Not all SUVs are equal in the Mongolian backcountry. We rank our off-road capable fleet by terrain, purpose, and what to pick for which route.

It's one of the most common questions we get: 'I want to drive into the countryside — which car should I take?' The answer depends entirely on where you're going and how far off the track you plan to venture.

For Serious Off-Road

The Jeep Wrangler is the clear choice for river crossings, boulder fields, and deep mud. Its Rock-Trac 4x4 system and short wheelbase give it technical capability no luxury SUV can match. The trade-off: it's noisier, less comfortable on long tarmac sections, and the manual gearbox requires attention at low speeds in soft ground.

If your route has a river crossing, take the Wrangler. If it's mostly gravel with occasional rough sections, the Escalade is more comfortable and still capable.