Total Car Score recently released its list of the Top 10 Best Off-Road Vehicles for 2012. The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee was ranked the number one model, due to its V8 engine and off-road capabilities. Land Rover's Range Rover and the Ford F-150 came in a close second and third, respectively. Two other pickups – the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma –  rounded out the top five. The Jeep Wrangler came in last, even though it is known for being one of the most impressive off-road vehicles available.

"The Jeep Wrangler is arguably the most capable off-road vehicle currently produced, but it gets a low Total Car Score because the industry rates it against compact crossovers that have a smooth ride and a quiet cabin at highway speeds – but very little off-road talent," said Total Car Score's editor-in-chief, Karl Braur. "That's why the Wrangler is on this list of the Best Off-Road vehicles despite its low score, and why shoppers seeking off-road prowess should look past high-level ratings to confirm what influences them."

The Total Car Score list provides a useful guideline to help narrow down your choices. Reading reviews online and talking to other owners of models you're interested in can also help you make an educated decision when it comes to choosing the appropriate vehicle. One of the best ways to better understand a particular model is to take it for a test drive. New Jersey State Auto carries a wide variety of makes and models, making it easy to try out the different cars you're interested in.