10 Best Cars & SUVs for Bad Roads (Bumpy Gravel & Potholed)

Driving on bad roads wears everyone and everything out. The driver must be extremely attentive and on the lookout to avoid falling into potholes, which is not only exhausting but also potentially hazardous.

If you’re looking for alternatives to driving on bad roads, one option is to get a car that can handle the conditions.

A vehicle with solid suspension and plenty of ground clearance is ideal. The car will be more steady when driving over bumpy roads or stumbling into potholes if it has a decent suspension. The high ground clearance will also be helpful while driving over roads with lots of potholes simultaneously.

Here are 10 cars and SUVs that are perfect for bad roads.

Jeep Wrangler

Black Jeep Wrangler On Rock Road

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular off-road vehicles on the market. It’s equipped with a powerful engine and four-wheel drive, which makes it perfect for tackling tough terrain.

The Jeep Wrangler also has a great suspension system that smooths out bumps and potholes. The performance of a Jeep Wrangler on bad roads is awe-inspiring.

The vehicle can handle all terrain, including sand, mud, and rocks. The suspension performance is excellent, and the ground clearance is more than adequate.

When it comes to durability, the Jeep Wrangler is hard to beat. The vehicle is built tough and can handle a lot of abuse. It’s not uncommon for Jeep Wranglers to last for many years with little to no maintenance. The Jeep Wrangler is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a vehicle that can handle bad roads.

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner on the Bad Roads

Another great vehicle for challenging terrain is Toyota 4Runner. It’s an excellent car for bad roads because it has great suspension and can handle any terrain. Be it deserts, beaches, rocky hills, or even floods.

It’s also a very reliable car, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down on you.

The car features a V6 engine with 270 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Its suspension is designed to give you a smooth ride, even on the roughest roads.

If you need to take it off-road, the 4Runner has plenty of ground clearance and can handle any terrain you throw at it. It’s an excellent car for anyone who needs a reliable and capable SUV.

Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Palisade Pictures

The next vehicle on our list of the best cars and SUVs for bad roads is the Hyundai Palisade. This vehicle is equipped with an Active Cornering Control AWD system that helps it handle well in poor road conditions. It also has a comfortable ride thanks to its independent multi-link suspension system.

Other features that make the Hyundai Palisade an excellent choice for bad roads include its 8-speed automatic transmission and V6 engine, which provides plenty of power.

This SUV is also well-built and reliable, making it an excellent choice for those needing a dependable vehicle.

Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer Off-road reliability

The Ford Explorer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and durable SUV that can handle bad roads.

The Explorer has a strong suspension that can take a beating, and the vehicle is also very reliable. It’s one of the best choices for anyone who needs an SUV that can handle bad roads.

With features like all-wheel drive and a V6 engine, the Explorer can take on any terrain.

The SUV also has a spacious interior that can seat up to seven passengers, making it an excellent option for families or groups. Another reason to consider the Explorer is its excellent safety rating; the SUV has earned a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

You can’t go wrong with the Ford Explorer if you’re looking for an SUV that can handle bad roads.

Kia Telluride

New Kia Telluride Pictures

The Kia Telluride is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable and durable SUV that can handle bad roads.

The Telluride is equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Kia Telluride has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and can seat up to eight passengers. It has various standard features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and heated and ventilated front seats.

The Kia Telluride is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable and durable SUV that can handle bad roads.

Nissan Murano

Blue Nissan Murano Drive

The Murano is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gives it plenty of power to climb hills and maneuver around tight turns. It also comes with a comfortable ride, thanks to its independent suspension.

The Murano is reliable, thanks to its well-built platform and quality materials. Its suspension is also very durable, enabling it to handle the worst of roads without issue.

Another great feature of the Murano is its all-wheel drive system. This helps to give it excellent traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. It also comes with various driver assists, such as lane departure warnings and blind spot monitoring.

These features help make the Murano an excellent choice for a safe and reliable SUV.

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid on Hilly Roads

When choosing a car that can handle bad roads, the Hyundai Tucson is a great option. This vehicle is known for its reliable suspension system and rough terrain handling.

Additionally, the Tucson is also a very durable car, making it an excellent choice for those who need a vehicle that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle bad roads, the Hyundai Tucson is a great option.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Pictures

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice for those who frequently drive on less-than-ideal roads.

This SUV is known for its superb suspension system, which ensures a smooth ride even over the roughest terrain. Additionally, the Grand Cherokee is highly durable and reliable, making it an excellent option for those needing a vehicle that can handle anything the road throws.

The only downside to the Grand Cherokee is its relatively high price tag; however, if you frequently drive on bad roads, this SUV is definitely worth the investment.

Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry Pictures

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular vehicles on the market, and for a good reason. It’s reliable, efficient, and affordable.

But what about its performance on bad roads? The Camry has a reliable suspension system that can handle rough roads without too much trouble.

Additionally, the Camry is known for its durability, meaning it can withstand the rigors of bad roads better than most other vehicles.

Another feature that makes the Camry a good choice for bad roads is its fuel efficiency. The Camry is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, meaning you won’t have to worry about filling up too often when driving on rough roads.

Ford F-150

Ford F-150 Pickup Truck

The final track on our list is the Ford F-150. The F-150 has always been a reliable truck, which doesn’t change when the roads get bad.

This truck is built to last, with a durable body and suspension that can handle anything you throw at it.

The F-150 is also equipped with some of the best off-road tires on the market, making it an excellent choice for those who need to tackle challenging terrain. When it comes to bad roads, the F-150 is a truck that you can depend on.

Final Words

Traveling upcountry or even off the beaten path can be a great adventure. But it’s essential to ensure you’re prepared for the journey ahead.

Choosing a vehicle that can handle bad roads is integral to providing a safe and enjoyable trip. The cars on our list are all excellent choices for those who frequently drive on less-than-ideal roads.

So, whether you’re looking for an SUV that can handle the roughest terrain or a sedan that’s fuel-efficient and reliable, one of these vehicles is sure to be a perfect choice.