The Best New and Used SUVs and Trucks for Overlanding

Michael Teo Van Runkle
·13 min read

Tempted to get into overlanding, but struggling to take the leap of actually buying a rig? Paralysis by analysis is real, especially given how many awesome trucks and SUVs touted as overlanders show up on Instagram these days.

Deciding on the best new or used truck or SUV to invest in as a platform for overlanding requires considering a number of factors. New trucks and SUVs come with the confidence of factory warranty coverage, but the additional complexity of modern electronics might not sound great while exploring the middle of nowhere. Buying used, on the other hand, comes with making a trade-off between proven reliability and the uncertainty of previous ownership. And of course, the most important constraint is always budget.

The “built vs. bought” debate is another lingering question: Is it a better use of time to create an overlander from the ground up, or pay a premium for the perfect setup already assembled? All of these choices involve an honest assessment of what the rig will actually do—trail running, forest exploration on fire roads, or navigating winter landscapes.

Luckily, some of the best options in the new and used market today span a wide range of price points, allowing anyone to make a solid purchase and jump headlong into the overlanding lifestyle. Here are 11 excellent SUVs and trucks to start the trek.

Best New Vehicles for Overlanding

<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>When Ford brought the Ranger back to the U.S. in 2019 as an entry-level midsize truck, the prospect of overlanding with one mostly involved tons of aftermarket modification. Finally for 2024, the Ranger gets a highly anticipated Raptor variant complete with upgraded suspension featuring Fox shock dampers and a more powerful twin-turbo V6 engine. Ford brought an early production Ranger Raptor out to King of the Hammers this year, where the relatively small truck still showed off big-time capability in the desert. As an affordable platform with little adjustment needed other than sleeping and gear storage solutions, the Ranger Raptor also remains small enough to make daily driving less of a hassle than its beefy Bronco and F-150 siblings.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> 5th Gen (USA)</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> 3.0L TTV6</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 2Hi/4Hi/4Lo w/ two lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $55,470</li></ul>
<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>Another new vehicle that the overlanding community has been keeping a close eye on comes from an unexpected source: Lexus with the <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/first-drive-lexus-gx-550-191626592.html" data-ylk="slk:2024 GX;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">2024 GX</a>. This boxy SUV's styling borders on overly futuristic, but the Overtrail and Overtrail+ packages make for a more attractive platform than even Toyota’s newly announced Land Cruiser (and both vehicles are really a Prado, anyway). Where the Land Cruiser gets a hybrid four-cylinder engine and city-slicker tires, the GX Overtrail comes with a twin-turbo V6, 33-inch tires, locking center and rear differentials, and Toyota’s nifty E-KDSS electronically disconnecting sway bar system to radically improve suspension travel on the fly. (The outgoing model, the Lexus GX 460, is also a strong used contender for an overland build and will probably be more plentiful as trade-ins after the new beast drops.)</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> 3rd Gen </li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> Hybrid 2.4L turbo-four or twin-turbo 3.4L V6</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 4Hi/4Lo w/ up to two lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $62,900 </li></ul>
<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>While most Jeep enthusiasts clamor to get their hands on a Wrangler 392 with that big V8, real overlanders will almost certainly favor a Gladiator equipped with the 3.6-liter V6. But wait, what about the diesel? Well, the diesel Gladiator may get better fuel economy and more low-end torque, but that engine also weighs about 400 pounds more than the Pentastar V6. For an overlanding rig, that means the diesel will be heavier on the nose and stress suspension components more before adding racks, a roof tent, gas cans, and spare tires. Plus, the Gladiator’s ZF eight-speed automatic helps the gas engine out with great gear ratios. The best plan might be to get the factory two-inch lift kit, then see how the build develops—luckily, tons of aftermarket support exists for additional suspension tuning and all the Jeep-specific overlanding gear in the world.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> JT</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> 3.6L V6 or 3.0L turbo-diesel V6</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 2Hi/4Hi/4Lo w/ up to 3 lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $37,895</li></ul>
<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>For bigger builds or longer trips, instead of buying a Gladiator diesel, the Ram 2500 Power Wagon with a Cummins turbo-diesel and beefy transmission probably fits the bill better. With super singles and a flatbed conversion, installing a camper box becomes a cinch—or plenty of drop-in campers will fit the stock truck bed. Plus, the Heavy Duty PW package still uses solid front and rear axles, with coil springs out back instead of the competition’s more typical leaf springs, while also adding more ground clearance, a disconnecting sway bar, and a front locker. Think of the Power Wagon as a grown-up Jeep Gladiator from Stellantis.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> 2500 Power Wagon</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> 6.4L V8 or 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel I6</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 2Hi/4Hi/4Lo w/ up to 3 lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $68,225</li></ul>
<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>Maybe the most well-rounded selection of off-roading SUVs comes from Ford with the Bronco. Buyers can either go bigger-than-big with the absolutely absurd Bronco Raptor, or pick a base model and build out a perfect overlanding rig from there. The Bronco’s main downside is a lack of interior space, but with locking differentials, plenty of room for big tires, a disconnecting sway bar, and three different engine options, something for every potential build exists in the lineup. And whether buying from Ford or an aftermarket upfitter, a ton of accessories including roof tents, awnings, lighting packages, and storage solutions fit the Bronco with ease.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> 6th Gen</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> 2.3L turbo-four/2.7L TTV6/3.0L TTV6</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 2Hi/4Hi/4Lo w/ up to 3 lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $39,640</li></ul>
<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>The newborn Ineos Grenadier entered the American market over the past few months with the dubious distinction of being the brainchild of a British billionaire who decided over a few pints that he wanted to build a modern Land Rover Defender. The boxy exterior looks very familiar, so locking differentials in solid front and rear axles should come as no surprise. More unexpected, though, is how well the Grenadier drives—on the road and off—with powertrains from BMW. And meanwhile, the interior can range from Spartan and utilitarian with some of the best switchgear on the planet, all the way up to bespoke Savile Row-style tailored upholstery. A truck version (or two) will arrive soon, but so far the Grenadier makes for a solid option at a competitive price point—though potential reliability for overlanding adventures will still require more time to suss out.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> Grenadier</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> Turbo 3.0L BMW inline-6</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 2Hi/4Hi/4Lo w/ up to 3 lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $71,500</li></ul>

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Best Used Vehicles for Overlanding

<p>Sunday Garage</p><p>In comparison to the modern reboot, a semi-classic Toyota Land Cruiser can serve as a known quantity for any potential overlanding builds. The reliable straight-six and V8 engine options, four-wheel-drive systems with up to three locking differentials (or brake-based A-TRAC traction control), and roomy interiors all beg for a sleeping platform, storage build-out with roof tent, and swing-out spare tire carriers. Plenty of skid plate options, suspension upgrade packages, and proven overlanding accessories also help to attract overlanders with a healthy budget to pay the old “Toyota tax” for a Land Cruiser.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> 80 or 100 Series</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> 4.0L inline six or 4.7L V8</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> Full-time 4WD w/ up to 3 lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $20,000 to $35,000 </li></ul>
<p>Caleb Wallace</p><p>The Mitsubishi Montero used to be an alternative to paying that Toyota tax for a Land Cruiser, but now a growing community of enthusiasts are starting to boost popularity and, therefore, values. The so-called Gen-2.5 Montero—especially when equipped with the Winter Package that adds a factory locking rear differential, heated seats, and a transmission HOLD button—serves as a perfect overlanding platform. Independent front suspension with torsion bars and a coil-sprung rear axle provide solid driving dynamics, if not big power barring an upgrade to 4.90 final-drive gears. And growing aftermarket support includes skid plates, winch packages, front lockers, and a healthy dose of forum knowledge to make any level of overlanding prep a relative ease.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> Gen 2.5</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> 3.5L V6</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 2Hi/AWD/4Hi/4Lo w/ up to two lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $3,500 to $12,000</li></ul>
<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>For unique overlanding style—and perhaps a bit less Toyota tax—the FJ Cruiser definitely stands out from the crowd. An FJ looks best with bigger knobby tires, and almost certainly drives best with a manual transmission to help the anemic V6 put power down via better gear ratios. Of course, bolting on an aftermarket supercharger might be most ideal for an FJ that’s loaded up with overlanding gear, which from roof tents to steel bumpers, skid plates, and interior accessories can be found online. Throw in Toyota’s legendary reliability, and it’s no wonder the FJ seems to continue rising in value these days.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> FJ Cruiser</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> 4.0L V6</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 2Hi/4Hi/4Lo w/ rear diff locker</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $8,000 to $20,000</li></ul>
<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>Another solid pick for overlanding that’s also been blowing up in build frequency comes from Porsche. But the little sports car company completely overbuilt the first-generation Cayenne SUV, so choosing either a Type 955 or a face-lifted 957 includes a true two-speed transfer case with a center locking differential, surprising suspension travel for independent rear-suspension unibody construction, an optional rear locker, and the exceedingly rare dual disconnecting front and rear sway bars. More and more aftermarket support arrives seemingly every day, and it’s not even too hard to fit 33-inch tires on a Cayenne. Best of all, it’ll still go 90 mph on the freeway all day. Of course, Porsche parts and service can get steep, but most issues are known quantities and for a home mechanic with wrenching skills, a 955 or 957 Cayenne makes for a solid bet given potential future values.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> Type 955/957 (1st Gen)</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> V6/V8/TTV8</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 4WD w/ up to two lockers</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $6,000 to $25,000 </li></ul>
<p>Courtesy Image</p><p>For a simple, no-frills platform that can easily serve as a weatherproof box, the cab-over Mitsubishi Fuso Canter might remain the most basic possible overlanding platform to buy used. These simple delivery trucks available with solid axles and four-wheel drive can be serviced anywhere on the entire planet. Just don’t expect to get anywhere on the entire planet particularly quickly. A stock Fuso won’t even cost too much secondhand, though finding a fully built version from overlanding companies like EarthCruiser will definitely cost extra coins.</p>Specs<ul><li><strong>Model:</strong> Canter FG4X4</li><li><strong>Engine:</strong> 3.0L turbo-diesel</li><li><strong>Transmission:</strong> 4Hi/4Lo</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> $10,000 to $25,000</li></ul>

What to Consider When Buying a Vehicle for Overlanding

Purpose and Terrain

Determine what you want to use your new off-roader for: Will you be tackling rocky trails, muddy paths, or sandy dunes? Consider the terrain you'll encounter most frequently to make sure your new vehicle is well-suited to tackle it.

Off-Road Capabilities

Be sure to check out the height of the vehicle's ground clearance, along with the approach, departure, and breakover angles. Make sure they will be adequate for the type of off-roading you'll be doing. Features like four-wheel drive and locking differentials are necessities to make sure you can successfully navigate the many challenges of off-roading.

Reliability and Durability

Prioritize vehicles known for their reliability and durability, as overlanding and off-roading can put significant strain on mechanical components. Research the vehicle and brand's track record and common issues that you may need to address before heading out into the backcountry.

Modifiability and Aftermarket Support

Consider the availability of aftermarket parts and accessories to customize your vehicle according to your off-roading needs. Look for a strong community of enthusiasts and manufacturers offering off-road upgrades.

Comfort and Convenience

Balance off-road capabilities with on-road comfort, especially if you'll be spending long hours behind the wheel. Evaluate factors like seating fit, interior space, and features like navigation systems and connectivity options for digital devices.

The Ineos Grenadier is a new SUV that's a good option for an overlanding and off-roading machine.<p>Michael Teo Van Runkle</p>
The Ineos Grenadier is a new SUV that's a good option for an overlanding and off-roading machine.

Michael Teo Van Runkle

Fuel Efficiency and Range

SUVs and trucks don't have the best miles per gallon, so be sure to research the vehicle's fuel efficiency, particularly if you'll be covering long distances between gas stations. Look for vehicles with larger fuel tanks or the option for auxiliary fuel storage. Some newer vehicles use hybrid systems that can extend range and cut down on fuel costs.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Determine whether you'll need to tow a trailer or carry heavy gear, and choose a vehicle with adequate towing and payload capacity. Consider the impact of added weight on the vehicle's performance and fuel economy.

Budget Considerations

Set a realistic budget that accounts for the upfront price as well as potential modifications you'd like to add and future maintenance costs. Exploring both new and used vehicle options like those featured here will help you find the best value.

Test-Drive and Research

Take potential vehicles for test-drives if possible to assess their handling, comfort, and off-road performance. Research online reviews, forums, and owner experiences to gather insights into the pros and cons of different models.

Get Out and Go Off-Road

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best vehicle to serve as your platform for overlanding or off-roading adventures. Remember to prioritize your specific needs and preferences to ensure a satisfying and successful journey off the beaten path—and then get the hell out there and drive.

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Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve driven just about everything with a motor over the past six-plus years in the automotive industry, from a Bugatti Chiron to Hyundais, motorcycles, and even World War II-era tanks. During the pandemic, I discovered off-roading first as a way to escape from Los Angeles, then progressed quickly into the more hardcore worlds of rock-crawling and rally racing. But the slow pace of overlanding on a budget, rather than in some of the awesome million-dollar rigs I’ve tested, still brings together my love of nature, gear, trucks, and cooking over an open flame better than just about anything—including that Bugatti.