Overlanding Vehicles: Which is Best & How to Choose Yours

Overlanding is an extremely multifaceted motorsport, requiring a well-rounded vehicle to safely get you from point-A to point-B…and back again. Here are some of the most important characteristics to look for in an overlanding rig.

Off-Road Capabilities

While you likely won’t be doing any extreme rock crawling or high-speed trail runs, the ideal overlander must be relatively competent on the trail. As most overlanders journey to remote locations to set up camp, it’s important to be able to navigate rough terrain, mud, water crossings, and just about anything else you may encounter! Qualities like four-wheel drive, grippy oversized tires, ample ground clearance, and moderate suspension travel are all necessities. 

Reliability

Arguably the most important characteristic of an overlanding rig is reliability, as a breakdown on the trail can quickly spoil your entire trip. Before selecting an overlanding vehicle, make sure there are no major mechanical shortcomings of the platform; if there are, make sure you've addressed these issues before your first outing. 

It’s also essential to keep up on maintenance, ensuring your drivetrain operates efficiently for many additional years and excursions. Routinely inspect and replace your fluids, monitor for leaks, and stay vigilant for worn suspension components, unfamiliar noises, and odd driving characteristics.

Fuel Efficiency

On some occasions, overlanding trips may span days/weeks and cross hundreds of dirt miles. No one wants to stop to refill their tank repeatedly, landing fuel efficiency on our list of top considerations. If you can’t make it to your destination and back using the fuel in your tank and whatever else you can carry in jugs, then what’s the point? Not to mention the amount of valuable cargo space that extra fuel canisters occupy. 

Cargo Capacity/Payload/Towing Capacity 

Just as important as your journey on the trail is the quality of your camping setup, which is why cargo capacity, payload, and towing capacity are important variables to consider when selecting your ideal overlanding rig. 

Imagine the amount of cargo you typically load up for a simple overnight camping trip; now multiply that by two or more nights, and tack on recovery gear, additional fuel, a full-sized spare tire, an off-road jack, and every tool and spare part you may need–getting the picture? Overlanding requires loads of cargo space and capacity, including towing capacity if you plan to haul a lightweight, off-road trailer.

Best Overlanding Vehicles

To help narrow down your decision, here’s a list of our top overlanding chassis. These platforms are listed in no particular order, though each factor in the above-listed qualities, plus some additional features that make for an excellent overlander!

Toyota Tacoma

Obviously, we couldn’t compile an overlanding list without including the venerable Toyota Tacoma. This staple in the mid-size pickup market has long been touted for its reliability, off-road prowess, nimble handling, and exceptional resale value. With a few modifications, such as heavy-duty bumpers, a coilover suspension lift, and grippy oversized tires, the Toyota Tacoma can serve as an impressive and trustworthy overlander.

While no models are necessarily poor-performing, we’d recommend a double or access cab configuration paired with a 6-foot bed for additional cargo space and the longer, more-stable wheelbase. This goes without saying, but also, make sure you pick up a 4wd model.

Jeep Wrangler

Since the release of the first civilian Jeep CJ-5 in 1955, Jeeps have widely been touted as the pinnacle of off-road perfection. The CJ-5 was eventually succeeded by the CJ-7 and the multiple Wrangler generations that followed, including the YJ, TJ, JK, and JL.

With a small, nimble chassis, a rugged body-on-frame construction, and one of the largest aftermarkets in the automotive scene, the Jeep Wrangler is an excellent platform for an overlanding rig. The chassis’ off-road potential is practically limitless, with a wide range of suspension upgrades, beefed-up axles, and more!

While we’re fans of each generation, we’d suggest at least a TJ for its venerable 4.0L inline 6-cylinder, as well as the significantly superior coil-sprung suspension at all four corners. For added cargo capacity, we’d recommend a 2012+ JKU (for the more powerful 3.6L) or JLU, providing an additional row of seating and a longer roofline to house a sizable cargo rack.

RAM 2500 4x4

While this entry may ruffle some feathers, the RAM 2500 4x4 chassis has earned its right in the overlanding world. This platform features a dependable and relatively efficient Cummins turbo-diesel power plant, a massive fuel tank, and a burly, solid-axle drivetrain.

With a few basic modifications, such as taller/softer front coil springs, extended control/radius arms, beefier shocks, and oversized tires, the full-size RAM 2500 can tackle nearly any trail, as long as it fits! And if the power-diesel powerplant isn’t a huge concern, HEMI-powered RAM 2500 Power Wagons can tackle nearly any trail from the factory. These off-road-centric trucks feature a MOPAR lift, Warn winch, locking differentials, and oversized tires.

From a reliability standpoint, the Cummins turbo-diesel is tough to beat. However, 03+ models with the common-rail injection system are widely considered to be the most powerful and reliable options. We’d also recommend a quad-cab, 6.5-ft bed configuration, featuring ample cargo room without the added wheelbase of a mega-cab or 8-ft bed. 

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger, more specifically the T6 generation, experienced a reintroduction into the North American market in 2019, widely due to competition from other USDM mid-size pickups–like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado. For the 2019 model year, Ford certainly came out swinging!

Packing a powerful 2.3L inline 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the T6 Ford Ranger was an instant hit. Since then, the model’s 4x4 configuration has garnered some attention in the overlanding community for its relatively capable suspension and growing aftermarket support.

Jeep Gladiator

When the current-generation Jeep Gladiator was introduced in 2019, it sent fans to two distinctly different sides of the aisle. Whether you love it or hate it, the Jeep Gladiator offers everything we’ve come to appreciate about the Wrangler JLU, with the addition of a 5-ft long bed. 

From the factory, the Gladiator is a relatively capable machine, featuring either a 3.6L Pentastar V6 or the 3.0 EcoDiesel. Solid, coil-sprung axles grace the front and rear of the chassis, while a full or part-time 4wd system effectively puts the power to the ground. 

Even in stock form, the Gladiator is a competent rig for the majority of trails and terrain; however, with the addition of a lift kit, larger tires, heavy-duty bumpers, and a bed rack, the Gladiator can take you to practically anywhere you’d like to go.

Toyota Land Cruiser

You didn’t think we’d cap the list off with only one Toyota, did you? As a favorite among overlanders, the Toyota Land Cruiser has long been admired for its off-road prowess and reliability. From the classic FJ40 to the luxurious modern 300-series, Land Cruisers are incredibly capable machines with deep roots in offroading. 

With excellent cargo capacity, a spacious interior, torquey power plants across the board, excellent road manors, and even better off-road performance, the Land Cruiser is arguably our favorite overlanding SUV.

For the die-hard overlander, we’d recommend an 80-series, packing solid, coil-sprung axles front and rear for exceptional performance on the trail. However, there isn’t a bad egg in the bunch!

Which Overlanding Vehicle is Right for You?

So which of the aforementioned platforms is your ideal overlander? Well–that depends. 

Your choice should come down to your expectations from the vehicle, especially if it’s a dual-purpose rig, the types of trails you plan to frequent, and your budget. 

For a dedicated overlanding rig, it’s tough to beat an 80-series Land Cruiser or a Jeep Wrangler. Both options have an incredibly active aftermarket; though with grippy tires, they’re both very capable out-of-the-box. However, if you plan to build a dual-purpose rig, that’s a bit of a different story. 

A RAM 2500, while an excellent overlander, can also be used for practically any type of work. Whether you need to haul a trailer, load the bed with lumber and building supplies, make a run to the landfill, or help a friend move, the full-size bed and added load capacity are qualities that no-other option on this list can compete with. However, the truck’s size can also be a massive downfall on tight trails.  

For the occasional trip to the hardware store, or as a daily driver that takes up overlanding duty on the weekend, a Tacoma, Ranger, or Gladiator will likely be your best choice. The added cargo area of the bed is perfect for loading and transporting moderately-sized cargo, and all three can tow small cargo trailers or lightweight travel trailers. Off-road, their small size makes for an incredibly nimble and capable machine, even on the tightest trails.
Whichever route you go down, RealTruck carries all of the top products to transform your ride into the ultimate overlanding machine. From lift kits, wheels, and tires to bumpers, racks, and lighting, we have you covered!