Rugged SUVs are cool again! Mazda CX-50, Haval Big Dog, Ford Bronco Sport, Subaru Forester Wilderness and other butch high-riders trying to convince you of their off-road chops

SUVs used to be the rugged, go-anywhere option for those wanting to haul their family with some gear across treacherous terrain.

Think back to the Jeep Cherokee of the mid-1980s, or the Ford Explorer of the 1990s, or even the Lamborghini LM002.

But somewhere in the last few decades, SUVs turned into soft-roading fashion statements that share the same off-road ability as a small hatchback, making them more common at the supermarket carpark than off the beaten path.

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Well, it looks like SUVs have finally come full circle thanks to a recent trend of ruggedised models designed to take the rough stuff just as well as the suburban streets.

And if these models prove successful, you can bet that many more manufacturers will be coming out with their own adventure SUVs.

Mazda CX-50

Similar in size to the popular Mazda CX-5, the CX-50 takes styling into the more adventurous territory with squared-off, black-plastic wheelarch cladding, all-terrain tyres, lifted suspension, blacked-out front grille and anti-reflective bonnet decals.

Buyers can also option in a roof rack for maximise load-lugging capabilities, while engine options include two 2.5-litre petrol units, one turbocharged and one naturally aspirated.

Weekend warriors should also be satisfied with the standard all-wheel-drive system, including off-road driving mode, but sadly the CX-50 will be a strictly US-market offering.

Subaru Forester Wilderness

Edging closer to full-on off-roader, the Forester Wilderness differentiates itself by a higher ride height, all-terrain tyres, and front and rear scuff plates.

This might not turn the Forester Wilderness into a Toyota LandCruiser rival, but it certainly makes it more capable off the black top.

Subaru has also upgraded the roof rails to handle more weight, while the brand’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system features.

Unfortunately, the Forester Wilderness is not in line for an Australian market debut, meaning it remains a US-only model for now.

Hyundai Tucson XRT

Much more of a styling upgrade than anything substantially mechanical, the Tucson XRT wears unique front and rear bumper inserts to look the part of an off-road SUV.

Side steps, unique wheelarch protection and cross roof bars are also added to Tucson XRT to round out the looks, but all-wheel drive is an option with the front-drive layout as standard.

Like the CX-50 and Forester Wilderness, the Hyundai Tucson XRT remains a US-market-only model for now, but Hyundai Australia could put together its own rugged mid-size SUV for local showrooms.

Haval Big Dog

Despite the strange name, the Haval Big Dog has the potential to really hit it big in Australia, especially because many of its other rivals on this list aren’t destined for local showrooms.

Underneath, the Big Dog is a Haval H6, but it wears unique body work with chunky, squared-off aesthetics that make it look much more like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco Sport than soft-roader.

As standard there is a BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system, two-tonne braked towing capacity and 155kW/325Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, while pricing should come in around $35,000.

Ford Bronco Sport

Unlike its Bronco big brother, the Bronco Sport makes use of Ford’s C2 platform – the same one used for the Escape mid-size SUV and Focus small hatchback.

This means it doesn’t have the same DNA as the Aussie favourite Ranger ute, but still has the same rugged and boxy styling befitting an off-road SUV.

Engine choices include a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, but sadly – like so many other desirable Ford models – the Bronco Sport is kept off the table for Australians.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

When you think rugged, off-road SUV, chances are a Jeep springs to mind. Whether that is in the form of the original Willys Jeep, the trendy Wrangler or Grand Cherokee large SUV, the Jeep brand is synonymous with off-roading.

While all aforementioned models are not destined for – or yet to arrive in – Australia, the Cherokee Trailhawk has been here all along for those looking for an adventure-ready SUV straight from the showroom floor.

Priced at $53,450 before on-road costs, the Cherokee Trailhawk features a number of off-road features such as four-wheel-drive system with terrain select, red recovery hooks, all-terrain tyres, extra underbody protection, anti-reflective hood decal and stain-resistant interior.