The Best Types of Vehicles for Off-road Adventures

While it might be necessary to drive for practical purposes, a lot of us like to drive for fun too. Being behind the wheel because you want to go on an adventure or enjoy the speed, rather than just because you have to get to work, is a great way to relieve stress and make driving enjoyable. Sometimes you might just be going for a drive in your car, but off-roading appeals to a lot of people too. Off-roading is something that you’re likely to have a specific vehicle for, whether it’s one that doubles up as your everyday vehicle or one that you just use just for off-roading. Finding the right vehicle requires you to have a good idea of what’s available.

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Pick-up Truck

If you want a vehicle that’s suitable for off-roading but that can serve as everyday transport too, a pick-up truck is one option. Not only is it great for off-roading on its own, but you might even have space in the back for a smaller off-road vehicle. That means you could also have an ATV or off-road bike, which you can use to explore places that you can’t access with something as large as a pick-up truck. There are plenty of trucks that have traditionally been popular with off-road enthusiasts, including Ford F-Series vehicles and the Dodge Ram. A truck is perfect if you need plenty of space in your vehicle too, whether it’s for work or something else.

SUV

An SUV (sports utility vehicle) is another vehicle type that’s excellent for off-roading but can double-up as an everyday vehicle too without needing a tire change. They’re usually built for safety and have 4-wheel driving, making them great for everything from driving with your family to exploring off-road. Land Rover and Jeep are two of the big names that have been popular with off-roaders for a long time, but there are plenty of makes and models to explore beyond them too. SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and even the compact Fiat Panda Cross all provide options for off-roading.

ATV

You don’t always want to have a large vehicle when you’re exploring off-road. Smaller vehicles allow you to explore places that you would be unable to access with a larger truck or SUV. You have a few options for smaller vehicles, including ATVs. An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) might also be called a quad, quad bike, or a number of other names. They’re often used for a range of purposes, from farming and hunting to sports and recreation. They’re fast and have a light footprint, making them ideal for tackling rough terrain. Some popular manufacturers include Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

SxS

A side by side vehicle or UTV (utility vehicle) is similar to an ATV but not exactly the same. It’s similar to a small car or buggy in that it’s driven with a steering wheel instead of having handlebars like an ATV is most likely to have. UTVs are larger and heavier, which can make them ideal for anyone looking for something more robust. When looking for the best UTV, consider what you want to use it for. Some, such as the Polaris RZR XP Turbo S, are excellent for sport. Others, such as the Can-Am Defender Mossy Oak Hunting Edition, are ideal for hunting.

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Off-road Motorcycle

Motorcycles can also be a fantastic option for off-roading. They’re smaller than many other off-road vehicles, which means you can access narrower trails and other places that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach. Off-road motorcycles can include a number of different types of bikes, many of which are designed for specific sports, such as motocross or track racing. Compared with their on-road counterparts, off-road motorcycles tend to be lighter and more flexible with high ground clearance and long suspension travel.

Beach-going Vehicles

There are different types of terrain that you might want to tackle with an off-road vehicle. For some people, beaches and sandy environments are one of the most exciting terrains to explore. Some off-road vehicles are designed for exactly this purpose, as sand can present very different challenges. Vehicles designed for traversing sand include sand rails and dune buggies, both of which are built for the challenges that sandy terrain presents. If you want to explore beach or desert environments, an off-road vehicle such as these will allow you to do so with ease and have plenty of fun.

If you want to start going off-roading, think about the types of places you want to explore, the things you want to do, and even who you want to take with you before choosing the right vehicle.