Top 5 SUVs in 2025 for desert driving in UAE
Key highlights
- Check the top 10 SUVs in UAE for desert driving
- List of top reliable and powerful off-road machines
- Learn the tips for safe and enjoyable desert driving in UAE
UAE's harsh yet beautiful desert landscape attracts thousands of residents and tourists annually. One of the most popular attractions is the desert driving in UAE, also called desert dune bashing. While various licensed operators offer desert dune driving, some people prefer driving by themselves. If you are one of them, then read our detailed guide of the top 5 best SUVs for you to drive in the deserts.
Also, before you proceed with the guide, have a look at our top-rated used SUV cars in UAE here. CARS24 second-hand cars offer the best quality and top maintenance records for a complete peaceful ownership experience.
Also read: Sharjah to Abu Dhabi bus service guide: see tickets, fare, timing, and more
What to look for in an SUV for desert driving in UAE?
While choosing an SUV for desert driving in UAE, one needs to make sure that the chosen model stands tall on the tough requirements. UAE's vast deserts are no joke and only a durable and powerful SUV can withstand the desert driving. Hence, the following factors need to be fulfilled by an SUV to be a good car choice for the deserts:
1. Durability
The SUV must be able to face the harsh and hot weather conditions of the desert. It should have a reliable mechanical setup that can withstand the heat and loose sand surface easily without breaking down.
2. Good 4X4 setup
Another basic requirement for a good SUV for desert driving is that it must have a robust and powerful 4X4 drivetrain. The latest models like the Toyota Land Cruiser come equipped with multiple driving modes, some with specific Sand Mode, that help further in the desert driving.
3. Cooling system
Since the ground temperature during desert driving can reach more than 50 degrees Celsius, the engine and drivetrain can tend to get overheated. Therefore, the chosen SUV must have a good cooling system that can keep the operational temperature under control while you have fun behind the steering wheel.
4. All-terrain tyres
The only contact between the car and the boiling sand of the desert will be the tyres. Hence, the SUV that you choose should have high-quality all-terrain tyres that can withstand the abuse of temperature and also provide the required grip over the loose sand surface.
5. High ground clearance
A rather basic requirement but a crucial one is having a high ground clearance. Any SUV that has a high ground clearance will have more benefit in terms of maneuvering over the sand dunes and rocky surfaces that are often encountered in the UAE off-road trails.
Also read: How to find a cheap car rental in Dubai - a complete guide for you
Top 5 SUVs for desert driving in UAE
1. Nissan Patrol
UAE's favorite SUV, the Nissan Patrol, has to be the top car on our list. It has been present in the UAE car market for years and still remains a top seller. The reason behind its success is its strong durability, punch-packed performance, and great off-road capabilities.
The 2025 Nissan Patrol has evolved in every sort, including luxury and performance. It offers different driving modes, one specifically tuned for sand dunes. It can easily sail through the deserts with its new 3.5-liter turbo-petrol V6 engine. It offers a proven 4WD system with Hydraulic Body Motion Control and an off-road monitor.
Pros: Powerful, strong off-road performer, luxurious, spacious cabin.
Cons: Not very fuel efficient, heavyweight not favorable in deep sand pockets.
Get the best deals on the used Nissan Patrol SUV here!
2. Toyota Land Cruiser 300
A direct rival of the Nissan Patrol, and an indestructible SUV, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is also one of the best SUVs for desert driving in UAE. Its ladder-frame chassis and super durable mechanical setup are globally acclaimed for off-road driving.
It comes loaded with adaptive suspensions and a powerful V8 petrol engine. Toyota also offers different driving modes on the LC300 that help in easy maneuvering off the tarmac. Some of its key feature highlights include - Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a reinforced chassis for high durability.
The Land Cruiser 300 is also a top-selling model in the used SUV cars in UAE. Hence, its resale value is one of the best in the segment.
Pros: Super reliable and highly durable, spacious cabin, high resale value.
Cons: Less fuel economy, maintenance is on the higher side.
Get the best deals on the used Toyota Land Cruiser SUV here!
Also read: A complete guide for car wash options in Abu Dhabi near you
3. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is another popular hardcore SUV that holds special value among desert driving enthusiasts. Its solid construction and great off-road capabilities are matched by powerful engine options and off-road-centric body design.
It features removable doors that come in handy during extreme desert driving. Additionally, it has off-road specific controls like a Sway Bar lock, Command-Trac, Rock-Trac, and heavy-duty axles that offer great off-road performance.
The latest Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a powerful 3.6-liter V6 turbo-petrol engine. It also has a high ground clearance of 10.8 inches.
Pros: Excellent 4X4 drivetrain, great off-road capabilities, removable doors, modifications are easy to do on it.
Cons: Not comfortable for highway driving, tyres make noise on tarmac.
Get the best deals on the used Jeep Wrangler here!
4. Land Rover Defender
The Defender moniker is an iconic name in the off-road car category worldwide. It has been a tried and tested product that has lasted the toughest terrains worldwide over the years. The Defender comes equipped with the remarkable Terrain Response 2 system that automatically adjusts the settings by detecting the surface and driving conditions.
It is offered with a very powerful 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine that can plow it through the toughest desert dunes easily. Moreover, the luxurious cabin and exemplary highway ride quality are a boon for family users.
Pros: Remarkable off-road capabilities, luxurious, good highway manners, strong brand value.
Cons: Prone to electronic failures and expensive maintenance.
Get the best deals on the used Land Rover Defender SUV here!
5. Ford F-150 Raptor
One of the most popular pickup trucks worldwide, the Ford F-150 Raptor is a popular choice among desert dune driving enthusiasts. Its massive size with long travel suspension and rugged body deliver an exceptional off-roading capability. Moreover, it comes equipped with the renowned 3.5-liter Ecoboost turbo-petrol engine that has multiple terrain modes for off-road driving.
The overall engineering of the F-150 Raptor is designed for easy off-road driving. It also gets the FOX Racing off-road suspension that does its job exceptionally well in the desert. However, the high kerb weight of the Raptor is not very favorable in the deep sand pockets.
Pros: Superb suspension for off-road, Ecoboost engine is powerful, Multiple driving modes are helpful in the desert.
Cons: Very high fuel consumption and high kerb weight.
Get the best deals on the used Ford F-150 Raptor here!
Also read: Top 5 family cars in UAE to buy in 2025 - a complete guide for you
Our verdict
Driving in the beautiful deserts of the UAE can be an exhilarating experience. However, choosing the right vehicle for the tough terrain is a necessary step. Moreover, one must learn the basics of desert driving from the experts before trying out a solo trip. Tell us in the comments below what you think about desert driving in UAE and will you try it solo?
Key highlights
- Check the top 10 SUVs in UAE for desert driving
- List of top reliable and powerful off-road machines
- Learn the tips for safe and enjoyable desert driving in UAE
UAE's harsh yet beautiful desert landscape attracts thousands of residents and tourists annually. One of the most popular attractions is the desert driving in UAE, also called desert dune bashing. While various licensed operators offer desert dune driving, some people prefer driving by themselves. If you are one of them, then read our detailed guide of the top 5 best SUVs for you to drive in the deserts.
Also, before you proceed with the guide, have a look at our top-rated used SUV cars in UAE here. CARS24 second-hand cars offer the best quality and top maintenance records for a complete peaceful ownership experience.
Also read: Sharjah to Abu Dhabi bus service guide: see tickets, fare, timing, and more
What to look for in an SUV for desert driving in UAE?
While choosing an SUV for desert driving in UAE, one needs to make sure that the chosen model stands tall on the tough requirements. UAE's vast deserts are no joke and only a durable and powerful SUV can withstand the desert driving. Hence, the following factors need to be fulfilled by an SUV to be a good car choice for the deserts:
1. Durability
The SUV must be able to face the harsh and hot weather conditions of the desert. It should have a reliable mechanical setup that can withstand the heat and loose sand surface easily without breaking down.
2. Good 4X4 setup
Another basic requirement for a good SUV for desert driving is that it must have a robust and powerful 4X4 drivetrain. The latest models like the Toyota Land Cruiser come equipped with multiple driving modes, some with specific Sand Mode, that help further in the desert driving.
3. Cooling system
Since the ground temperature during desert driving can reach more than 50 degrees Celsius, the engine and drivetrain can tend to get overheated. Therefore, the chosen SUV must have a good cooling system that can keep the operational temperature under control while you have fun behind the steering wheel.
4. All-terrain tyres
The only contact between the car and the boiling sand of the desert will be the tyres. Hence, the SUV that you choose should have high-quality all-terrain tyres that can withstand the abuse of temperature and also provide the required grip over the loose sand surface.
5. High ground clearance
A rather basic requirement but a crucial one is having a high ground clearance. Any SUV that has a high ground clearance will have more benefit in terms of maneuvering over the sand dunes and rocky surfaces that are often encountered in the UAE off-road trails.
Also read: How to find a cheap car rental in Dubai - a complete guide for you
Top 5 SUVs for desert driving in UAE
1. Nissan Patrol
UAE's favorite SUV, the Nissan Patrol, has to be the top car on our list. It has been present in the UAE car market for years and still remains a top seller. The reason behind its success is its strong durability, punch-packed performance, and great off-road capabilities.
The 2025 Nissan Patrol has evolved in every sort, including luxury and performance. It offers different driving modes, one specifically tuned for sand dunes. It can easily sail through the deserts with its new 3.5-liter turbo-petrol V6 engine. It offers a proven 4WD system with Hydraulic Body Motion Control and an off-road monitor.
Pros: Powerful, strong off-road performer, luxurious, spacious cabin.
Cons: Not very fuel efficient, heavyweight not favorable in deep sand pockets.
Get the best deals on the used Nissan Patrol SUV here!
2. Toyota Land Cruiser 300
A direct rival of the Nissan Patrol, and an indestructible SUV, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is also one of the best SUVs for desert driving in UAE. Its ladder-frame chassis and super durable mechanical setup are globally acclaimed for off-road driving.
It comes loaded with adaptive suspensions and a powerful V8 petrol engine. Toyota also offers different driving modes on the LC300 that help in easy maneuvering off the tarmac. Some of its key feature highlights include - Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a reinforced chassis for high durability.
The Land Cruiser 300 is also a top-selling model in the used SUV cars in UAE. Hence, its resale value is one of the best in the segment.
Pros: Super reliable and highly durable, spacious cabin, high resale value.
Cons: Less fuel economy, maintenance is on the higher side.
Get the best deals on the used Toyota Land Cruiser SUV here!
Also read: A complete guide for car wash options in Abu Dhabi near you
3. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is another popular hardcore SUV that holds special value among desert driving enthusiasts. Its solid construction and great off-road capabilities are matched by powerful engine options and off-road-centric body design.
It features removable doors that come in handy during extreme desert driving. Additionally, it has off-road specific controls like a Sway Bar lock, Command-Trac, Rock-Trac, and heavy-duty axles that offer great off-road performance.
The latest Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a powerful 3.6-liter V6 turbo-petrol engine. It also has a high ground clearance of 10.8 inches.
Pros: Excellent 4X4 drivetrain, great off-road capabilities, removable doors, modifications are easy to do on it.
Cons: Not comfortable for highway driving, tyres make noise on tarmac.
Get the best deals on the used Jeep Wrangler here!
4. Land Rover Defender
The Defender moniker is an iconic name in the off-road car category worldwide. It has been a tried and tested product that has lasted the toughest terrains worldwide over the years. The Defender comes equipped with the remarkable Terrain Response 2 system that automatically adjusts the settings by detecting the surface and driving conditions.
It is offered with a very powerful 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine that can plow it through the toughest desert dunes easily. Moreover, the luxurious cabin and exemplary highway ride quality are a boon for family users.
Pros: Remarkable off-road capabilities, luxurious, good highway manners, strong brand value.
Cons: Prone to electronic failures and expensive maintenance.
Get the best deals on the used Land Rover Defender SUV here!
5. Ford F-150 Raptor
One of the most popular pickup trucks worldwide, the Ford F-150 Raptor is a popular choice among desert dune driving enthusiasts. Its massive size with long travel suspension and rugged body deliver an exceptional off-roading capability. Moreover, it comes equipped with the renowned 3.5-liter Ecoboost turbo-petrol engine that has multiple terrain modes for off-road driving.
The overall engineering of the F-150 Raptor is designed for easy off-road driving. It also gets the FOX Racing off-road suspension that does its job exceptionally well in the desert. However, the high kerb weight of the Raptor is not very favorable in the deep sand pockets.
Pros: Superb suspension for off-road, Ecoboost engine is powerful, Multiple driving modes are helpful in the desert.
Cons: Very high fuel consumption and high kerb weight.
Get the best deals on the used Ford F-150 Raptor here!
Also read: Top 5 family cars in UAE to buy in 2025 - a complete guide for you
Our verdict
Driving in the beautiful deserts of the UAE can be an exhilarating experience. However, choosing the right vehicle for the tough terrain is a necessary step. Moreover, one must learn the basics of desert driving from the experts before trying out a solo trip. Tell us in the comments below what you think about desert driving in UAE and will you try it solo?
