EV Directory > Off-Road Capable SUVs & PUTs
Off-Road Electric SUVs & Trucks
Street-legal off-road-capable electric vehicles combine battery-electric drivetrains with rugged chassis systems designed for trails, overlanding, and extreme terrain. This category includes both electric SUVs and electric pickup trucks equipped with AWD or 4WD systems, elevated ground clearance, reinforced underbody protection, and specialized off-road drive modes. Unlike standard AWD crossovers, off-road-capable BEVs are engineered to operate in low-traction environments such as mud, sand, rock, and snow while maintaining torque control, durability, and thermal stability. This page highlights electric SUVs and pickups that meet true off-road capability criteria, spanning trail-ready adventure vehicles through extreme-duty platforms designed for demanding environments.
These are street-legal electric SUVs and pickup trucks designed for both on-road driving and off-road terrain. Non-street-legal vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes are listed separately.
Electric Off-Road-Capable SUVs & Pickups
| Brand Model | Body Style |
|---|---|
| GMC Hummer EV Pickup | pickup |
| GMC Hummer EV SUV | SUV |
| GMC Sierra EV | pickup |
| Jeep Recon | SUV |
| Jeep Wrangler EV | SUV |
| Land Rover Defender Electric | SUV |
| Land Rover Discovery EV | SUV |
| Land Rover Range Rover Electric | SUV |
| M-Hero 917 | SUV |
| Mercedes-Benz EQG | SUV |
| Munro M170 | pickup |
| Munro M280 | pickup |
| Radar RD6 | pickup |
| Rivian R1S | SUV |
| Rivian R1T | pickup |
| Scout Terra | pickup |
| Scout Traveler | SUV |
| Tesla Cybertruck | pickup |
Extreme Off-Road
Designed for rock crawling, deep ruts, and severe terrain.
True Off-Road
Capable of sustained trail use with locking differentials or torque vectoring.
Trail-Capable
Suitable for light trails, dirt roads, and overland travel.
Key Off-Road Specs
| Spec | Definition | Importance for EVs |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | Distance between the chassis and the ground, usually 10-16 inches on off-road EVs. | Higher clearance prevents underbody battery pack damage on trails. |
| Approach / Departure Angles | Steepness of inclines a vehicle can climb or descend without scraping bumpers. | Critical for trail and rock-crawling applications. |
| Water Fording Depth | Maximum safe water depth a vehicle can traverse without damage. | EVs can excel here since sealed drivetrains resist water ingress, but batteries require protection. |
| Off-Road Drive Modes | Selectable modes optimizing torque distribution, traction control, and regen for loose terrain. | Software-defined powertrain control is a key advantage of EVs over ICE 4x4s. |
| Battery Protection | Skid plates, armor, and reinforced underbody shielding. | Essential to protect the EV’s most valuable component from rocks and impacts. |
Drivetrain & Suspension Tech
| Technology | Definition | Off-Road Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| AWD (All-Wheel Drive) | Dual- or quad-motor setups delivering power to all wheels simultaneously. | Baseline traction on sand, mud, snow, and trails; replaces ICE 4x4 transfer cases. |
| IWD (Independent Wheel Drive) | Each wheel can be driven by its own motor, with no need for mechanical differentials. | Allows precise torque delivery for crawling, climbing, or uneven terrain where wheels slip independently. |
| Torque Vectoring | Software dynamically sends torque to wheels with the most grip. | Maximizes traction in mixed conditions; improves trail handling and stability on loose surfaces. |
| 4WS (Four-Wheel Steering) | Rear wheels steer along with the fronts — opposite at low speed, same at higher speeds. | Reduces turning radius on tight trails; improves high-speed stability. Featured on GMC Hummer EV. |
| CrabWalk / Diagonal Drive | Mode where all four wheels steer in the same direction at low speed. | Lets EVs move diagonally to sidestep rocks, obstacles, or ruts — unique to electric 4WS systems. |
| Adaptive Suspension | Electronically adjustable suspension that changes ride height or stiffness in real time. | Allows higher clearance for off-road, lower stance for highway efficiency. Rivian R1T/R1S, Hummer EV. |
| Active Suspension | Uses actuators to counter roll, squat, or dive during driving. | Improves stability on uneven terrain; delivers a smoother ride on rough trails. |
| Predictive Suspension | Sensors or cameras scan the road ahead and pre-adjust suspension settings. | Still emerging in EVs; enhances comfort and control on rocky or unpredictable off-road paths. |
