10 Best Used Adventure Vehicles for Off-Roading on a Budget

If you’re looking to go off-roading without breaking the bank, then you need to know what vehicles make the best used adventure vehicles. Depending on how far you’re willing to travel, there are some great options available for under $5,000. Here’s our list of the top 10 best used adventure vehicles on the market today.

A Rundown of the Types of Vehicles

A good used vehicle for off-road adventures will have good room inside, be fuel efficient, durable and able to traverse rocky, muddy terrain. The Toyota 4Runner is the best vehicle for road trips because it has large cargo space, is fuel efficient and has a high payload capacity.

What is Best Used Adventure Vehicles Price Range?

Buying a used car can be a great way to save money and get more bang for your buck, but finding the right vehicle can be tricky. If you’re looking to go off-roading or just need something that can handle some rough terrain, these are the 9 best used adventure vehicles on the market today (all available in the $10,000-$25,000 price range).

1) Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the best vehicle for off road adventure because it can take on rocky, muddy terrain with ease and has decent cargo space. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is one of the best off-road vehicles you can buy used. It has four wheel drive and also offers a rear differential lock. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited gets 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, which is quite good for an off-roader. Plus, it has plenty of room inside to comfortably fit five people and their gear.

Off-Road Capabilities

Jeep gained notoriety by going where other automakers were afraid to go. The Trail Rated program still does this now. A Jeep Trail Rated badge is more than simply a lovely decoration, despite the fact that many automakers prefer to slap cool badges and stickers all over their cars.

It is presented in appreciation for a Jeep vehicle’s ability to successfully complete all the demanding testing required by the program. Tests for traction, maneuverability, the capacity to cross creeks and streams, enough ground clearance to prevent damage from obstructions, and appropriate articulation are included.

Ruggedness

Rugged is frequently one of the first terms that people think of when they think of Jeep. While many other cars may appear to be tough, few, if any, can stand up to the real test of toughness whether you are driving in bad weather, on a particularly difficult path, or in less than ideal circumstances. Jeeps were built in the heat of battle, tested to the breaking point, and literally put through the ringer.

That kind of heritage is unmatched by anything else. The abilities we see in the modern Jeep, which genuinely sets it apart from other vehicles, are a direct result of the competitive advantages developed throughout these years. One factor contributing to the used Jeeps’ continued value is their sturdiness.

2) Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is one of the best adventure vehicles out there. It has four-wheel drive with low range and locking differentials, meaning it can go pretty much anywhere. Plus, it seats up to six people and has good fuel efficiency. The only downside is that its not cheap, but if you’re looking for an offroad vehicle that can do anything than the Toyota 4Runner is worth the price tag.

3) Nissan Pathfinder

What is the best vehicle for road trips? The Nissan Pathfinder has all of these qualities and more. The 3.5L V6 engine gives this vehicle enough power to get up any mountain, or make it up to 30 mpg on the highway. The Pathfinder also has plenty of room inside with seating for seven people and a hitch that can tow up to 6,000 pounds. There is even an available 2nd row DVD Entertainment System!

4) Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is the best used vehicle for road trips because it has all the features you need in an off-road SUV. The ZR2 handles well, has good ground clearance and is equipped with skid plates. It also has a locking rear differential and front sway bar disconnects which provide additional traction. Moreover, it can carry up to 66 gallons of fuel so you won’t have to worry about running out of gas.

5) Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT 4WD Crew Cab

The Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT 4WD Crew Cab is one of the best used adventure vehicles that can be found at a budget price. It has room inside, it is fuel efficient and is durable enough to take you to your destination. Plus, it can also tackle some tough terrain if you are looking for an off-road vehicle.

6) Honda Odyssey LX minivan

The Honda Odyssey is the best vehicle for road trips. It has enough room to be comfortable and have fun, but it also has all the features of a minivan like added cargo space and sliding doors which makes it easy to load up with gear. Plus, it is fuel efficient so you don’t have to worry about filling up at the gas station every other day!

7) Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT Pickup Truck

The Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT Pickup Truck is one of the best used adventure vehicles because it is reliable, fuel efficient and has plenty of room inside. It is also durable, meaning that this truck can handle off-roading without any problems. Lastly, its spaciousness means that you can bring everything you need with you without any issues.

8) GMC Canyon Crew Cab SLT 4X4 Double Cab Short Box 2WD Pickup Truck

GMC Canyon Crew Cab SLT 4X4 Double Cab Short Box 2WD Pickup Truck is one of the best used adventure vehicles on this list because it’s perfect for off-roading. It has plenty of room inside, and it’s fuel efficient as well. A double cab means there are two rows of seats in the back and you can fit gear or friends into those seats if you need to.

The price point may seem high at $27,400 but think about what you’re getting here – Toyota Tacoma: Toyota Tacoma is another great option when looking for an affordable adventure vehicle with some power under its hood.

9) Ford Ranger XLT SuperCab Flareside SB Pickup Truck (Short Bed, 2 Door)

This is the perfect vehicle to take off-road, and it’s also very affordable. It has great fuel efficiency and can even tow up to 6,500 pounds! One of the best features of this truck is that it can seat five people comfortably.

The only downside is its short wheelbase, which makes it difficult when driving over rough terrain or through deep water. The Ranger XLT SuperCab Flareside SB Pickup Truck (Short Bed, 2 Door) will cost you about $8,000-$14,000 in new condition but you can find one used from anywhere from $2,000-$5,000.

10) Toyota Tacoma

Both the Gen 1.5 and Gen 2 Tacomas are top-notch automobiles that, with the exception of payload and diesel engine, are almost identical to the legendary Hilux. These vehicles reward adventurers with exceptional value, dependability, and good on-road comfort since they are straightforward and efficient.

They will not object when they are overloaded, overdriven, mistreated, shaken, or frozen. My 2004 Tacoma traveled everywhere in between the Darien Gap in Panama and the Arctic Ocean at -57F. I once used it to practice for the Baja 500 and never once filed a warranty claim.

Features of the Best Used Adventure Vehicles

CAPABILITY: The vehicle’s capacity to navigate rough, muddy, crossed-axle terrain, including treacherous side slopes, steep inclines, and hill climbs and descents. Of course, this only matters if you want to leave better roads in your wake after your trips.

CAPACITY: The capacity of a vehicle to transport weight. Payload statistics are used to quantify this. As there is little that can be done to safely raise a vehicle’s rating after purchase, capacity, or payload, must be one of the first factors taken into account when choosing a vehicle.

DURABILITY: The capacity of a vehicle to move through rough terrain while being fully laden without experiencing drivetrain or chassis failure over a long period of time.

RELIABILITY: The capacity of a vehicle to operate over great distances and after years of use in difficult terrain without experiencing engine, electrical, or support system failure as a result of component failure.

VALUE: Vehicle cost to content valuation. The best value scores will go to cars with a focus on functionality rather than “luxury.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to buy an affordable used adventure vehicle, then consider the options above.  

While new adventure vehicles can often be on the more expensive side, used vehicles are often more affordable, and sometimes can still have a lot of life left in them. But with so many different makes and models out there, making a good choice can be a daunting task.

The options above are among the best used adventure vehicles that won’t cost you an arm and a leg while giving you plenty of bang for your buck.