Choose a Vehicle for Your Adventures

For those who love adventure and the great outdoors, overlanding has become an increasingly popular way to explore off the beaten path. Overlanding involves self-reliant travel to remote destinations using off-road capable vehicles that are equipped with all the necessary gear and equipment to survive and thrive in remote areas for extended periods. Choosing the right overland vehicle is a critical first step in planning your next adventure. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the best overland vehicles available today, including what makes a good overland vehicle, the best SUVs and trucks for overlanding, factors to consider when choosing an overland vehicle, and tips for building the ultimate overland vehicle. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for in an overland vehicle and which models are the best fit for your specific needs and budget.

What Makes a Good Overland Vehicle?

A good overland vehicle should have several key features that make it capable of handling the rigors of off-road travel and extended stays in remote areas. Here are some of the most important qualities to look for in a good overland vehicle:

1. Off-Road Capability: A good overland vehicle must have the ability to handle rough terrain and challenging off-road conditions. This means it should have four-wheel drive, good ground clearance, and sturdy tires that can handle a variety of surfaces.
2. Reliability: Overlanding involves long distances and remote areas, so a reliable vehicle is essential. Look for a vehicle with a strong reputation for dependability and durability.
3. Storage Capacity: An overland vehicle should have enough space to carry all the gear and equipment needed for extended stays in remote areas. This includes food, water, camping gear, tools, spare parts, and other essentials.
4. Fuel Efficiency: Overlanding often involves long distances and fuel can be scarce in remote areas, so a vehicle with good fuel efficiency is important to help reduce the number of refueling stops needed.
5. Comfort: While overlanding can be an adventure, it can also be tiring and challenging. A good overland vehicle should provide a comfortable ride and ample space for passengers and gear.
6. Customization Potential: Overland vehicles can be customized with features such as rooftop tents, winches, and other gear to suit specific needs and preferences. Look for a vehicle that has a strong aftermarket support to allow for customization.

By considering these factors when choosing an overland vehicle, you can ensure that you have a reliable and capable vehicle that can handle your off-road adventures.

Best Overland SUVs

Here are some of the best overland SUVs available today:

• Toyota 4Runner: The Toyota 4Runner has long been a favorite among overlanders for its reliability, off-road capabilities, and spacious interior. It comes standard with four-wheel drive, a high ground clearance, and ample cargo space.
• Jeep Wrangler: The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle that offers exceptional off-road capabilities, thanks to its rugged design and powerful engine. The Wrangler also offers plenty of customization options for overlanding.
• Land Rover Defender: The Land Rover Defender is a classic overlanding SUV that offers excellent off-road capabilities and a spacious interior. It also features a durable design and a comfortable ride.
• Ford Bronco: The all-new Ford Bronco has quickly become a popular choice for overlanding enthusiasts. It offers impressive off-road capabilities, a durable design, and a spacious interior with plenty of cargo space.
• Lexus GX: The Lexus GX is a luxurious SUV that offers off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride. It features a full-time four-wheel drive system and plenty of storage space for overlanding gear.

These SUVs are popular among overlanders due to their reliabiity, off-road capabilities, and spacious interiors, making them well-suited for extended off-road trips. However, it’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and budget when choosing an overland SUV.

Best Overland Trucks

Here are some of the best overland trucks available today:

• Toyota Tacoma: The Toyota Tacoma is a popular choice for overlanding due to its reliability, off-road capabilities, and customizable features. It also has a reputation for being able to handle rough terrain and extreme conditions.
• Ford F-150 Raptor: The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance off-road truck that offers exceptional off-road capabilities and a powerful engine. It also has a spacious interior with plenty of storage space for overlanding gear.
• Ram 1500 Rebel: The Ram 1500 Rebel is a versatile off-road truck that offers excellent off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride. It also has a spacious interior with plenty of storage space for overlanding gear.
• Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a midsize truck that offers impressive off-road capabilities and a durable design. It also has a spacious interior with plenty of storage space for overlanding gear.
• Nissan Frontier PRO-4X: The Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is a capable off-road truck that offers excellent traction control and a comfortable ride. It also has a spacious interior with plenty of storage space for overlanding gear.

These trucks are popular among overlanders due to their off-road capabilities, storage capacity, and durability, making them well-suited for extended overland trips. However, it’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and budget when choosing an overland truck.

Best Budget Overland Vehicles

Here are some of the best budget overland vehicles available today:

• Jeep Cherokee XJ: The Jeep Cherokee XJ is a classic overland vehicle that is known for its off-road capabilities, durability, and affordable price. It’s also a popular choice for DIY overlanding builds due to its customizable features.
• Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60: The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 is a reliable and affordable overland vehicle that is popular among overlanders for its off-road capabilities and spacious interior. It’s also a classic and iconic vehicle with a strong following.
• Nissan Xterra: The Nissan Xterra is a capable and affordable overland vehicle that offers off-road capabilities, durability, and plenty of storage space for overlanding gear. It’s also a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of terrains.
• Ford Ranger: The Ford Ranger is a compact truck that is affordable and versatile. It offers off-road capabilities and plenty of cargo space for overlanding gear. It’s also known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
• Mitsubishi Montero: The Mitsubishi Montero is a capable overland vehicle that is known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It offers a spacious interior with plenty of storage space for overlanding gear and is available at an affordable price point.

These vehicles offer excellent value for those looking to get into overlanding without breaking the bank. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive overland vehicles, they still offer the essential features needed for extended overland trips.

Best Luxury Overland Vehicles

Here are some of the best luxury overland vehicles available today:

• Mercedes-Benz G-Class: The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury overland vehicle that offers exceptional off-road capabilities and a stylish, high-end interior. It also features advanced technology and amenities, making it a comfortable and luxurious choice for extended overland trips.
• Land Rover Range Rover: The Land Rover Range Rover is a premium overland vehicle that offers excellent off-road capabilities and a luxurious interior with top-of-the-line features. It also has a reputation for being reliable and durable.
• Lexus LX: The Lexus LX is a luxury SUV that offers off-road capabilities and a refined, upscale interior. It features advanced technology and a comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for overlanding in style.
• Porsche Cayenne: The Porsche Cayenne is a high-performance luxury SUV that offers excellent off-road capabilities and a sporty, luxurious interior. It also features advanced technology and amenities, making it a popular choice for overland adventures.
• Range Rover Sport: The Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV that offers impressive off-road capabilities and a sleek, stylish design. It also features a high-end interior with advanced technology and amenities, making it a comfortable and luxurious choice for extended overland trips.

These luxury overland vehicles offer top-of-the-line features, advanced technology, and a comfortable ride, making them ideal for those who want to explore off the beaten path in style and luxury. However, they also come with a higher price tag, so it’s important to carefully consider your budget before investing in one of these vehicles.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Overland Vehicle

When choosing an overland vehicle, here are some important factors to consider:

1. Off-Road Capability: The most important factor to consider is the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. Look for a vehicle with four-wheel drive, a high ground clearance, and sturdy tires that can handle a variety of terrains.
2. Reliability: Overlanding often involves traveling long distances in remote areas, so a reliable vehicle is essential. Look for a vehicle with a strong reputation for dependability and durability.
3. Storage Capacity: An overland vehicle should have enough space to carry all the gear and equipment needed for extended stays in remote areas. Consider the vehicle’s cargo space and the ability to add rooftop storage or other storage solutions.
4. Fuel Efficiency: Overlanding often involves long distances and fuel can be scarce in remote areas, so a vehicle with good fuel efficiency is important to help reduce the number of refueling stops needed.
5. Comfort: Overlanding can be a tiring and challenging adventure, so a comfortable ride is important. Look for a vehicle with a spacious interior, comfortable seats, and good ventilation and climate control.
6. Customization Potential: Overland vehicles can be customized with features such as rooftop tents, winches, and other gear to suit specific needs and preferences. Look for a vehicle that has a strong aftermarket support to allow for customization.
7. Budget: Overland vehicles can vary widely in price, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing a vehicle. Consider not only the cost of the vehicle, but also the ongoing maintenance and fuel costs.

Tips for Building the Ultimate Overland Vehicle

Building the ultimate overland vehicle can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you build the perfect overland vehicle:

1. Prioritize Essential Upgrades: Start with the essential upgrades that will improve the vehicle’s off-road capabilities and durability, such as upgrading the suspension, adding all-terrain tires, and installing a winch.
2. Focus on Storage: Maximize storage capacity by adding roof racks, cargo boxes, and other storage solutions. This will allow you to carry all the gear and equipment you need for extended overland trips.
3. Consider Power and Fuel: Adding solar panels, a dual-battery system, and fuel storage solutions can help you stay powered and fueled up during long off-road trips.
4. Optimize Comfort: Make the interior comfortable by adding a quality mattress, a portable stove, and other amenities that will make your overland experience more enjoyable.
5. Invest in Communication and Navigation: Equip your vehicle with reliable communication and navigation tools such as a two-way radio, GPS system, and satellite phone to ensure safety and peace of mind during remote adventures.
6. Don’t Forget about Safety: Consider adding safety features such as airbags, roll cages, and backup cameras to ensure a safe and enjoyable overland experience.
7. Research and Learn: Do plenty of research and learn from other overlanders to ensure that you’re building a vehicle that meets your specific needs and is well-suited for your overland adventures.

By following these tips and prioritizing the essential upgrades and features, you can build the ultimate overland vehicle that is well-equipped to handle any off-road adventure.

Final Take

Choosing the right overland vehicle is essential for any off-road adventure. When selecting an overland vehicle, consider factors such as off-road capabilities, reliability, storage capacity, fuel efficiency, comfort, customization potential, and budget. Popular overland vehicles include SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler, as well as trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-150 Raptor. Luxury options like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Range Rover are also available for those looking for a more high-end overland experience. To build the ultimate overland vehicle, prioritize essential upgrades for off-road capabilities and durability, focus on storage, optimize for power and fuel, ensure comfort, invest in communication and navigation, prioritize safety, and do plenty of research to ensure that your vehicle meets your specific needs and preferences.