Variations on a theme. Sprinter wins coolest bike award.
There is no perfect adventure vehicle. If there was, it would run on solar and starlight, brew its own beer, roast its own beans, give you a full-body massage at the end of a hard day, and pay you to drive it. If there was, we’d all be driving the same thing and have nothing to debate or argue about.
If there isn’t one that rises above all others, however, there are many that come close, either off the rack or customized by an aftermarket service or painstakingly by you yourself. But – and here’s the key – what are your priorities? How gnarly are the conditions it must handle? Do you need 4WD, locking diffs, and high ground clearance or will all wheel drive do? Are you willing to sacrifice reliability for comfort? And how comfortable does it have to be for driving, living, and sleeping? How much gear will you haul? Are you going to sleep in it or on it? Will you drive it outside the States and Canada, where parts might be tougher to find? Is it going to be your daily driver or can you afford a second, specialized vehicle?
Personally, I’ve been down the road with just about every permutation of adventure rig except the pickup truck and Unimog. I’ve had a Jeep CJ5, motorcycle, two Subi wagons, a small SUV, and a large SUV. Then, five years ago, I took my savings and poured it into a 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro, the four wheel drive camper van that’s as close as I’ve found to “ultimate.” It will go almost anywhere, is incredibly comfortable, sleeps four, and gets better gas mileage than an SUV. However, do you mind if I share with you the pictures I have of it riding on various flatbeds? Reliability isn’t the VW van’s strong suit. Low cost isn’t either.
But it’s what I have. And in the real world, of course, that’s what matters.
So, on to the poll. A few provisos. First, we can’t possibly list all the models (and years), so we’ve tried to settle on the major ones. If you want to debate the merits of, say, the Land Cruiser 100 vs 80 series, do it in the comments. Second, some of you are already getting ready to write “mountain bike” or “pair of boots” or “horse” as the ultimate. Sorry, sport, wrong poll. Finally, for those of you who don’t get enough of adventure driving, be sure to check out AJ’s Overlandia column.
Pick up to three.
[polldaddy poll=7862464]
WIN SMITH SUNGLASSES BY VOTING
This week, one poll participant will receive a pair of Smith Optics Audible sunglasses with ChromaPop lenses, retailing for $279. We’ll pick the winner via random number generator (and announce it here) – all you have to do to enter is vote and leave a comment so we have your email to contact you. Must have a U.S. or Canadian address. Contest ends Sunday, March 16, at midnight PST.
Congratulations to Patrick Branham, who wins the Smiths this week!
Photo by Steve Casimiro
I voted for Large SUV! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
…and a compass
The one you already have, since you can go on an adventure right now.
The Nissan Xterra Pro-4X SUV works for me.
just give me a starry night sky and an open road …
anything that drives will do for me, but a unimog would be nice.
The Honda Ridgeline.
I second the Ridgeline. That, combined with my dual-sport motorcycle is the ultimate for me.
Any one of those and my snowboard!!!!!!
Sportmobile
As a full time wilderness guide, I use a pick up with a cap and a customized interior which includes a full bed, a full pull out set of containers (drawers) beneath, to hold all the gear. I also have substantial roof racks for canoes and off I go. There is nothing better or more versatile from a professional guides perspective than a Tacoma double cab w/cap and beds. When it all hits the fan, I’ll have that covered too, across the Northern border in 5 hours.
VW Golf with bikes on top to get you into the backcountry
a contrarian. with poor reading comprehension. seeking same
unimog!
Sprinter Sportsmobile would rock!
assuming the racks and various options are all maxed out, I’m in for the Syncro
Toyota sells a 4wd camper van but not in U.S. Wouldn’t mind that option .
Spring is creeping in – can’t wait to get out there!
Go with what you know. I know a pickup truck and a shell.
Land Rover Defender for the win!
Roof tent, sure why not. Half the boot full of spare parts, definitely.
Really, any car that can pack all your gear would be great for any adventure
I’ve always envisioned the Defender as a great option, but those Sportsmobiles are pretty purpose built too. If anyone’s offering I’d take just about anything on the list excepting the Element as I have driven those enough to know I don’t like them for my purposes, even if they are cavernous.
Jeep cherokee with cargo rack please.
I voted LandCruiser …… but my current GX 470 (Prado) is working pretty well right now.
land rover
Honda Element
The Cadillac. Underrated for adventure!
Subaru.
After spending some time in the San Juan Mountains, I’m pretty sure that Wranglers reign supreme. There are, however, some other excellent vehicles on this list.
We have a small SUV + large pop-up trailer. Meh. The SUV is great in sand and snow, esp with skid plates and a serious rack system installed. I like the pop-up for long-term camping but for road trips, the two together suck. The SUV isn’t all that comfy after about 10 hours and the pop-up is a pain to set up and break down every day.
I really really really really really want a VW Eurovan. I would probably never come home if I had one of those bad boys.
EarthRoamers are so sick. If everyone knew what they were they’d be #1 on the list.
Sportsmobile, but my Mazda P5 is good until the road gets to rough.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4159009307&set=a.4065584307.28.500269307&type=3&theater
Loop around the west in 2006 – 4,600 miles in 16 days, including Utah and Moab biking and 4×4, Snowboarding in Arapahoe Basin, hiking and camping in Yellowstone and Yosemite, Bend and Crater National Lake, driving the One down the coast a bit, San Francisco fun, and surfing in Santa Cruz, before returning to San Diego.
He also did cross-country trip, 4×4 around Appalachains and Grand Canyon, dunes and desert out west, 18 hr trip into rural Baja Mexico for surfing and fishing trip, and the usually mountain trips to Mammoth and San Bernadino area. Gas prices now-a-days, probably something else.
I’d go for the Synchro any day – all day. The engine is the weakest point but there are MANY drop-in options that solve that problem. To retain clearances and (greatly) improve reliability I’d go with a 2.2 Subie (don’t need the extra power of the 2.5 nor the head gasket questions). Make sure it has locking diffs, a center disconnect and good maintenance and you’re golden.
BTW- Vanagon reliability issues are, often, due to piss-poor maintenance over a long time. They have their weaknesses, but once sorted (which can take awhile) they just tick along. Trouble is, they were the engineering for some things is just way too complicated (cooling hoses, anyone) and expensive to maintain. Add in the (questionable) head gasket design and… there ya go.
Used to be that the mechanical questions would scare people off… but no longer. They are going for crazy $$ now.
Pick up truck with a cab is the way to go!
I love my syncro! In total, it has taken me from Norway to Morocco and from the west end of France to Greece and back. It never let me down and always brought me back home to beautiful Bavaria.
And while the EJ22 Subaru is a great motor for a road car, it is the wrong choice in an offroad going syncro. Low torque at the low end get`s you stuck, or burns out your clutch in sand or similar conditions. And the low oilpan GREATLY reduces ground clearance. After 3 years, I´ll get rid of my conversion this winter.
Love the subie, never let me down.
seems like a syncro is the only one with a combination of homey comfort, off- road ability, and on-road ability. I’d love a unimog, but I can’t imagine driving one into town to shop.
Isuzu Trooper. Super capable and carries all the junk I need for the next adventure.
Sportsmobile!
My one and only trusty steed, Larry. An 18 yo , 6-banger, 5-speed , 183k-and-still-going-strong Chevy half ton 4×4. Graced by a used, mystery-colored fiberglass topper with curtains, carpet and a variety of tiedowns and cleats inside and out. I can get my bike in there, along with 2 weeks worth of gear and still have room to comfortably bed down out of the weather. It’s cheap, reliable, durable and reasonably fuel efficent. Scratches, dings, dirt and other common adventure hazards? No worries. Camp, bike, hunt, haul furniture and appliances or taking loads to the dump, you name it, it does it. Best of all, no payments, cheap insurance and forever plates. I’d take it anywhere and everywhere without a second thought.
Larry would look really nice in a pair of Smith Optics sunglasses
Toyota dolphin! Old school Toyota camper with the 22RE and a five speed standard! 18MPG out of a house on wheels and it is super reliable, carries water, has a toilet, bed, fridge and a ton of room for gear! BOOM!
As sick as EarthRoamers and Sportsmobile’s are, I voted Honda Element with pop top because you can use it as a daily driver, it gets good gas milage, and you can afford it. Plus you can actually hose out the interior when it’s dirty, and you can drive around with 4 people in it! I thought the Element was so wak when it first came out, but somehow it’s gotten more attractive over time – the sign of a true beauty. All this from a guy with a Tacoma with a shell with a personalized interior … ! I would have liked to see the Toyota Chinook on this list!!! To me, that’s the ultimate.
I agree with Sam. I used to drive around a friend’s Element all the time, and it handled everything beautifully. They’re ugly as heck, but if you’re all about the adventure (and not trying to score style points) this is a reliable, versatile vehicle with great interior space, superior gas mileage, and much better safety ratings than any VW Syncro. (Note: I’m a fan of the syncro, but I’d never buy one. They’re like using waxed cotton instead of gore-tex. Sure, it’s retro and kinda cool, but after a few years you realize – gore tex does a better job, and with less fuss).
Subarus may be totally ubiquitous, but they make for some really comfortable backseat sleeping.
In an ideal world–a 4WD pickup with a long enough bed for a canoe. In the real world–my beat up Honda Accord that I’ve somehow managed to get up every mountain and through every snowstorm I’ve thrown at it.
my late 90s 4runner is the best
I would go with the Unimog since IMHO it the most badass on the list. That said in the real world I agree with whomever said “run what ya’ brung” and get out there now. For me the is a Subaru Outback.
Pickup with 6′ bed and a topper. Its affordable and can go just about anywhere. While earthroamers are badass, they are only for the rich, and who would risk damaging that thing on an actual 4×4 trail?
large suv
hilux with oversized topper
I went with the pickup truck with camper, not sure what shell meant. I’ve been pondering converting a mini-van to a camper/bicycle hauler but already have the truck. The old girl just needs to work (1971 F100) and a camper shell. Sunglasses wouldn’t hurt either 😉
Too bad Toyota doesn’t sell the Hilux in the US. Got everything the Tacoma has, plus a turbo diesel and manual transmission comes standard.
vanlife
’99 Toyota Tacoma with a shell and 245,000 miles on it.
Battered 4WD pickup with cap, 10 ply tires, locking hubs, basket on the roof with lamps and brush bars. Goes anywhere without much worry…
I could handle any of these options as long as a great adventure is involved!
in my current situation, went with the Minivan.
Element
My subbie has been great for winters in the northeast for ski trips, but a van would be great for a long term journey. Jeeps keep on going when the trail ends.
The EarthRoamer would be pretty awesome..
Honda Element does it for me (without pop top)
Ultimate ADVENTURE vehicle. Emphasis on adventure. This means ground clearance and four wheel drive, and the ability to haul a few weeks/months worth of gear. The Earthroamer (there are also similar vehicles) is the ultimate…followed closely by the Sportmobile.
Sprinter Van – Custom interior for sleeping / cooking / and gear.
Toyota, for the reliability. Thanks!
’67 VW Microbus. It’ll go anywhere, with enough oil and some snow tires.
i’ll take the one that brews beer
Voted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VW Eurovan 4X4 with a pop-top
Subie for road, Sportsmobile off. Syncro for both?
Subie, full tank of gas, and some coffee.
Land Rover Discovery!
Dual sport! There are some places 4 wheels can’t go!
Prius or nothing. All the cars on the list are for old timers.
we just got a 4 wheel pop up camper for our tacoma. its compact but surprisingly roomy and has ammenities like a hot outdoor shower and a killer heater (it gets cold in the winter in Canada, eh?!), huge bed. its bomber internal aluminum frame mean we can take it anywhere on the jacked up truck and still tow our toys.
What kind of camper did you get? There is one in my future, and I’m starting to look around…..
Thanx!
right now my 2008 ford explorer.. but I am confused. Is this a med SUV or a large SUV? terrible gas mileage but it hold 3 sea kayaks, 3 mtn bikes on the back, climbing stuff, boogey and skim boards.. all for one weekend.
It was hard to pick because some of the cooler vehicles aren’t very eco friendly. If I was going with just awesome factor, it would be the Sportsmobile, but if I was going for something with a bit better gas mileage, it would probably be a Subaru.
Any FJ would look good along side my Tundra
Land Cruiser no doubt.
Pretty excited about the new (to us) Ranger with topper. We’re building the custom platform and storage soon and just in time for ski mountaineering and then rafting, mountain biking, hunting, etc.etc.etc.
I have a VW Westy, a Subaru and a Land Rover. I’ll vote for the Coupe de Ville.
toyota 4runner is my rig of choice.
Pickup trucks all day
4 runner with a small lift and some decent off road tires will get you anywhere you want to go!
There never has been any other vehicle than the VW van for the ultimate adventure. Interesting that no one has come up with something that will fill the void since they are not made anymore.
so many great options!
As long as it can handle the terrain and it’s big enough to haul the proper gear for the current adventure, it’ll do!
Pick up pick up pick up
The Sprinter’s only downfall is the lack of AWD, which will change in 2015 when the bring the AWD version in the V6 model.
Full interior 6’4″ standup height, amazing Mercedes build quality and safety, 25 mpg with a 23 gallon tank, there is no stopping you, except for maybe the odd parking garage or drive through…
I voted for land cruiser but I’d love to update an old GMC motorhome!
VW camper. It’s just enough to do almost anything and still makes you feel like you’ve really done something!
ktm 990
Mini van man. Toyota Previa. Have had two, one with awd and one without. Both went over 320,000 with little problems. And the gas mileage is great. I suggest a soccer mom sticker, or as I had a “Save the Horses” magnet to complete the package.
My Subaru was reliable, could carry anything I needed, and was long enough to sleep in if necessary. For me… It’s all I need!
I ride around in a station wagon (VW Golf 2.5) works great for road trips and is fine for more regular trips to the grocery store and commuting to work. Of course other vehicles would be sweet for some crazy long trip (I envy the sncyro van but the maintenance and expense keeps me on the sidelines) and realistically if i had money for a second vehicle i would use that money to avoid work, cause the real fun comes when I park the car.
bottom line, its the one that starts
Hands down Land Rover Defender!
Lived & traveled for 8 weeks in a sweet as Delica. Gas mileage & powering up hills sucked but bed, skis, bike & surfboard all comfortably fit in that bad boy.
AWD van with camper conversion. Hi-yo!
Pontiac Aztec, Toyota Hilux
Subarus have always treated me well on the road, so I’ve got to give them some lovin’!
I dream of sportsmobiles, but my yota has taken me everywhere I need to go!
Landrover does it for me! Thanks for the glasses.
I’d love an imported Mitsubishi Delica L300 – Small compact van (slightly larger than the old Yota vans but smaller than a Vanagon), it has a turbo diesel, 4×4 high and low, can seat up to 7 or be turned into great little camper van. But for now, my old Tacoma 4×4 with a Wildernest camper shell does the trick. That and a nice hammock…..
Volvo XC70 with ski and bike racks. Then fold down the rear seats and make a semi-camper bed in the back
city park in Moab… right?
Have a 2WD Westfalia. The high ground clearance has allowed me to get around on some fairly rough tracks!
VW bus
defender is best by far!!!.
Sportsmobile (semi-attainable), Earthroamer (unattainable for most mortals), or even GlobalX (see, Earthroamer).
I love my subaru, but I wouldn’t mind a tacoma with a customized camper.
Nisaan Frontier with camper top and custom bed/storage. There’s no doubt there are better vehicles, but that’s what I’m rollin’ in.
I’ve got an Element now and would get another one in a second – if I could. Just pile stuff inside, there’s tons of room. We fit two bikes standing up inside, plus all the gear, kayaks on top if we want ’em. Cheap to buy, cheap to run.
My ’99 4Runner was great, too, and I could do light off-road stuff in it without worrying about wrecking anything. Incredibly reliable, too.
But, we couldn’t sleep in either of those and sometime in the near future, we’d like to head out in something and wander for awhile. Maybe a converted 4WD van? Not sure…
I voted pick up with a shell and personalized interior. IMO it’s got the most versatility, shell on or off. It sleeps two no problem, which is perfect and if not i’m probably somewhere that I can pitch a tent.
Clean dry camper of some sort. Happy wife = happy life.
Sprinter Van!!!
Enough room for your entire life .
A Prius and a Swiss Room Box!
A Land Rover Defender with roof-rack tent, hi-lift jack, and extra Jerry cans!
Toyota tacoma and toyota land cruiser have been proven to out perform the rest, and be the most reliable.
Chevy
Whomever voted for the Cadillac – in the words of Billy Joel, you oughta know by now…
Let’s go for the classic Jeep
Well, I’m up for bucking the trend here and would offer up the Ford Pinto Cuising Wagon. Picture is worth a thousand words (and probably LOL’s). http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/5545566925/lightbox/
At one time it helped pick up a lot of riders and it would certainly turn some heads. BTW I hated disco and enjoyed driving my Toyota Hilux until it got traded for a Dodge 4X4.. Worst trade in I ever made. Now driving a Toyota and all racked-up. Love it but still think a Pinto would be a gas.
Great poll! I could use some new sunglasses!
My dream would be the VW Synchro Camper Van with subaru’s EE20 turbo diesel fitted. 260 ft/lbs of torque, 40 mpg!
Ford Ranger with a shell and personalized interior has held all my worldly possessions (bike, board, kayak) in many trips across this beautiful country!
4X4 Sportsmobile Or sprinter van would be awesome but my 2000 Taco with shell works just fine. Just wish i could crawl into the back without going outside.
Two wheels always beats four! Isn’t the point to be outside, not inside?
Lusting for a bioD Sportsmobile.
Glad to have a $3000 T-100 with capper and a wee bodylift.
Next year a 4 by 4 Sprinter Van is coming out. But in the garage would be a Defender, of course, and a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for airport pick-ups.
15 passenger body Sportsmobile with a hard fiberglass extended top would be my ideal adventure vehicle, diesel of course.
small custom van or full sized 4×4 van
Volkswagen Eurovan! It’s my dream. My wife, 8 month old, and i would fit nicely touring in that sweet action!
Toyota with a shell
VW!
Currently use my Honda FIT, packs in a 8ft surfboard and my road bike just fine
A ford pickup, big ole tires, and a camper in the bed. Goes anywhere, carries everything, sleeps everyone, and what backwater garage doesn’t have parts for a ford?
Volkswagon!
Truck w/ custom bed/topper
EUROVAN!
My Surly Long Haul Trucker can do the trick in a pinch…
Had a Wagoneer, then a 4×4 2500 diesel Suburban. In North America, if the price is right, the adventure vehicle would be a supermobile.
Toyota Tacoma 4X4 with camper shell. Reliable, Good Mileage. Will last for generations and everyone else can sleep on the ground.
whatever gets me to the trail head
VW T5 California, has all you need packed in a compact sized van. Ok almost all, toliet and shower are missing 😉
F150 with a hallmark camper. Carries and sleeps 4 easily. 3 burner stove, heat, frig, and solar power is hard to beat.
Buru
I have a 2002 Ford F350 with a slip in camper……It’s been all over the west, with or without the 14ft enclosed motorcycle trailer. Me and the kid just spent a couple of days at Wolf Creek in the parking lot. Two of the best powder days of his life and his mother is still complaining about the cost!
Where’s the 2WD vanagon option for the less fortunate? ; )
No one for Caddy lol?
pickups do it all !
unimog unimog unimog unimog unimog
Had to say Defender as I’ve travelled the world in mine but a close second is the Syncro. Always have good fun baiting my friend who has one and gets stuck more often!
Didn’t vote for it but guilty pleasure would be the Sportsmobile…
Love the VWs too, here’s my conversion: http://bluetdi.blogspot.com. If I was doing a serious adventure, across Africa for example, Id get a landcruiser with roof tent. Best 4×4 there is.
I want a syncro! Someone buy me a syncro!
Truck with topper, haul gear, cord of wood, couch, sleep in it, does it all.
#1 70’s VW Combi Van with a new VW motor to give it some reliability.
#2 My Outback with the roof box and bike rack on the rear.
Voted for the Syncro, but the Land Cruiser works just as well and is 10x more reliable. Really though, just get out there with whatever you have!
Pickup with shell topper, customized.
I would like one of those 4 wheel camper popups for my truck…… but 20 k with delivery?
Van, Sprinter van and Sportsmobile as separate choices are difficult since Sportsmobile is merely a van conversion company. I assume the spirit of the choices to be: any van used for camping, monsterly capacious diesel-sipping road warrior van, and any officially converted van for the purpose of camping, RV use or off-grid living. In which case I choose a Sprinter van with a DIY conversion with ideas based upon a visit to the Sportsmobile factory. Amen.
Steve, we both know the answer: poptop HZJ78. If only we could get one.
Anything with four wheel drive and the back seats folded down or removed works for me!
Rojo calls my truck the “Padillac!”
Toyota Tacoma with custom camper- reliability, 4×4 capability, room to sleep…I could go on.
How about a long bike?
Pick me! 🙂
Ural motorcycle
only option
Landcruiser. 80 series. Perfect for me. Goes anywhere, really. Now if it could just run on solar… My wish: a brand new unimog… omg… portal axels!
Your imagination and at least one seeing eye or listening ear are the best vehicles for adventure
Small rv- class b
Ford chinook – hot showers and furnaces extend adventures
Tacoma + shell + rack(s) = flexible, fun adventures!
Ford Transit converted with bed/stove/sink! Cargo hauler on top and bike rack on hitch
Subi any day!
I voted for the VW eurovan! It’s retro and reminds me of road trips!
Subaru or Toyota they’ll get you there and back again, and again, and again…
The Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Camper does not even belong in a poll such as this! Unfair to the others…
That would be the bike. As in bicycle.
Sprinter van, we love ours. Simple build by Vanworks, it’s a mobile garage and sleeps our family of 4. Better MPG than a pickup truck. Ok in snow, won’t go off-road but it works great for us!
3rd generation 4Runner 4wd.
It’s perfect for my wife and I on our camp/mt bike/surf/ski/off-road adventures. Not too big, not too small, just right.
sportsmobile all the way
Somebody needs to vote for the Caddy
The one that’s paid for, goes when it needs to, stops when it needs to, and is reliable. As for weather it’s an adventure vehicle or not, that’s up to the operator. The car I had the most adventures in was a ’70 Plymouth Belvedere 4 door, with a 318 V8. I put more off road miles on it than the Mazda pickup that replaced it. I could tell you stories……………………..
I prefer to get out there and just use my vehicle for trailhead sleeping. Therefore a pickup with a shell having a custom interior (or a mid-size SUV with back seats that fold for sleeping). In either, no hint of gear in plain view when leaving for the day.
Pick up with camper!
Three road-trip vehicles over nearly 40 years – all were cheap to run and repair.
– 1971 VW Superbeetle (with roof rack) got me through 22 years of extensive travel. That car was basically an AWD wannabe. Slept on the ground or in my tent. Replaced motor twice, no big deal for 22 years of reliability.
– Later, a 1978 VW camper (with bike rack) gave me more sleeping comfort. Drove it 13 years. Travelled throughout the western US and Canada. Replaced motor once, no problem for the years of service.
– Now, I’m a little older so I sleep off-the-ground in a 1992 Previa, for nearly 9 years now. Comfy seats and a heater (that’s a really nice treat after the VWs).
I would have to say either the FJ cruiser, Land Rover, or a medium sized SUV. All of these vehicles are perfect for on and off road adventures. Plus, most of them can pull other forms of “adventure vehicles”, such as UTVs and ATVs. Thanks for sharing!