For an outdoor lover, owning the right vehicle can make all the difference. Whether you wish to explore the wild, beach, mountains, or remote trails or simply want to go on a cross-country road trip, your vehicle becomes more than just a mode of transportation.
Your automobiles turn into a crucial part of your adventures. The right one lets you enjoy your exploration to the fullest, while the wrong one can spoil everything. For example, if you take a Nissan Versa for your off-roading trip, you are going to get disappointed and come back filled with annoyance and regret, not fun and calm.
To ensure this does not happen to you, we bring you this buyer’s guide that will help you find the best cars for outdoor enthusiasts. We have only the best for you, from outdoor-ready cars to trucks.
Here, all listed vehicles boast ground clearance ranging from 6 to 11.6 inches. So, whether you are an occasional traveler or a frequent one, these vehicles will keep your ride’s base safe and secure both within and outside the cities.
14 Best Affordable Cars For Outdoor Enthusiasts In 2024
Now that you are well aware of what to look for when buying your outdoor adventure buddy, it is time to explore what is on the market.
Below, we have reviewed the 14 best vehicles for outdoorsmen this year. From SUVs to pickups to vans, we have everything. Whether you wish to go all green, desire the best of both worlds, or simply love the old-school gasoline vibes, there is something for everyone.
1. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle that is well-known for its rugged capability and customization options. This modern boxy car comes with high ground clearance and features a powerful 4WD system, making it an ideal partner for conquering tough terrains.
2. Toyota 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV hailed among users for its durability and reliability. Its advanced off-road features, ample passenger and cargo space, and standard features like 17″ alloy wheels, skid plates, roof rails, and reclining second-row seats make this Japanese build a perfect ride for tackling unknown roads.
3. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is one of the few vehicles that combines comfort and versatility at its best. This one of the last true wagons features a well-built interior with spacious seating, ample cargo area, a symmetrical AWD system, and impressive fuel economy.
Outback is ideal for both city driving and outdoor adventures, making it one of the best picks for weekend travelers.
4. Ford Bronco
The Bronco is an impressive sport utility vehicle from one of the most popular car brands that with F. This fierce competitor of the Wrangler comes with high-end off-road capabilities, a stylish box-shaped design, ground clearance of 11.6 inches, and comfortable on-road manners.
It is available in two-door and four-door configurations, allowing you to choose the size that best suits your requirements.
5. Land Rover Defender
The Lan Rover Defender is one of the best choices for tough overlanding. This luxurious mid-size car has a strong build, long-range capability, fantastic off-roading abilities, balanced on-road ride and handling, and advanced terrain response systems, making it a top choice for extended family or solo adventures.
6. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V features a roomy interior, balanced performance, good fuel efficiency, ample cargo space, and intuitive tech and safety features. This, one of the best SUVs for women and men, is a reliable and affordable choice for outdoor lovers who desire a versatile four-wheeler. It is also available in a hybrid variant, making it a considerable choice for Eco-adventurers.
7. Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 is a well-rounded compact SUV offering 8.6″ of ground clearance, a spacious and comfortable interior, good fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and comfortable ride quality. This reliable ride is quite maneuverable for an SUV and easy to drive. Its suspension is taut enough to smooth out most bumps in the pavement, making you enjoy smooth sailing both on and off terrain.
8. Ford F-150
Ford F-150, the best-selling car in the United States in 2024, is a high-performance pickup truck designed for off-roading excellence. It features robust build quality, 17-inch wheels, 8.8 or 9.4 inches of ground clearance, advanced Ford Blue Cruise, and a spacious bed, making it perfect for carrying all your outdoor gear. It is available in three body styles and a full-electric version.
9. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the perfect ride for overland adventures. This family-size van will be like your second home on the road. It boasts a gigantic space with sleeping areas, a kitchenette, storage compartments, and many customization options.
We know it is due to be released in the second half of 2024 as a 2025 model, but we can not keep ourselves from mentioning such a gem, which is one of the best vehicles for outdoor fanatics.
10. Ram 1500
Ram 1500 is another excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who love to travel with all their gear, from cooking utensils to sleeping tens, in a sophisticated manner.
This third-best-selling vehicle of 2024 prioritizes comfort and luxury without compromising on its capability. With it, you get a spacious cabin, impressive fuel economy, and comfortable ride quality, even on long journeys.
11. Toyota Tacoma
Tacoma is one of the most affordable compact pickup trucks in the US market. It is known for its towing capacity of 6,800 pounds (which is good for a compact size), making it ideal for hauling boats, water sports equipment, and a trailer. The bed and interior space are good, and when you add the off-road performance, you have a pocket-friendly travel buddy.
12. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas offers a spacious interior with plenty of cargo room, a zippy turbo-four engine, and a comfortable ride, perfect for camping trips and long road journeys. Its connectivity features, such as a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12-inch touch screen, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and navigation, keep you entertained and on track.
13. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
Chevy Colorado ZR2 is another excellent pickup for your adventure trips. It comes with roof rack crossbars, hill hold technology, multiple driving modes, hill descent control, winch, skid plates, and locking differential like the other top-rated trucks in the market, making it a superb choice for off-road and overland thrills.
14. Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen ID.4 is another excellent choice for Eco-adventurers. This electric-powered adventure ride provides a spacious interior, large cargo hold, comfortable ride, affordable price, and an impressive range of 291 miles on a single charge. It is well suited for your rare or frequent weekend getaways and locations with easy access to car charging stations.
In conclusion, choosing the right vehicle is a crucial step in order for you to truly enjoy your outdoor adventures. So be careful and active throughout your car-buying period. Do not let someone familiar or a salesperson at the dealerships sway you from your goal.
Factors To Consider When Looking For Best Cars For Outdoorsmen
Car buying is an expensive matter that requires thorough planning, review, and understanding. As an adventure lover, you can not just pick any vehicle that states it is built for off-roading. There are some other factors at play that you need to consider to ensure you purchase a vehicle that will be your true rod partner on which you can rely under all circumstances.
Here, we have a breakdown of crucial factors that will help you narrow your choices and clear your path to your ideal purchase.
Your Adventurer Archetype
The first thing you need to do is decide your adventurer archetype. This means you need to be clear on what kind of thrill-seeker you are. Be honest with yourself and analyze whether you are a rare/weekend traveler, a true off-roader, a leisurely overlander, or an eco-adventurer who likes to explore but not at the cost of the environment.
The moment you decide on this, you will be clear on whether you need to buy a vehicle that can easily slay on challenging terrains or one that can help you bust your tiredness on the weekends.
Your Budget
Money is always a big concern when buying a car. Make a budget according to your financial and stick to it. Do not go overboard, as buying a vehicle out of your purchasing power can hurt your credit score and finances.
In this blog, we have listed vehicles with starting prices ranging from $28,675 to $56,400. We have affordable to premium options for all kinds of buyers.
Off-Road Capabilities
An adventure-friendly ride needs to come with impressive off-road capabilities. Go for the level of off-road features as per your requirements. If you are someone who rarely goes on explorations, a full-fledged off-roader like Wrangler might not be for you, but models like Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V will be a perfect fit.
Cargo Space & In-Cabin Storage
Space is a big need for travel and exploration. Look for vehicles offering ample passenger and cargo space along with in-cabin storage. Take into consideration how many people you will have with you on your adventures. Some people travel solo, while others with friends or family.
So, if you are mostly all by yourself on your road trips, vehicles like Ford Bronco sound good. If you travel with one or two people, cars like Toyota 4Runner and Ford F-150 are great. But if you are a family trip kinda traveler, automobiles like Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are your best bet.
Durability & Reliability
Ensure that the vehicle you are interested in is durable and reliable. It should be of excellent build quality, and you can trust it for your safety and that of your fellow riders. All the vehicles we have listed on this blog have either a four—or five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a reliability rating above 80 from J.D. Power.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
Traveling can go downhill if the vehicle is not efficient. Thus, look for a ride that is highly fuel-efficient. If you choose leading electric cars, make sure the driving range is over 200 miles on a single charge. If you opt for a diesel or gasoline-powered ride, ensure it offers at least 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Comfort & Convenience Features
A vehicle offering everything you desire is still not an ideal purchase if it is not comfortable. Thus, it should be your priority to check if sitting in and driving a vehicle feels comfortable to you. Long journeys are tiring. Some vehicles seem great for everyday commutes; thus, we ignore little discomfort. However, you can not do this when exploring for a travel partner.
Thus, make sure the seats are comfortable and reclining, and the driver’s seat can be adjusted to various positions according to the driver’s height and preference.
Ground Clearance
An adventure or outdoor ride needs good ground clearance so that you can easily drive over rough terrain without damaging your vehicle. A true off-road ride requires a ground clearance of at least six inches. So, ensure that whichever vehicle you choose has at least this minimum number.
Also, we would like your views on our top picks for adventure lovers. Feel free to share your exploration stories and recommendations for us and your fellow readers in the comments below.
