Off-road vehicles are highly regarded in Brazil. This is because the country has a vast territory and, in many places, asphalt roads are worse than dirt roads. 

Furthermore, far from major urban centers, it is relatively common to have to use road access to reach your final destination. 

In today's article, we at Senhor Carros will show you what cars for dirt roads need to adapt to the uneven terrain, and present the 15 best cars for this type of surface. 

If you drive on rural roads or are thinking about buying a car that performs well on different types of terrain, then today's article is for you. Ready to check it out?

To perform well on rough terrain, dirt road vehicles need to have: 

Let's talk a little about each of these characteristics. 

Traction is the force of friction that a car exerts when moving. Generally, the best cars for dirt roads are those with 4x4 drive, where the engine power is distributed between the four wheels. 

However, 4x4s are not very economical. For those seeking a more affordable option, cars equipped only with front-wheel drive can also get the job done on quieter roads. 

Low-slung vehicles are not suitable for terrain with obstacles, as the chances of the undercarriage scraping are high. This can cause problems in the vehicle's undercarriage. 

Taller cars ensure safe driving and good visibility. However, Care is needed. With bodies that are too tall, after all, they can compromise stability, as well as increase the risk of rollover. 

There are tires that are considered off-road tires. They have deeper grooves to ensure traction on more rugged terrain, such as sand, mud, and dirt. 

However, when placed on asphalt, this type of tire can generate noise, wear, and increased fuel consumption. 

For those seeking good performance on both asphalt and dirt, the ideal choice is to opt for mixed-use tires. They are the best option for those who drive in urban centers and highways, and also need to drive on dirt roads. 

The angle determines whether the car is able to enter and exit slopes without impacts at both the rear and front of the body. In this case, cars with a longer wheelbase are ideal. 

Furthermore, it is important that cars designed for off-road use have some type of stability or traction control. These controls prevent loss of balance in risky situations, such as when navigating sharp curves or driving on slippery surfaces.

After showing you what cars for dirt roads need to have, it's time to learn about the best models for this type of terrain. Let's go?

You're certainly surprised to see the Kwid on this list, aren't you? This subcompact car is a great choice for navigating the potholes of Brazilian roads thanks to its ground clearance. 

In addition to good ground clearance, the Renault compact also has good approach and departure angles, performing well on quieter dirt roads without major thrills. 

The Ford Ka Freestyle follows the recipe and the line of many hatchbacks adventurers marketed here

The model boasts good ground clearance, alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a firmer, raised rear suspension. Additionally, it offers both automatic and manual transmission options, which can add enjoyment to driving on uneven terrain. 

The Volkswagen Saveiro Cross wins over drivers right away with its good handling and compact dimensions. 

The model offers stability and safety, especially since it is sold as a double cab. 

Furthermore, the Cross version comes standard with features such as stability and hill start assist control, as well as running boards, all-terrain tires, and a raised suspension. It's one of the best cars for off-road driving. 

The model, whose design is somewhat debated, deserves respect; after all, it's good for transporting entire families, it can be... used for work and it performs well on dirt roads. 

The Fiat Doblò Adventure, which can now only be found as a used vehicle, has a height of 22 centimeters, features mixed-use tires, reinforced suspension, and some models have a locker traction system. 

Like its sibling, the Doblo Adventure, the Palio Weekend Adventure can only be purchased as a used car and is, without a doubt, a great option for those who need to tackle less demanding dirt roads. 

The Fiat Palio Weekend Adventure is literally a model designed for driving on dirt roads. With a spacious trunk, raised suspension, and all-terrain tires, the car is an adventurer with an off-road spirit. 

Models with the Locker system are even better, as they can electronically lock the front differential, helping to get out of minor jams. 

Many may disagree with the EcoSport being on this list, but don't worry, we'll explain its presence among the best cars for dirt roads. 

As many know, the EcoSport is a pioneer among urban SUVs, but its height, good approach and departure angles, and all-wheel drive options make it a good choice for poor-quality dirt roads. 

The Duster is considered the best value for money in its category and underwent a redesign process in March of this year. 

The "new" Duster offers good approach and departure angles, body protection, a high and robust suspension, as well as a large trunk and interior space.

Unfortunately, the new version no longer features 4x4 drive, but it is possible to find used vehicles in good condition equipped with the system. 

The Troller T4 is another great option among vehicles designed for off-road driving. 

The "little jeep" is actually a good option for asphalt, dirt, sand, and mud. With wide tires, robust suspension, and traction and stability systems, the model promises fun and safety.

In addition, the model gained a TRX version, equipped with an interesting and unprecedented automatic transmission. 

The Land Rover Defender can be defined in two words: Strength and Endurance!

With ample cargo and towing capacity, the British "SUV" is unanimously considered the best off-road vehicle. Some even say it's literally a tank. 

Today, the traditional model can only be found as a pre-owned vehicle; however, the brand has already announced that the redesigned model, which was updated abroad, should arrive in Brazil by the end of 2020.

The Jeep Renegade is relatively new in Brazil, but it has become a tradition and is very well-liked by Brazilians. It's no wonder it's one of the best-selling SUVs here. 

The model has several versions, and the best for off-road use is undoubtedly the one with a turbodiesel engine and 4x4 drive. 

With traction and stability control, hill start and descent assist, the Jeep Renegade is undoubtedly one of the best cars for dirt roads. 

When talking about four-wheeled adventures, the Ford Ranger immediately comes to mind for many people. After all, it's a robust pickup truck with excellent suspension tuning and the ability (combined with ease) to drive through both flooded and dry terrain.

Although its finish is simple, its power and low-end torque guarantee fun and excitement without faltering. The pickup truck even gained a specific variation for off-road adventures. 

The Mitsubishi L200 Triton is a great option for those who live in urban centers but occasionally tackle off-road routes. 

In addition to providing considerable comfort and performance on the roads, the L200 stands out for its ground clearance, good approach and departure angles, and all the technical know-how of the Japanese brand. 

Recently, the model received a special edition in homage to rally racing. 

The Jeep Compass is considered the older sibling of the Renegade and is very well-regarded by those who enjoy off-road driving. 

In addition to combining a more aggressive design with sophistication, the Compass is an SUV designed and engineered for both city and off-road driving, mainly due to its height and traction system. 

Wide tires are helpful on smooth, wet tracks, and their approach and departure angles provide practicality for dealing with the surprises most adventures hold.

Although not as well-known, the Suzuki Jimny is a car designed for dirt roads. 

The model features a suspension specifically designed for off-road driving and good ground clearance, which reduces impacts and provides robustness. The model has just received a new generation, which includes an automatic transmission. 

Although the new generation is in full swing at the automaker's factory in Catalão, Goiás, the older, and equally robust, version has not been discontinued, which pleases purists and fans of the good old manual transmission. 

And topping our list of the best cars for dirt roads is none other than the Toyota Hilux.

The Hilux is a real dream for anyone who wants to venture onto dirt roads across Brazil.  

Their new versions come with redesigned springs and suspension, which promises to make the ride more comfortable for rear seat occupants, as well as improving their approach and departure angles. 

Recently, the pickup truck debuted the V6 engine configuration, which allows for optimized torque and response at low RPMs, further improving its performance on dirt roads. 

Although many people don't believe it, you don't need to own a car that's officially an off-road vehicle to tackle dirt roads. 

However, if you're going to drive on this type of surface, you need to do thorough research before buying a model that won't suffer on this type of asphalt, because if you choose the wrong one, you could end up losing money. 

Among the best cars for dirt roads, which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments. 

And since our list included some pickup trucks, how about learning about a new release that will certainly perform well on dirt roads? We're talking about the Renault Alaskan. 

To learn all about this new feature, just click the button below!