Bighorn SUV Review: Is It the Ultimate Adventure Machine or Overhyped? - RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel Magazine

Understanding the Context

What Is the Bighorn SUV?

Launched as a dedicated off-road-focused SUV platform, the Bighorn stands apart by prioritizing extreme capability over luxury or refinement. Built on a robust skid plate and engineered with a low ground clearance, the Bighorn is designed from day one to tackle the toughest terrain. Its boxy, boxy design isn’t just styling — it’s symbolic of its purpose: rugged, functional, and unafraid of obstacles.

Engineering and Off-Road Performance

Key Insights

One of the Bighorn’s strongest suits is its powertrain and drivetrain. Most trims feature a powerful turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a robust two-wheel-drive system, delivering impressive torque and hooking ability in challenging conditions. Some variants offer optional all-wheel drive, enhancing control on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Suspension construction leans heavy-duty: thick-compression shocks, extended travel, and progressive levers absorb jolts from rough terrain while maintaining stability. Combined with oversized, low-profile tires designed for maximum tread and traction, the Bighorn handles rocks, ruts, and ruts alike with confidence.

Real-world tests confirm its off-road prowess: sharp steering response, responsive 4X4 control, and consistent stability across varied landscapes establish the Bighorn as a serious contender for serious adventurers.

Cabin and Interior: Adventure-Ready but Minimalist

Final Thoughts

Inside, the Bighorn trades luxury for purpose. The cabin feels utilitarian, with rugged materials and wired-for-utility design rather than plush comfort. Gear (via smoke-screened storage and off-road-focused knobs) supports gearheads and explorers navigating rugged environments without distraction.

Infotainment, while functional, ranks middle-tier — faster than most but not flashy. Climate control holds up, and cargo space fills impressively, making it ideal for gear-heavy setups. Third-row access remains limited but adequate for family adventures in vetted off-road scenarios.

Tech and Features — Practical, Not Flashy

The Bighorn integrates dependable tech — adaptive cruising, traction control, and ABS provide safety and control but lacks the sophisticated road-targeting systems found in pricier competitors. Connectivity options include smartphone integration and on-demand navigation, though premium subscription features are somewhat restrictive.

What stands out is the sheer deterrent value: full-time four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and underbody protection signal a vehicle built for real-world challenge — not wallet.