The Best Used Off-Road Vehicles to Stock Your Dealership's Lot

The demand for off-road vehicles has increased in recent years as more drivers want outdoor adventures while also enjoying the comforts of modern technology¹. Stocking the best off-road vehicles helps you tap into this lucrative market and differentiate yourself from dealers who haven’t caught up yet.

Naturally not every customer that walks into your dealership may not know exactly what type of off-road vehicle they want. Some might be looking for an off-road vehicle for business while others are looking for a recreational weekend ride. Likely, they will have questions on the main off-road features like locking differentials and departure angles. We’ve outlined some of the key features that these customers look for, along with a few of the best off-road options to add to your lot. 

Understanding Off-Road Drivers

Understanding different customer segments allows you to customize your inventory to meet each off-road vehicle buyer’s individual needs.

The first is the outdoor professional: think about farmers, ranchers; construction workers; and people working in fields like forestry, wildlife management, or oil and gas. They’ll need the best off-road vehicles to get to remote areas. These vehicles are primarily for business, so they need to be reliable. Since these jobs often require a significant amount of driving over various terrains, comfort is also a priority. 

And then you have people who go off-roading for fun. These drivers might go dune bashing, rock crawling, or desert racing in their free time. Since these activities can put a car through its paces, buyers are looking for off-road vehicles that rise to the occasion. Comfort is still a major consideration because these cars often do double duty as a regular family vehicle.

Key Features Off-Road Vehicle Buyers Need to Consider

Under the Hood (and Undercarriage)

Off-road enthusiasts will often be specific about the type of four-wheel drive, such as part-time or full-time options, as these greatly affect navigation on rugged terrain. The same goes for their preferred locking differentials—front, rear, or both—which provide enhanced traction. 

Meanwhile, a low-range transfer case is a crucial drivetrain modification² that enhances maneuverability, allowing the vehicle to handle challenging obstacles without causing damage.  

Off-road drivers also prioritize ground clearance measurements, which impact how well a vehicle can handle rolling over large rocks, uneven landscapes, and debris without compromising the undercarriage. 

As a general rule, tell visitors to your lot to bypass ground clearance measurements of six inches or fewer, instead opting for measurements ranging from seven inches to 10 inches or greater³.

Safety and Off-Road Vehicle Technology

Safety is paramount in the best off-road vehicles, though their features differ from most other cars. Skid plates protect major components, such as the oil pan, transmission, and transfer case. At the same time, reinforced frames ensure structural integrity when navigating rough terrain, so vehicles withstand the stresses of off-road driving.

Additionally, modern off-road vehicles offer advanced safety features like terrain management systems. Hill descent control is often a core feature of terrain management systems, as it provides low-speed control—a must when navigating slick surfaces and other off-road conditions. Although rarely a core feature, off-road cruise control also matters, enabling drivers to keep vehicle speed in check so they can focus on steering.   

Specialized Components

Major off-road vehicles come equipped with all-terrain or mud-terrain tires designed specifically for off-pavement use. Many also have enhanced suspension travel to improve control and traction. Factory recovery points provide secure attachment locations for vehicle extraction when stuck, an essential safety feature for remote adventures.

These are likely different components than what your team is accustomed to, but understanding these key features helps your staff communicate effectively with knowledgeable off-road customers.

The Best Used Off-Road Vehicles to Stock in Your Dealership

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler remains the benchmark for dedicated off-road vehicles, combining capability with strong resale value, so it’s an excellent addition to your used inventory. It features Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4WD systems with 2.72:1 and 4:1 low-range ratios, plus up to 12.9 inches in clearance on the Rubicon trim. These Wranglers also offer front and rear locking differentials, removable doors and roof panels, and Trail Rated® certification in certain cases⁴. 

The Wrangler appeals to old-school off-road enthusiasts who value capability over comfort, though modern versions offer interior improvements without sacrificing trail performance. 

Toyota 4Runner

Unsurprisingly, Toyota brings an exceptional reliability record and strong resale value. Getting more specific, the 4Runner offers either part-time or full-time 4WD systems depending on trim level, plenty of ground clearance, and a 6,000-pound towing capacity. Other major features include Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control systems made to improve traction and braking in many different environments⁵.  

The 4Runner is for buyers who prioritize long-term reliability alongside genuine off-road experiences. To be more specific, the modern models (2017-present) offer the most off-road features, while earlier fifth-generation models (2010+) remain desirable for their proven durability.

Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco offers excellent capability with modern technology and design. It gives you up to 11.6 inches of clearance and can even ford water up to 33.5 inches deep. Meanwhile, Ford’s G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) provides terrain-specific calibrations. Depending on the customer’s preference, there are front and rear locking differentials, and removable doors and roof panels for open-air adventure. 

The Bronco appeals to adventure-minded individuals who still want genuine off-road capabilities without sacrificing style. 

Land Rover Defender

The reimagined Defender seeks to combine Land Rover’s off-road heritage with sophistication and luxury. While the Defender certainly has style, it’s still impressive under the hood, with multiple powertrain options with some hybrid assistance. Drivers never have to worry about the terrain with the Defender’s 11.5 inches of ground clearance and 35.4-inch water wading depth.

The modern technology is a considerable selling point, too. The Defender features a full-time intelligent all-wheel drive system and Terrain Response 2, which work together to increase safety and deliver a driving experience that buyers can further customize on their own. With all these bells and whistles, the Defender proves that premium features can be made for the adventurous high-end customer.

Subaru Outback Wilderness

The Outback Wilderness is a mid-size off-roader, but don’t let that fool your customers. It’s a powerful ride with a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower. It also comes with Subaru’s beloved Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system enhanced with X-MODE to increase stability and control, even in the trickiest driving situations⁶. 

The Outback Wilderness appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who want moderate off-road capability in a more fuel-efficient, comfortable daily drive.

Find Quality Used Off-Road Vehicle Inventory with ACV Auctions

Strategically stocking these in-demand off-road vehicles helps your dealership attract motivated buyers—but sourcing reliable models presents unique challenges due to their specialized features and wear and tear from driving over demanding terrain.

That’s where ACV Auctions comes in. We provide the perfect auction platform for sourcing used wholesale off-road vehicles nationwide, all backed by comprehensive condition reports. Our detailed inspection process ensures you can confidently understand the condition of the vehicle right from your phone or desktop.  Our vehicle inspectors provide all the details including tire measurements, aftermarket modifications, along with undercarriage views so you can bid with confidence. Sign up for ACV Auctions today to access our nationwide online auction for car dealers. 

Sources:

1. U.S. Off-Road Vehicles Market Size - By Vehicle, By Propulsion, By Application, Growth Forecast 2025 – 2034. Global Market Insights. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/us-off-road-vehicles-market
2. Kopycinski, J. (28 May 2016). Drivetrain Gearing Choices for Fast & Slow. MotorTrend. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1605-drivetrain-gearing-choices-for-fast-and-slow 
3. Best Used Off-Road SUV Comprehensive Assessment. DARCARS®. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.darcars.com/best-used-off-road-suv.html 
4. The Badge Doesn’t Come Easy. Jeep. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.jeep.com/trail-rated.html
5. What is Multi-Terrain select and Crawl Control? Toyota. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://support.toyota.com/s/article/What-is-MultiTerrain-10326?language=en_US
6. What is Subaru X-MODE®? Subaru. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-info/articles/what-is-subaru-x-mode.html