NEW BEST SUVS OFF-ROAD: TOP 16 MEDIUM SUVS COMPARED - SOME FAIL OUR TESTS!

EV Channels Review

This comprehensive comparison test evaluates 16 medium SUVs on their light off-road capabilities. The Subaru Forester, previously the segment leader, surprisingly falters in this iteration, particularly after its hybridization, suggesting a compromise in its off-road prowess. The Kia EV5 and Honda CR-V also struggled significantly, failing key tests. Conversely, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Mazda CX-5 (in off-road mode) demonstrated impressive performance, with the Tucson scoring full points and the CX-5 excelling on the hill climb thanks to its effective traction control and all-wheel-drive system. The Mazda CX-60 also showed strong capability, particularly in off-road mode, highlighting the importance of proper system tuning. Several vehicles, including the Jaecoo J7 and KGM Torres, failed basic rigidity and traction tests, casting doubt on their off-road marketing. The Nissan X-Trail e-Power and Mitsubishi Outlander showed mixed results, with the Outlander's performance significantly improving when the correct drive mode was selected. Overall, the test emphasizes that while many SUVs are marketed for off-road use, their actual capability varies greatly, with proper system tuning and traction control being critical factors.