This year’s 4xFall event, presented by Rocky Mountain Automotive Press, takes us to Empire – a small town that many skiiers and downhill mountain bikers will pass through on their way to Winter Park/ Trestle Bike Park from I-70. If you haven’t already made a pit stop, it may be worth your time to take a pause in one of the coffee and food shops before heading up the pass or hitting the highway.
Our specific drive route included a mountain highway segment, followed by a relatively easy but rugged and steep off-road trail: Jones Pass. The varying terrain helped demonstrate where each of these vehicles landed on the off-roading vs. on-road vs. value spectrum, with each offering its own story for their adventurous-minded customers.
2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe
The Wrangler Rubicon is by far the most capable off-road vehicle for consumers today. In addition to the larger tires, stronger axles, lower gears, locking differentials, and a disconnecting front sway bar, the Jeep (on this particularly-fitted model) is designed with a modular steel front bumper that neatly secures a winch. Sadly, the limits of the Wrangler Rubicon were hardly approached on the trail. Conversely, its on-road limits were also avoided due to its numb, imprecise steering and bouncy ride, which will not only take the fun out of winding back roads but also make it a chore on the straight highway. The Wrangler’s 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain features a large enough battery for EV-only operation around town and even off-road; however, its motor isn’t quite up to the task of rock crawling. As a whole, the system’s lack of refinement is notable enough to recommend the available V6, especially for those who often go off-road.
The Wrangler Rubicon requires a customer with a specific enthusiasm for driving a Jeep or a legitimate need for its off-road unstoppability (and easily upgradable platform). Most will find the compromises made to on-road handling to be too extreme.
2026 Ram 1500 with 5.7l Hemi
Today, this vehicle is all about the engine because I personally believed RAM top brass when they stated that we’ve seen the last of the V8 RAM 1500. But, since that announcement over a year ago, a new management team has been brought in, and the brand is headed in a new direction – and yes, in this case, back to where it started. The Hemi V8 returns as an option on most RAM 1500 trims. And better yet (sorry neighbors), it’s tied to the standard sport exhaust.
I made sure to hear the engine fire up to enjoy that initial exhaust kick and then the soothing beat of the V8. The engine performs as advertised, which isn’t a surprise since it’s unchanged from when we last saw it. Fitted with cylinder deactivation and a mild-hybrid system, it is reasonably efficient for its output (395 horsepower), and it feels nimble off the line compared to its turbocharged competitors. The previously optional sport exhaust introduces a satisfying rise in volume, matching the throttle input, yet can remain impressively quiet when simply cruising along. The optional Off-Road Group, included in the example provided for the 4xFall event, adds larger off-road tires, underbody protection, a raised ride height, a locking rear differential, and heavy-duty dampers, making it ready for any trail – as long as it can fit.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
The Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter carries just about every off-road-worthy feature available on the lesser trims and adds unique items through collaborations with established off-road brands such as ARB (roof rack), Rigid Industries (yellow and white switchable fog lights), and Old Man Emu (suspension dampers). Toyota also adds other goodies, such as high-strength steel and composite underbody protection, rock rails, and a rear differential plate, for confident rock bashing.
A turbocharged four-cylinder is joined by a hybrid powertrain that feels plenty powerful for the trails and mountain highway passes. The Trailhunter trim’s raised air intake provides cleaner air access in certain off-road situations; however, it is mounted next to the passenger window, and its intense vacuum sound can give the impression that the engine is working harder than one might expect. This, after all, is the heaviest of the 4Runners.
Together with the 4Runner serving as the rough-and-tumble foundation, the Trailhunter carries a spec sheet that reads perfectly for the slow-crawling, sharp-edged, and chassis-twisting terrain typical of the Rockies. It brings that capability with little compromise over the standard model. Of course, it’s more expensive, but a hard-core segment of off-road enthusiasts will see the Trailhunter as an exceptional value.
2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail
Consider the LX 700h Overtrail as a mere extension of the already rugged and capable Lexus LX SUV. The off-road-minded trim features downsized wheels (18 inches) and larger tires (33 inches), providing the necessary tire sidewall to absorb sharp rocks in the Rockies, and its locking front and rear differentials enable even and reliable power distribution in extreme situations. The standard air suspension increases ground clearance (to about 10 inches), while additional underbody skid plates ensure that most clinks and thunks are nothing more than light love taps with nature. The hybrid powertrain provides not just an efficiency boost and power gains, but it also enables the EV off-roading for a truly remarkable experience.
And let’s face it, the LX isn’t setting lap times (even in F Sport trim), so whatever handling performance losses there are from the additional weight and all-terrain tires, it must be negligible. With Lexus’ goal to inspire customers to explore nature through refined adventures, there’s few better vehicles equipped for the job.
2025 Honda Passport TrailSport
The Honda Passport TrailSport is a slam-dunk success for what many Colorado adventurers will likely require. First and foremost, it has to succeed in daily life. That means a comfortable everyday ride, solid on-ramp-ready handling, a full suite of safety features, and the latest in connectivity are a must. And second: it needs to not just look like an adventure-seeker, but also be able to get to the trailhead or the campsite. And it needs to offer sufficient protection and good clearance angles to ensure it’s ready for Monday’s commute.
Paired with a new 3.5-liter V6 that is even cleaner than before, the Passport doesn’t break the mold of success in today’s market. Rather, view the TrailSport as offering a bonus level of off-road capability without compromising daily life demands.