What Makes the Best Overlanding Vehicle? Pickup vs SUV vs Van

We’ve talked overlanding vehicles on the blog before, highlighting must-have and nice-to-have features along the way. And we’ve determined that, ideally, the best overlanding vehicle is one that guarantees a combination of durability, capability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

The problem? That describes an incredibly broad range of vehicles. From nimble mid-size pickup trucks to beefy cargo vans, the selection of qualified overlanding rigs is a large and varied one. And although the rule of thumb is, ‘Only carry what you need,’ there’s really no two lists of essentials out there that look exactly the same. Are you traveling alone or with a friend? Are you hitting the road for a couple weeks? Or do you plan on getting lost for a couple years? What kind of terrain do you anticipate? The answers to these questions are important because, ultimately, the best overlanding vehicle is the one that’s best for YOU.

Now, while we can’t pick the perfect rig for you, we can help you weigh your needs against your options so you can at least narrow down the search, determining what’s a better investment—a pickup, SUV, or new-age van.

Know Thyself

“Put everything you’d want to take, in your car or in the middle of the living room, and get an idea for how much space it really takes up,” says one wise forum member of Overland Bound, an online community and invaluable resource for overlanders around the world. “Take some weekend and week-long trips to find out what you use every day and what you never touch.”

Basically, establish what you want, then whittle that down to what you absolutely must have. The size of the net total will inform your search for the best overlanding vehicle (at least in the categories of cargo space and towing ability).

Additionally, what you plan to bring is often contingent on where you plan to go. Another Overland Bound commenter advises focusing on what you genuinely enjoy. “Nothing in the Overland rule book says you have to travel only on dirt or gravel. If your wife isn’t up for crapping in the woods, no one is going to burn you at the stake for getting a hotel room. Do some traveling and explore. Experience is the only way to find your direction.”

Indeed, the best overlanding vehicle for you may not be a 4×4 full-size pickup that creates roads where there are none. Maybe it’s an unassuming Subaru Crosstrek with rooftop tent. (Or an upfitted cargo van with a private bathroom space.)

Understand Your Options

Once you have a general idea of your needs, you can start weighing your options. To assist, we broke down overlanding rigs into three general categories: SUVS, trucks, and cargo/Euro vans. Then, we judged each style as it pertains to common overlanding priorities. (Concerns like cargo space, safety, ground clearance, and the like.)

The SUV

Roomy, versatile, and capable of holding their own amid bad weather and rough roads, traditional SUVs have long topped many a list of best overlanding vehicles. We say “traditional” because the modern SUV has deviated quite substantially from its rugged, adventurous roots. Body-on-frame designs, permanent 4WD, solid axles, and utilitarian interiors have been replaced with “urban transport solutions” that place a premium on mobile integration, infotainment, and a ride quality reminiscent of Disney’s monorail.

That being said, if you’re willing to put in the time to acquire an older-model SUV in decent shape with a reliable reputation, you can set yourself up with an ideal overlanding rig. “I’ve found that 1996-2003 vehicles (give or take a few years depending on the make) are a bit of a sweet spot for overland builds,” says an Overland Bound regular. “Vehicles made before that range usually are very capable, but lack many of the comforts that are appreciated during extended travel. Similarly, vehicles made after that range have many comforts, but often sacrifice off-road capability.”

Celebrities in this segment include Land Rover Discos and Defenders, Toyota Cruisers and 4Runners, Jeep Cherokee XJs and Wranglers, and the Isuzu Trooper. Subaru Outbacks are proving their worth, thanks to an incredible network of niche enthusiasts. And the Nissan Xterra is gaining popularity as a low-cost competent rig, as well.

Overall: Traditional SUVs strike a balance between capability and comfort, can accommodate a larger number of travelers, are easy to park, and offer covered cargo/sleeping space. Additionally, a robust aftermarket offers nearly unlimited potential for customization.

The Pickup Truck

With little internal space, no real privacy, and a reputation for being austere American workhorses, trucks might seem better suited for weekend excursions than true overlanding. However, as adventure enthusiast and journalist Christophe Noel writes for Expedition Portal (another online overlanding club you should check out), “Whereas the SUV has suffered countless insults in the last decade, the pickup has evolved into a comfortable and capable option for those with ambitions to travel long and far over rough tracks.”

When it comes to pickups, “We’re spoiled for choice,” continues Noel. Full-size or mid-size; diesel or gas; you can even nab off-road oriented or luxury-minded models straight from the dealer. And speaking of luxuries: “Despite the pickup’s bias towards utility, many trucks are getting pretty posh,” he points out.

And they do so without necessarily breaking the bank. A brand-new Ford F-150 in the comfortable Lariat trim starts a little above $40k. Hit the gently-used market and you can easily knock $10k off the price. Visit the not-so-gently used market and tackle a few repairs yourself, and you’ve cut your asking price in half—if not more.

Additionally, the supporting aftermarket for pickups is downright bananas. From recovery gear and power solutions to sleeping accessories and cargo management, there’s no shortage of options for overlanding customization. Many of which can be removed when not in use, so you maintain the versatility of owning a pickup.

In short: If you have more gear than friends on your travels, you desire something with proven off-road capability, and you don’t mind sacrificing the more traditional comforts of home, a pickup may be the best overlanding vehicle for you.

The Van

Boasting capable and dependable models like the Ford Transit, RAM Promaster, and Mercedes Sprinter, the Euro-style van is growing in popularity among frequent and full-time overlanders.

A dedicated design with a unibody construction, the platform offers ample space and respectable fuel economy. However, purchase prices can be high and sourcing parts can prove difficult on the road. “A local mom-and-pop mechanic shop likely won’t have the required tools to service a Mercedes Sprinter or RAM Promaster,” explains Parked in Paradise, an online blog hosted by vanlifers, Kate and Ian Harper. “Transits, however, have the most expansive U.S. dealer network, so it’s not as hard to get them serviced.”

On the bright side, Euro vans are expressly well-suited for independent, self-sustainable travel. All that space means you can outfit your rig with more creature comforts like an on-board kitchenette, full-time bed, toilet, or shower. You also gain more privacy and security—a major advantage if you’re passing through sparsely-populated or dangerous areas. “One of the major reasons I chose a Sprinter Van over a trailer or a truck camper was I wanted to be completely self-contained,” says Kristen Bor, founder of Bearfoot Theory, a travel blog dedicated to van living. “I wanted to be able to hop out of bed directly into the driver’s seat if I ever needed to make a getaway.”

Ultimately: If you want a sustainable home-away-from-home that’s easy to drive, amenable to upgrades like solar panels and water heaters, and don’t mind losing some ground clearance and off-road capability, then a Euro van may be the best overlanding vehicle for you.

The Best Overlanding Vehicle Could Be The One You Already Have!

As we stated at the beginning of this little educational journey, the best overlanding vehicle is the one that’s best for you and your needs. Choosing the right one requires a little soul searching, a LOT of online research, and a realistic budget. And in the meantime, why not put a few miles on the ride you’ve already got? Who knows, it might just surprise you.