


This off-road capable vehicle has roots that date back to the military trucks of the early 1950s. Depending on which generation of the Land Cruiser you are shopping for, you’ll generally get a bigger, more powerful motor, more interior space (seating for eight in the newer models), and some high-end touches on the interior.īut perhaps what sets the Land Cruiser a step above the 4Runner is its long and storied history of overlanding - well before overlanding became popular as a trendy weekend activity. If you’re looking for a step up from the 4Runner, the fan-favorite Toyota Land Cruiser takes the best aspects of the 4Runner and bumps them up a notch. Toyota Land Cruiser Photo: Daniliuc Victor / Shutterstock Thanks to their popularity, you can find plenty of aftermarket upgrades - from roof racks to bumpers and much more - to fully deck them out. Even if you can’t afford a brand new model, a used 4Runner should still get you plenty of mileage.
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Since it debuted in 1984, the 4Runner has been positioned as a capable 4×4 that still offers seating for four - which is good news if you also need your adventure rig to function as a daily driver to take the kids to school.Īnd thanks to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, with the proper maintenance, the 4Runner is known to keep on cruising. Overlanding SUVs Toyota 4Runner Photo: Nathan Pang / ShutterstockĬurrently on its fifth generation, the Toyota 4Runner has long been a go-to mid-size SUV for adventurers around the world. Check out what aftermarket support is offered for decking out your rig with fun extras like rooftop tents, drawer systems, awnings, fridges, and other awesome overlanding accessories. If you’re buying used, ask what extra off-road goodies the previous owner might have installed.Īftermarket Support: Here’s where overlanding gets even more fun (and expensive). Nice to HaveĪdditional Off-Road Features: Nowadays, you can get many trucks and SUVs decked out with specific off-road features with everything from electronic off-road modes and underbody protection to long-travel suspensions and locking differentials.

Rugged all-terrain tires will give you the grip you need to confidently tackle the trails.
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Also, in the event that you do break something on the trip (it happens), you want a vehicle with parts that are easy to find at any local automotive store.Ĭargo Space: Whether you’re looking at a trunk or a truck bed, you’ll want enough space to carry all your necessary overlanding gear - plus some additional luxuries.Īll-Terrain Tires: If there’s one upgrade to look for (or spring for when buying your overland rig), get a solid set of all-terrain (or mud-terrain) tires. When overlanding, your primary means of getting in and out of the area is your vehicle. Reliable: Obviously, reliability is desirable for any vehicle, but it becomes even more important when you are taking your overlanding rig to remote locations. However, if you primarily plan to tackle mild, washboard on dirt forest service roads, a vehicle with 6 to 8-inches of ground clearance can be driven (with a little finesse) to reach your destination. Look for clearance in the range of 8+ inches. The more rocky, rutted, or technical the terrain, the more you are going to appreciate some added ground clearance. Moderate to High Ground Clearance: How much ground clearance you need will depend on where you want to go overlanding. Long story short, 4-wheel-drive is made for tackling tricky terrain, rocks, mud, sand, and other off-road obstacles you may encounter off the pavement. Here are a few things to be on the lookout for: Need to HaveĤWD, also known as 4×4: Perhaps this one should go without saying, but you will want a 4-wheel-drive (not all-wheel-drive) vehicle for overlanding - and preferably a 4×4 with a high and low range. And while it’s fun to drool over expensive off-road builds and sweet #vanlife finish-outs, often a reliable used vehicle with a few key features can serve your overlanding needs just as well. Your budget is going to determine what type of adventure vehicle you can afford. Related Read: White Rim Road: An Overland Adventure in Canyonlands, Utah The Basics: What to Look For in an Overlanding Vehicle
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These 4x4s will make a great basecamp for all your overlanding adventures whether you plan to go for a full build-out or simply toss your sleeping pad in the back for a weekend away. Where you go from there with the modifications - well, it’s a slippery slope to all sorts of vehicle-assisted backcountry fun. If you’re interested in overlanding (or just upping your car camping game), you’ll want a reliable adventure vehicle to get started.
