In the early part of this decade, consumers looking for an SUV would have had no trouble finding a wide array of options to choose from. While that's still somewhat true today, many automakers have shifted away from traditional SUV models in favor of more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly crossovers.

Although crossovers are popular, fans of off-roading vehicles may bemoan the lack of "utility" in many modern sport utility vehicles. Crossovers are less about off-roading and more about family road trips.

However, full-size SUVs have been making something of a comeback in recent years, as many automakers have reported increased sales for large vehicles in recent months. With that in mind, MSN Autos recently profiled some of the top models – both used and new – that can still conquer the toughest terrain.

The Ford Expedition is one of the classic SUVs that was around during the boom of the late nineties, but drivers might not recognize the vehicle now thanks to all the upgrades that Ford has made. This massive truck has proven its towing capacity in the past and obviously features four-wheel drive to handle any kind of off-roading adventure. With power from a 5.4-liter V8 cranking out 310 horsepower, it's easy to see why this made the news source's list.

Another classic model with a fresh facelift is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The SUV was recently updated, although previous versions are quite versatile as well and can likely be found on the used car market at a discount. The Jeep brand is basically synonymous with off-roading, and the Grand Cherokee is the flagship. However, those who don't want to spend the money may be interested in something a bit smaller, like the Wrangler, which also made the list.

A similar budget option is the Nissan Xterra. These SUVs can typically be found for under $30,000, but still offer drivers plenty of value when it comes to off-roading. The news source recommends the Pro-4X trim level, which features rugged essentials like skid plates, Bilstein shocks and BFGoodrich off-road tires.

Finally, the Toyota 4Runner is still one of the best SUVs on the market. This midsize SUV strikes a nice balance between price and features. To top it off, it was recently redesigned just last year, and the news source notes that it now features a whole host of electronic aids to help handle tough terrain.

Drivers interested in purchasing a rugged off-road vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices.