With the right vehicle, off-roading and overlanding can be an enjoyable adventure. The best off-roading vehicles combine prowess with comfort and durability. Trucks and SUVs best configured for overlanding allow for camping and have plenty of capacity for hauling all the supplies you'll need to the trail.
This Newsweek list details some of the best vehicles to take off the beaten path, taking into account the necessary design and equipment attributes each has that optimize the off-roading and overlanding journey, as well as the list of available accessories.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the favorites of off-roaders and overlanders in the U.S. and there's good reason for it. Its available locking rear differential, crawl control and drive modes make it capable. Upper trim levels come with knobby tires and hardy skid plates.
The body-on-frame Toyota 4Runner is available with a number of accessories including a Yakima roof basket and a 40-quart cooler. In the cabin there is plenty of room for four adults. In a pinch, owners can fold down the back seats and camp in the midsize SUV's cargo area.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
The Subaru brand is known for its highly capable adventure vehicles and the Outback is no different. It comes with up to 75 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are folded down to maximize storage.
Most Outbacks come with X-Mode or Dual X-Mode drive systems with settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud drive modes to better manage the all-wheel-drive system.
A more rugged and capable version of the Outback recently debuted. The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offers a roof rack that can support a load of roughly 700 pounds — enough for a two person roof tent — and can conquer tougher terrain thanks to new equipment.
Rivian R1T
Rivian made its market debut in 2022 with its all-electric pickup truck, the R1T. The start up has designed a highly configurable and capable off-roading vehicle.
For overnight adventures, the R1T offers a spacious three bed tent that can be mounted over the truck's bed. Instead of building a fire to cook, Rivian sells a Camp Kitchen accessory for the R1T that includes a 1440-watt induction stovetop, custom molded inserts that have a place for every fork, knife and spoon of the included 30-piece kitchen set.
Lexus GX
Although typically considered a brand with vehicles refined for on-road travel, Lexus's hot-selling GX is a multifunctional SUV with impressive off-roading chops. The model offers several upgrades and modifications throughout its lineup to increase the GX's terrain prowess. It has a ton of cargo space and is easily maneuverable.
Older GX SUVs are frequently modified by overlanders. Different tires, a lift, and roof rack add to the Lexus's adventure possibilities.
Land Rover Defender 110
The Land Rover Defender has a long history of durability and capability, and the 2022 Defender 110 upholds that legacy. With available all-terrain driving control and wide angle rear view mirrors, the Defender is a solid off-roading option.
This highly configurable SUV comes standard with plenty of adventure friendly features including power-assisted tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, roof rails and LED headlights/taillights.
For an overnight stay, the 110 can be fitted with an easy-to-construct roof tent that can comfortably fit two average-sized adults.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep brand is known for all-terrain driveability and the Gladiator lives up the reputation. This is the only pickup that has removable doors and roof with a fold-down windshield.
Jeep added several available safety features to the Gladiator including the TrailCam off-road camera for increased visibility off the beaten path.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline has roomy cabin and a longer standard crew cab than its competitors giving passengers plenty of space for sitting, lounging and storing items. The Ridgeline comes with standard all-wheel drive but doesn't have any off-road drive modes.
Honda designed a 7.3-cubic-foot storage trunk that can hold extra gear under the bed and also serve as a cooler thanks to its drain plug. Buyers can option their Ridgeline with in-bed speakers, which are perfect for listening to podcasts while camping or pumping the jams while tailgating.
Honda Passport TrailSport
The Honda Passport underwent a full rebrand and update for the 2022 model year with a bolder front grille and the TrailSport grade.
The rugged-looking Passport TrailSport model and available equipment, including all-terrain tires, a Sparrow XL roof-top tent, Dirt Complex swing-out spare tire carrier with an integrated table, and black wheels and fender flares, help set the model apart.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger midsize pickup upgraded to the Tremor package is a solid option. Its easy driveability and Terrain Management System drive mode system make it extremely capable.
From available roof and rear racks to trunk tents, the Ranger is also highly adaptable. The Ford Ranger has a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, which is plenty for personal watercrafts, small campers and trailers.
Ford F-150
The popular Ford F-150 often tops the list of best-selling vehicles, due, in part, to its adaptability in most terrains. The new F-150, available as a hybrid, comes standard with a 2.4-kilowatt onboard generator. Ford also offers a 7.2-kilowatt generator that can power most tools at a campsite.
Inside the cabin, Ford offers an optional max-recline feature on the front seats so they fold nearly flat providing single bed-like accommodations. Customers can add on a center console table turning the front seats into a workstation or a dining table.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco recently returned to market and is an incredibly popular vehicle. Each model comes standard with all-wheel drive and a number of drive terrain modes including sandy, mud/ruts and snow.
With a rear cargo hatch that has a flip-up class window and roof racks designed for a roof tent, the Ford Bronco four-door SUV is a solid camping option. Inside the cabin is roughly 65 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded for even more space.
Chevrolet Colorado
When considering off-road durability and capability, the Chevrolet Colorado often comes to mind. With various engine options — including a diesel power plant to deliver increased torque — and several available features, this pickup can handle some tough terrain.
Adding on the Trail Boss package gives drivers taller suspension, increased wheel travel and locking differentials to handle extreme terrains. For those looking for more extreme capability, opting for the Colorado ZR2 will provide that.
Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is an SUV designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind. The Bronco Sport's rugged build has standard 4x4 capability, with Goes Over Any Type of Terrain or "G.O.A.T." drive modes and 8.8 inches of ground clearance to handle a variety of off road conditions.
The safari-style extended roof means more space for exterior cargo and the steel standard roof rack can fit two standing bikes or up to 150 pounds of gear.
Subaru Forester Wilderness
The Subaru brand is known for its high-adventure vehicles and the Forester is no different. The new-for-2022 Forester Wilderness features an enhanced dual-function X-MODE adaptive terrain control system with a variety of terrain options, including mud and deep snow. The off-road-ready SUV features standard all-wheel drive.
It also includes a front-view monitor system that allows drivers to view obstacles from a different perspective while off-roading.
The Forester's roof rails can support a whopping 800 pounds of static weight, perfect for a roof tent during overnight adventures.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is one of the newer additions to the SUV category but with its great reviews, it quickly competes with some of the veterans. The spacious interior fits up to eight passengers or the rear seats can be adjusted for increased cargo space.
The SUV is more capable and comfortable than it may seem at first glance with higher trim levels offering the most prowess and a near-luxury level passenger experience.
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