The 10 Best Adventure Cars

in Best for Demographic
Photo of Subaru Outback trekking offroad

Photo by Steven Striegel on Unsplash

What do you imagine when you hear the word “adventure”? Do you think about scaling sheer cliffs? Surfing remote beaches? Trekking through a rain-drenched jungle? Whatever revs your engine, chances are there’s a vehicle that can take you there. Ask any outdoor enthusiast (we’re sure you know a few!) and they’ll tell you all about their all-time favorite off-roader. Likely, none of them will have the same answer. So how do you tell which vehicle might be the ​best adventure car​ for you​?

Copilot is a personal car expert dedicated to helping you find the perfect ride to fit your lifestyle, no matter the terrain. In this article, we’re going to show you what we think are the 10 ​best cars for adventures of all kinds. 


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Best Adventure Cars​ for Any Terrain

1. Toyota Land Cruiser

This legendary vehicle has been making trail-blazing look stylish since it first ​emerged on the American market back in 1958.​ Originally designed for military use, the Land Cruiser has shed its utilitarian veneer in favor of a more luxurious look and feel without sacrificing any power. The 2021 200 model features 5-8 seats, a roof rack, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System so you can haul the whole family and their gear up a mountain and hardly feel a thing. And mud-and-snow-rated tires and a 5.7-liter V8 engine mean you’re prepared for any road (even if there is no road!)

2. Subaru Outback

Everyone imagines the Outback when they think of “​best adventure cars​.” The Subaru brand is so synonymous with rough riding that “subaruing” has become a verb for skidding down muddy roads and tearing through dry riverbeds. The latest models feature raised roof rails, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and 75.7 cubic feet of space for cargo. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive helps you tackle loose or snowy ground.

Creature comforts like heated seats and steering wheels keep you cozy on cold winter mornings. And Blind Spot Detection and all-around impact protection help keep you and your passengers safe the entire trip. The Outback boasts 33 MPG on the highway for an added environmental bonus.

3. Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

The Alltrack is a sporty and versatile little vehicle that will serve you equally well commuting to work or crossing the tundra. Optional off-road mode, hill control, 6.9 inches of clearance, and all-wheel drive lets you take your Golf anywhere a more tricked-out truck or SUV might go. And if the size is an issue, don’t be too hasty in dismissing the Alltrack. Its petiteness can be mitigated with a ​guaranteed fit trailer hitch​,​ ​so you don’t have to leave any necessities behind.


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4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 Cargo Van is perfect for adrenaline junkies who want to keep a roof over their heads. The spacious back allows you to haul up to 12,125 lbs to take your whole house off-roading with you. Or, carry up to 15 of your best adventure pals with optional additional seating. And take them wherever you want! The 4x4 drive providing “maximum traction” and durable tires lets you take this vehicle over any surface - from wet mud to dust-like sand.

5. Dodge Ram 1500 TRX

The American car manufacturer put a lot of marketing power behind this supercharged adventure vehicle. Not that they needed to. One sideways glance at this aggressive-looking truck is enough to convince you of its capabilities. But don’t let its mean exterior fool you: it’s as smart as it is powerful. Intelligent launch controls, real-time engine analytics, and optimized vehicle dynamics keep you in the know while revving that 702-horsepower V8.

Sophisticated Bilstein Shocks keep the ride smooth, and terrain-specific mode settings offer a “tailored driving experience” or optimum control over rock, mud, or sand. And if you’re bushed after a day of bush-whacking in your TRX, ​fold-out tents​ fit perfectly into the bed.

6. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

We should probably move this king-among-SUVs to the top of the list. It’s more of a surprise to see the Rubicon cruising down city streets than to watch one roughing it across a river. The moisture-resistant body makes it the most amphibious adventure vehicle on our list. The 10.8” ground clearance means it’s the most likely to make it over fallen logs, giant boulders, or whatever other obstacle in your path. One of the most exciting features of the 2021 model is the selectable tire fill control: this nifty piece of practical tech allows you to modulate optimal tire pressure at the click of a button.

7. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

If you want your adventure to look expensive, here’s the vehicle for you. Because at $131,750 for the latest model, this luxurious SUV is the heavyweight champion of our curated list. But if you’ve got an extra grand or two lying around, we say go for it. MB calls this car iconic, and we agree. Classic design and detail belie a punchy 4-liter V8 bi-turbo engine with a 5.6 0-60 acceleration capability. And 68.8 cubic feet (max) of cargo space lets you haul all your gear in absolute style.

8. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Popular Mechanic’s Editor’s Choice for the best off-road truck. Need we say more? This truck is absolutely fearless, equipped with everything you could want for any terrain you might tackle. Add on side rails, ground tents, mounting plates, slash guards, toolboxes, etc., for a custom experience. And if you’ve got a special adventure itch to scratch, there are over 379 accessories for you to choose from.


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9. Honda Passport

This is the family car that’s also a seasoned explorer. Ultra-maneuverability, AWD, a 5,000-lb towing capacity, and wild new tech like wireless hotspot capability make this car the poster child for comfort and adventure. The standard roof rails let you tack on additional accessories such as ski racks and rooftop cargo containers. And underfloor storage in the trunk means you can fit even more gear, whether you’re on a serious outing or simply taking the kids to soccer practice. As the name implies, this Honda is your ticket to anywhere.

10. Toyota 4Runner

No matter what year you go for (​with the notable exception of 2003​ models), you’re bound to love the 4Runner. 2021 models come equipped with modern tech features, including Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, to listen to your favorite podcasts without ever taking your eyes off the trail. A 1⁄4” skid plate at the front of the vehicle protects you from jagged rocks, and Fox brand shocks allow you to glide over “unforgiving terrain practically.” And if you’re looking to upgrade an older model already in your possession, all TRD Pro accessories are compatible with non-TRD vehicles.

Honorable Mentions

Here are more excellent off-road vehicles that didn’t quite make the top ten but are still worth checking out for your outdoor adventures:

Nissan Frontier

The Frontier isn’t just a competitively priced off-road midsize truck; it also has a capable V6 engine (310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque) and an impressive towing capacity (1,610 lbs), and plenty of standard and advanced safety and tech features. The Frontier PRO-4X stands out with AT tires, Bilstein off-road shocks, and steel underbody skid plates. 

Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

Hands down, the Trailhawk is the best off-roading trim of the Jeep Renegade. The Trailhawk is more than ready to tackle mud, gravel, rocks, and dirt. Also, the Trailhawk offers a decent ground clearance of 8.7 inches to help you stay above rocks, logs, and other obstacles on the trail. Outside the trail, this off-road SUV comes with leather seating, modern tech features, and generous storage capacity.

Subaru Forester Wilderness

With standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, the Forester Wilderness is a reliable outdoor companion. In addition, it comes with StarTex water-resistant upholstery and all-weather floormats for braving the elements. Like the Outback, the Forester is also an excellent adventure car, especially if you go for the Wilderness trim.

A Concierge For Car Shoppers  

Finding your next adventure car doesn’t have to be a trek. Download the free CoPilot app and we’ll create personalized lists of the best cars on the market that match your preferences. No need to sort through hundreds of nearly identical listings - CoPilot uses the same insider data dealerships use to hunt down the best listings in your local market.

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