Update: The complete article has been revised to include new details and models.
In keeping with the tradition of SUVs, a segment which is witnessing a spree of launches this decade, electric off-road vehicles seem to be an area of interest for manufacturers. According to our research, around a dozen off-road EVs or off-road capable EVs planned to be launched by 2029 in the U.S.
1. Vanderhall Brawley (2025)
The rugged Vanderhall Brawley is offered in three variants. The base version has no roof, recalling the open-air character of the Jeep Wrangler with its removable top.
Each wheel has its own motor, enabling features like crab walking, tank turns, and low-speed incline crawling, similar to the GMC Hummer EV. All versions deliver about 140 miles of range, while the GTS variant is available with a 200-mile range.
Release Date: Vanderhall has begun deliveries in select markets in the U.S. and plans to expand availability as production scales.
Price: USD 34,950-49,950.
2. Jeep Recon (2025)
The Jeep Recon is a fully electric 4×4 designed as a trail-rated SUV. Jeep says it can complete the Rubicon Trail and return home on a single charge. Key features include the Selec-Terrain system, one-touch power top, removable door glass, electronic locking axles, and the latest Uconnect infotainment with trail guides.
Jeep’s former CEO Christian Meunier told Auto Express the Recon will rate six on the Rubicon scale. Jeep plans a public debut in late 2025, with production expected at Stellantis’ Toluca plant in Mexico.
Release Date: The Recon will debut in late 2025.
Price: The Recon should be priced between USD 55,000-70,000.
3. Range Rover Electric (2026)
JLR is testing the Range Rover Electric in extreme conditions, from -40°C in the Arctic Circle to 50°C in the Middle East ahead of its retail launch in 2026. The full-size SUV will also tackle demanding terrain, with water fording capability of up to 33.4 inches.
A dual-motor AWD system will improve performance over the gas model on ice and other low-grip surfaces. Instead of conventional ABS-based traction control, the EV uses an Intelligent Torque Management system that operates through individual drive units. Torque response time drops from about 100 ms to as little as 1 ms, giving the electric Range Rover more control in challenging conditions.
Release Date: 2026
Price: Estimated to start at around USD 130,000
4. Mercedes Little G (2027)
Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a smaller, all-electric sibling to the G-Class, which we expect in 2027. Informally called the “Little G,” the EV will target younger buyers with a lower entry price, broadening the G family’s reach.
Going by a recent Autocar UK report, the Little G is expected to ride on the electric GLC’s MB.EA-M platform and feature unibody construction, providing better driving dynamics, comfort, and efficiency compared to the all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology.
A twin-motor system with a two-speed gearbox on the rear unit is expected, producing about 500 hp. A circa-100 kWh net NMC battery is expected to provide a WLTP range of more than 400 miles, enough to support extended off-road use.
Release Date: 2027 (expected)
Price: USD 70,000 (expected)
5. Rivian R3X Tri-Motor (2027)
The Rivian R3 is a crossover positioned below the R2, designed for the urban sprawl. An X variant will add stronger off-road capability, possibly surpassing bigger rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT and the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally. The R3X is expected to feature a tri-motor system with two motors at the rear and one at the front, similar to the R2 and R1S.
Short overhangs should enable strong approach and departure angles, while a compact wheelbase will aid breakover performance. Protective cladding and fender flares will shield the body from debris. Rivian plans to use a structural battery pack and an NACS charging port. EPA-estimated range for the R3X is expected to be about 270 miles.
Release Date: 2027
Price: Estimated to be around USD 40,000
6. Scout Terra (2027)
Scout Motors, Volkswagen Group’s U.S.-focused brand, is developing the Terra electric pickup for a 2027 launch. The crew cab truck features a 5.5-ft bed, body-on-frame construction, solid rear axle, and 35-inch tires. An underbody spare carrier fits 33-inch tires, while an in-bed option supports 35-inch spares.
The Terra promises over 12 inches of ground clearance, nearly three feet of water fording, front sway bar disconnect, mechanical lockers, and strong approach and departure angles. It can climb 100 percent grades.
Dual motors deliver about 469 hp and nearly 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque, enabling 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Charging peaks at 350 kW. Payload is close to 2,000 pounds, and towing exceeds 10,000 pounds.
Release Date: 2027
Price: Under USD 60,000
7. Land Rover Defender Sport (2027)
JLR is developing a second Defender model on its new EMA platform, with global appeal. CEO Adrian Mardell confirmed EMA at the company’s investor day on June 12, 2023, while Industrial Operations head, Barbara Bergmeier, has confirmed that Halewood, UK, will build EMA-based models.
The Defender Sport EV will be designed from the ground up, improving space efficiency and reducing cost per mile. Smaller and less extreme than the main Defender, it will broaden the lineup. Expected tech is expected to include an 800-volt system enabling 350 kW charging, higher-density batteries, and torque-dense motors.
Release Date: The potential Defender Sport is expected in 2027 to rival the mini G-Class and the top-end configurations of the Rivian R2S.
Price: Could start at around USD 70,000.
8. Rivian R2X (2027/28)
About a year after launching the R2, Rivian could follow up with a more off-road-focused R2X. The potential R2X should feature more rugged styling with exclusive outdoor-inspired hues and contrasting highlights on tow hooks, calipers, and mirrors, unique alloy wheels wrapped in knobbier tires, revised bumpers, and a higher ground clearance.
It doesn’t take a huge amount of imagination to think of like what comes (after), like if there’s R2 what are the other R2 variants. We sort of hinted at that with R3, where we did an R3X. You could imagine X versions.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe (InsideEVs Podcast Episode via YouTube on August 22, 2025)
According to a MotorTrend report, the R2 will offer a 25-degree approach angle, a 27-degree departure angle, and 9.8 inches of ground clearance. The R2X could push those figures further with special bumpers and lifted suspension. Rivian may restrict the R2X to a tri-motor setup with the largest battery pack, ensuring maximum performance and an EPA-estimated range of around 275 miles.
Release Date: 2027 or 2028 (expected)
Price: Around USD 55,000 (expected)
9. Audi Electric off-roader (2028)
Audi is reportedly mulling a rugged electric SUV to rival the Land Rover Defender EV and Mercedes-Benz G 580, CAR reported. Design chief Marc Lichte said the model could use the EV platform of the Scout truck, opening the possibility of U.S. production.
The SUV is expected to take cues from the Activesphere concept, with wide arches and distinctive side sills. High ground clearance, selectable off-road modes, and a vegan interior are expected. Lichte noted that platform sharing made the e-tron GT’s development fast and cost-effective, and the same approach could apply to the off-roader.
Volkswagen is reconsidering the long-rumored ID. Ruggdzz off-road-oriented electric SUV, this time based on the Scout Traveler’s platform instead of MEB. Audi may utilize the same platform to reduce costs and speed up development.
Release Date: Expected to be launched around 2028.
Price: Estimated to start at around USD 75,000.
10. BMW Rugged (2029)
Undeterred by the market’s lukewarm response to the XM, BMW is developing a different halo model to top its SUV lineup. Internally codenamed BMW G74 and carrying “Rugged” as a working title, the model will target shoppers seeking off-road capability with a three-row layout, similar to the Rivian R1S.
BMW Blog reports the G74 will ride on the multi-energy CLAR platform and share powertrain technology with the next-generation X5 (G65). Likely variants include a plug-in hybrid with 500-550 hp and an all-electric version with about 600 hp. Production is planned at the Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, with launch scheduled in 2029, marking BMW’s entry into the bespoke off-road SUV segment.
Release Date: 2029 (expected)
Price: USD 150,000+ (expected)
11. Mahindra Vision.SXT (2029)
The Mahindra Vision.SXT is a pickup-style derivative of the Vision.T compact SUV concept from the Indian auto major. With upright front and rear fascias, a flat windshield, large, squarish windows, high ground clearance, wide fender flares, and oversized mud-terrain tires, the concept is a brute SUV built for hardcore off-roading.
Functional bumpers with steep approach and departure angles convey its off-road focus, while an open bed behind the cabin offers provision for tires, gear, and equipment.
The concept uses Mahindra’s new NU_IQ modular platform, developed for internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains. A production version could arrive toward the end of the decade.
A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, I started out as an automotive editor of a regional magazine in 2011. In my 11 years of experience in creating automotive content, I’ve traveled around the world to review, analyze and report on the world’s top electrified cars.
