The Best Off-Road Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are no longer confined to city streets and bustling freeways. As EV technology improves, the use cases for these efficient rigs expand to include towing, hauling, and even off-roading. What once seemed like a contradiction—quiet, battery-powered rigs humming down tricky trails—has quickly become reality. 

EVs are gaining traction off the beaten path in recent years, with the release of torquey, off-road-themed platforms like the Ford Mach-E Rally and the GMC Hummer EV. With the instant power delivery of electric motors, locking electric differentials, and flexible four-wheel independent suspension on most applications, today’s electric off-roaders are proving they’re just as competent as gas-powered rigs. 

While some challenges persist, like range woes in remote environments and cold-weather battery performance, EVs still offer unique characteristics that make them surprisingly capable on the trail. Read on to learn more about the auto industry’s most capable electric vehicles.

Not all electric vehicles are suited for trail use—can you imagine seeing a Tesla Model 3 running the Baja 1000, or a Hyundai Ioniq 5 attempting to conquer Rubicon? True off-road capabilities come from a combination of hardware, software, and intuitive engineering. 

Many off-road-capable EVs are all about torque and effectively putting it to the ground. Those with dual-, tri-, or even quad-motor setups enable precise torque distribution to all four wheels independently, outperforming traditional lockers in certain conditions. On uneven or slippery terrain, the added torque and independent delivery can significantly enhance traction. 

Just as vital as traction are suspension travel and articulation. Off-road EVs typically benefit from independent front and rear suspension, with considerable travel, active dampers, and air suspension systems that adjust ride height at the press of a button. More articulation helps keep the tires firmly planted on the ground while navigating rocks, ruts, and other uneven terrain. 

Independent front and rear suspension, paired with adjustable ride height, can offer significant ground clearance on an EV. These factors can determine how well a vehicle clears obstacles without scraping bumpers or undercarriage, reducing the risk of body damage or getting hung up on the trail. 

While not exclusive to electric vehicles, wheels and tires can directly inform how well a vehicle performs off-road. Aggressive oversized tires with robust sidewalls and lightweight, durable wheels are the perfect combination for traction, looks, and overall performance on and off the trail.

Some unique concerns of EV drivers are battery protection and thermal management. Whereas most vehicles with internal combustion engines can benefit from undercarriage protection, EVs require it when going off-road. Battery damage and overheating can occur without appropriate cooling systems and reinforced battery enclosures—an off-road-ready EV needs both. 

Off-roading consumes loads of energy, and you won’t find an EV charger in the middle of the forest. To avoid running out of juice on the trail, an off-road-ready EV needs sufficient range and mindful driving to ensure it has enough power to get back to the road. And while seemingly counterintuitive, bringing along a gas-powered generator isn’t a bad way to prepare for an emergency recharge.   

Lastly, an off-road-ready EV needs to be tough. Durable body structures, rigid frames, sealed electronics, and underbody armor are musts to keep an EV operating effectively in the dirt. 

Off-roading an EV, like any platform, has its advantages and disadvantages. 

One key advantage is the electric motor's instant torque delivery, enabling excellent low-speed control when crawling and traversing technical terrain. Another is the quiet operation of an EV, which allows drivers to better hear spotters' directions and listen for mechanical failures. 

Speaking of mechanical issues, EVs feature fewer mechanical parts than internal combustion vehicles. Fewer moving parts equals fewer failure points, making electric vehicles a solid option from a reliability standpoint. Most EVs also feature advanced traction systems and innovative software, enabling them to react faster than traditional mechanical systems. 

All these benefits don’t come without trade-offs. EVs are heavy, featuring massive battery packs that can significantly impact handling—especially on soft, loose terrain. Range anxiety is another concern, especially in remote regions where charging infrastructure is limited. Recovering an electric vehicle with a dead battery from the middle of nowhere isn’t an easy—or cheap—task. 

Yet another concern is water intrusion, which can wreak havoc on electrical components. While well-sealed from the factory, full submersions or damaged battery housings can introduce water to the battery packs, leading to serious issues. 

EVs excel in some areas and require compromise in others, like any platform. If you’re considering wheeling in an EV, make sure to plan thoroughly before embarking on your next adventure. 

As manufacturers continue investing in research and development of electric platforms, several modern EVs are beginning to stand out for their impressive off-road capabilities and trail-focused tech. While these vehicles vary in size and design, they all demonstrate how electric powertrains can work well in demanding outdoor environments. 

Check out the comparison table for a quick overview of each vehicle. 

The Rivian R1T is one of the most purpose-built off-road electric vehicles currently available. Designed from the ground up as an adventure truck, it features a quad-motor drivetrain that delivers precise torque to each wheel. Adjustable air suspension provides ample ground clearance, while reinforced underbody protection helps safeguard critical components. The R1T’s software-driven drive modes and rugged construction make it a strong performer on technical trails.

Sharing much of its architecture with the R1T, the Rivian R1S offers similar off-road capability in an SUV form. With the same quad-motor system, adjustable suspension, and off-road-focused drive modes, the R1S is well-suited for overlanding and trail use. Its enclosed cargo area also appeals to adventurers who prioritize gear protection and passenger space.

The Mach-E Rally represents a more crossover-focused approach to off-road EVs. While not intended for extreme rock crawling, it brings rally-inspired suspension tuning, all-wheel drive, and increased ground clearance compared to standard Mach-E models. It’s best suited for dirt roads, light trails, and snow-covered terrain rather than hardcore off-roading.

The F-150 Lightning blends familiar truck capability with electric power. Its strong torque output, available four-wheel drive, and robust chassis give it solid off-road potential, particularly for mild to moderate trails. While its size and weight limit capabilities in extreme terrain, the Lightning’s versatility makes it appealing for drivers who want both trail capability and everyday usability.

The GMC Hummer EV is one of the most extreme off-road EVs on the market. With features like four-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, and a powerful multi-motor setup, it’s engineered for serious trail performance. Its advanced off-road tech and rugged design push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can do off-road, though its size and weight require careful trail selection.

Though the current lineup doesn’t look too shabby, the next generation of off-road-ready EVs is already on the horizon. As manufacturers refine battery technology and off-road-ready electric platforms, future models are expected to further close the gap between electric and traditional wheelers. 

The Jeep Recon is positioned as a fully electric SUV built with Jeep’s off-road heritage in mind. Designed to offer trail-rated capability, removable doors, and rugged styling, the Recon aims to translate Jeep’s off-road DNA into the electric era.

The Sierra EV AT4 is expected to bring GMC’s off-road-focused AT4 treatment to an electric pickup platform. With added ground clearance, off-road suspension tuning, and durable exterior features, it’s designed for drivers who want electric power without sacrificing trail capability.

Chevrolet’s Trail Boss trim has long been associated with off-road readiness, and its electric counterpart is expected to continue that tradition. The Silverado EV Trail Boss is anticipated to feature off-road suspension upgrades, aggressive tires, and enhanced protection for trail use.

A: Yes. Many modern EVs are engineered with advanced drivetrains, suspension systems, and protection that make them capable off-road vehicles.

A: Running out of charge can be more complicated than refueling a gas vehicle. Proper planning, conservative driving, and understanding your vehicle’s range are essential.

A: EVs offer advantages like instant torque and precise traction control, but gas vehicles still have benefits in range, refueling speed, and recovery simplicity.

A: In some cases, yes—but modifications must account for battery placement, suspension geometry, and manufacturer limitations.

A: Options include campground hookups, portable charging solutions, or charging before entering remote areas.

A: Weight is a consideration. While EVs are heavier, proper tire selection and responsible driving help mitigate impact on trails.

A: Off-road range is typically lower than highway range due to terrain and driving conditions. Expect significant variation depending on use.

A: Many EVs are well-sealed and capable of water crossings, but depth limits and manufacturer guidance should always be followed.