The call of the wild is strong, and overlanding offers you the opportunity to answer it. But before you disappear into the sunset, consider getting a reliable vehicle. This guide unveils the five overland vehicles beginners should consider, all meeting the key criteria for venturing off the beaten path. We've selected cars known for their durability, off-road prowess, and features. When you're done reading this article, we'll have answered your "How much do overland vehicles cost?" question.
The Ford Ranger is one of the go-to pickups in the overlanding world because it offers maneuverability, capability, and affordability. While it might not be the behemoth some envision for off-road travel, the Ranger proves that size isn't everything. One of the Ranger's biggest strengths is its size. Compared to full-size trucks, the Ranger feels nimbler on tight trails and less intimidating for off-road novices. Opting for the FX4 trim unlocks additional features like terrain management systems, improved ground clearance, and skid plates, further bolstering its off-road cred. Standard features like four-wheel drive and a locking rear differential ensure you can confidently tackle challenging terrain. Overlanding involves long stretches of highway travel between off-road excursions. Here, the Ranger shines with its fuel-efficient engine options. The base EcoBoost engine delivers impressive fuel economy, allowing you to explore further without breaking the bank at the pump. This is a significant advantage, especially for longer expeditions where fuel efficiency can greatly affect your budget. The Ranger's popularity in the off-road community translates to a vast aftermarket support network. Whether you need a roof rack for gear or tents, upgraded suspension for rough terrain, or underbody protection for rocky trails, many parts are available to personalize your Ranger for your specific overlanding needs. Even though it's a mid-size truck, the Ranger offers a surprisingly comfortable interior. The seats are comfy and there’s enough space for passengers and essential gear. The cabin also boasts a user-friendly infotainment system and convenient storage compartments, keeping you connected and organized on the go. The Ford Ranger occupies a sweet spot in terms of pricing. Starting at around $27,000 for the base XL trim for the 2023 model year, the Ranger is significantly more affordable than many full-size trucks popular in the overlanding community. This affordability allows you to invest in essential overlanding upgrades without blowing your entire budget on the vehicle itself.
The Toyota 4Runner is renowned for its reliability and go-anywhere off-road prowess. This tough-as-nails SUV offers comfort and space – all wrapped in a Toyota badge known for holding its value. The 4Runner comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a four-wheel drive (4WD) option with a two-speed transfer case. For serious off-roading, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims boast features like Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for improved wheel articulation, locking rear differential for maximum traction, and Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control for tackling various terrains with ease. Ground clearance on the 4Runner is impressive, hovering around 9.5 inches, allowing you to clear rocks and uneven surfaces without worry. Excellent approach and departure angles ensure you can conquer steep inclines and declines without scraping the undercarriage. Despite its off-road focus, the 4Runner doesn't skimp on creature comforts. The interior offers ample space for five adults and a decent cargo area. The seats are comfortable and you have enough room to stretch your legs. Higher trims offer heated and ventilated seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system. Regarding cargo capacity, the 4Runner provides ample space behind the rear seats for storing essential gear. With the seats folded down, you can create a spacious platform for sleeping comfortably inside the vehicle. The 4Runner features a proven 4.0L V6 engine that delivers dependable performance and decent fuel economy – a crucial factor for extended off-road adventures. Its starting price point sits around $40,000 for the base SR5 trim. However, prices can climb significantly with higher trims like TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, which offer additional off-road features and creature comforts. As with most overlanding vehicles, you can add roof racks for extra storage, skid plates for underbody protection, winches for self-recovery, and auxiliary lighting for nighttime adventures.
The Jeep Wrangler is synonymous with off-roading, and for good reason. This iconic SUV remains a top contender in the overlanding world, offering removable roof and doors. The Wrangler has a four-wheel drive (4WD) system with a low-range gear ratio for tackling challenging obstacles. The Rubicon trim, the king of off-road Wranglers, boasts features like electronically locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars for maximum articulation, and beefier skid plates for added underbody protection. Ground clearance on the Wrangler is best-in-class, ranging from 9.7 inches to 10.8 inches depending on the trim, allowing you to navigate rocky trails and uneven surfaces confidently. Excellent approach and departure angles ensure you can handle steep inclines and declines without getting hung up. The Wrangler's defining characteristic is its removable roof and doors. This open-air experience allows you to be fully immersed in the sights and sounds of nature, making overlanding expeditions truly special. While the cabin might be a bit noisy on the highway with the top down, it offers a surprising amount of space for passengers and gear. You can get heated seats and a premium sound system on some trims. Regarding cargo capacity, the Wrangler offers a decent amount of space behind the rear seats for storing essential gear. Fuel efficiency isn't the Wrangler's strongest suit. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine delivers enough power for off-roading but can be thirsty on long highway stretches. The Wrangler starts at around $35,000 for the base Sport trim. However, prices can climb rapidly with higher trims like Rubicon and Sahara, which offer additional off-road features and creature comforts. The Wrangler boasts a massive aftermarket following. Countless parts and accessories are available, allowing you to transform your Wrangler into a true overlanding beast.
The Ford Bronco was reintroduced in 2021 and it has become a formidable overlanding companion. This revived off-road legend combines retro charm with modern capability in various trims, each tailored for different levels of off-road prowess. The base Bronco offers a standard four-wheel drive (4WD) system with a two-speed transfer case, while the Badlands and Wildtrak trims boast more serious hardware. These higher trims come equipped with locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars for improved wheel articulation, and terrain management systems with selectable drive modes for various conditions. Ground clearance on the Bronco is impressive, ranging from 8.3 inches to 11.6 inches, depending on the trim and tire package. The interior provides surprising spaciousness for passengers and gear, with higher trims offering heated seats and a modern infotainment system. The available Ford Co-Pilot360 suite offers a variety of driver-assistance features, while the SYNC 4 infotainment system provides navigation, entertainment options, and smartphone integration. A comprehensive off-road information display also informs you about vital stats like pitch, roll, and drivetrain information. The Bronco offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.7L EcoBoost V6. While the 2.3L offers decent fuel economy, the 2.7L V6 provides more power, although fuel efficiency might suffer slightly. Cargo capacity is decent behind the rear seats, offering enough space for some items. Folding the rear seats down creates a platform suitable for sleeping inside the vehicle, although taller individuals might find it a bit cramped. There's always the ever-ready roof that can support your overlanding gear with the right racks installed. The Bronco starts at around $34,000 for the base trim, and expectedly, prices can climb higher for trims like Badlands and Wildtrak.
The Toyota Tundra emerges as a compelling option for overlanders seeking a spacious and capable companion for their adventures. This full-size pickup truck offers power, towing capacity, comfort, and legendary Toyota reliability – all crucial ingredients for tackling off-road expeditions. The Tundra boasts a standard i-FORCE 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine, churning out ample power for hauling gear and navigating challenging terrain. A 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes, while a choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) allows you to tailor the truck to your specific needs. The TRD Off-Road trim adds features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for enhanced off-road capability. Ground clearance on the Tundra ranges from 8.1 to 10.9 inches, depending on the chosen configuration. The Tundra doesn't compromise on passenger comfort. The interior offers ample space for up to five adults, with comfortable seating that provides good support on long journeys. Higher trims boast heated and ventilated seats, a moonroof, and a premium JBL sound system, making those miles melt away. When it comes to cargo capacity, the Tundra shines. The spacious trunk offers ample real estate for storing all your overlanding essentials, from camping gear to recovery equipment. The deck rail system allows additional storage options through aftermarket accessories like roof racks and cargo boxes. The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine offers a decent balance of power and fuel efficiency for a full-size truck. While fuel economy might not be its strongest suit, the Tundra delivers respectable highway mileage for those long overlanding stretches. Price-wise, it starts at around $35,000 for the base SR trim and climbs higher for trims like TRD Off-Road and Limited, which offer additional off-road features, creature comforts, and a more luxurious interior. Toyota's reputation for building reliable vehicles precedes itself, and the Tundra is no exception.
A great overland vehicle must excel in both off-road capability and comfortable living. Key features include a four-wheel drive system to conquer challenging terrain, ample ground clearance to navigate obstacles, and good approach and departure angles to handle steep inclines. Reliability is important, too, so a vehicle with a proven track record and readily available parts is ideal. Comfort from a spacious interior with good seating and sufficient cargo capacity to store all your essential gear should also be a priority for you and your crew. Remember fuel efficiency, as overlanders often cover vast distances, and a vehicle that goes further on a tank translates to lower extended exploration.
The world of overlanding beckons, and the right vehicle is your gateway to countless adventures. As a beginner, prioritizing a vehicle that's reliable, comfortable, and capable of handling moderate off-road terrain is key. Consider the factors we've explored – off-road capability, reliability, living space, fuel efficiency, etc., as you try to pick a suitable vehicle.
You don't have to navigate the car-buying journey alone. Here at Exotic Car Trader, we understand the thrill of the open road and the excitement of crafting your overland dream. We offer many new and pre-owned vehicles to meet your overlanding needs.
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