Overlanding is something that has really exploded in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. Unlike traditional off-roading, overlanding combines testing your vehicle’s off-road capabilities with long-term travel.
It is these two disciplines that make your choice of vehicle so important. Ideally, it is a model that has to tick important boxes, such as offering safety, reliability, and comfort.
If you opt for a big badge name that has a history of delivering excellent vehicle options, such as Chevrolet or Ford, you should be able to find the ideal overlanding vehicle. Head to a Chevy dealership, for example, and the Colorado should take your eye as it offers all the qualities required for overlanding.
That’s just one option to consider. Here are the top ten (in no particular order of merit) of the best overlanding vehicles.
Toyota Land Cruiser
It’s fair to say that the Toyota Land Cruiser has earned legendary status for its durability and capability. With a powerful V8 engine, exceptional ground clearance, and a reputation for tackling any terrain, it’s a worthy favorite among serious overlanders.
The Land Cruiser’s spacious interior makes it perfect for extended trips on rocky trails or sandy deserts. Its ability to carry a significant payload, including overlanding essentials, further cements its justifiable place on this list.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a top pick if you are an overlanding enthusiast who prioritizes extreme off-road capabilities. The Rubicon features advanced four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems, locking differentials, and a rugged body-on-frame design, which means it handles tough terrains with ease.
Another popular feature is the removable doors and roof, which give you a unique outdoor experience. Also, the vehicle’s compact size makes it easy to maneuver through narrow trails.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 has to be considered an outstanding choice for overlanding because it combines solid off-road capabilities with a manageable size and a comfortable ride.
It comes equipped with Multimatic DSSV shocks, front and rear locking differentials, and higher ground clearance, all of which make the Colorado ZR2 perfectly designed to handle tough trails.
It’s also available with a very torquey diesel engine option, providing excellent fuel efficiency, which could prove to be a critical factor for long-distance overlanding.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a favorite among overlanding enthusiasts due to its proven reliability and rugged build. The TRD Pro model includes upgraded Fox shocks, skid plates, and a higher ground clearance for enhanced off-road performance.
This model offers an efficient V6 engine and a reputation for lasting beyond 200,000 miles. This incredible robustness tells you that the Tacoma TRD Pro is built to handle extended trips in remote areas without compromising comfort.
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is a modern reimagining of a classic off-road vehicle. With an enviable reputation for its luxurious interior and strong off-road performance, the Defender is an appealing choice if you prioritize comfort and capability.
The Defender’s Terrain Response system is adaptable to different landscapes, and its air suspension allows for impressive ground clearance. What you get with this vehicle is a combination of off-road technology with high-end design, making it a luxurious yet rugged overlanding option.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor can be viewed as the powerhouse of the overlanding landscape. Thanks to its twin-turbo V6 engine, Fox shocks, and long-travel suspension, it is especially suited for tackling expansive deserts and high-speed off-road driving.
All of these things combine to provide stability and power and make rough terrains feel smoother. Not only that, the Raptor’s spacious interior and large payload capacity allow it to carry extensive gear and plenty of provisions for long adventures.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
If you are definitely interested in overlanding but looking for a more compact, fuel-efficient option at the same time, the Subaru Outback Wilderness is an excellent choice. Its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, increased ground clearance, and rugged suspension make it surprisingly capable on light trails and gravel roads.
The Outback’s fuel efficiency and smooth handling on highways also make it ideal for mixed road trips that are probably a bit less demanding, but no less exciting. It is probably a great choice if you are an overlanding newbie and want to ease your way into the pursuit.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What you get with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagon, is a combination of luxury and legendary off-road performance. This model was originally designed for military use, but has since evolved into a high-end vehicle that retains exceptional off-road capabilities.
It comes equipped with three locking differentials and a durable ladder frame, which means the G-Class can tackle challenging terrain with ease. Its upscale interior makes it arguably one of the most comfortable options on this list.
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol is tough, spacious, and versatile. That’s why SUV has been such an enduring favorite amongst drivers from all parts of the world for decades. Known for its reliability and durability, the Patrol is equipped with a strong engine, impressive ground clearance, and a robust 4WD system.
The large interior offers comfortable seating and ample storage, while the Patrol’s rugged build is just perfect for those long, off-grid journeys.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
It’s fair to say that the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is a truly unique offering in the world of overlanding. You get a combination of all the off-road prowess you expect from the Jeep brand, together with the utility advantages of a pickup truck.
The Gladiator shares the Wrangler’s 4×4 capabilities, including locking differentials and sway bar disconnects, but with the added benefit of a truck bed for more gear storage. The Gladiator’s open-air option, combined with a comfortable cabin, makes it a versatile choice when you are looking to explore places off the beaten path.
Tips for choosing the right overlanding vehicle
There are a few key factors to consider when trying to find the right overlanding vehicle for your needs and adventure preferences.
If you plan on tackling rocky, mountainous terrain, a vehicle with high ground clearance and robust 4WD capabilities would be ideal. Remember, overlanding requires gear, supplies, and sometimes even tools or camping equipment. That’s why it makes sense to choose a vehicle with a large payload capacity.
For extended trips where gas stations may be few and far between, it pays to consider fuel-efficient options like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, as it has a diesel engine. Some overlanders prioritize a comfortable interior for long drives, while others prefer rugged simplicity. The Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class offer luxury, while the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma provide a more utilitarian experience.
It is definitely a good idea to take your time to find a model that ticks all of the right boxes, as choosing the right overlanding vehicle can make or break your journey. With the right vehicle, you’ll be ready and able to explore plenty of wild and remote areas, allowing you to discover exactly what makes overlanding such an incredible experience.
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