The term “expedition vehicle” has various definitions, but perhaps the simplest one is an SUV with AT tires and camping equipment. The purpose of most expeditions is not overcoming the endless off-road or discovering unknown places but in the journey itself, emotions, and new impressions. At the same time, permanent or plug-in all-wheel drive, preferably with locks, is of fundamental importance for an expedition vehicle, as well as qualities that can be arranged in the following sequence: reliability, capacity, comfort, and economy.
It is hard to choose the best because each brand and model has devoted fans: some are crazy about Toyota, and others prefer domestic Ford. The Indy Auto Man used car dealership experts have chosen the best models for expeditions around Indiana. This list includes inexpensive but reliable pickups and SUVs, which are quite easy to fix even in the middle of nowhere.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep has impressive capabilities, although it’s not very safe in an accident, and its powerful axles should be returned to the oxcart where they belong. But on the other hand, Jeep has reliable Wranglers with a huge amount of extra equipment and accessories designed for travel and off-road. Parts are available and relatively cheap, and depending on your needs, you can find a long or short wheelbase. If you’re on a budget, you can go with the 3.6-liter V6 that came out in 2012.
For those seeking more comfort and modern technologies, it is worth considering Wrangler’s direct competitor – Ford Bronco. You may even come across a model with some expedition stuff already bolted.
Ford F-150
If you’re looking for a reliable used pickup truck, you can’t help but stumble upon the Ford F-150. Ford’s iconic truck has been one of the best-selling vehicles for years, so it’s easy to find parts and accessories. Pickup trucks are especially good for traveling because they provide the added benefit of a roomy body. You can put all your equipment into it, and the interior will remain completely free. Its body is much larger than the trunk of an SUV – you can grab more water, food, fuel, and equipment. When it comes to a trailer, nothing beats a pickup truck.
Many companies build campers on the chassis of a pickup, but in this case, you can only use the car for travel. Like other autos on this list, the F-150 has a variety of engines and trims, but the most reliable ones are the 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 Coyote. Search for an all-wheel drive pickup model, and you’ll be fine in any adventure.
Toyota Tundra
The new Tundra, with its hybrid and conventional twin-turbo V6, has yet to prove its quality. To play it safe, you can go back ten years and opt for a reliable used Tundra model with an old-school 4.0-liter V6. At the same time, 4.6-liter V8 and 5.7-liter V8 are just as indestructible. Experts recommend a later model with an improved six-speed automatic transmission, but it doesn’t really matter.
If the Tundra is all-wheel drive, it will easily overcome any obstacles. The famous Toyota pickup has never been particularly fast, but it has no equal in reliability. And since the Tundra is quite popular, it has a lot of additional equipment and travel accessories.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is arguably the best travel car, although objectively speaking, it’s not the best car for daily use. Its mechanical components are almost two decades old, and it still features a five-speed transmission, although a ten-speed has long since become the norm for many of its competitors. The 4.0-liter V6 is lazy, and the body-on-frame is nowhere near as comfortable as, for example, the Hyundai Palisade. But 4Runner is as strong as a nail. In recent years, it has never been recalled due to any mechanical problems. For 2020, Toyota has replaced fuel pumps across most of its lineup, but that shouldn’t be a problem for a potential buyer.
As with the other vehicles on this list, the 4Runner is available with a wide range of accessories and is highly customizable to the owner’s needs. For this, the 4Runner is appreciated, which is good and bad at the same time – finding a perfect option can be more tricky than any other car on this list. Many modifications and special versions have come out over the years of production, but the TRD Pro is the best for expedition purposes.
