The Best Overlanding Vehicles? Where Can They Go?

There are many different types of Overlanding cars on the market. What is the best one? Which vehicle has the most features, and what makes it unique? What kind of terrain can it go on, and where should you take your new Overlanding car to explore in your spare time?

Those are some questions that may come up when people consider buying Overlanding vehicles. Let’s discuss how to choose a good one for yourself!

What is the Best Overlanding Vehicles, and Where Can it Go?

As far as overlanding vehicles go, a well-maintained one is regarded to be the finest. If you’re planning a a global overland expedition, you’ll need a car that can get you there and back safely. Fortunately, there are a plethora of reliable software options available.

Even if you do this in any 4×4, the more comfortable and relaxed you are, the more fun you’ll have. Many individuals use extra gear when they go overlanding, such as rooftop tents, traction mats, camp ovens, and kitchens.

There’s no reason you can’t utilize a vehicle platform that isn’t one of the commonly used ones. To build a mobile overlanding mini-home, we’re here to assist you.

If you’re planning on overlanding, here are some of the best overland vehicles to get you there.

Toyota Overland: True to Overlanding Vehicles

For those of you who’ve been abroad or kept up with foreign news, Toyota 4×4 cars are a household name. Toyota 4x4s have probably played a role in several research missions and overland travels.

It is possible to get started with a US-based overland vehicle. These vehicles may differ substantially from the mechanicals of their international equivalents. Vehicles such as the Toyota 4Runner (and related Lexus vehicles) are built to last and are known for their dependability and durability.

As far as we’re concerned, we’d steer clear of the 3.0L V-6 4Runner vehicles from the late 1980s and early 1990s. They are underpowered and tend to leak head gaskets.

In general, the Land Cruiser is a worldwide vehicle. However, American variants are decked up with a few additional luxuries. The Lexus GX and LX models are both based on Land Cruisers or other Toyota platforms sold in other countries. You can’t go wrong with any Toyota 4×4 with a transfer case from the FJ-40 to the latest 4-Runner models.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon/ Mojave: Stunning Overlanding Vehicles

There is little doubt that the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and newly-released Gladiator Mojave should be included on this list. If the Gladiator’s best-in-segment 1,200-pound towing capacity isn’t enough to capture your curiosity, its off-road capabilities should.

It has locking front and rear differentials, an electronic anti-roll bar disconnect for better articulation, and a low range with a 4:1 crawl ratio in the Rubicon variant. In our opinion, the Gladiator Mojave is just as adept as its more rugged Rubicon sibling in the desert. To withstand the rigors of desert racing, it has a sturdier chassis and shocks, and a wider front track.

However, it does not have a front locker or an anti-roll bar disconnect. Steel bumpers, skid plates, rock rails, and a standard 3.6-liter V-6 with 285 horses come standard on both variants. The Gladiator’s armored belly drags on practically everything due to its lengthy wheelbase.

Land Rover Discovery: The Class Of The Overlanding Vehicles

It’s getting increasingly difficult to find a first or second-generation Discovery. And the Range Rover Classics are too pricey to put through the rigors of a round-the-world trip. We believe that the best automobiles for long road trips are the third and fourth-generation models. They have air suspension and a powerful diesel engine.

There is more capacity than most of us possess when off-roading with the current generation of Land Rover Discovery. This is true especially when it is equipped with the optional dynamic rear differential and on good tires.

Mercedes G-Wagen: Almost Retro

AMG-flagged G-Wagens are not recommended for globe travel due to their high fuel consumption, flimsy alloy wheels that may bend easily under the weight of a rock, and the badging that would make its owners the most desirable targets for kidnappers since Margaret Thatcher.

For over 30 years, this Mercedes G-Wagon G model had solid axles with coil springs all around, a ladder chassis, and three locking differentials, making it one of the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road.

It’s going to go wherever you put it. Gunther and Christine Holthorf’s G Wagen, nicknamed ‘Otto,’ became one of the world’s most renowned overlanders as they logged 560,000 miles and visited 215 countries over 26 years.

Ford’s F-150 Raptor: Looking Monster Truck-Ish

When it comes to overlanding, we favor a Transit Trail over a Ranger Raptor because it has a massive and covered cargo area that can be furnished with any number of creature conveniences, such as a kitchen and bathroom.

An all-wheel drive is an option for the Transit Trail, which incorporates several visual aspects from Ford’s Raptor line-up, including the large Ford letters on the front grille and protective armor.

Although it’s often considered the first warranty-backed desert truck, the Ford F-150 Raptor is predictably highly adept as a platform for overlanding. Despite its massive size, the Raptor is one of the most fun-to-drive overlanders on our list, thanks to its comfy Baja-ready electronically adjustable Fox shock absorbers, big tires, and strong 450-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6.

Check the boxes for bead-lock wheels (enabling you to run low tire pressures without the tires sliding off the rim) and the front differential limited-slip. The Raptor can carry up to 1,200 pounds of payload.

Although it lacks a low-range transmission, it does feature an ultra-low first gear allowing some crawling capabilities and the option to lock the center diff for a 50:50 torque split front and back.

If you want to bring the kids along, there’s even a double-cab option.

Isuzu D-Max AT35: Super Sleek

Even while a load-bed cap is required for everyone who needs to keep their belongings dry when traveling across continents, we believed that at least one pick-up truck was necessary here. Isuzu D-name Max’s includes a suffix indicating it has been carefully prepped and fitted with 35-inch tires by Arctic Trucks. This suggests that it has natural off-road prowess.

The truck’s ride height is raised by 125mm thanks to a 50mm lift and some powerful Bilstein dampers to match the new Defender. It’s surprisingly comfy to ride, even though the turbodiesel has a hard time getting out of its way on the highway, but it’s unstoppable off it.

The term “Arctic Trucks” pretty well sums up what the company does.

Bowler Bulldog: Super Tough Lookin’

This will be a tough decision because even a used Bowler Bulldog costs enough to cover a lot of high-end trips. For overlanding, the vehicle’s inbuilt roll cage takes up nearly all of the available space. Still, when combined with an aluminum chassis, it effectively becomes a spaceframe-equipped Rally Raid class rival.

The Bowler, on the other hand, will get you around fast and comfortably thanks to its all-wheel independent suspension. However, Bowler has managed to address the Defender’s poor driving posture, even though fixed bucket seats and six-point harnesses don’t work for long-distance travel.

The 221-liter petrol tank implies that you can travel a long distance away from Instagrammers, which is what adventure is all about these days, isn’t it?

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: That’s Jacked

During our trip through the Trans-Labrador Highway and the notorious Mojave Road, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 proved itself to be a capable overlander. It has standard MultiMatic DSSV dampers and the ZR2 has excellent behaviors both on and off the road. Also, its electronic full-locking front and rear differentials for low-traction conditions, which is becoming increasingly unusual from factory vehicles.

In addition to a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 2.8-liter turbodiesel I-4, the AEV Bison package is also available for the Colorado ZR2 with a payload capability of up to 1,100 pounds. Off-road, you’ll be glad to have boron steel skid plates and bumpers to keep you safe.

Land Rover Defender: That’s Looks Bombproof

We think it’s a horrible idea to drive across the world in an original Defender because of the precarious seating posture, the jarring ride, and the slow speed. The new Land Rover Defender is a different animal with its vast all-terrain capability and excellent on-road comfort and performance.

You’re definitely out of luck when it comes to rooftop tents, but if you want to add a factory-installed air compressor, an integrated backpack, and a shower system, you may do so with the Adventure Pack. The steel wheels allow you to hammer them back into shape while you’re out in the wild.

Ford F-Series Super Duty Tremor: Nothing Shy Overlanding Vehicles

Early assessments of the 2017 Ford Super Duty Tremor’s off-road capabilities are encouraging. With a maximum payload capacity of 3,890 pounds, the Tremor is Ford’s take on the Power Wagon.

The 7.3-liter V-8 with 430 horsepower or the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8 with 475 hp are both available. An off-road-oriented suspension, a locking rear differential, and enormous 35″ off-road tires are included in the Tremor package.

Final Thoughts

What you decide to buy will depend on what kind of overlanding adventure you want. What’s important is that the vehicle carries a lot of weight and has an excellent suspension system.

In addition, make sure the car has plenty of power so it can get up steep hills or across long distances quickly – especially in hot climates where fuel economy isn’t going to matter much! If getting out into nature is more your thing than being a tourist, then we think one of these cars should suit you well.