling rugged terrain, like airing down tires, may affect performance and battery drain. These first-generation electric trucks will likely serve to be a vanity vehicle rather than a capable off-road choice, but the results are yet to be seen.
Take Your Off-Roading to the Next Level
Whether you’re new to off-roading or an experienced mudder, Mach1 Motorsports has the knowledge to supply you with aftermarket parts and the latest diagnostics equipment. We are focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction, meeting and exceeding your expectations.
Customer service is job number one for us. We promise to be honest and not push you to purchase something you don’t need. We want you to tell your friends about us and come back whenever you need parts, service, or diagnostics.
We will keep your off-road vehicle running like new and ensure that it is repaired correctly so you never get stuck out on the trail. Contact us today to learn what we can do to help you get out on the trails, enjoying the fresh air and challenge of mudding, climbing, or just taking a trail ride.