In general, most SUVs can go off-road, at least to a certain degree. For serious off-road performance, sport utility vehicles with four-wheel drive and specifically engineered off-road tyres can tackle pretty much any terrain. However, if you are only planning on hitting the odd dirt track once in a while, you’ll probably manage in a crossover SUV with all-wheel drive and all-terrain or maybe even on-road tyres.

For more background on the difference between four-wheel and all-wheel drive, read this explainer.

Next, make sure you know the conditions well and have the right tyres before you choose the road less traveled...

• Two-wheel drive will lose traction as soon as the ground gets too uneven or the surface is shifting and insecure.
• Sport utility vehicles that aren’t off-road-ready usually have a stiffer suspension, which can break under extreme conditions like a pothole-riddled unpaved road.
• On-road SUV tyres are designed for optimum performance on paved roads. Their smooth tread, low rolling resistance and smaller contact patch contribute to fuel-efficiency on tarmac, but offer reduced grip on unpaved roads.
• The smaller grooves between the tread blocks are not self-cleaning can become clogged with stones, gravel and mud, reducing grip and traction even further.
• On-road tyre sidewalls are not reinforced the same way off-road tyres are, so larger rocks or other obstacles could cause significant damage, leading to a flat tyre.

For anything beyond the bare minimum of off-road driving, even if it’s only on unsurfaced roads, all-wheel drive and all-terrain tyres designed for on/off-road use are the best choice.

If you are planning on really going where no roads can find you, only a four-wheel drive with specific engineered off-road tyres like multi-terrain, all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres will do. Whether you are rock-crawling, dune-bashing, plowing through mud or deep snow, you need a heavy-duty vehicle that is built for the task. Here’s how to choose the right tyres for your vehicle with the help of the  Continental tyre finder:

• Like all cars, sport utility vehicles require the right tyre size, and the right tyres for the season.
• Once you have entered the required tyre size and selected summer or winter tyres, you will see a list of suitable models. You can choose between the CrossContact™RX and CrossContact™ ATR, ContiCrossContact™ LX Sport, ContiCrossContact™ LX 2 ranges, which all offer off-roading abilities to varying degrees.
• Your choice will be determined not only by the type of driving you plan to do, but also by the ratio of off/on-road driving.
• For example, while the ContiCrossContact™ LX 2 offers outstanding traction in light off-road use while also performing well on paved roads, it isn’t quite as well suited to serious rock crawling.
• The CrossContact™ ATR, on the other hand, is designed with durability, off-road traction and grip on various off-road surfaces such as gravel and mud, which makes it less fuel-efficient for extended highway driving.
• Your nearest retailer can help you find a tyre that strikes the perfect balance between on-road performance and off-road abilities. [link to Dealer locator]

Do not:

• Don’t go off-road in an SUV that isn’t designed for the conditions.
• Don’t go off-road with tyres that aren’t designed for the conditions.

Do:

• Do your research and make sure you know the conditions, as well as the right tyres for the terrain.
• Find out the condition of the track before setting out (in case it has been affected by recent weather events).
• Check the tyre pressure, which usually needs to be lowered before venturing into rocky, muddy or sandy territory.
• Check the tyre tread and sidewall for damage before and after off-roading.
• Carry an emergency kit, especially in more remote areas.