In 2024, no other segment has as much diversity and choice as the SUV segment. As the demand continues to grow larger, automakers from each corner of the world are ramping up production of both new and existing SUV nameplates, with the key Japanese brands finding themselves ahead of so many of their competitors.

One area where Japanese brands excel with their SUVs is off-roading capabilities, without forgetting about on-road comfort and practicality. When focusing solely on these manufacturers, the choice of which model to choose remains equally challenging. To make things a little easier, here's a look at the ten most equipped Japanese SUVs on the market that can confidently tackle any trail you find.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car And Driver and MotorTrend. The Models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP.

10 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

MSRP: $28,395

Another key Japanese brand that has an equal reputation for off-roading prowess is Mitsubishi. Like Subaru, Mitsubishi has one of the most esteemed legacies throughout rally history, which is something that the brand makes sure to include in its models in 2024. When it comes to their SUVs, the 2024 Outlander is the most expensive model, starting at $28,395.

Performance Specifications

Under the hood of the 2024 Outlander is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and equal levels of torque. While front-wheel-drive comes as standard, opting for the signature Super All-Wheel Control layout can assist you greatly when off the beaten track.

Alongside its three rows of seating inside, you also get a generous six different driving modes to enhance its off-roading capacities, including tarmac, gravel, snow, and mud. For on-road driving, normal and eco modes are also included.

9 2024 Mazda CX-50

MSRP: $30,300

A Japanese automaker that's been going through somewhat of a resurgence in recent years in Mazda, with the brand releasing an array of all-new SUVs on the market throughout the 2020s so far. One of these models is the mid-size CX-50, which in 2024 acts as the more off-road-focused version of the similarly-sized CX-5. The CX-50 starts at just $1,000 more than the CX-5 at $30,300.

Performance Specifications

Just like the Subaru Crosstrek, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 comes with all-wheel-drive as standard to maximize performance both on and off-road. Another standard feature of the Mazda is the off-road driving mode, which coordinates the brakes and engine torque to deliver the best traction at any given time.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque is the base engine for the CX-50, but you can opt for a turbocharged version producing a higher 256 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with the Turbo trims.

8 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

MSRP: $32,195

While the base trim offers solid off-roading capabilities by itself, the top-spec Wilderness trim, starting at $32,195, introduces further off-road features such as a higher 9.3 inches of ground clearance, upgraded suspension, Yokohama GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires, and the more powerful 2.5-liter engine that starts with the Sport trim.

The Base trim starts at $25,915. Not only does this make it one of the most affordable SUVs in 2024, but one of the most affordable new vehicles across the board. Considering what you get as standard to take the Crosstrek off-road, the low price tag becomes even more attractive.

Performance Specifications

The standout feature that comes on all Subaru Crosstrek models is symmetrical all-wheel-drive, designed to allow the compact SUV to tackle any trail with confidence. You also get active torque vectoring and traction control.

7 2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road

MSRP: $38,295

Toyota is a brand that is at the top of just about every segment it competes in. With one of the most extensive SUV ranges on the market, the RAV4 is one of the best-selling models across the board for the Japanese brand, starting at $28,675. However, the TRD Off-Road takes the mid-size SUV to the next level, being kitted out with everything you need for your off-road adventure.

Performance Specifications

Starting at $38,295, the TRD Off-Road is noticeably more expensive than the base trim. For the extra money, however, you get TRD-tuned suspension with exclusive struts, the Multi-Terrain driving select mode (including mud and sand, rock and dirt, snow, and normal modes), as well as dynamic torque vectoring with all-wheel-drive.

6 2024 Nissan Pathfinder 4x4

MSRP: $38,550

Despite being a mid-size SUV, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder still offers a great deal of space in combination with its versatile performance. The second-largest Nissan pickup comes with eight seats as standard, making it a great choice if you want more than enough space without the size of the Armada. Front-wheel-drive comes as standard with a price tag of $36,650, but the upgraded four-wheel-drive option only costs a slightly higher $38,550.

Performance Specifications

As the name suggests, the 2024 Pathfinder is well-equipped to take off-road. With the standard 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, you get an impressive output of 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, as well as a brake-actuated limited-slip differential. Mud/rut mode, snow mode, and sand mode, the 2024 Pathfinder can easily adapt to changing conditions without sacrificing its performance.

5 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness

MSRP: $39,960

The next Subaru SUV up from the Crosstrek is the slightly more expensive Outback, which starts at $28,295. Like the Crosstrek, the 2024 Subaru Outback is one of the more off-road models in the Japanese automaker's lineup, but with the Wilderness trim, the differences between the base spec and top spec are enough for the Outback Wildnerness to earn its own spot on this list.

Performance Specifications

Starting with the engine, you get a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive also comes as standard to maximize the mid-size SUV's grip on the trails. You get an extra 9.5 inches of ground clearance, Yokohama GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires, and extended lower cladding on both the front and rear bumpers.

4 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

MSRP: $55,170

Moving up the larger SUVs in Toyota's range in 2024, the 4Runner has long since been one of the best purposed-built off-road SUVs on the market. Despite the upcoming new model entering its sixth generation for the 2025 model year, the current 2024 model is still a leading choice within the mid-size SUV segment, especially when equipping the top-spec TRD Pro trim. For the ultimate off-roading experience inside the 4Runner, the TRD Pro trim starts at $55,170.

Performance Specifications

While this price tag may seem quite high, what you get for the money does a solid job of justifying the sizable step-up. You get a part-time four-wheel drive with the 4Runner TRD Pro. The engine remains the same across all trims, but the TRD Pro introduces further exclusive features such as Multi-Terrain Select, a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and TRD-tuned front and rear suspension.

3 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

MSRP: $55,950

A Toyota SUV that starts at a considerably higher price than the standard 4Runner is the 2024 Land Cruiser, which is the brand's ultimate SUV if you're looking for a blend of performance and luxury. Despite its heavier focus on luxury, the Land Cruiser is still an off-roader through and through for a starting price of $55,950.

Performance Specifications

The 2024 Land Cruiser also stands out for its hybrid powertrain, which uses an electric motor paired with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four. This produces a total output of 326 horsepower and a standout 465 pound-feet of torque. Alongside the high levels of torque, you get full-time four-wheel-drive in the Land Cruiser, along with Crawl Control, Downhill Assist, and Multi-Terrain Select.

2 2024 Nissan Armada 4x4

MSRP: $59,520

The largest model in Nissan's SUV lineup for 2024 is the Armada. While the full-size SUV ensures plenty of comfort and smoothness while on the road, Nissan doesn't forget to make it a capable off-roader, too. With a starting price of $59,520 for the 4x4 setup, its robust body-on-frame construction and advanced four-wheel-drive system allow the Armada to handle challenging terrains with ease.

Performance Specifications

Along with a standard rugged four-wheel-drive setup, the 2024 Armada is powered by a beefy 5.6-liter V-8, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The 4x4 setup is designed specifically to tackle all types of terrain and conditions, without sacrificing the comfort and practicality that puts it ahead of the curve in the first place.

1 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail

MSRP: $69,250

When it comes to the most expensive model to feature on this list, it comes as no surprise to see Toyota's luxury sub-brand, Lexus, come out on top. The second-highest in the current Lexus SUV range in terms of pricing is the GX, which comes in three main trims. To extract the most out of the full-size SUV, the GX 550 Overtrail includes off-road equipment to rival the very best that its parent company has to offer, all while maintaining its segment-leading luxury.

Performance Specifications

All 2024 Lexus GX models are powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. On the 550 Overtrail, however, you get an electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system using gas-pressurized shock absorbers and a unique stabilizer bar. With a class-leading 9,096-pound towing capacity, you'll seriously struggle to find a better-equipped luxury full-size SUV than the 2024 GX 550 Overtrail, despite its considerably high price tag.