Over the decades, Toyota has made some of the most capable off-roaders the world has ever seen. The reliability, durability, and capability of these vehicles mean that they are the most common site in remote areas, work sites, and even battle fronts. That has not always been the case, though. When Toyota four-wheel drive vehicles came to the North American shores in the '70s and '80s and were taken into the backcountry, they were primarily met by the likes of the Ford Bronco, the Chevrolet Blazer, and the Jeep Wrangler. It didn't take long for die-hard off-road enthusiasts to realize how competent Toyota's were, so they soon became one of the premium vehicles to chop and modify to fit each specific off-roading need.

The history of Toyota four-wheel drive vehicles may not be as high-profile as Jeep, but nonetheless, it marked a milestone in off-road history for the company and for the Toyota faithful around the world. But unfortunately, like many brands have, Toyota has made their new lineup of 4x4s softer than they used to be. However, this doesn't mean that they cannot be used for off-roading. At the end of the day, Toyota is still near the top of reliability surveys. That is a big achievement. Here are the 10 most capable Toyota off-roaders ever made.

Updated on August 23, 2023: Off-roading is one of the most important aspects of any four-wheel drive vehicle. To ensure that you have the most up-to-date information, we have decided to update and refresh this piece. That, in turn, keeps you informed with new data while preventing this list from being lost in the shuffle.

10 Toyota FJ Cruiser Is A Retired Modern Day Off-Road SUV

The FJ Cruiser is an all-time favorite. It combined retro looks with modern-day comforts. It was also based on the Land Cruiser Prado; however, its shorter wheelbase and overhangs meant it was extremely capable. In fact, it is one of the most capable Toyota's of recent times – even more capable than the 4Runner. Off-road systems included A-Track, Crawl-Control, and a rear locker. Like many others on this list, its front suspension was independent, so it wasn't as capable as the older machines. Prices for these vehicles are high, and you can see why. It is a unique, reliable, and usable Toyota!

Specs and Features

Throughout the years, if you take a peek at the Consumer Reports site, you can see that the only complaints listed against the Toyota FJ Cruiser when it comes to reliability deal with the clutch and transmission. Mainly, the problem areas are the clutch and flywheel, which could very well be attributed to how people use the clutch. Of course, the problem could also be in the construction of the parts. Still, either way, Toyota owners are happy with everything else. Over eighty percent would purchase again, so it is safe to say that the FJ Cruiser is a good rig to have parked in the driveway.

9 Toyota 76 Series Land Cruiser Is An Outback Adventuring Master

The 76 Series Land Cruiser is a model variant only sold in limited parts of the world, like Australia. Australia receives the 76 due to its harsh terrain and mining industry. It is one of the nation's most loved trucks. The 76 Land Cruiser is unlike any other SUV on the current market. The front end is a coil-sprung solid axle, and the rear is a leaf-sprung solid axle. This means that it has a great payload capacity while also being extremely durable. The higher-spec models also come with two differential lockers. While it isn't as capable as the 80 Series because it has less suspension travel and is narrower, it can easily be considered one of the most capable off-roaders the brand has ever made.

Specs and Features

The Toyota 76 Land Cruiser is what most people would call a dinosaur. It is so basic that putting any high-tech gadgets into the SUV (station wagon, as it is called in Australia) would likely be a waste of time if you use the rig for what it was designed for. That is, for driving in the roughest areas of the outback. And since it is old-school, the 76 Land Cruiser is as reliable of a Toyota as they come. If it does happen to break down, the engine is a basic V-8 that anyone with some wrenching knowledge can work on, so even though no technology may seem like a bad thing, when pounding through the brush and bouncing along backroads, no technology means fewer breakdowns and better reliability.

Related: The 105 Series is a Unique Land Cruiser Most People Don’t Know About

8 Toyota Tacoma Is A Leading Off-Road Mid-Size Truck

The Tacoma and 4Runner go hand in hand. If you want an SUV, you go for the 4Runner; if you want the same product in a 'truck skin,' you go for the Tacoma. The Tacoma isn't as capable as the 4Runner due to the longer wheelbase, longer rear overhang, and leaf-sprung rear suspension. However, it is still a very capable vehicle. Just like the 4Runner, it offers a rear diff lock and the same traction control systems. It is also sold in a TRD Pro variant with the same off-road-worthy upgrades. Granted, both models are old and dated, but they offer a proven platform that will, without a doubt, be capable and comfortable.

Specs and Features

Up until 2017, owners of the Toyota Tacoma found the truck to be at the top of its game. After that, the off-road pickup still kept a steady reliability rating of four out of five stars, but it had some reoccurring issues, such as problems with the brakes prematurely wearing out. Then again, if you go off the beaten path more than the average person, you can expect to go through some brake pads because of those steep embankments that you just have to try to go up and down.

7 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Is A More Modern Outback Choice

The Land Cruiser Prado is the smaller brother to the actual Land Cruiser. It shares a similar suspension design in the rear but uses independent suspension up front. In fact, the 90 Series Land Cruiser, which was sold alongside the 80 Series, was the first Land Cruiser to feature a more road-biased front end. Since the 90 Series, every Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado produced had switched to independent suspension. These vehicles – both new and old, are capable off-road as they feature a rear diff locker, with the more recent models also incorporating traction control.

Specs and Features

The Toyota Prado is another model that is not seen in the States, being more focused for the Australian and African bush. It is an extremely well-built SUV that is designed to take on the most challenging backcountry, just like the Toyota 76 Series, but this model has a more modern and luxurious interior. It includes Toyota Safety Sense, which may not help a ton in the mud and muck, but it will be a blessing in the city.

Related: Why The Hummer H1 Has Attained 'Legendary' Status

6 Toyota 4Runner Is An Off-Road SUV Built For Everyone

The Toyota 4Runner is one of America's favorite vehicles. It features reliability and capability in a package that can also be very useful for a family. From the third generation onwards, the 4Runner was based on a nearly identical platform to the Prado. So, it too, offered a rear locker, independent front suspension, and clever traction control systems like A-track and Crawl-Control. Unlike the Prado, the 4Runner's body is a bit more off-road biased with shorter overhangs. The TRD Pro models further increase abilities by adding a suspension lift, better tires, and undercarriage protection. If you want a reliable and usable off-roader, the 4Runner is the truck to get.

Specs and Features

Speaking of reliability, the Toyota 4Runner has received a five out of five star rating from Consumer Reports for the past few years, which means from current and past truck owners. The only complaints people have logged against the SUV are the paint and trim falling off before they should. That means you may be driving around with a unique rig missing a small blotch of paint, but a vehicle still running strong.

5 Toyota Tundra May Be The Top Off-Road Truck Of The Future

As you may know, the Tundra is the Tacoma's larger brother. It has been recently updated with a new engine and platform. That new platform is very similar to the 300 Series Land Cruiser, featuring a coil-sprung rear and an independent front. The TRD Pro variants of the model have front and rear lockers and great traction systems. This truck's only letdown in off-roading is the considerable size, long wheelbase, and small tires (compared to the truck's size). These issues mean that the Tundra will have difficulty squeezing through the tighter trails and will also lack clearance.

Specs and Features

On a much more positive note, owners have very little bad to say about the Toyota Tundra. In fact, many are looking ahead to the near future, thinking that this truck will be the one to finally take the number one spot away from the Ford F-150. According to other owners, The only issues you may have had with the Tundra would be premature brake wear and problems with the body hardware not holding up to everyday use.

Related: Why The 80 Series Land Cruiser Is The Best 4x4 Ever Made

4 Toyota 60 Series Land Cruiser Is A Solid-Built Off-Roader

The 60 Series Land Cruiser is the predecessor to the 80 series. It was the model that took the first step towards a new Land Cruiser design which resembled more of a wagon rather than a Jeep-like 4x4. The interior was more spacious and comfortable than ever, and the engines available offered decent power and insane reliability. Underneath, the 60 featured two leaf-sprung solid axles. This meant that ride quality wasn't great, and wheel articulation was left lacking. However, the 60 Series can easily be considered one of the toughest vehicles Toyota has ever built and therefore, one of the toughest vehicles in the world.

Specs and Features

Since the Toyota 60 Series Land Cruiser stopped production in 1990, it is too much of a classic for Consumer Reports to review. If you search online, you can quickly see that even though the 60 Series may be old by today's standards, it is a reliable SUV that can easily last 200,000 miles or more. The only real issues people discussed are ones that you would expect from an older rig, such as gaskets and valves needing to be replaced and basic maintenance required.

3 Toyota Hilux Is The All-Around Off-Roading Choice

No such list would be complete without one of the most legendary and famous vehicles ever – the Hilux. The older variant used a very similar platform to the 60 series, based on leaf-sprung solid axles. Diff lockers weren't offered, and the Hilux was and still is a part-time 4x4. The current models are more capable off-road than the older stock-form model. However, once you modify them, the older Hilux models enter a class of their own. The lightweight, combined with the strong drivetrain, is very hard to beat.

Specs and Features

The Toyota Tacoma has already been discussed, so there is no point in getting into how reliable the Toyota Hilux is. As you know, the Tacoma took over the lineup for the Hilux in North American markets, so you know that the more classic truck is just that, an older version of one of the best pickups on the market. The best thing about the older Hilux is that it can be modified in so many different ways that if you can come up with a specific need, the Toyota can be modified to fit the bill.

Related: The Toyota Tundra Trailhunter Is A Factory-Modified Adventure Vehicle!

2 Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser Is A True Adventure SUV

It is safe to say that the 80 Series Land Cruiser is the most capable four-wheel-drive the brand has ever made. It has all the ingredients that make an off-roader great, from coil-sprung solid axles to three differential lockers. It also features a powerful and extremely reliable engine that can be trusted in the harshest environments. Also, customers got eight seats on the inside that could be folded or removed. This provides the ability to carry lots of people or ample space for storage solutions and adventure gear. It is safe to say that if an 80 series Land Cruiser can't get there, then "there" isn't meant to be reached.

Specs and Features

As with most of the older classic Toyota models, the 80 Series Land Cruiser was a tough and dependable truck as long as the routine maintenance was dealt with on time. By routine, that means not only tune-ups and oil changes but also greasing the fittings and bearings, checking the torque of the bolts and nuts, and fixing leaks before they become a problem. If you have a turbo diesel, once it starts giving you problems, yank it out and replace it because it is a known issue. You may even be able to get some help through your local Toyota dealership since it is such a common problem.

1 Toyota Mega Cruiser Is A Toyota Version Of The Hummer

We left the Mega Cruiser for last just because of how special it is. This is by no means the least capable of the 10. In fact, the opposite is true. The Mega Cruiser is a weird and quirky Toyota built for the Japanese army. As you can see, it looks very similar to the Humvee. It was powered by a 4.1-liter four-cylinder engine, which made 152 horsepower. So, it was by no means quick. Underneath, it featured independent suspension both front and rear; however, this vehicle sits on portal axles for maximum ground clearance. Exactly like the Humvee did. It is one of the most capable and weirdest Toyotas ever made.

Specs and Features

The reliability of the Toyota Mega Cruiser is as good as the maintenance and routine repairs completed on it, but it has a very unique aspect that needs to be discussed: the steering. If you have ever been out driving on backroads and come to the end of a road with very little room to turn around, you know how complicated the task can be. The Mega Cruiser was designed with a four-wheel steering system that gives the vehicle a turning radius of a mere 18.4 feet circle, making even the smallest space a breeze to turn around in.