photo by jasony00 via iStock
Getting away from the hustle of city life once in a while is refreshing. Taking a trip to the wilderness and those backcountry landscapes with friends can reboot your life for good.
To take those terrains head-on, you need a reliable and robust vehicle that has dependable off-roading capabilities.
There are some amazing cars to take overlanding, but it’s important to also consider repairs and after-sales support, not just the car’s power and features.
We’re featuring three vehicles that we think are overall best cars for overlanding, keeping all the aspects of off-roading in mind.
Table of Contents
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
- Why is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Among the Best Cars for Overlanding?
- Toyota 4Runner
- Why is the Toyota 4Runner Among the Best Cars for Overlanding?
- Mitsubishi Pajero
- Why is the Mitsubishi Pajero Among the Best Cars for Overlanding?
- Recommended Overlanding Gear
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
“2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – Tomb Raider 2 – Lara Croft’s Jeep” by sv1ambo is marked with CC BY 2.0.
Thanks to its amazing capabilities and unparalleled durability, America’s favorite off-roader has made it to the top of the list.
It’s powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It packs enough power to take you anywhere off the road without breaking a sweat and seldom breaking down.
For years, enthusiasts have used the Jeep Wrangler to satisfy their adventure cravings, and it has embossed its status as the king of rugged SUVs. The Wrangler Rubicon has a sturdy build quality, enhanced mechanical upgrades, and a powerful drivetrain to conquer any challenge you put up against it.
Why is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Among the Best Cars for Overlanding?
“Jeep Wrangler JK” by JamesHenry is marked with CC BY 2.0.
The Wrangler Rubicon is one of the most dependable cars for overlanding that money can buy. It has a powerful engine and a robust transmission that sends power to all four wheels via a smart 4-wheel-drive system and provides tremendous traction and stability on rugged trails.
Its solid suspension comes with purpose-built axles and dampers that keep the car planted as well as comfortable. It also comes equipped with a limited-slip differential to offer reliable handling and maneuverability. With enough payload capacity, you will get the best of your off-road adventure with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
- Payload capacity: 1050 lbs.
- Towing capacity: 2000 lbs.
- Base price: Around $42,000
Toyota 4Runner
“Toyota 4Runner Limited 2014” by RL GNZLZ is marked withCC BY-SA 2.0.
No discussion about off-roaders is complete without a mention of Toyota vehicles.
The 4Runner has always sat atop the sales charts, thanks to its outstanding reliability and dependability over the years. The 4Runner is a top choice of adventure junkies, and why wouldn’t it be? You know it’s never going to give up or break down.
The Toyota 4Runner gets power from a 4.0L V6 that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It’s enough power to propel you on any track you decide to traverse.
This rig is also known for its rock-solid reliability and endurance, which will keep you going until you get there. The 4Runner is offered in different variants and is highly modifiable to adapt to your luggage and load carrying requirements.
Why is the Toyota 4Runner Among the Best Cars for Overlanding?
“Toyota 4Runner Limited 2014” by RL GNZLZ is marked withCC BY-SA 2.0.
The 4Runner is among the best cars for overlanding, and all credit goes to its amazing capabilities and durability. The trail variant has one of the best technical features and upgrades for off-road purposes.
The drivetrain is a capable 4-wheel-drive with electronic stability control and off-road modes that keep you planted on the track while enhancing the traction. This is very important for overlanding as a car with so much weight on an incline or rugged trail needs to be planted while having enough torque to keep going.
The trunk bed is highly modifiable and can carry anything you need on your trip. The added utility comes from the roof racks that allow extra payload capacity or even a rooftop tent setup. The suspension and transmission are purpose-built with robust coil-over springs and dampers to make handling easier for you.
If you want to go on an adventure that requires an ultimate off-roader with matchless reliability, the Toyota 4Runner makes a good case for one of the best overlanding cars.
- Payload capacity: 1650 lbs.
- Towing capacity: 5000 lbs.
- Roof load capacity: 660 lbs.
- Base Price: Around $38,000
Mitsubishi Pajero
“Mitsubishi Pajero Sport” by ppz is marked with CC BY-ND 2.0.
Another Japanese legend on the list of best cars for overlanding, the Mitsubishi Pajero, needs no introduction. It has been the top choice of off-road and overlanding enthusiasts for decades.
Thanks to its ultimate build quality, superb reliability, and matchless performance, the Pajero is one of the best overlanding cars for modern adventures.
Powered by a 3.8L V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque, this vehicle has the power and torque to manage tough trails and rugged inclines.
With a superb suspension and robust chassis, the Pajero makes a great off-road partner that, if maintained properly, takes you places you can’t imagine.
Why is the Mitsubishi Pajero Among the Best Cars for Overlanding?
“Mitsubishi Pajero Sport” by ppz is marked with CC BY-ND 2.0.
Apart from its undeniable reliability and superb performance, the Pajero has some amazing technical specifications and features that make it an ideal Overlanding SUV.
For instance, all four wheels in a Mitsubishi Pajero can be independently tuned for control and suspension, enabling superb traction and slip control on muddy and rocky terrains.
The off-road axles and suspension components make sure that it stays planted on the track for stability and maneuverability. The monocoque chassis with a built-in ladder frame offers the driver a comfortable ride and master control, offering a seamless traveling experience on difficult surfaces.
For better control and handling, the engine is planted near the center of the car to improve the overall balance and add equally distributed weight on the axles. The Pajero also has a generous payload and luggage carrying capacity, with a wide roof available for roof luggage setup or a bed.
- Payload capacity: 1200 lbs.
- Towing capacity: 5000 lbs.
- Base price: Around $35,000
Recommended Overlanding Gear
- First Aid Kit
- Camp Grill
- GMRS Radio
- Camp Chair
- Camping Lantern
- Waterproof Tarp
- Camping Table
- Small Axe
- Solar Shower
- Camping Cookset