Camping, hiking, and fishing are a few of many outdoor activities that are great recreational hobbies and offer an escape from the often tiresome city life. When the office feels too cluttered, or the schedule has been cleared and ready for a vacation, driving out to a lake or getting off-road can be just what you need.

To do any of these things, however, driving a car that says “Yes” to rough terrain, muddy swaps, and off-road routes is a must-have. A car designed specifically for bumpy and harsh roads is lighter, has higher clearance, and better wheels for a smoother ride.

There are a lot of brands in the market right now that advertise off-road vehicles. However, which of these are actually the best road trip cars for all-terrain adventuring?

Well, we’re here to help you figure out which one to buy. We’ll go over their top speed, fuel consumption, maintenance, general public opinion, and more to give you the best breakdown of these cars.

With that being said, let’s get started!

1. Land Rover Defender

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A classic and general favorite, Land Rover is a household name for 4×4 and off-road vehicles. The Defender is a monster vehicle built for the rough road with 18’’ all-season tires and an all-wheel drive. For those of you extra-safe readers, there are six airbags, a 360⁰ parking aid camera, Lane Keep Assist, and emergency braking.

The Defender gets up to 118 mph with its maximum speed, which is more than enough for most highways. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, making it a great car on and off the road. The 2021 model offers a 48-volt hybrid system, so it’s somewhat of an electric car. With almost a foot of ground clearance, the Defender can clear through nearly three feet of water.

Land Rover is well-known for its pristine and premium-quality interior, and the Defender is no different. The seats and dashboard offer a minimalist design, which fits aesthetically well when you’re already pacing up a mountain trail.