Off-Road SUVs You Could Get For Less Than A 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor

After having success with the rugged Tremor trim on models like the Ford F-150 and Maverick, the Blue Oval has decided to expand the off-road Tremor package to an SUV for the first time, with the debut of the refreshed 2025 Expedition. Among a long list of technological and comfort upgrades, the Tremor package gives Ford’s largest family hauler respectable off-road chops for the first time, thanks to additions like skid plates, 10.6 inches of ground clearance, one-pedal driving, a rock crawling mode, and even a significant power boost.

It’s a comprehensive package that we imagine will look great as well as offer some adventuring to the average buyer – but it’s going to cost you. The 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor starts at a whopping $81,030 – $20,000 more expensive than the base trim and a mere $2,000 shy of the top-of-the-line King Ranch. This is a lot of dough, money that could easily be funneled into many other off-road-ready SUVs of varying sizes, and we’ve picked the best of them to show you all you can get for less than Ford’s newest cash cow.

1 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness

MSRP: $39,960

The Subaru Outback may be the largest stretch on this list based purely on size, but sometimes you need to be honest with yourself about what you really want. Sure, it isn’t going to compare with the Expedition in terms of interior space or towing, but if you’re merely buying the Expedition because you want something that can occasionally venture off the beaten path with enough room for a weekend’s worth of stuff, the Outback Wilderness can handle that easily, and you’ll save $40,000 in the process – more than enough to kit the wilderness out with a rooftop tent, rooftop storage, trailer, or whatever else you could want. Then, enjoy Subaru’s famous reliability and explore the world. Or buy two.

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2 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

MSRP: $62,450

Few names are as synonymous with off-roading as the Toyota Land Cruiser, and despite the model shrinking in size from the previous generation, it’s no less capable. The model now features the same turbocharged powerplant as the upcoming 4Runner and the current Tacoma, which provides ample grunt given its smaller size. There are only two trims for 2025, and both give the model significantly different looks, so which model you go with is going to depend on personal preference, but if you want all the fancy gizmos and off-road goodies, you’ll need to stick with the Land Cruiser trim (confusing, we know) and its rectangular headlights.

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3 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Expected MSRP: $65,000

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is on the horizon, but pricing for that hasn’t been confirmed. With all the upgrades to the new model year, it’s safe to assume a step up in asking price, with the base MSRP expected to be in the $45-$48k range. It’s also likely that the TRD Pro trim will surpass the $65k mark – but even so, it’s still cheaper than what you’d pay for a new Expedition Tremor.

The 2025 4Runner is the largest departure we’ve ever seen for Toyota’s rugged SUV, as the model drops its V6 engine in favor of a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that can be optioned as a hybrid for extra power. The hybrid is your only option for the upcoming TRD Pro model, but it brings 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, massive upgrades over the old V6, and we bet the mpg should go up slightly too. It’s set to be the most capable TRD Pro model ever, but if that’s not enough, there’s also a new Trailhunter trim with even more off-road performance that should also slot in under the price of a new Expedition Tremor. If you don’t need the room, this SUV is going to give you much better performance and then some.

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4 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe

MSRP: $66,185

This entrant on this list is a double-edged sword. We all know that since its debut, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been one of the most capable SUVs on the road, combining respectable on-road manners with solid off-road performance thanks to its great 4WD systems. The introduction of models like the Trailhawk, however, upped the ante, by adding an even more sophisticated 4WD system with air suspension, a disconnecting stabilizer bar, and more. The issue is this model is only available as a 4xe model, which means you can’t get it with 3 rows of seats to maximize space. If you want the extra room, it can be yours with only a V6 engine since the V8 is gone, but there isn’t a true off-road model, just solid performance across the range.

5 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail

MSRP: $67,900

If the Land Cruiser isn’t your cup of tea, you can always take a look at its upscale cousin, the GX 550, which doesn’t cost a lot more, yet comes with a whole host of different features, starting with a twin-turbo V6 that packs a little extra grunt. All models come with full-time 4WD, but opting for the Overtrail trim gives you a host of off-road upgrades, like Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), crawl control, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. If you want more luxury, you can even opt for the Overtrail+ trim and still come in under the price of the Tremor ($75,900), but regardless of what you choose, we think you’ll be highly satisfied.

6 2024 Chevrolet Suburban Z71

MSRP: $69,300

The Expedition isn’t the only American mega-land yacht that had a glow-up for 2025, as GM made sure to give the Suburban a nice update too, which improved the looks and the comfort of the vehicle all around. One of the nice things about this SUV is that it still comes with V8 powertrains, with the base model being the tried-and-true 5.3-liter V8 making 355 horsepower. The off-road-oriented Z71 trim is also much cheaper than the Tremor, but if you want more than some off-road looks, you’ll have to add the optional Off-Road package, which can only be added along with a few other packages that bring the price to about $80,000. Even better, this trim can be optioned with a turbo diesel for 2025, giving you many options to make you reconsider the Expedition.

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7 2025 Land Rover Defender 130

MSRP: $69,700

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 expands the Defender lineup with additional seating and enhanced practicality. Although it makes it look a bit rear-heavy, that extra length allows the model to more comfortably seat 8 passengers, making it a respectable alternative to the Expedition in terms of size. It also benefits from solid off-road capability throughout the range thanks to a standard AWD system with a two-speed transfer case and a locking center differential. This can be upgraded with the available Off-Road Pack that adds things like torque vectoring and off-road tires, but be careful, because the price can very quickly creep up since it is a luxury model.

8 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe

MSRP: $70,345

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe combines the off-road prowess of Jeep’s iconic Wrangler with the efficiency and torque of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a great fit for a person that wants the confidence the Wrangler’s legendary off-road performance inspires, while also having the option of up to 21 miles of electric-only range when simply cruising around town. Regardless of the trim you choose, you’re going to receive a healthy amount of capability as this is a Wrangler at the end of the day, but if you want the most, you should opt for the Rubicon X trim, which comes packed with standard items like a sway-bar disconnect, from and rear axle lockers, and a Dana 44 HD full-float solid rear axle.

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9 2024 Ford Bronco Wildtrak

MSRP: $71,105

Let’s say you’re again willing to compromise on space in favor of performance. Well, if that’s the case, then we say you should certainly consider the Ford Bronco, particularly in the supremely capable Wildtrak trim. This model comes loaded to the gills with the available Sasquatch package and 2.7-liter Ecoboost engine standard, so you get massive tires, Bilstein monotube shocks, and 330 horsepower to tackle just about any terrain you come across. The outside of the model doesn’t look particularly flashy, but thanks to the Bronco looking so darn great, all you need is the right color to truly make your SUV pop. In four-door guise, the Bronco Wildtrak starts at a little over $71k.

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10 2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro

MSRP: $80,045

The Toyota Sequoia is our pick for the best alternative to the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor for a few reasons. First, it’s comparable to the Expedition in size, yet it offers better performance thanks to its hybrid engine, and we bet it will return better gas mileage too. This means you can haul around the entire family, but this isn’t some half-baked off-road vehicle either. Toyota truly gave this behemoth some serious off-road chops thanks to FOX Internal Bypass coilovers and rear remote-reservoir shocks, a solid-rear axle, a locking rear differential, and 33-inch off-road tires. Not to mention, it can tow upwards of 9,000 lbs, making it one fantastic jack of all trades.

Sources: Toyota, Jeep, Chevrolet, Subaru, Lexus, Ford, Land Rover