If you’re preparing for some epic road trips, then you should make sure that you have an adventure-ready vehicle to take you on this journey.
Whether you’re car camping, heading to check out some National Parks, or just out for a day of hiking with your dog, we’ve got some great vehicle options for you to consider.
We asked the experts on what the best adventure cars are, and here’s what they had to say.
1. Toyota RAV4
Sharon Gourlay of Tasmania Explorer a big fan of the Toyota RAV4 for road trips and outdoor adventures.
If you’re a family of two, or someone who does their adventuring with a dog, then you’ll have plenty of room in this little compact SUV for car camping and checking out the National parks.
In addition to having a good amount of room (and cargo space), this vehicle gets great gas mileage. Plus, it’s made by one of the most dependable automakers out there.
So, if you’re an adventurer on a budget, then this makes a great choice and should last you for years of adventuring ahead.
2. Toyota Tacoma
Jake McKenzie of Auto Accessories Garage is a big fan of the Toyota Tacoma for overlanding trips.
Affectionately abbreviated to “Taco” by fans, the standard Tacoma is built with a 3.5-liter V6 engine so it’s definitely more suited for the hard work of off-roading than a quiet cruise on the highway.
The Tacoma has more than 9 inches of ground clearance and a wide stance which, along with its standard Fox shocks, allow it to crawl terrain that other models just simply can’t.
It also features Toyota’s Crawl Control feature which adjusts the throttle and brake systems for rockier terrain so the driver can focus more on steering.
3. Mercedes G-Class
Lauren Fix of Car Coach Reports recommends the Mercedes G-Class.
This SUV is hand built in Austria. Mercedes G-Class is one of the most capable vehicles built, especially in extreme conditions.
It looks like an off road vehicle, but has race car performance with a big motor and optional AMG performance.
4. Ford Ranger
Kevin Roy of Autocraze recommends the Ford Ranger.
At Autocraze, we have been seeing a great interest in pick up trucks as the ultimate machine for both daily and weekender choices.
Customers love to customize their trucks to do whatever they need it to – whether it be a wench for emergencies, to bull bars for extra protection, to roof racks for extra storage.
The most popular makes and models we see come in range from the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier; the mid-size market is more popular than ever.
5. Kia Sportage SUV
Jon Smith of Camper Guide recommends the 4 Cylinder AWD Kia Sportage SX Turbo.
This small SUV is one of the best options for adventure enthusiasts for their next big trip.
The 2021 year model has the Nightfall Edition and Nightfall Edition Premium packages on the S trim. The Nightfall packages replace last year’s S Sunroof and Premium Package variants and add piano black trim pieces on the front bumper, side skirts, front, and rear skid plates, and fog light surrounds.
And with that great Kia warranty, it’s hard to go wrong with this affordable adventure SUV.
6. Citroen Berlingo Van
Iain Miller of Unique Ascent swears by three-seater Citroen Berlingo Vans, for those of you outside the USA.
These vehicles are very robust and well designed. They take and use many of the same parts used in the Peugeot Partner range of vans.
Both these vans are very common in Ireland, the U.K. and most of mainland Europe so getting parts if needed is very easy. In the nine years, I have been driving these vans I have never had a breakdown or even any minor faults other than changing bulbs and fluid levels.
I do get the van serviced every year by a local garage and on average it runs 20,000km annually. On average I get around 750km on a tank of Diesel which is around 60km to the gallon for fuel.
What this means for me is that both of my vans have been very reliable and cheap to run. It has a good high wheelbase which allows you to venture onto bumpier roads and laneways.
This is an essential feature for people who venture to perhaps out of the way places. It has three seats which allows me to carry two passengers and as I specialise in guiding singles and couples this feature makes it much more flexible.
If I have no passengers the front seat folds down flat and allows me to fit a single sit on top kayak inside the van. These are perhaps the unique reasons why I like this make and model of vehicle others reasons why I like it are shared with similar vehicles in the same class.
These included its smooth design features for loading and unloading, the size of it cargo space and the design and usability of its drivers cab. As I was a marine engineer prior to being an outdoor instructor my thoughts on my vehicle is based both on its sound mechanics and its design.
7. Subaru Outback
Kaitlyn Short of Best Company recommends the Subaru Outback.
Subaru is well-known for producing reliable and top-performance vehicles. In the Subaru Lineup, the Outback is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive that can be used for traversing off-beaten paths. The vehicle also has ample cargo space for storing equipment and
luggage.
If you need to bring a small trailer for jet skis, snowmobiles, canoes, kayaks, etc, the Subaru Outback can tow up to 2,700 lbs.
8. Toyota’s TRD Sport Trailer at SEMA360
Anatolii Ulitovskyi at CA Movers recommends Toyota’s TRD Sport Trailer at SEMA360.
It comes with a Tacoma bed that includes literally everything! This option is for people who want to travel with comfort.
I would like to travel for at least 3 to 5 weeks in a row and this option is definitely for me. I love to cook outdoors and all the kitchen supplies are on-board, a jumbo-sized domestic fridge-freezer is already installed, as well as a sink, and cooktop line!
There might be a water tank included as a source with fresh drinking water! This sport trailer could be number one in the next year or so!
9. 2021 GMC Sierra AT4
Emilie Sims of GMC recommends the 2021 GMC Sierra AT4.
The 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 is off-road capable and features the industry-first/near-indestructible CarbonPro bed (perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to throw all of their gear in).
As well as the MultiPro tailgate – the most advanced tailgate in the industry that allows folks to step directly into the bed, fit additional gear, or set up the perfect cooking/camping set-up while on the go.
The truck also has a 2 factory-installed lift.
10. Ford F-150 Raptor
Vans Pat of Gifting Area recommends the Ford F-150 Raptor.
The F-150 Raptor has a full aluminum body construction which aids with the structure and overall durability of the vehicle on all kinds of adventures.
It features a twin-turbo intercooled 3.5-liter V6 engine which is more than enough for an all-terrain drive.
At a thousand dollar shy of $50,000, the F-150 is a 450-horsepower beast that will get you to your destination no matter the way.
11. Toyota CH-R
Gerallt Hywel of Wild Bird World recommends the Toyota CH-R.
I don’t have a vehicle that’s specifically known for camping or adventuring, but it’s been excellent.
My 2019 Toyota CH-R is fuel-efficient and drives like a small vehicle, but has the trunk space (especially when the seats are down) and drives well in the snow and dirt.
It’s a crossover that really provides me with everything I need all year round!
I’d recommend it to everyone who needs similar benefits to me, which is just affordable fuel efficiency and a ton of space inside the car.
12. Land Rover Ranger Rover
Rolf Hansen of Luxury Cars A2Z recommends the Land Rover Ranger Rover (or any Land Rover).
If you have the money and want more than a “mountain goat” to go on any terrain, Land Rover / Range Rover offers the best in luxury, style, comfort and features.
They make the top global off-roader no matter where you want to go. And they look like they were made for adventurers.
And don’t worry about breaking down on your journey because they include maintenance and service as part of the price.
13. Jeep Cherokee
Mark Wilcox of Camping Forge recommends the classic Jeep Cherokee.
Jeep has always been known as an off-road go anywhere vehicle, and that is definitely true with the Jeep Cherokee.
This vehicle is perfect for the family camping trip or a weekend out with the boys.
14. Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
Thomas Kanze of Nomadific recommends the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross.
A convenient, economical hatchback with the makings of a crossover.
Although it looks smaller at first glance, the car is very spacious inside.
High ground clearance of 180 mm and excellent handling in any road conditions make the car an excellent solution for long-distance travel.
The trunk capacity is estimated at 430 liters but the rear seats can fold down to add an extra 445 liters. Also, the rear seat is very comfortable which means you can easily have a good sleep.
15. Toyota Tundra
Matt Price of ATVA online is partial to the Toyota Tundra. It’s a great vehicle for hauling big things.
An ATV can fit in the back with ease! And if you fold the tailgate even a snowmobile can be put into the Tundra.
However, the fuel consumption is quite high so you’ll need to forget that aspect when choosing this car. But because it’s a Toyota the high reliability also is found here.
Being a pick-up, it is mostly intended to carry big things, but you also have the option to install a decent roof box to carry other luggage.
16. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
Alex Williams of Turbo Gadget Reviews recommends the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.
A great model from the legendary offroad car company, the car looks strong, stylish, powerful, energetic, and comfortable.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk with a 3.6-liter, 286-horsepower V6 engine is enough to satisfy any type of road conditions. The fuel consumption isn’t great, but with the car’s mass + all-wheel-drive systems, the result is excellent.
This car is equipped with interesting off-road abilities having Air suspension Quadra-Lift that allows the vehicle to be lifted up to 27cm (10.6 inches) from the ground. Of course, the car gets stiff, but you won’t feel it that much.
The space behind the rear seats is as much as you want up to 1027 liters, making it one of the best options when talking about the trunk size.
17. Subaru Crosstrek
Michelle Henry of Outdoor Dog Fun recommends the Subaru Crosstrek for adventures.
As an avid outdoors enthusiasts, the Subaru Crosstrek has plenty of space for bring your dog along with you on your adventures, plus room for all of your outdoor gear.
It gets great gas mileage, which makes it the perfect choice for long road trips.
And, there’s plenty to cargo space, which makes it a great choice for car camping.
18. Nissan Rogue
Alex Newsome of The Body Training recommends the Nissan Rogue.
If you don’t have a big family, then the Nissan Rogue is a great choice for an adventure vehicle.
This small SUV gets good gas mileage and has a decent amount of cargo space for all of your adventure gear and supplies.
Just don’t try off-roading with it, cause the Rogue doesn’t come with four wheel drive. Otherwise, it’s perfect for hikes, camping, and other outdoor fun.
19. Scion xB
Kieren from That Hammock Life is a big fan of the Scion xB.
Though they stopped making this boxy little SUV in 2015, it’s definitely worth looking for a used one before setting out on an adventure.
Since it has that boxy design, there is an amazing amount of cargo space in the back, which makes it perfect for going on camping trips.
I did a two month road trip visiting National Parks and did car camping with my Scion xB.