Overlanding is similar to backpacking, but on wheels. You find a trail with a distant destination that takes days to reach. You travel as far as you can in a day, and before it gets completely dark, you find a suitable spot for a campsite and live off what you brought with you. Unlike regular off-roading, overlanding focuses on the destination; the off-roading is just a way to get there. People have overlanded with Subarus, but Michael Hohl Subaru mainly recommends checking out their used inventory for the perfect overlanding rig.
Basic Qualifications
Your overlanding vehicle should be tough, offering plenty of space for all your camping and recovery gear, have enough torque to tow it all, and feature generous ground clearance to handle rough, uneven terrain, with skid plates underneath for protection when ground clearance isn't enough. It also needs to be reliable enough to give you confidence in reaching your destination, and it helps if it's not too large—especially if you plan to overland through forests—so it can pass through tight spots. How comfortable you want to be inside depends on your usage beyond overlanding and will influence its role in your daily transportation routine.
Accessory Availability
Another factor to consider is the availability of parts and accessories. A Unimog might be the most capable overlanding vehicle ever made, but spare parts availability will be limited. A wide range of accessories for your chosen model can also make a big difference. There is a whole industry dedicated to accessorizing Jeep Wranglers and their mechanically similar Gladiator pickups. Nearly any overlanding item you can think of is likely available for these vehicles. Accessories for domestic brand trucks and Toyotas are also in abundance. The more obscure your model, the more you might need to modify accessories to fit.
On-Road Drivability
Assuming the trail head doesn't start in your backyard, you will likely be driving your rig some distance before you start your off-roading, so choose a vehicle you can live with on the road. On the other hand, you may not want to get too fancy. Overlanding rigs are going to get bumped and scratched, but while they looked new at the start of a trip, they may well look plenty used at the end. It will wear its scars proudly, but this may be another reason to shop for a pre-owned vehicle.
Payload
Payload is a crucial factor. When carrying a lot of gear, unlike on the highway, the weight shifts in all directions and over uneven terrain. Sometimes, the load and vehicle may be supported by only three or even two wheels. This is one reason why better overlanding vehicles tend to have body-on-frame construction, where the chassis bears most of the load, unlike unibody vehicles, where the entire body carries the load. That's also why payload is a key specification to consider when choosing your vehicle. For example, mid-size pickup trucks are often seen as a good balance of capability and size, but their payload capacities can vary greatly. A 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-X, for instance, has a payload of just 1,100 pounds, while competitors from GM, Ford, and Toyota range between 1,500 and over 1,700 pounds. That difference can be quite significant. Body-on-frame models will also likely feature 4WD systems with a two-speed transfer case, which can be crucial for navigating over obstacles.
Fuel Economy
Mid-size trucks and SUVs on the same platform (the Toyota 4Runner is a perfect example of the latter) also get better fuel economy than their full-size counterparts, which can mean something because you encounter no gas stations on an overlanding trail. You operate on what you bring with you, which often implies jerry cans of extra gas.
While smaller vehicles tend to have an efficiency advantage over larger ones, the larger vehicles also offer more space for additional gas cans. Plus, full-size trucks are better sellers and therefore more common in used vehicle inventories. Additionally, some very off-road-focused mid-size trucks with wider stance tire setups can have a footprint as large as a full-size model, but with a more cramped cabin, so keep that in mind.
With the right vehicle, equipment, preparation, and company, overlanding can offer unmatched adventures and experiences. Michael Hohl Subaru suggests you do plenty of research on what will work best for you and then visit our extensive used vehicle inventory to find the model that suits you best.
