Spring is in the air! The world is coming back to life, and wouldn't it be nice to explore it all? Maybe take a road trip, maybe go off-roading through your nearest national park, maybe just pick a direction on the compass and drive until you see something interesting. Regardless of your idea of exploration, though, your Miata likely isn't the tool for the job. That's why I asked you all for the best exploration car earlier this week.
You turned in a wealth of answers, a deeply unsurprising number of which came from Toyota. Surprisingly, though, not a single Hilux among them! I thought I'd maybe made a mistake, leaving out the Hilux and Hilux Surf as suggestions, but none of you beautiful people called me on the omission. Instead, you suggested everything from Sequoiae to Prii — and even a Subaru or two in between. Let's take a look at your picks for the best car to go exploring in.
Honda Passport
Honda
So I'm interpreting this as a vehicle that does really well on the highway, gets good mileage, holds lots of stuff and can handle gravel roads and rough driveways, NOT off roading that would require low range.
That eliminates pretty much all frame-based overland-style rigs.
My vote goes to the new Passport. Bonus, you can tow a longer and heavier trailer if your needs change and you start using a camper as a regional basecamp.
Submitted by: cintocrunch1
Subaru Outback Wilderness
Subaru
I thought it was my 4Runner, but my girl has an Outback Wilderness, and after putting in some miles on some camping trips and adventures, I actually like the Wilderness better. It has similar ground clearance, the 4WD is great, and it drives much better on the highway than a truck. And better mileage is definitely a plus.
Submitted by: 17Seconds
I can't say I love the looks of the new car, I miss when the Outback was more of a true wagon and less of a crossover. Maybe that's why this press shot is so dark.
Lexus GX470
Roman Vasilenia/Shutterstock
GX470. Absolutely unstoppable pinnacle of the Land Cruiser Prado's design, just big enough, comfy, plenty of storage, locker control and a bulletproof 2UZ V8. Watch video of one going up a rock canyon wall with the stock suspension articulation. The follow-ons were more and more suburban-only design, bigger, heavier and less capable with inferior departure angle.
Submitted by: Winter Cat
My first car! They weren't cool yet back then, so I thought I just had some dweeby mom car.
Subaru Ascent
Subaru
Being 70's+ and the wife mid 60's our definition of exploring has mellowed out a bit, just back roads, forest roads, etc. Last summer it was the Dempster highway to the Arctic Ocean and this year the Trans-Labrador in our Subaru Ascent (it does have skid plates tho)
Submitted by: 87Samurai
Toyota Sequoia
Toyota
Currently my 2nd gen Sequoia 5.7 4x4 Limited with the captains seats. Without the rear center console a have a cooler/fridge that fits. It's quiet and comfortable and even on hwy tires it's extremely capable offroad. I've had it in mud/water to the bottom of the doors and passed trucks on trails that were struggling. Most of the time if I want to explore I do it on the water and the Sequoia can easily tow our seadoo and boat anywhere we want.
Submitted by: Er_mpg404
Mitsubishi Delica
Different_brian/Getty Images
I generally think of "exploring" as going off the beaten path as well. As such, I'm going to pick the Mitsubishi Delica. It has the 4WD capability to tackle off-road terrain with the space and utility of a van. Thus, Americans were very eager to import these as soon as they hit 25 years old, and they were already hugely popular in the rest of the world.
Submitted by: Giantsgiants
Toyota Prius
Tupungato/Getty Images
2nd gen Prius.
Fantastic gas mileage. Hatchback means plenty of space, add a roofbox if you need more. Extremely reliable. Cheap.
Basically, when exploring, keep your priorities straight. Get a cheap, efficient, reliable car. Almost any normal car will get you to the trailhead. Spend your money on reservations, park passes, the right gear, and time away from work.
Submitted by: Tim Connors
Jeep Wrangler
Stellantis
The JL Wrangler 4 door. Exploring involves going places you haven't been and maybe running into conditions that might be beyond the capabilities of a typical car or SUV. The Wrangler, even in the most basic Sport trim level, has capability to go almost anywhere in any weather.
The good news is our friends at the Jeep brand have polished the rougher edges and improved the ride and steering. That's not to say Wranglers aren't still relatively crude compared to almost anything new you can buy.
As a road tripper, they work surprisingly well. MPGs in the low 20's are a vast improvement over prior years. Sitting up high with excellent outward visibility makes for a pleasant highway experience. Plus, the slightly wandering steering keeps you awake on long trips. (No, really it does).
If you need to car camp, the 4 door has just enough room to stretch out with your camping mattress and sleeping bags. And of course, there's a whole world of overlanding accessories available of you want to really dial in your exploring prep.
And the top comes off too.
Submitted by: Factoryhack
Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series
Darthart/Getty Images
The only answer is a 100 series land cruiser or lx470.
Submitted by: jsloden
One of my all-time favorite cars, the Hundy.
One you didn't buy
Al Drago/Getty Images
Rental car?
Submitted by: Crucial Taunt
Yeah, you've got me there.
Context:
Exploration cars should balance comfort, capability, and fuel efficiency for diverse adventures.
Context:
Choosing the right vehicle can enhance your exploration experience, making it safer and more enjoyable.
Context:
The Toyota Hilux, a favorite in many countries, is often overlooked in discussions about exploration vehicles in the U.S
