It’s always adventure time! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country expedition, a reliable and capable adventure vehicle is essential. For 2024, the market offers a diverse range of options to suit every need and budget. This guide highlights some of the best adventure vehicles for 2024, focusing on models that offer ample space for sleeping and gear, along with robust off-road capabilities. We’re prioritizing vehicles you can sleep in, including pickups where you might need to get creative with sleeping arrangements. While not every vehicle needs to be a rock crawler, we’re looking for options that can handle more than just basic gravel roads.
Top Contenders for Best Adventure Vehicle 2024
Subaru Outback Wilderness
The Subaru Outback Wilderness excels in balancing on-road comfort and off-road prowess. With a spacious 75.6 cubic feet of cargo area and 75 inches of length, sleeping inside is possible. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a powerful 2.4L turbocharged engine generating 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque provide ample power for various terrains. A 3,500-pound towing capacity allows for bringing along small campers or utility trailers. The Wilderness boasts a 9.5-inch ground clearance and rugged Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road traction. Roof rails with a 700-pound static weight capacity make it ideal for mounting a rooftop tent.
Hyundai Santa Fe XRT
The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT stands out with its dark chrome trim, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and a 4,500-pound towing capacity. Continental all-terrain tires ensure confident off-road performance. The wide 50.2-inch cargo opening and a generous 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space make loading and storing gear a breeze. Even with the second-row seats up, you still have 40.5 cubic feet of space. A cleverly designed assist handle and step pad on the rear door sill facilitate easy access to the roof rack.
Toyota RAV4 Woodland
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland combines fuel efficiency with off-road capability. Its hybrid powertrain delivers 219 horsepower and an impressive 37 mpg. TRD-tuned suspension, 18-inch TRD wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T tires, and an electric motor-driven rear axle with Trail Mode enhance its off-road performance. The Woodland features easy-to-clean Softex seats, a standard 1¼-inch hitch for bike racks and cargo carriers, and all-weather mats. With a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cubic feet, there’s plenty of room for your adventure gear.
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is a fully electric SUV that offers impressive performance and range for adventurous journeys. With up to 1,025 horsepower from its quad-motor system and a maximum range of 320 miles, it can take you far off the beaten path. Innovative features like Camping Mode, self-leveling suspension, and floodlights in the side mirrors enhance the camping experience. The R1S provides a substantial 104.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded flat, a fold-down tailgate that can support 500 pounds, and a waterproof front trunk for storing valuables or keeping food cold.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid that combines off-road capability with eco-friendliness. It offers up to 25 miles of electric-only range, allowing for silent off-road exploration. The 4xe retains Jeep’s renowned off-road features, including a low-range transfer case and an available limited-slip rear differential. With 70.8 cubic feet of cargo space, a 1,050-pound payload capacity, and a 6,000-pound towing capacity, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is ready for any adventure. The Trailhawk trim maximizes off-road performance with a taller ride height, air suspension, and all-terrain tires.
Toyota 4Runner
The redesigned Toyota 4Runner is built for adventure with its powerful engine options, including a 2.4L turbo-four with 278 horsepower and a 326 horsepower i-Force Max hybrid system. It offers part-time and full-time 4×4 systems, a limited-slip differential, and an available sway bar disconnect. The Trailhunter trim is purpose-built for overlanding with Old Man Emu shocks, 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires, and a 2,400W AC inverter. While the rear seats don’t fold completely flat, the 4Runner remains a compelling choice for adventure enthusiasts.
Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
The Lexus GX 550 Overtrail combines luxury with off-road prowess. It boasts features like massage seats and premium leather while offering exceptional off-road capabilities. Adaptive suspension, the Lexus eKDSS electric virtual sway bar disconnect, and 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires ensure a comfortable and confident ride on challenging terrain. With 90.5 cubic feet of storage space and a towing capacity exceeding 9,000 pounds, the GX 550 Overtrail is a luxurious and capable adventure vehicle.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is an iconic off-roader that continues to set the standard for adventure vehicles. Every Wrangler comes equipped with 4×4, and the four-door models offer 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The Rubicon trim adds a 4:1 low-range transfer case, electronic front sway bar disconnect, and a Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle for exceptional off-road performance. With standard 33-inch all-terrain tires, optional 35-inch tires, steel bumpers, and a factory winch option, the Wrangler Rubicon is ready to conquer any terrain.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 / GMC Canyon AT4X
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X are midsize pickups designed for serious off-road adventures. Both feature Multimatic DSSV dampers, a 2-inch lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, locking differentials, and protective skid plates. While off-road capability slightly impacts payload and towing capacity, they still manage 1,050 pounds and 5,500 pounds respectively, enough for a bed tent and plenty of gear.
Jeep Gladiator 4xe
The Jeep Gladiator combines the off-road prowess of the Wrangler with the utility of a pickup truck. With a 60-inch bed that extends to 81 inches with the tailgate down, there’s ample space for sleeping or hauling gear. The 2025 model introduces the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering electric-only driving and improved fuel efficiency. This allows for quieter off-roading and reduced fuel consumption during adventures.
Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 / GMC Sierra HD AT4X
The Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and GMC Sierra HD AT4X are heavy-duty trucks built for both work and play. They feature Multimatic DSSV damping, 35-inch Goodyear Territory tires, heavy-duty recovery hooks, and robust skid plates for tackling tough terrain. With impressive towing capacities of up to 18,500 pounds for diesel models and 18,010 pounds for gas models, these trucks can handle heavy loads during the week and weekend adventures with ease.
