Ford's Top 10 Budget Off-Roaders

Intro

If you are looking for a new Ford vehicle to use for off-road adventures it would be easy for us to recommend you get a Raptor R or a Bronco Raptor. Sure, they will get the job done, but Ford is going to charge you an arm and a leg for one. And your dealer will probably ask you for a kidney as well. But there is good news. Ford sells some very capable off-road vehicles that you can buy while still retaining all of your limbs and organs. We found ten brand new Ford vehicles that are capable off-road but will not break the bank. We list them here from most affordable to most expensive.

Some of you may argue that you can take anything off-road if you want to. A Ford Mustang EcoBoost can make it down a fire road. But we are looking at vehicles that are actually designed for the task. So, no Mustangs are on the list or any Ford Escapes either. So, what Ford models do make the list? Read on to find out.

1. 2025 Maverick Tremor - $41,390

The Ford Maverick has been updated for the 2025 model year. And part of that update includes the Maverick Tremor becoming a stand-alone model instead of just an option package. With the Tremor, you get the updated looks and technology that all the other Mavericks get for 2025. But you also get the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, an off-road suspension, locking rear diff, and some sporty orange accents. Will it conquer the Rubicon Trial? Probably not. But when was the last time you were on the Rubicon Trail? It will handle moderate off-roading without a problem, and it is the least expensive new Ford on our list.

2. 2025 Bronco Sport Badlands - $41,590

The Bronco Sport has been getting grief ever since it was released. It shares a name with its big brother and some folks take exception to that. But most of those same folks have never actually driven a Bronco Sport. If they did, they would realize that it is actually a fairly competent vehicle off-road. That is especially true of the Badlands edition. The Badlands gets you the more powerful 2.0L EcoBoost, and an advanced 4x4 system that includes a twin-clutch rear drive unit. The Terrain Management System gains two additional modes, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl. And with 8.8 inches of ground clearance this little SUV can get you to locations that would surprise you.  

3. 2025 Bronco Sport Outer Banks Sasquatch - $41,810

The Bronco Sport lineup for the 2025 model year got some minor styling tweaks and some nice interior and technology upgrades. But the big news is the newly available Sasquatch package. The package is available on both the Outer Banks and Badlands trim. But this being a budget article we are choosing the Outer Banks for our purposes. Adding this package gets you a bunch of upgrades. The improved off-road suspension and advanced 4x4 system with a twin-clutch rear drive unit are a couple of mechanical highlights. But 29-inch Goodyear Territory A/T tires, a Rally drive mode, metal modular bumpers, skid plates, recovery hooks, and a whole lot more are also included. This is a capable little rig and all for less than $42K.

4. 2024 Ranger XLT FX4 - $42,185

2025 pricing is not yet available for the Ranger models, so we have to go with the 2024 figures. Assume prices will tick up a little bit for 2025, but the Ranger XLT FX4 will still represent good value. If you want a truck for your off-road duties and find the Maverick a bit small for your needs the Ranger might be the perfect fit. It is still small enough to fit on tighter trails, but it will give you the extra space you need. Once you selected the XLT Ranger 4x4, adding the FX4 Off-Road Package is a no-brainer. For $1,445 you get off-road tires, a locking rear diff, skid plates, off-road tuned shocks, Trail Control, Mud/Ruts and Sand driving modes and an off-road screen that is displayed in the center stack.

5. 2025 Explorer Active 4WD - $43,350

This is probably the least off-road focused vehicle on our list. However, it comes with a 300-horsepower engine and four-wheel drive can be added for $2,000. But the best part is this is a full-size family vehicle. There is plenty of room to bring the whole gang and all their stuff.  And if all the stuff doesn’t fit inside, the Explorer can tow 5,000 pounds. It might not be the most capable vehicle we listed but it is the most family friendly. And we are willing to bet the Explorer will get most families wherever they want to go.

Editor's Note: We took one through some muddy trails in Michigan and it does a really nice job with excellent stability control and torque management.

6. 2024 Bronco Black Diamond 2-Door Manual - $45,225

For those that just can’t see themselves in a Bronco Sport, here is a full-size Bronco for you. And for half the price of the Bronco Raptor based on 2024 pricing. Now for this price you are not going to be able to get the Sasquatch Package, but you are still getting a real Bronco with a real 7-speed manual transmission. And even this fairly basic Bronco model has plenty of off-road gear such as 32-inch tires, steel bash plates, rock rails, and part time 4-wheel drive.

7. 2024 Bronco Heritage Edition - $50,450

OK fine, you just can’t live without the Sasquatch Package can you? Well, this is the least expensive way to get it on the Bronco. The $50,450 Heritage Edition includes it as standard. The 35-inch tires, locking rear diff, advanced 4x4 system, high clearance suspension and fender flares, beadlock capable wheels, and more are all yours in this off-road SUV. If this rig can’t get you there, then you probably shouldn’t be going there.

8. 2025 F-150 STX - $50,610

We get it, you're a truck person and even the Ranger is too small for your needs. No problem, grab yourself a new F-150 STX 4x4. Under the hood, you get the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost and that comes with an extended range 36-gallon fuel tank which can come in handy during your off-road adventures. And it is an F-150, how much more do we need to say? You know what an F-150 is capable of. It might not be an F-150 Raptor, but it is a good 30 grand cheaper. And you can throw in a 5.0L Coyote V8 for a couple grand more. 

9. 2024 F-250 XL Off-Road Package - $50,750

Really, the F-150 is still not enough pickup truck for you? Alright, then step on up to the Super Duty. You can build a 2024 F-250 XL with the Off-Road Package for about $50K. The Off-Road Package gets you 33-inch tires, water fording vent tubes, a rear electronic locking diff, skid plates and front air dams that improve approach angles. All for just $995. And it is a freaking Super Duty. What more do you want?

10. 2024 Ranger Raptor - $57,215

The Ranger Raptor is the most expensive budget off-roader on our list. But it is also the only one that sports the Raptor name, and you know that makes it special. A 405-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost is just the beginning. Fox Live Valve Shocks, flared fenders, 10.7 inches of ground clearance, and 33-inch tires help make this the most capable Ranger in the Ford lineup. Until they make a Maverick Raptor, this is the least expensive way to get you in a Raptor model and you will not regret it for a moment.

Images: Ford