The Off-Road & “Overlanding” Luxury
I Took a $150,000 Range Rover Off-Roading. Here’s What Broke.
I took a brand-new Range Rover on a challenging off-road trail. Its advanced “Terrain Response” system was incredible, and it climbed over rocks with ease. The car was far more capable than I expected. What broke was not the mechanicals, but the cosmetics. I badly scraped one of its beautiful, 22-inch diamond-turned wheels on a rock—a $2,000 mistake. A low-hanging branch also left a deep scratch in the paint. The car was perfectly functional, but the experience proved that taking an expensive luxury vehicle off-road is often a battle against expensive cosmetic damage.
The G-Wagen vs. a Jeep Wrangler: The Ultimate Off-Road Test.
We took a $180,000 Mercedes G-Wagen and a $50,000 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to the same difficult trail. The G-Wagen, with its three locking differentials, was an unstoppable fortress. It felt like cheating; it just calmly and comfortably climbed over everything. The Jeep was more of a challenge. It required more skill from the driver to choose the right line and manage the throttle. The G-Wagen is undoubtedly the more capable and comfortable vehicle, but the Jeep provided a more engaging, raw, and ultimately more fun off-roading experience.
The Best “Glam-ping” Vehicle: How to Turn a Luxury SUV into an Overlander.
My friend converted his new Land Rover Defender into the ultimate “glamping” vehicle. He installed a high-quality rooftop tent that sets up in minutes. On the roof rack, he has a side-mounted awning for shade. In the back, he has a slide-out drawer system with a built-in refrigerator and a small camp stove. He can go deep into the wilderness but still have the comfort of his heated leather seats, premium sound system, and a comfortable bed. It’s the perfect blend of rugged adventure and luxurious comfort.
The Most Surprising Off-Road Features Hidden in Your Luxury SUV.
I was looking through the menus in my friend’s new luxury SUV and found some surprising off-road features. It had a display that showed the exact angle of the car’s pitch and roll. Another screen showed the status of the all-wheel-drive system, indicating how much power was going to each wheel. It even had a forward-facing “ground view” camera that created a virtual image of what was directly underneath the front of the car. Many modern luxury SUVs have these powerful, hidden off-road tools that most owners never even know exist.
Why the Old Lexus GX 470 is an Off-Road Legend.
The Lexus GX 470 from the mid-2000s is an off-roading legend. It’s built on the same incredibly tough, body-on-frame platform as the international Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. It has a bulletproof V8 engine, a reliable four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case, and a comfortable, luxurious interior. Because it has a Lexus badge, it often gets overlooked by off-roaders, meaning you can buy one for a fraction of the price of a comparable Toyota 4Runner or Land Cruiser. It’s a true, hidden gem in the off-road world.
The Most Capable “Soft-Roaders” for Dirt Trails and Camping.
My friend wanted a comfortable car that could handle a dirt road to a campsite. He didn’t need a serious off-roader. He chose a Subaru Outback Wilderness. This type of vehicle, a “soft-roader,” is perfect for light-duty adventure. It has a higher ground clearance than a standard car, a capable all-wheel-drive system, and durable body cladding. Other great options include the Volvo V90 Cross Country and the Audi A6 allroad. They offer a perfect balance of on-road comfort and the capability to confidently handle gravel roads and snowy conditions.
The Most Over-the-Top and Ridiculous Off-Road Builds.
I saw a custom Ford F-350 at a show that was the definition of ridiculous. It was lifted over two feet and was riding on massive, 50-inch tires. It had a train horn and so many LED light bars that it could illuminate a stadium. Another over-the-top trend is the 6×6 conversion, where companies like Hennessey will take a normal truck and add an extra axle and two more driven wheels. These are not practical off-road tools; they are massive, multi-hundred-thousand-dollar toys designed purely for shock and awe.
The Porsche 911 Dakar: The Off-Road Supercar We Never Knew We Needed.
Porsche did something amazing: they created an off-road version of their 911 sports car, called the Dakar. It has a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and a special “Rallye” mode for driving on loose surfaces. It’s inspired by the Porsches that competed in the famous Paris-Dakar Rally in the 1980s. The idea of a high-performance sports car that you can drive at speed on a dirt road is a brilliant and fun concept. It’s the supercar that enthusiasts never knew they wanted.
The Most Important Upgrades for Taking Your Luxury SUV Off-Road.
The single most important upgrade for any off-road vehicle is the tires. I replaced the standard highway tires on my SUV with a set of quality all-terrain tires, like the BFGoodrich K02. These tires have a more aggressive tread pattern for better grip and a much tougher sidewall to resist punctures. The second most important upgrade is underbody protection. A set of steel or aluminum “skid plates” to protect the engine, oil pan, and gas tank from rocks is essential for any serious trail driving.
The Best All-Terrain Tires That Are Still Quiet on the Highway.
I wanted a more aggressive tire for my SUV but didn’t want the loud “hum” of a mud-terrain tire on the highway. I chose the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. It’s a fantastic “hybrid” all-terrain tire. It has an aggressive enough tread to provide excellent grip on dirt and in snow, but the tread pattern is also computer-designed to be surprisingly quiet and comfortable for daily driving on pavement. It’s the perfect, no-compromise tire for a luxury SUV that is used as both a daily driver and a weekend adventure vehicle.
The Most Common Mistakes Beginners Make on the Trail.
I went on an off-road trip with a group of beginners. The most common mistake was not “airing down” their tires. Lowering your tire pressure from 35 PSI to about 15 PSI dramatically increases the tire’s footprint, providing more grip and a smoother ride. Another mistake was going too fast and hitting obstacles with too much momentum. The mantra of off-roading is “as slow as possible, as fast as necessary.” Finally, many of them didn’t know the dimensions of their own vehicle and tried to squeeze through gaps that were too tight.
The Most Beautiful and Scenic Off-Road Trails in the USA.
For sheer, jaw-dropping beauty, the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, is one of the best. It’s a 100-mile loop that offers incredible views of the canyons. In Colorado, the Alpine Loop is a high-altitude trail that takes you over mountain passes and through stunning alpine meadows. And in California, the scenic trails of Big Bear offer a fantastic mix of forest driving and rocky challenges. These trails are about more than just off-roading; they are about using your vehicle to access breathtaking natural beauty.
The Rise of the “Safari” Build for Classic Sports Cars.
A new, cool trend in the car world is the “Safari” build. I saw a classic Porsche 911 that had been modified for off-roading. It had a lifted suspension, chunky all-terrain tires, a roof rack, and rally lights. This trend, inspired by the rally cars of the 70s and 80s, is all about creating a car that is both stylish and capable of adventure. It’s a fun and creative way to re-imagine a classic sports car, turning it from a delicate garage queen into a rugged, go-anywhere machine.
The Best Roof-Top Tents and Camping Gear for a Luxury SUV.
The best roof-top tents are the “hard shell” models from brands like iKamper or Roofnest. They set up in less than a minute and are more aerodynamic and durable than the soft-shell versions. For a complete “overlanding” setup, a slide-out kitchen system from a company like Dometic is a game-changer. It provides a built-in refrigerator and a stove, all powered by a portable battery pack. This gear allows you to have a comfortable and civilized camping experience, even in a remote location.
The Most Important Recovery Gear You Should Never Leave Without.
An experienced off-roader told me to never go on a trail without a few key pieces of “recovery gear.” The most important is a set of traction boards, like MaxTrax. If you get stuck in sand or mud, you can wedge them under your tires to get grip. A simple shovel is also essential. And a high-quality “snatch strap” and a pair of D-ring shackles are crucial for being able to be safely pulled out by another vehicle. This basic kit can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and being stranded overnight.
The Most Useless “Off-Road” Modes on a Luxury Vehicle.
My friend’s crossover SUV has a drive mode dial with a “sand” and “mud” setting. He thought this made it a capable off-roader. It’s mostly a marketing gimmick. On these “soft-roaders,” these modes typically just slightly adjust the traction control and throttle response. They do not give the car a low-range transfer case or the ability to lock its differentials. While they might provide a tiny bit of help, they do not magically transform a family crossover into a true, rock-crawling off-road machine.
The Most Reliable Luxury SUV for Remote Exploration.
If I were going on a trip to a very remote area, the car I would trust most is a Toyota Land Cruiser. It is a vehicle that is legendary around the world for its absolute, bulletproof reliability and durability. It is engineered to be able to withstand the harshest conditions and to be fixable with basic tools in the middle of nowhere. While it may not have the flashiest interior, its reputation for never, ever letting you down makes it the ultimate choice for serious, remote exploration.
The Most Embarrassing “Stuck” Moments in an Expensive 4×4.
I was on an off-road trail and saw a brand new, $100,000 pickup truck get stuck in a small mud puddle. The owner had it in two-wheel drive and was on street tires. He was spinning his wheels, throwing mud everywhere. It was an embarrassing moment. A few minutes later, an old, beat-up Suzuki Samurai with proper tires and a skilled driver came along and drove through the same puddle with no drama at all. It was a powerful lesson that the capability of the vehicle means nothing without the right tires and driver knowledge.
The Best Way to Protect Your Paint from Trail Scratches.
When I take my SUV off-roading on a narrow trail with a lot of tree branches, I use a temporary “paint armor.” I bought a set of large, custom-cut magnetic panels that I stick onto the doors and fenders of my car. These thick, flexible magnets take the brunt of the scratches from the branches. At the end of the day, I just peel them off, and the paint underneath is perfect. It’s a fantastic, non-permanent way to protect your expensive paint job.
The Most Insane 6×6 Luxury Truck Conversions.
The most insane off-road vehicles are the 6×6 conversions. Companies like Hennessey will take a Ford Raptor or a Ram TRX, stretch the frame, and add a third, driven axle. The result is a massive, six-wheel-drive monster that costs over $400,000. These are not practical vehicles. They are absurd, over-the-top expressions of automotive excess, designed to have the most imposing and aggressive presence possible, both on and off the road.
The “Wading Depth” Test: How Deep Can Your SUV Actually Go?
The new Land Rover Defender advertises a “wading depth” of almost three feet. This means it can drive through water that deep. This capability is achieved through several engineering tricks. The engine’s critical air intake is located very high up in the engine bay. The sensitive electronics are all waterproofed and sealed. And the doors have special seals to keep water out of the cabin. It’s an impressive feat of engineering that gives the driver the confidence to tackle a deep water crossing.
The Most Important Driving Techniques for Sand, Mud, and Rocks.
An off-road instructor taught me the key techniques. For sand, the key is momentum. You need to keep a steady speed and avoid sharp turns. For mud, you need wheel speed to clear the tread of your tires. For rock crawling, the technique is the opposite. You use the low-range gear to crawl as slowly as possible, gently guiding the tires up and over obstacles. The mantra is “throttle for mud, finesse for rocks.”
The Best On-Board Air Compressors for Airing Down and Up.
When you go off-roading, you need to lower your tire pressure for the trail and then air back up for the drive home. A portable, 12-volt air compressor is essential. The best ones, from brands like ARB or Viair, can be permanently mounted in the engine bay and connected directly to the car’s battery. They can fill a large truck tire from 15 PSI to 35 PSI in just a few minutes, which is much faster and more reliable than the cheap, cigarette-lighter-powered compressors.
The Most Overrated and Unnecessary Off-Road Accessories.
I see a lot of off-road vehicles with unnecessary accessories. The massive “angry eyes” grille on a Jeep Wrangler is purely cosmetic and can actually restrict airflow. A giant roof-top light bar is often illegal to use on the road and is overkill for most trail driving situations. And a massive, aggressive-looking “stinger” front bumper offers very little real-world protection. Many of these accessories are about making the vehicle look tough, rather than actually improving its off-road capability.
The Most Family-Friendly Off-Road Adventures.
Off-roading can be a great family activity. Instead of a difficult rock-crawling trail, I’ll take my family on a scenic, graded dirt road, like the ones found in many National Forests. It’s not about the challenge; it’s about the destination. We’ll pack a picnic and drive to a remote, beautiful spot for lunch. The kids love the bumpy ride, and it’s a fantastic way to use our capable SUV to get away from the crowds and experience nature together.
The Most Luxurious and Comfortable Off-Road Vehicles.
The most comfortable off-road vehicle I’ve ever been in is a new Range Rover. Its advanced air suspension provides an incredibly smooth, “magic carpet” ride, even on a rough, bumpy trail. It completely isolates you from the harshness of the terrain. The interior is whisper-quiet, and the seats are plush and supportive. It’s a surreal experience to be crawling over a difficult, rocky obstacle while sitting in a cabin that is as quiet and comfortable as a high-end luxury sedan.
The Best and Worst “Hill Descent Control” Systems.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) is a feature that automatically applies the brakes to maintain a slow, controlled speed down a steep hill. The best systems, like the one in a Land Rover, are incredibly smooth and quiet. You just steer, and the car handles the rest. The worst systems, which I’ve used in some older SUVs, are very loud and jerky. You can hear the ABS pump chattering away, and the car moves in a series of lurches. It’s effective, but not a refined experience.
The Most Impressive Articulation and Suspension Travel.
I watched a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon go over a series of large, offset bumps. Its solid front axle provided incredible “articulation”—the ability of the wheels to move up and down independently. At one point, one front wheel was pushed deep into the fender, while the other was completely dropped down. This massive amount of suspension travel is what allows the Jeep to keep all four tires on the ground for maximum traction in very uneven terrain.
The Best Off-Road Lighting Solutions for Night Driving.
For driving on a dark trail at night, the factory headlights are not enough. The best lighting solution is a combination of different types of auxiliary lights. A set of “ditch lights,” mounted near the base of the windshield, are great for illuminating the sides of the trail. A set of powerful “driving lights” on the front bumper can project light far down the trail. And a set of “rock lights” mounted in the wheel wells can help you see obstacles directly around your tires.
The Most Remote Places You Can Get to in a Stock Luxury SUV.
I wanted to see how far I could get in my stock Lexus GX. I took it on a multi-day trip through the remote backcountry of Utah. With a good set of all-terrain tires, the car was able to handle hundreds of miles of unpaved dirt and gravel roads, a few minor water crossings, and some light, rocky trails. While it’s not a rock crawler, a modern, capable luxury SUV can safely take you to some incredibly remote and beautiful places that are far off the beaten path.
The “Defender” vs. the “Bronco”: The Modern Off-Road Icons.
The new Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco are both brilliant, modern interpretations of classic off-road icons. The Defender is the more luxurious and sophisticated of the two. It has a more comfortable ride and a premium, high-tech interior. The Bronco is the more raw and rugged choice. It has a removable roof and doors for a true open-air experience, and its focus is more on pure, analog off-road fun. The Defender is the luxury SUV that can go off-road; the Bronco is the off-roader that you can drive every day.
The Most Important Maintenance After a Tough Off-Road Trip.
After a dusty, muddy off-road trip, a thorough cleaning is the most important maintenance. I use a pressure washer to clean all the mud and dirt from the undercarriage, suspension components, and wheel wells. This prevents rust and allows me to inspect for any damage. I also check and clean my engine air filter, as it can get clogged with dust. Finally, I check all my fluids and inspect my tires for any cuts or damage. This post-trip check is crucial for the long-term health of the vehicle.
The Most Surprising Country for Off-Roading.
The most surprising country for off-roading I’ve visited is Iceland. The landscape is otherworldly, and there are a network of rugged “F-roads” that take you into the volcanic highlands. These roads are unpaved and involve multiple, serious river crossings. You see massive, modified “Super Jeeps” with huge tires everywhere. It’s a country where a highly capable 4×4 is not a toy, but an essential tool for exploring the raw, stunning, and often challenging terrain.
The Best Skid Plates and Underbody Protection.
When I started taking my truck on more serious trails, I knew I needed to protect its vulnerable underbelly. I installed a full set of steel skid plates. These plates protect the engine’s oil pan, the transmission, the transfer case, and the gas tank from being punctured by a sharp rock. It’s the single most important piece of armor you can add to an off-road vehicle. A single, well-placed rock can end your trip and cause thousands in damage. Skid plates are cheap insurance.
The Most Capable Luxury Vehicles That Owners Never Take Off-Road.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is probably the most capable vehicle that rarely sees a dirt road. It’s a military-derived vehicle with three locking differentials, but it spends most of its life parked outside of expensive restaurants in Beverly Hills. The Porsche Cayenne is another. It has a very capable all-wheel-drive system and available air suspension, but it’s more likely to be found at the country club than on a rocky trail. These cars have incredible, untapped potential that most of their owners never explore.
The Best Off-Road Driving Schools and Training Programs.
I wanted to become a more confident off-road driver. I attended a “Land Rover Experience” driving school. It was fantastic. A professional instructor taught me the fundamentals of throttle control, wheel placement, and how to properly use the vehicle’s electronic aids. We drove on a purpose-built course with steep inclines, water crossings, and rocky obstacles. These schools are the best and safest way to learn the capabilities of both your vehicle and yourself, and they are offered by many brands, including Jeep and Ford.
The Most Interesting “DIY” Overlanding Builds.
My favorite DIY overlanding build was a man who converted an old ambulance into a camper. The boxy shape provided a huge amount of interior space. He built a bed, a small kitchen, and installed solar panels on the roof. Because it was built on a heavy-duty truck chassis, it was also a very capable off-road vehicle. It was a brilliant, creative, and relatively affordable way to build a unique and incredibly practical go-anywhere home on wheels.
The Best Fuel Cans and Storage Solutions for Long Trips.
For a long, remote off-road trip, carrying extra fuel is a necessity. The best and safest fuel cans are from brands like Wavian or RotopaX. They are made from durable materials and have secure, leak-proof spouts. The RotopaX cans are designed to be modular and can be mounted flat on a roof rack or a spare tire carrier, which is a much safer solution than carrying a plastic gas can inside your vehicle.
The Most Important Factor for Off-Roading: The Driver.
I once saw a man in a bone-stock, two-wheel-drive pickup truck with good tires successfully navigate a trail that a person in a brand new, $80,000 4×4 was struggling with. The difference was the driver. The man in the old truck was experienced. He knew how to choose the right line, how to manage his momentum, and how to “read” the terrain. It was a powerful lesson that while lockers, tires, and suspension are great tools, the single most important factor in off-roading is the skill and knowledge of the person behind the wheel.
The Most Common Ways People Damage Their SUVs Off-Road.
The most common damage I see on the trail is to the vehicle’s body. People will misjudge a corner and scrape their rear fender on a tree or a rock. This is called “trail rash.” The second most common damage is to the undercarriage. A driver will come off a rock too hard and smash their gas tank or oil pan on it. This is why skid plates are so important. Finally, damaging a wheel or slicing a tire’s sidewall on a sharp rock is another very frequent and trip-ending mistake.
The Best Winches for a Luxury SUV Bumper.
For a luxury SUV, you don’t want a massive, ugly winch on the front. Companies like Warn now make “hidden” winch mounting systems. These kits allow you to mount a powerful winch behind the factory front bumper. The only thing visible is the small, fairlead opening for the winch line. This gives you the incredible self-recovery capability of a winch without having to sacrifice the clean, sophisticated look of your luxury vehicle’s front end.
The Most Iconic and Challenging Off-Road Trails in the World.
For off-roaders, a few trails are legendary “bucket list” challenges. The Rubicon Trail in California is one of the most famous. It’s a short but incredibly difficult rock-crawling trail that is the benchmark for a vehicle’s capability. In Moab, Utah, trails like “Hell’s Revenge” offer stunning scenery and steep, slickrock climbs. And in Australia, the Canning Stock Route is an epic, multi-week desert expedition that is one of the most remote and challenging overland journeys on the planet.
The Best Off-Road Navigation Apps and Tools.
For navigating on a remote trail where there is no cell service, a dedicated GPS device is essential. However, the best tools are now on your smartphone. An app like “onX Offroad” or “Gaia GPS” allows you to download detailed topographic and trail maps for offline use. They show trail difficulty, points of interest, and allow you to track your route. These powerful apps have become an indispensable tool for any modern off-roader or overlander.
The Most Over-the-Top and Luxurious RVs.
The most luxurious RVs are the “Class A” motorhomes from a brand like Newmar or Prevost. These are essentially custom-built tour buses that cost over $2 million. The interiors are finished with polished marble floors, handcrafted wood cabinetry, and full-size residential appliances. They have multiple bathrooms, a king-size bed, and multiple large-screen TVs. They are rolling luxury penthouses that offer a level of comfort and opulence that is unmatched in the world of recreational vehicles.
The Best “Go Anywhere” Vehicle for a Global Expedition.
If I were to embark on a global, round-the-world expedition, the vehicle I would choose is a Toyota Land Cruiser from the 70-series. This is a model that is not sold in the US but is a legend in the rest of the world. It is incredibly simple, rugged, and reliable. It has a basic but powerful diesel engine. Parts and service for it can be found in even the most remote villages in Africa or South America. It is the undisputed, most trusted vehicle for serious, unsupported, go-anywhere travel.
The Most Interesting History of the Camel Trophy and Land Rover.
The Camel Trophy, which ran from 1980 to 2000, was a grueling, month-long off-road adventure and competition. It was often called the “Olympics of 4×4.” For most of its history, the official vehicle was a Land Rover. Teams from around the world would navigate through the jungles of Borneo or the deserts of Africa in specially prepared, yellow Land Rovers. This event cemented Land Rover’s reputation for rugged, go-anywhere capability and created some of the most iconic imagery in off-road history.
The Best Balance Between On-Road Comfort and Off-Road Capability.
The car that strikes the best balance between on-road luxury and serious off-road capability is the new Land Rover Defender. In its normal mode, its air suspension provides a comfortable and composed ride on the highway. But with the push of a button, it can raise itself up, lock its differentials, and tackle incredibly difficult terrain. Unlike a Jeep Wrangler, which is compromised on the road, or a Range Rover, which is too precious, the Defender is the perfect, no-compromise vehicle for someone who wants to do it all.
The Most Important Thing to Know Before Your First Off-Road Adventure.
The most important thing to know before your first off-road trip is to never, ever go alone. Even on an “easy” trail, a simple mechanical failure or a stuck vehicle can become a life-threatening situation if you are by yourself with no cell service. Always go with at least one other capable vehicle. That way, you have someone to help pull you out if you get stuck, and you have a ride home if your vehicle has a catastrophic failure. The buddy system is the golden rule of off-roading.
The Most Jaw-Dropping Off-Road Fail and Recovery Videos.
I saw a video of a driver who tried to cross a deep, fast-moving river in his truck. He got halfway across before the current caught him and swept the truck downstream. It was a jaw-dropping fail. The recovery was even more incredible. It involved a team of multiple, heavily modified vehicles working together with winches and straps for hours to slowly and carefully pull the submerged truck back to shore. These videos are a powerful and entertaining lesson in the risks and the teamwork of off-roading.
The Ultimate “Bug Out” Vehicle for the Apocalypse.
My ultimate “bug out” vehicle for the apocalypse would be a diesel-powered, ex-military Mercedes Unimog. It’s one of the most capable off-road vehicles ever made, with massive ground clearance and portal axles. Its diesel engine is simple and can run on a variety of fuels. It has a large cargo area that could be converted into a small camper. And its tough, utilitarian design is built to withstand extreme abuse. It’s a slow but literally unstoppable machine that could take you anywhere you need to go to survive.