Do you like getting off the beaten track, avoiding the office and heading to the mountains, but you feel your Honda Civic may not be up to the task? Check out these outdoor approved models to unleash your adventurous side.
What makes a great vehicle for outdoor thrills? Like many things, a bit of research and maybe even a bit of soul searching are in order. What sort of driving do you anticipate doing most? While you may long to do serious off-roading, if none exists near your home and you will be unlikely to do much of it, it doesn’t make sense to buy a knobby-tired boulder smasher that makes your commute uncomfortable. Trips to the country or up into the mountains may involve some rough dirt roads, but they seldom involve topping ravines and boulders. Consider a car that is appropriate for the driving you will actually do, which even for adventurous folks includes a mix of city, highway, and rough road driving.
Here’s just a few of the best cars for getting off the beaten track. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices, but each model has its own strengths and weaknesses. All of these cars are affordable, and for consumers with the highest credit score, great deals can be found on these popular picks every season.
Jeep Wrangler
The undeniable champion for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere, the Jeep Wrangler embodies a lifestyle. With the soft-top off, the sun beating down, and rocks under the tires, nothing beats an unbeaten path like a Wrangler. With a lineage that goes back more than 70 years, the Wrangler is a top pick for serious trailblazing. The downside, of course, is that the Wrangler is impractical while driving to work and sitting in gridlock.
Subaru Outback
For a nice balance of rough road capability and city driving comfort, consider the Outback. Outback’s deserved cult following speaks to the quality and versatility of this model. Perfect for commuting even in the harshest, snowiest, iciest conditions, the Outback’s all-wheel-drive system keeps the car on track. While you won’t be topping boulders or taking on 4x4 trails in the high country, the car is perfectly capable for dirt roads and backcountry exploring in the mountains. And with excellent storage space and gas mileage, you really can’t go wrong with the Outback. The model features plenty of room for camping and adventure gear and makes a great platform for roof-top loads.
Nissan Xterra
The Xterra has been around for a while and gone through several generational changes, but the core of this contender is still the same. This is an off-road capable truck-based SUV that is equally able to get you to work or get you over the mountain pass. With steep entry and exits, high clearance, and available 4-wheel drive, the Xterra has the specs to back up its off-road image. With a beefy roof rack standard, the Xterra is an excellent choice for rooftop toys like kayaks and rooftop tents.
Toyota Tacoma
For those outdoorsy folk looking for a pickup, look no farther than the venerable Tacoma. The versatile truck is comfortable to drive in the city thanks to its mid-sized frame, decent gas mileage and easy handling. Available in various sizes and trims, there’s a Tacoma for every taste. It makes a good choice if you want to tow a camper or water toys. Consider the TRD off-road package should serious technical trails be in your future!
There are many choices for outdoor-oriented vehicles on the market today and this isn’t an all inclusive list. Whether you want a purebred off-road boulder topper like a Jeep Wrangler or a subdued city driver with a dirty side like the Subaru Outback, there is a car that is perfect for you.
About The Author
stash member Vincent Stokes
Vincent Stokes is an outdoor enthusiast and an experienced world traveler. He also writes writes for the National Parks and works to promote pride in homegrown travel destinations. (@TravelingGlobal)