Deciding on a type of vehicle is the hardest part about overlanding. Your options are vast and everyone has their favorites. Here we will discuss the basics and make suggestions to help you pick the perfect vehicle for you.

There is ample information about four wheel drive adventures on the internet. Do your research. We are not "experts" in overlanding, but we will share what we do know based on out experience. We all have to take a hard look at our own person capabilities and financial realities. A person can spend an enormous amount of money on specialized vehicles or very little depending on your needs. A used vehicle is a great choice provided you have them completely check out by a reputable mechanic before making your purchase. Even though your chosen vehicle has great reviews, it still might be abused by the former owner.

The is no shortage of 4 wheel drive trucks and SUV's, but they all are not created equal. Trucks built for certain tasks are not suitable for overlanding. With trucks and SUV's bigger is not necessarily better. When you are traveling on mountain roads through wooded areas a tall truck is very limiting. Narrow trails and low tree limbs can stop you pretty quick. Also, the approach and departure angles on a long vehicle can increase the probability of getting stuck. You drive into a deep rut fine, but the bed of the truck gets caught on the trail and the rear wheels will be lifted off the road loosing traction.

Here are some things to consider when choosing your vehicle:

Type of 4 wheel drive - Basically, there are three types of 4 wheel drive systems, full time 4 wheel drive, part time 4 wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD).
Full Time 4wd - Full time 4 wheel drive sends equal power to all 4 wheels, but allows "slippage" to one wheel when it looses traction. This allows the other tires to maintain traction. Some full time 4 wheel drive systems have locking differentials that lock all 4 wheels for extreme conditions. This system also has a low 4 wheel drive gear for very steep and unstable terrain. Full time 4 wheel drive vehicles tend to be heavier and have poor fuel mileage.
Part Time 4wd - Part time 4wd is the most common 4 wheel drive. You find this system on Jeeps, trucks and most SUV's. It is essentially 2 wheel drive until you pull a lever or push a button to engage the 4 wheel drive system. These have a low 4 wheel drive gear and some have locking differentials. If your vehicle isn't originally equipped with locking differentials there are several aftermarket companies that sell upgrades. Locking differentials are really only needed in more extreme circumstances (i.e. very steep grades and technical roads).
AWD - All wheel drive systems are generally found on smaller SUV's like the Subaru and Audis. With this system all four wheels drive all the time. When one wheel looses traction the system automatically sends more power to the other wheels. AWD vehicles do not have a 4 wheel drive low gear mode. These vehicles are not as capable on more extreme roads as the full time and part time 4wd vehicles, but they will get you where you need to go about 90% of the time.

Cargo and Load Capacity - Cargo capacity and load capacity are two other important considerations.
Cargo Capacity - Since you will be exploring with some sort of adaptive device (i.e. wheelchair), in addition to your adventure supplies, pay particular attention to the the interior volume of the vehicle. We usually compare the numbers with a vehicle we have used before, but it is best you look at the actual vehicle and see if it meets you needs. You can increase you cargo capacity with roof racks and hitch haulers.
Load Capacity - Load capacity is the measurement of how much weight the vehicle can safely carry. If you're going on a long expedition this is very important. Usually, the average vehicle will of sufficient amount for your average weekend trip, but it's always good to check. You can increase the load capacity on most vehicles by upgrading the suspension. Always pack your vehicle with then heavy items low. When out on the road you will encounter off angle sections. You don't want to be top heavy and take the risk over rolling your vehicle.

Ground Clearance - This is a very important consideration. When overlanding you will encounter rocks and rutted roads, so you will need at least 8 inches of ground clearance. More would be better but that will affect how difficult it is for you to get into the vehicle if you do not use some sort of adaptive lift device.

Vehicle Length and Height - Off road mountain roads are narrow and full of surprises. Sometimes when you come around a corner an obstacle presents itself that you can't get around. A long wheelbase will have a very difficult time turning around. Maneuverability is essential. Height comes in to play when trees are present. Low hanging branches can stop your adventure really quick.

Durability - These roads can be very tough on your vehicle. Ruts, rocks, and other obstacles can make you vehicle feel like it's shaking apart. It is best to pick a vehicle that is designed for the task at hand.

Dependability - The last thing you want is your vehicle breaking down 25 miles from civilization. Do your research, look for reviews and troubleshooting tips. AAA will not come help when your are stuck in the wild and anyone who will will cost thousands. If you can not work on your vehicle, it's best to travel with someone who can.

Availability of Aftermarket Parts - When I am considering a new vehicle, one of the first tings I do is look for the availability of aftermarket parts. Why? Well, this is a great indication of the vehicles popularity. If a lot of people use the vehicle then it must be good and also you will find out what breaks so you can plan for the possibility. Additionally, there are certain parts that you might want to add to your vehicle (better tires/wheels, rock sliders, lift kit, etc.) that will help with you protecting your vehicle from trail damage. Off the shelf parts can save you a lot of money in fabrication costs.

Fuel Mileage - Try to get the best mileage vehicle that meets your needs. Having a large cargo capacity vehicle will get less mileage than something smaller, but you have to do the best with what you need. You can add additional fuel cans on the exterior of the vehicle for more driving distance, but these can be very difficult to use without getting doused with gas. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your tank is full before you head out.

Here I will give some suggestions. I know this is going to be a slippery slope. Everyone has their favorite manufacturer and/or vehicle that they have driven for years and swear by. Bottom line if it works for you use it. Our suggestions are based personal experience and advice from experts in the overlanding community. Does this mean your favorite vehicle is bad? Absolutely not! "Run what you brung" is the most common saying for adventure seekers.

In general, four wheel drive with low 4wd low gear and locking differentials are the best. You will able to get to more remote locations, but you will also need more experience with driving more technical roads. When I say more I mean about 10% more. Do you absolutely need 4wd low gear and locking differentials? Sorry but our answer will be vague. That depends on what you want and where you need to go. The short answer is no.

The list will include used vehicles, but before purchasing and heading have them fully checked out by a mechanic you trust. These vehicles will all be automatic, because hand controls for manual transmissions are very expensive. Most overlanders prefer the automatic anyway. Remember the taller the vehicle the harder it will be to climb into. This can be remedied with adaptive lifts. It's really up to you how much you want to spend.

VEHICLES

Toyota Tacoma (1995 - present) - Great trucks. They are very popular with the off road enthusiast. Modifications for this truck are endless. Look for the V6 engines.

Toyota Tundra - Very capable trucks, but these are quite big for an overlanding vehicle.

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ62 (1988 - 1990) - These are amazing vehicles. I had one for several years and I am sorry I let it go. These SUV's are not perfect by any means, but they are extremely capable in their stock configuration. The downside is that they are underpowered, they get terrible fuel mileage, and they are very prone to rust. There are several companies the restore these vehicles and install V8 engines in them, but it can be very expensive.

Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 (1995 - 1997) - Awesome vehicles. These are sometimes called the "comfy" Land Cruisers. In the stock configuration they are very capable SUV's. This model improved the driver train, braking systems and suspension systems. Some come stock with locking differentials and are very sought after.

Toyota 4runner - It has been said that the 4runner is one of the toughest and most reliable SUV's of all time. Over the years the 4runner has been equipped with 4 cylinder, a V6 and a V8 engine. The V6 is the most reliable. Some have been equipped with limited-slip differentials and some have locking differentials. Aftermarket parts are abundant. Climbing into them can be tough for the wheelchair user though.

Jeep Cherokee XJ (1987 - 2001) - The best model years the Jeep Cherokee for stock configuration are 1991 - 1999. After market parts are abundant and this SUV's is very capable. They do have there problems but there is extensive information about this issues. People have put V8 and diesel engines in these as well.

Jeep Wrangler (1995 - present) - The Jeep Wrangler set the standard for off road travel. The two door Wrangler can get into and out of some very tight spots. The 2008 - present model years are the best, but the earlier years will get the job done. The Wrangler can be very difficult to climb into. Aftermarket parts are available practically everywhere.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (2007 -present) - First produced as a two door long wheelbase Wrangler and then a 4 door. The longer wheelbase gives you more cargo capacity and some say more off road capabilities. Despite the difference in the wheelbase, everything else is the same as the 2 door Wrangler.

Subaru - Subaru?! Yep, they are not just for the mountain dwelling soccer mom anymore. In recent years adventurers in the United States have discovered what Australians and Europeans have known for a long time. The Subaru is a tough and very capable all wheel drive vehicle. With slight modifications these vehicles will take you to 90% of the places you want to go. Their only limitation is that they do not have a true 4 wheel drive low. Generally, the only real modifications that you will need to add are a lift kit and better off road tires. These vehicles are very affordable when compared with your other choices and their reliability is legendary. For wheelchair users who don't need a mobility lift device, these are a great choice. Even when they are lifted crawling into the car is easy. The other advantage that is overlooked is that you can get into the engine compartment for repairs (not that you will need to). This would be out of the question for all of the other options discussed here. The best models suitable for an adventure vehicle are the Outback, the Forester and the Crosstrek. We think that the best models are the Outback and the Forester because of their superior interior volume.

Vans - If you need or want a van for your overlanding adventure you options are limited. The only four wheel drive van that is commercially available is the Mercedes Sprinter van. They are very expensive, starting at around $50,000. They are very capable and will be able to get you where you want to go. Your other option is to convert a full size van. There are several companies that will take your Ford, Nissan and/or GM and make it four wheel drive. This is not cheap, but if you already have a van it can be less expensive than buying a new Sprinter. These conversion vans are very capable off road.