The first and most important investment a new overlander can make is in a primary overlanding vehicle.
Overlanding is all about the adventure of discovering new remote destinations, using off-road capable vehicles to push the limits of the frontier. If you want to get into overlanding, you’re going to need an overlanding rig! That’s why, in this blog, we’re dedicating an entire post to listing the best overland vehicles for off-road adventures.
Read through this list and compare the features of each vehicle to see which one best fits your unique needs and interests. Then hop over to the Renlicon Overland Shop to get essential overlanding equipment to outfit your new expeditionary vehicle.
Let’s dig in and find out which trucks and SUVs on the market make the best overland vehicles!
{Shop Renlicon Overlanding Basics}
How to Pick a Vehicle for Overlanding
When choosing the right overlanding vehicle, you’ll need to consider several key factors to make sure your rig can handle the challenges of rugged terrain, while also providing reliability and comfort.
First, you’ll want to opt for a vehicle with either four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) to effectively tackle the diverse and challenging terrains you’ll be encountering off-road.
High ground clearance and rugged off-road tires are crucially important for navigating through rough paths. You’ll also want to focus on durability and reliability for both your tires and the vehicle itself.
Choose brands known for their robust construction and availability of aftermarket parts to make sure you never end up in a situation where you’re sidelined for an extensive amount of time waiting on repairs.
The best overland vehicles are made of high-quality materials and have cost-effective aftermarket parts. Ultimately, your preference will play a huge role in determining which overland vehicle to choose.
If you have strong feelings of brand loyalty to companies such as Land Rover or Toyota, that may influence your decision. However, the factors we mentioned above shouldn’t be ignored!
Best Overland Vehicles
After scouring overlanding forums, blogs, and social posts, as well as consulting with our network, we’ve determined that the following are the best overland vehicles on the market.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Bet you didn’t expect the G-Wagon to show up on this list! The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury SUV that seamlessly blends high-end comfort with rugged off-road capabilities. Its powerful V8 engine delivers an impressive performance, and the vehicle's three locking differentials and low-range transfer case allow it to tackle the toughest off-road terrains.
The G-Class's boxy design provides ample interior space, while its high ground clearance allows it to navigate rocky paths and deep ruts with ease.
Inside, the G-Class offers a plush, comfortable cabin with premium materials and advanced technology. Features like heated and ventilated seats, a high-quality sound system, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system make the long journeys more enjoyable. The G-Class might be the most luxurious choice on our list of the best overland vehicles, but that doesn’t mean it can’t make it in rough terrain.
Despite its luxurious nature, the G-Class is built to withstand harsh conditions, making it a great choice for overlanders who want to travel in style without compromising on performance.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance pickup truck designed for off-road enthusiasts. Its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed transmission provide exceptional power and torque, making it capable of handling steep inclines and rough trails.
The Raptor's specialized suspension system, featuring Fox Dual-live Valve internal bypass shocks , absorbs impacts and provides a smooth ride over uneven terrain.
One of the standout features of the Raptor is its Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to adjust the vehicle's settings to suit different types of terrain, such as mud, sand, and rocks. It also boasts impressive towing capacity, making it ideal for overlanders who need to carry heavy gear or tow a trailer.
Inside, the Raptor offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant experience during long overlanding trips.
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota makes one of the most beloved overland vehicles on the market. The Toyota 4Runner is a versatile and durable SUV that has earned a reputation for its off-road prowess. Its body-on-frame construction provides the strength needed to handle rough trails, while features like a locking rear differential, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and crawl control enhance its stability and control on challenging terrains.
The 4Runner's interior is designed with overlanding in mind, offering ample cargo space and fold-flat second-row seats to accommodate all your gear. The vehicle's robust reliability and extensive aftermarket support make it easy to customize to your needs.
Perfect for navigating rocky trails or driving through deep mud, the 4Runner's rugged build and advanced off-road features make it a dependable companion for any adventure.
Land Rover Defender
When you think about off-road capable vehicles, you probably think about Land Rover.
The Land Rover Defender a classic overlanding vehicle, known for its rugged construction and advanced off-road capabilities.
The Defender features a durable body and frame, along with locking differentials and adjustable air suspension that allow it to adapt to the terrain. Its Terrain Response system lets drivers optimize the vehicle's settings for different conditions, delivering maximum performance and control.
Inside, the Defender combines traditional ruggedness with modern comfort. The cabin is equipped with high-quality materials and advanced technology, providing a comfortable and connected experience even in remote areas. The Defender's spacious interior and versatile seating configurations make it ideal for carrying passengers and gear.
Its reputation for reliability and off-road excellence makes the Defender a top choice for overlanders seeking a vehicle that can handle the toughest adventures, making it one the best overland vehicles on the market.
Jeep Wrangler 
Any list of the best overland vehicles would be incomplete without mentioning Jeep.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle that has become synonymous with adventure. Known for its versatility, the Wrangler features solid axles and customizable options such as removable doors and roof, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs.
The Wrangler's specialized off-road capabilities include, locking differentials and sway-bar disconnect, making it adept at handling a variety of terrains.
The Wrangler's rugged design and extensive aftermarket support make it easy to upgrade and customize for overlanding. Inside, the Wrangler offers a comfortable cabin with modern amenities, creating a pleasant experience on those long journeys.
Its reputation for durability and off-road excellence, combined with its unique styling and customizable features, make the Jeep Wrangler a favorite among overlanders.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a mid-size pickup truck designed with off-road enthusiasts in mind. Its powerful V6 engine delivers a strong performance, while the Multimatic DSSV™ Damping System provides exceptional shock absorption, providing a smooth ride over rough terrain. The ZR2's front and rear locking differentials enhance traction and stability, making it capable of tackling challenging off-road trails.
One of the standout features of the Colorado ZR2 is its off-road suspension package, which includes skid plates, rock sliders, and off-road bumpers. These features provide protection and durability, allowing the ZR2 to handle the toughest terrains with ease.
The truck's spacious cargo bed and strong towing capacity make it ideal for carrying heavy gear and equipment, so you can carry everything you need for your adventures.
Inside, the Colorado ZR2 offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin with modern amenities such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The vehicle's rugged construction and advanced off-road features make it a dependable choice for overlanders seeking a mid-size, affordable truck that can handle both daily driving and extreme off-road adventures.
This sleeper pick is one of the best overland vehicles that we came across during our research.
Personal Modifications
Choosing the best overland vehicle also requires an understanding of the tradition of personal modifications that contribute to the preparation of an overlanding vehicle.
Most serious overlanders spend a significant amount of time retrofitting their cars, increasing storage capacity, and installing various amenities to improve their overall experience.
When considering an overlanding vehicle, it’s important to take this factor into consideration. Think about the layout of a particular vehicle’s interior. Compare that layout to plans for interior renovation or installations.
Some of these vehicles might support your plans for modifications better than others. No vehicle is perfectly suited for an overland adventure straight off the lot.
As a beginning overlander, you’ll want to do your research and find inspiration online and through your network before selecting an overland vehicle that suits you.
Start With What You Have
While getting started in overlanding can seem overwhelming, we at Renlicon want to leave you with an encouraging note here. If you don’t have $100,000+ to drop on a new G-Wagon, that’s ok! Just start with the vehicle you already have.
While you will want to make sure that vehicle is, in some way, off-road capable, you don’t have to spend your life savings to get started.
Often used trucks and SUVs can provide a dependable overlanding rig. The best overlanders are able to get creative with the resources already at their disposal.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed after reading through our list, be sure to hop on some of the overland forums we featured in our last blog to get some inspiration!
Final Thoughts On Best Overland Vehicles
Choosing the right overlanding vehicle is a balance of personal preferences, planned adventures, and budget considerations.
Each vehicle mentioned above has its strengths, whether it’s the luxurious Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the high-performance capable Ford F-150 Raptor, the proven durability of the Toyota 4Runner, the classic reliability of the Land Rover Defender, the versatility of the Jeep Wrangler, or the powerful performance of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.
There may be many other makes and models that we can add to our list of the best overland vehicles, but these six should give any beginning overlander a good starting place.
While research be sure to consider the terrain you will be navigating, the gear you will be carrying, the distance you will be traveling, the modifications you will be making, and the comfort you need for long journeys. Each of these factors will play a crucial role in determining the best vehicle for your overlanding adventures.
Once you’ve selected your vehicle, head over to the Renlicon Overland Shop to equip your new rig with essential gear and accessories that will help streamline your journey.
Whether you need storage solutions, cooking gear, or campsite equipment, we have everything you need to make your overlanding trips safe, comfortable, and memorable.
Overlanding is a rewarding and exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors. With the right vehicle, you can tackle challenging terrains, carry all the gear you need, and enjoy the journey in comfort and style.
