The Ten Best Used Vehicles For Exploring The World

Near endless forum threads and email discussions surround the best used expedition vehicle choice, so we compiled a complete and complex group of options and then debated, tweaked and lined them up in order. This is not the 'safe' list of just Toyotas and Land Rovers, but a list that reflects vehicles available to purchase in the USA and then driven around the world.

It is a list of vehicles that are actually being used to drive in the remote places of the world. This is not a list of 'rock crawlers', but a list of serious exploration options for adventure travel. I apologize in advance if your favorite truck didn't make the list. In the end, you should drive what you really love and who cares what some guy like me thinks, but if you are currently looking for a used vehicle to head down to Nicaragua in, then this is a good place to start.

What makes a great used overland vehicle?

Typically, someone buying a used vehicle is looking for value, but they are also looking for something reliable. As we discussed in our April, 2010 article Selecting the Ultimate Overlander, the article was also published in Chris Scott's new title the Overlanders' Handbook. there are critical attributes that all overland vehicles should have:

CAPABILITY:
The ability of the vehicle to traverse rocky, muddy, crossed axle terrain including deep-water crossings, severe side slopes, hill climbs and descents. This is of course only important if you intend to leave improved roads on your travels.

CAPACITY:
The ability to carry weight in the vehicle. This is measured by payload statistics. Capacity, or payload, must be one of the first considerations given to vehicle selection, as little can be done to safely improve its rating after purchase.

DURABILITY:
The ability of the vehicle to travel rugged terrain, fully loaded without chassis or drivetrain failure with years of continual use.

RELIABILITY:
The ability of a vehicle to perform over long distances and after years of service in rugged terrain without engine, electrical and support system failure due to component malfunction.

VALUE:
Valuation of vehicle cost to content. Vehicles with high functional content and minimal "luxury" content will score the highest value ratings.

Why did I choose these vehicles?

The one reality of this list is that nearly everyone who reads it will disagree with me. That is fair enough and certainly understandable as we all have our own bias, expectations, needs and taste. What I can say is that I have driven and tested all of these trucks and have actually owned most of them. Many of the vehicles on the list I have driven on multiple continents and in a vast array of conditions. I also picked these vehicles based on only 2-3 people in the vehicle, a modest equipment expectation and with a maximum used value of $30,000. If you want loads of space or camper amenities then these are not the vehicles for you - that will be a different list. I am also not going to focus on vehicles before 1990 - despite my love for my old 1977 FJ40. Newer vehicles are just better - in nearly every way and I suspect most will agree. There are awesome older vehicles (think 1985 4Runner), but it is not the goal of this list. You will also notice that Toyotas dominate the top half of the list – well, that is because Toyotas do make the best used vehicle choice on the market; my apologies in advance to the Ford Explorer owners…. So it is good to disagree, in fact, I would love to see the list you would put together in the comments below.

For each vehicle, I have listed my field experience with the selection to provide context on my decision/evaluation points.

1: Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series (Any year) - $10,000-30,000

I can hear the screaming and gnashing of teeth from the FZJ80 owners (I am one), but the reality is - the 100 series is just better for vehicle-based adventure travel. It has a much better motor with 100% better performance and can even manage 1-2 mpg better fuel economy. The 4.7L doesn't eat head gaskets or PHHs and runs ice cold (no AC shutoff in the Mojave). Sure it doesn't have a solid axle, which limits the most extreme terrain applications, but the 80 isn't really that good at extreme terrain anyways. The 100 series also has excellent brakes that don't fade after a few minutes on a twisty road. The interior is refined, comfortable and quiet. Overall fit and finish is class leading, as is interior materials and durability.

On the road, the 100 series will cruise comfortably at 85 mph all day long and then shift into low-range and tackle the most challenging terrain with just a few modifications. If you install an OME HD suspension, new shocks and 295/75 R16 BFG ATs, you will go just about anywhere you want to go in fantastic comfort. These trucks have also proven to be one of the most reliable vehicles ever imported to the US and it is not uncommon to find examples with 300,000 miles that are still rattle and leak free - impressive.

Pros:

• World-class motor
• Exceptional build quality
• The most reliable Land Cruiser ever imported to North America

Cons:

• BigCan get really, really heavy if you are not careful with modifications
• The front end needs some strengthening, both in the differential and a-arms when overloaded or overdriven

Summary: Every other continent figured out this was the best Land Cruiser ever made a few years ago - ok, we agree.

Editor's Field Experience: Long-term testing and numerous field adventures with UZJ100 vehicles, Overland Journal contributing editor Andrew Moore owns the model and it has become an Expedition Portal project vehicle.

2: Toyota Tacoma (2001-2008) $10,000-25,000

Both the Gen 1.5 and Gen 2 Tacomas are excellent vehicles and nearly match the mythical Hilux in all areas but payload and diesel power plant. These trucks are simple and effective, rewarding the adventure traveler with excellent value, reliability and good on-road comfort. They can be overloaded, overdriven, abused, rattled and frozen without protest. My 2004 Tacoma traveled from the Arctic Ocean and -57F to the Darien Gap in Panama and everything in between. I even used it to pre-run the Baja 500 one year and never had a single warranty claim.

Downsides are limited but notable. Stock suspension is horrible and completely mismatched to the vehicle. Front is too soft and under-dampened and the rear has kidney dislodging axle wrap and hop. Factor an Icon or Old Man Emu suspension into your budget, as the modification is not an option. The first generation Tacomas also suffered from poor interior material quality and flat, unsupportive seats. The generation two trucks are marginally better in both accounts. These trucks are the real deal. A few small modifications and you can drive one around the world - a few times.

Pros:

• Brother of the Hilux
• Good payload capacity
• Surprisingly good economy if not overloaded

Cons:

• Stock suspension is unacceptable
• Interior materials not up to the quality of the rest of the vehicle
• Everyone will want to steal it

Summary: Good enough for hauling 15 Taliban across Afghanistan, so just right for us.

Editor's Field Experience: Owner 2004 Tacoma driven from the frozen Arctic Ocean, across the Rubicon trail and then all the way to the Darien Gap. Long-term tests with 2005 ARB Tacoma, 2010 Tacoma Crew Cab, 2011 Tacoma TXPRo.

3: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK (2007- ) $20,000-30,000

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK was a game-changer for Jeep as an overland vehicle. These vehicles have proven to be reliable, supremely capable and easily modifiable. More so than any other vehicle on this list, you could take a stock Jeep Rubicon Unlimited and drive nearly any road, anywhere in the world, without modification. From the Rubicon Trail to the jungles in Guatemala (I have done both with them). They are simple, robust and have considerable interior storage space. They are also available on most continents now, including South America, Australia and Africa, so service infrastructure is improving. However, the Jeep Wrangler is a bit harsh and unrefined, so driver fatigue will be higher and NVH will take its toll on longer road sections.

Pros:

• Class-leading capability
• Simple design and highly modifiable
• Ready for a round-the-world, right from the factory (Rubicon trim)

Cons:

• Rough and tumble nature results in more driver fatigue
• Limited payload (about 1,000 pounds)
• Difficult to mount roof loads

Summary: Jeep surprised us all with this runaway hit. It is the real deal.

Editor's Field Experience: Editor has owned or long-term tested a half-dozen variants of the JK Unlimited. One was owned for two years and driven the length of Mexico and Central America to the Darien Gap. Current fleet includes the long-term test Overland JK. Overland Journal had an 18 month long-term test JK. We have yet to experience a single warranty claim with any of these vehicles.

4: Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series (1995-1997) $5,000-20,000

The Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series is a serious exploration tool with solid front axle, robust frame, good factory ground clearance, class-leading payload and excellent technical terrain performance. The challenge that the 80 series has now in the used market is the vehicle is just plain old. Even a 1997 is over 15 years old and most have very high mileage. I own a 1997 Heritage Edition with factory lockers and all the must have features, but these trucks in good condition and with low mileage are extremely difficult to find, and when you do, the cost is extreme (for the year). Look for 80s with lower mileage and check the knuckle-wipers on the front axle, oil in the coolant, overheating, condition of PHH (pesky heater hose), etc. Land Cruisers are incredibly reliable so they are often completely neglected. If you can find a low mileage, clean truck and take it to Slee OffRoad for a 4.7L engine swap and complete freshening, you will have one of the finest expedition vehicles possibly built in the US - but it is going to cost you. The FZJ80 is the ultimate overland vehicle ever imported to the US, but is in the 4th position due to age and difficulty finding clean, low-mileage examples. Nothing stays perfect forever…

Pros:

• One of the finest overland vehicles ever constructed
• Quality construction, design and materials
• World-class durability

Cons:

• Barney Rubble had better brakes
• Eats head gaskets for dinner, PHHs for dessert and axle seals for breakfast
• Very difficult to find a clean, well-cared-for example

Summary: Hard to find a clean one anymore, but worth the search.

Editor's Field Experience: Expedition Portal currently owns a 1997 FZJ80 Land Cruiser which we have driven the length of Baja and the length of Central America. The vehicle is currently in Panama awaiting transport to Colombia for further adventure.

5: Mercedes Benz G500 (2000-Whatever you can afford) $25,000 and up

The G-Wagen is a rare breed, and for those who have driven them, they rarely will drive anything else. Yes, they are that good, but their obscurity is also their only downfall, as parts can be difficult or impossible to find while traveling (requiring long wait times for delivery to a Mercedes dealership) and they can be somewhat temperamental. The G500 comes from the factory with everything we want in an overland vehicle, including excellent payload, locking differentials, solid axles, simple exterior lines and even a rain gutter. I own a 463 G-Wagen and love the car. Just know going in that these vehicles are not even on the ‘value' scale, are expensive to purchase and expensive to maintain, service and repair. Fuel economy is often in the single digits. However, they are one of the best and rarest of breeds.

Pros:

• Hand built in Austria, and it feels like it - world-class refinement
• Lightly armored from the factory - Durability
• Triple differential locks - Capability

Cons:

• Expensive to purchase, feed and maintain
• Limited articulation (although well balanced)
• Front axle shafts and bearings are weak-link

(Note: Lightly armored is a joke, but armored versions are available from Graz. However, they are extremely robust and designed as military vehicles).

Summary: Wonderfully obscure and capable, the eclectic overlander.

Editor's Field Experience: Editor currently owns a 463 G-Wagen and has also tested a 461 extensively in Southern Africa.

6: Toyota 4Runner, Generation Four (2004-2008) $12,000-30,000

The Gen Four 4Runner is a highly effective, if somewhat uninspiring vehicle. Slightly smaller than the 100 series and still available with the impressively reliable 4.7L V8, the 4Runner is a near perfect wagon. The vehicle also does not require much modification, especially if kept somewhat light. Install some LT265/75 R16 AT tires, some better lashing points and then head south. With synthetic oil you won't even need to do a service before hitting Ushuaia. The reason for the lower rating is the unimpressive payload and general softness. That can be a moot point depending on how much stuff you are bringing to Argentina.

Pros:

• Near perfect balance of attributes
• Good interior space and comfort
• Excellent reliability

Cons:

• Uninspiring design and styling
• Limited clearance (poor angles)
• Odd dash ergonomics.

Summary: Throw in a few bags and head south.

Editor's Field Experience: Long-term test (several months) with ARBs 2004 V8 4Runner

7: Land Rover LR3 (2005-2008) $18,000-30,000

Just let the flaming commence now, but I am going on record that the LR3 is the best used Land Rover option in North America - period. Yep, better than my much loved 1995 Discovery, better than a 2004 Discovery II, better than a 1995 Range Rover Classic. I have owned and driven every possible configuration of Land Rover and have near endless love for the brand, but these new generation trucks are shockingly good. And not only are they capable, they are even (dare I say it) pretty reliable. I was talking with Land Rover Las Vegas about these cars and they told me that warranty claims are down 60% from the Discovery II - sixty percent! I will admit my dislike of these vehicles early on - no solid axles, hybrid frame/unibody construction, more electronics and complexity, etc. However, reality has been a bitter pill for me, and I am changing my tune. The LR3 is a serious contender, but it is still not up to Toyota (or even Mercedes) reliability, so go in with eyes wide open. The South Africans are loving these cars with the TDI V6, as are the Australians. With coil spring conversions now available and a notable worldwide dealer network, I look forward to seeing more of these taking the path less traveled.

Pros:

• Refined and quiet
• Surprising capability with a change in tires and the HD package (locker)
• Most reliable Land Rover ever brought to North America

Cons:

• Still not as reliable as the competition
• Carry extra air suspension parts
• Expensive to service and maintain

Summary: Shocker of the century. The LR3 is the best used Land Rover option available.

Editor's Field Experience: Numerous tests and field work with the LR3, including Land Rover being a trainer on the platform for various LR dealerships. Long-term test of the LR4 in 2011.

8: Suzuki Vitara (1999-2003) $uper Cheap

Suzuki makes awesome little 4wd vehicles. They are the ultimate stealth, economical and reliable little adventure wagons. I have driven a Suzuki Jimny (think Samurai) through 23 countries and for 17,800 kms across Europe, Central Asia and Asia, ending with crossing northern Mongolia, the hard way. Not a single mechanical failure, not even a flat tire. These vehicles are global platforms and will give mid to high 20s on MPG. They are also extremely tough and durable and will go most places you wish to visit with just an Old Man Emu suspension, rear limited slip or locking differential and one size larger LT all-terrain tires. Feel the Suzuki love!

Pros:

• World platform and motors
• Excellent reliability
• Way under the radar

Cons:

• Limited payload
• Lack of comfort and refinement
• Limited technical terrain performance

Summary: If you can leave your vanity at the door, this little machine will take you around the world.

Editor's Field Experience: Numerous test of Suzuki Grand Vitara, including a recent test in Iceland. Editor drove a Suzuki Jimny through 23 countries, nearly half-way around the world.

9: Nissan XTerra (2001-2010) $8,000-22,000

The XTerra is a simple, purpose-built 4wd with a traditional ladder frame construction, good ground clearance, available locking differential and good reliability. I genuinely respect this vehicle and find its understated charm and specifications to make it a serious choice for adventure travel. While unrefined, the vehicle is still comfortable to drive and it's a good performer in the dirt. The wheelbase is short enough to be nimble, yet long enough to provide stability and enough cargo space. Approach and departure are good and you can fit an LT265/75 R16 stock. The Xterra also represents a genuine bargain for this list.

Pros:

• Ticks all the right boxes with a real frame, locking differential, etc.
• Interior built for dust and cargo
• Available manual transmission

Cons:

• Limited international dealer support 
• Somewhat fragile front-end
• Lacks refinement and interior material quality

Summary: The best overall value on the list, but make sure you don't leave the country without a DHL account and the number to your Nissan dealership. (Note: Not because the Xterra is unreliable, but because international parts support is limited so you will need to ship in replacements from the US).

Editor's Field Experience: Xterra is currently in the test and support fleet and driven by our Director of Photography.

10: Mercedes Benz E320 or E350 4Matic Wagon (2000-2006) $10,000-25,000

Why a car on this list? Well, you will find a Mercedes Sedan on practically any road in any country of the world. Chris Scott has driven a Merc Saloon across big chunks of northern Africa too. The 4wd system is designed and built by Steyr in Graz, Austria (where the G-Wagen is made). Mercedes sedans are tough and plentiful and are the choice of local business owners, thugs and politicians (often the same person) in every city I have visited. You will travel well under the radar and in style. Parts and mechanical support will be easy to find. Unfortunately, the US did not get the diesel variant, although Canada has a few. Install a set of HD Eibach springs (in stock throughout New Jersey), Bilstein HD shocks, LT225/70 R16 Michelin LTX M/S tires and a full underbody skid plate. Remove the rear seat and do a dark window tint. You can sleep in the back, cruise in comfort, take nasty pothole hits, bad roads, snow, light mud and even drive out on the beach. You know it would be fun…

Pros:

• Ultimate stealth machine
• Easily serviceable worldwide
• You can sleep in the back

Cons:

• Limited to bad roads and maybe the beach - no technical terrain
• No diesel option in US
• Not ExPo sexy

Summary: Guido's choice for overland travel and other activities

Editor's Field Experience: Limited driving experience (though I have owned a few Mercedes products), but these vehicles are everywhere in the world, and for good reason.

Honorable Mention:

2004 Land Rover Discovery II (2004 only) $10,000-18,000

The 2004 Land Rover Discovery is the pinnacle of refinement, performance and reliability for the NAS Discovery. Having owned a 2001 and now owning a 1995, I have a half-decade of driving time in these trucks and I absolutely love them, but am cautious about recommending them as an overland vehicle. The reason for this is simple: when they work, they are an absolute joy, but the problem is, they don't work often enough. The only vehicles to fail on me in the field have been my Discovery(s). So, given that, the visibility is wonderful, the driving position superb, the trail performance in stock form near the top of its class. It has excellent payload and a thoughtful layout. It also has a 4.6L motor and a locking center differential. If you love them and still want to buy one, its ok - I understand.

Pros:

• Classic adventure style and feel
• Excellent payload
• Excellent visibility

Cons:

• Worst reliability in its class
• Poor fuel economy
• Worst reliability in its class

Summary: Easy to fall in love with, not so easy to live with.

Editor's Field Experience: I currently own a 1995 and have owned a 2001. Nearly a decade of ownership in total, and the 1995 is one of my most favorite vehicles of all time, but I know that I am irrational about my affinity. Sometimes what you drive is not what you should recommend others drive, too…

Jeep Patriot AWD (2007-2010) $10-25,000

(NOTE: The Patriot is only listed for those buyers specifically looking for a cross-over or fuel efficient option)

We did not include an AWD SUV on the list, but they can make a legitimate solution for RTW road travel. The Jeep Patriot has proven reliable and quite durable, and will even reward the owner with nearly 30mpg economy. They are available with a Trail Rated 'badge' package that includes skid plates, locking center differential, lower gearing, larger tires and more agressive traction control. They are surprisingly comfortable and fun to drive and a great overall value.

Pros:  

1. Surprisingly capable for an AWD cross-over
2. Attractive appearance with simple lines and good visibility 
3. Good fuel economy

Cons:  

1. Struggles on steep climbs due to lack of low range
2. Limited payload
3. Limited aftermarket support

Summary: Low cost of ownership and best-in-class dirt performance makes this Jeep a serious value.

Editors Experience: I was the lead proof of performance driver for the Patriot launch, responsible for driving it up the back road to Crown King for testing- in the snow. Over a month of dirt testing with this platform.

Why didn't __________ make the list?

Sorry, but there were only 10 slots and a few honorable mentions, and these represent a nice cross-section of capabilities and budgets. Don't agree with my list? Give us a better one in the comments below!

News Source: http://jalopnik.com/5958901/the-ten-best-used-vehicles-for-exploring-the-world

Three Days in the Valley: 4x4 SUV torture test

Hunger, Death, and the Search for the Most Capable, Least Compromised Off-Roader

Day 1: Hungry Valley

First up is the Sluice Box, and as torture devices go, it doesn't look medieval, it looks prehistoric. Boulders the size of La-Z-Boys line both sides of this 50-yard stretch of manmade madness, while matching granite ottomans litter the interior at uneven intervals."We'll have none of that high-school stuff out here," crackles Williams over the radio. "We're heading through some rough terrain, way out in the boonies, so it's important that everyone pays attention and follows directions," he continues.Truck Trend editor Mark Williams' preamble takes place at the base of the Tehachapi mountains in a spot known as the Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area. Each member of his crew is piloting one of today's most capable off-road SUVs, an assemblage that includes the Hummer H3 Alpha, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Land Rover LR2, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota FJ Cruiser. Along for the journey are Julia LaPalme and trusted Truck Trend lieutenants Allyson Harwood and Thomas Voehringer. Trip rookie is the guy with too much product in his hair, dressed like he just robbed an REI. Me. Our mission: Determine which of this collection is the most capable, least compromised off-road machine.

Hip-deep in this rock box, Williams makes the first tough call of the trip. "I'm concerned about the LR2's ride height and undercarriage. I'd hate to wreck it so early on in the trip, so we'll leave it out of this one," he says."It's a car," mutters Harwood, clearly bemused by the Land Rover's low ground clearance. But wait, what does he mean "wreck it so early in the trip"? What else are we going to do? Before that thought can trickle any further, a squawk over the radio signals go time.

With Williams spotting the way, I send the Jeep creeping through the sluice. No drama here-click the lockers on, engage low range, lift off the brake, and the Rubicon's knobby BFGs immediately begin biting into the rough stone furniture. Though it has the least horsepower (202) and torque (237) of this group and the worst power-to-weight ratio, theWrangler is otherwise made for this kind of stuff. It has the shortest wheelbase, best approach and departure angles, highest ground clearance, and is the only one here with a live axle in front and back.Is all this really necessary? After the Jeep's initial run, all the others, Land Rover aside, claw their way through with no problem. The only casualty: a bit of plastic mudflap ripped off the Xterra.

Next up is another manmade obstacle course that looks like a skatepark built into the side of a hill. Black tire marks show where lesser drivers in lesser vehicles have spun wheels in frustration.

As though to give it a chance at redemption, Williams sends the LR2 up first. Even with no low range or locking differential, the LR2 skips right up, with little wheelspin. The others make minimal use of their crawler gears and fancy electronics (like brake-assisted A-TRAC in the FJ) and still make quick work of the hill; braggadocio ensues.

When the quintet pulls up at the base of Hungry Valley's real hillclimb, all chest-puffing stops. Sandy, beige, hardpack dirt on the bottom gives way to intermittent patches of chalky-looking rock with a few deep gravelly ruts near the top. The grade doesn't look so steep until you hit the middle and beyond; as curves go, this one is mostly exponential.

"The idea here is to pick the line that provides the most traction," advises Williams. "I'll ride shotgun."The invincible feeling returns as we begin our assault on the hill. This is why we brought the Jeep -- it's the default choice for prerunning situations like this. Only when the wheels begin to slip near the top, does my confidence also begin to give way. Williams is cool and unconcerned; as the Rubicon digs itself in deeper and begins to slide sideways, he issues the halt order for evaluation.Next thing you know, he's meditatively balancing on the Jeep's front bumper to help load the front wheels. But it's not good. I pick the wrong line and pay for it by having to back down the whole way.

Williams hops into the Xterra and takes a different line, straddling the ruts avoided on the first attempt. No problem; with the rear diff locked and low gears engaged, the Xterra walks right up.Brow furrowed, Williams heads down to jump back in the Jeep and rolls right up the hill with even less drama than in the Xterra. No need to even gas it at the end. No problem with the hardware -- just driver error. My error.After using the Jeep's ultralow 4.00:1 gear to creep down -- no hill-descent mode needed here -- Mark hops into the LR2.

This is going to be good -- no low range, no lockers, no chance, right? But what do you know, that green badge does mean something. With tires spinning, the LR2 steamrolls the hill. Downhill is no problem, either, though its brake-based descent control sends it down awfully fast.

"Looks more like roller-coaster mode," joke Harwood and Voehringer.Time for my redemption, and with its beige body and white top, the FJ looks more than ready to assist. Its 4.0-liter V-6 makes plenty of torque (278 pound-feet) and the Bridgestones seem to have just enough grip. The only white-knuckling occurs up top, as the FJ lightens up front, its weight tilted far to the back. "Straddle the hump," commands Williams, "and give it some more gas to keep the momentum up." Dirt flies and just like that we're on top of the world. Redemption is sweet. I want more.

On the same climb, our Hummer H3 Alpha is equally unstoppable, despite a 5100-pound curb weight. No surprise why; its 5.3-liter engine is the largest (and only) V-8 in this group, and it pumps out the highest power (295) and torque (317). At 4.03:1, this H3 also has the best low-range gearing, which makes descending down the hill just as uneventful as the climb.Highway sprints to our photo location and then dinner in Death Valley's Furnace Creek reveal few surprises; naturally, the topless, live-axle Jeep receives little praise. "On-road, the Wrangler is a handful at highway-plus speeds where the solid front axle is particularly unimpressive. Numb doesn't even begin to characterize the handling at speed," says Voehringer, and he's a Jeep fan.Though quiet and reasonably smooth, the Hummer gets dinged for a leaden, slow-shifting four-speed. "This old-tech transmission is slow to respond, and as a result, acceleration from a stop happens with a lurch after a noticeable delay," says Harwood.King of the Road is clearly the LR2. It's quick, responsive, with a carlike ride. "Everything about this Rover reminds me of butter. The suspension absorbs bumps and dips so smoothly, transferring little of the disturbance to the driver," says LaPalme."On-road, this is the vehicle of choice. It's quick, the steering is wonderful, and that transmission is like silk," Harwood adds.The battle for second-most roadworthy comes down to the FJ versus the Xterra. While neither isolate secondary judders as well as the unitbody LR2, more responsive steering and excellent outward visibility give the Xterra the nod.

Day 2: Death Valley

Decked out in hot-weather gear, our crew motors quickly across the floor of Death Valley to beat rising temperatures by climbing to elevation. After a couple hours driving on the two-lane highway, mid-90-degree temps, and sub-sea-level elevations are far behind, replaced by cool breezes and 75-degree temps at 5500 feet.

After descending 3500 feet, it's almost noon before the turnoff on Saline Valley Road and up again onto Lippincott Mine Road. From here it's only 10 miles to the Death Valley's famous "Racetrack," but seven of those miles require serious 4x4 vehicles, with high clearances and experienced drivers."Stay close to the vehicle in front of you and pay attention to where they are placing their tires," comes sage advice from veteran Williams, who's taken the wheel of LR2 -- again concerned about the limited ground clearance and lack of low range and underbody protection.

I rotate through the Xterra, then the Jeep, then the FJ. All low ranges and crawl gears are engaged, all dash lights are on -- diff lock, A-TRAC, you name it -- yet despite the rough terrain, none put a tire wrong during the slow and serious climbing.Turn after rock-strewn turn reveals breathtaking views of Panamint Valley below. A few warts are revealed as well, like the limited visibility in the FJ and Hummer. Both are compromised by their chunky, adventure-inspired styling; the view forward is fine, but rear-mounted tires and small windows inhibit back and side visibility. Not so in the LR2, which boasts the largest sunroof opening after the Jeep's convertible top. This Land Rovercontinues to impress through this mountainous traverse, it doesn't just keep up, it leads the way-taking our convoy past the Racetrack, Ubehebe Crater, to a steak dinner and beds in Furnace Creek.

Day 3: Dumont Dunes

"Dumont Dunes is not a place for revelations," comes Williams' disembodied voice over the radio, "if anything, it'll reinforce what you already believe." That's deep, downright Yoda-esque. Problem is, in terms of pure off-road ability, four in this quintet could walk away as the winner right now.

He's right -- the dunes do reinforce beliefs, and the first one solidified is that the Hummerhas a serious weight problem. Even with all tires aired down to 22 psi, the Hummer never seems to float above the dunes like the others, but rather bogs about sluggishly. She never gets stuck -- nobody does -- but never elicits the whoops and hollers of the Rover, either."On the sand, the LR2 blew me away. I knew it would be good, but I wasn't prepared for how good it was. Engine and trans seem a perfect match for scaling up the shifting sand walls and diving back down over steep wind-blown cornices. It was like racing in a glass-protected ATV," comments Williams.

These heavy-duty SUVs prove to be like ATVs in more ways than one; though not all emerge without damage after we find a few safe jumps on the dunes. The Jeep Rubicon suffers two damaged rear struts, which are promptly removed -- despite the 200-mile drive mile home -- and the Toyota FJ gets a bent front quarter-panel, which causes some interference when opening the front passenger-side door. Maybe this makes sense, since these are the two fun-buggies on the sand. Still, Xterra and LR2 run with the wolves and come out unscathed.Late in the day, winds pick up and send forth a sandstorm the likes of which even veteran off-roader Williams has never seen. It looks like the sand monster sequence in "The Mummy." Despite being saddled in the windowless, strutless Jeep and facing a 100-mile drive to dinner, I can't get enough.

Mad Greek Musings

Two hours later, at the Mad Greek near Barstow, our bone-weary group makes the last meal stop of the trip. Over the three days, we've burned a staggering 300 gallons of gas, charging over 800 hard miles and thousands of feet in elevation. It's late, and though skin and nerves are raw, the debate rages as to which off-roader is best.As fearless and capable as the Land Rover proves to be, it's fundamentally hamstrung by its lack of true off-road hardware. Its carlike features, including smooth ride, excellent transmission, and 16.1-mpg fuel-economy average, receives oodles of praise, but poor ground clearance and the lack of low range raises eyebrows and nix it from at least one of our tests."The LR2 chassis feels surprisingly stout to me. On the sand, this is the champ. I've never had so much fun on the dunes," says Harwood, before turning up the heat. "But this is a car. I know it did well on the washboard, and Mark babied it up and over some obstacles, but it doesn't have the off-road prowess the Land Rover badge and name promise. And it's way too expensive."

Cost fells the mighty Hummer H3 Alpha as well; its as-tested price of $44,535 is more than $13,000 higher than the FJ Cruiser's and Xterra's. That money could buy a lot of gas, especially with the H3 Alpha's 12.1-mpg fuel economy-the worst in the group."Why on earth is this thing so damned expensive? It doesn't use a new engine, and the transmission is just as old-tech. When it comes to creature comforts, there are no redundant steering-wheel controls, no iPod jack, and the tire-monitoring system doesn't even specify which tire(s) are low. Feels like you're paying for a brand name," says Harwood.Yet it's tough to put such a capable off roader in fourth. "The Alpha's V-8 brings the H3 to life. On the gravel-strewn trails, the Hummer muscles over and through everything in its path. Tough, strong and solid, this thing feels like it can handle anything; for confidence behind the wheel, the H3 is king," says Voehringer.

On paper, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is tough to beat. It's the most affordable, one of the best at the track, and returns the best fuel economy of the body-on-frame bunch: 15.5 mpg. Behind the wheel, it's smooth on the road and unstoppable off of it. It's a serious off-roader, but one marred by serious packaging flaws. Flip-out rear doors make second-row seat-loading difficult in tight situations."Perhaps the smoothest combination of software and traditional mechanicals to get the most-and most efficient-traction to the right wheel," says Williams. "It's handled everything we've thrown at it, but it's difficult to reconcile the interior and exterior designs. Looks great, but it's not functional. Visibility is restricted from almost every seat." After all, spotters are great when you're out on the trail, but you shouldn't need them in the Home Depot parking lot.

To no one's surprise, the battle for first comes down to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the two-time SUV of the Year award winner, the Nissan Xterra. There's a lot to love about the legendary Jeep, but there also are some nagging problems. "The front and rear lockers and swaybar disconnect are cool tech, but about as old school as it gets, yet they get the job done. Nothing compares with the front and rear electric locking differentials. Ultralow low-range gear [4.00:1] transfer case also helps with crawling, but lightness and shovel-like tires almost have it digging into the hillclimb too much. On-road it's a handful; so little contact patch to the tires and a light steering feel allows it to get blown around quite a bit on pavement, especially highways. Engine and trans are the weak links here when they should be better," says Williams."I love this thing. 

Overall, compared with the other vehicles, the Rubicon has the most personality. It's short, squat, and narrow, with ample ground clearance. The ride is a bit rough, transferring a lot of road-surface imperfections to the driver, but a Jeep is not about a cushy ride, it's about utility," says LaPalme.In contrast, the Nissan Xterra is the strong, silent type; one that evokes less emotion. "It doesn't stand out, but I mean that in a good way: It does everything right when asked, with no complaints. If it were my money and this were my daily driver during the week, off-roader on the weekend, I'd have an Xterra in the garage, no question," says Harwood.

The Xterra is a surprising value, too. Our OR-V6 model is only a couple hundred dollars more than the price-leading FJ, but consider what you get in return-better tires, a roof rack, four real doors with powered rear windows, and excellent overall visibility.The Xterra's no-fat, no-frills approach is why it wins this test. Williams sums it up best: "The exterior design matches its pure capability and functional personality. It's fun to toss around and really holds up well at highway speeds. The 4WD system is pretty basic but does offer an exceptionally compliant and flexible chassis. Tire and chassis combination are about the best all-around match as I've ever driven-for extreme high- and low-speed cruising. Inside and out, the Xterra makes a promise that its power and performance completely deliver."

Finishing Order

1. Nissan Xterra: Like it says on the door, off-road is where this one thrives. Low-key but as capable as the Rubicon, and far less compromised.

2. Jeep Wranger Rubicon: As always, excellent off-road, but others have caught up -- and don't have quite as many compromises in comfort or driveability.

3. Toyota FJ Cruiser: Great value, outsanding track performance, and excellent manners on road and off. Too bad butch styling hinders visibility and practicality.

4. Hummer H3 Alpha: Biggest, baddest, and most powerful, but also heaviest, thirstiest, and most expensive.

5. Land Rover LR2: Best on the road and dunes, but ground clearance and no low range mean this is not a serious off-road machine. Goes almost everywhere the others do, but almost doesn't cut it.

News Source: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0810_4x4_off_road_suv_comparison/