Summary

• When looking for an affordable SUV for overlanding, don't just focus on the price tag. Consider factors such as ground clearance, horsepower, traction, and approach/departure angles for success on the road.
• Comfort is important for long hours on the road during overlanding. Make sure the seats are comfortable and the vehicle is spacious enough for your gear and any passengers. Also, choose an SUV with readily available replacement parts for long-term affordability.
• Consider budget-friendly options such as the 1995 Suzuki Samurai, 2001 Nissan Xterra, 2004 Subaru Forester, 2005 Mitsubishi Montero, and 2000 Toyota 4Runner. Each of these SUVs offers different features and performance specs that make them suitable for overlanding without breaking the bank.

Overlanding can be an expensive hobby, but you don’t have to sell your kidneys to have a decent rig. Unlike off-roading, where drivers challenge themselves and their vehicles to conquer the worst driving conditions and surfaces, overlanding is all about the journey. It involves long hours on the road to discover far-flung places, some off-roading, and camping. You don’t need the fastest SUVs in the world for it, but you need a capable, comfortable, and reliable ride. Finding the best overland SUV for your needs is possible without breaking the bank.

You need to look beyond the price tag when searching for an affordable SUV for over-landing. To ensure success on the road, you need the following:

• Excellent ground clearance to ensure you can clear obstacles
• Sufficient horsepower and torque
• Good traction
• Great approach and departure angles
• Lower center of gravity for stability

Aside from the capability and reliability of an SUV for overlanding, remember that you’ll be on the road for days or weeks, so you need a comfortable ride. Ensure the seats are good enough for you while thinking of long hours each day behind the wheel. The vehicle should also be roomy enough for your overlanding gear and if you’re taking family or friends with you during your expedition. Looking long-term, it will be wise to pick an affordable SUV for overlanding with readily available replacement parts.

Below are some solid choices to consider if you’re on the hunt for cheap SUVs perfect for overlanding.

We've looked at data from KBB, Edmunds, and other reputable websites to put together this list of affordable SUVs that are perfect for overlanding.

RELATED: Top 10 Off-Road Upgrades And Modifications For Your 4x4

10 1995 Suzuki Samurai

Average Used Car Price: $3,183

The Suzuki Samurai, known in other markets as the Jimny, crossed the Pacific and entered the U.S. market in 1985 as a 1986 model. With its low retail price compared to other 4x4s, the small convertible SUV proved to be a good city cruiser and formidable off-roader. After garnering sales records, it was slowly killed by a Consumer Reports claim that it was unreliable with unacceptable rollover. The 1995 Suzuki Samurai is the last year for the Japanese off-road wonder in the U.S.

The Samurai is a popular choice among off-roaders and those who love overlanding. It is a capable four-wheel drive machine with front hubs that you can manually lock. Looking at the 1995 Suzuki Samurai specs sheet, the small overlanding SUV cannot boast of good ground clearance at just 8.1 inches but boasts of decent approach and departure angle. Today you can find heavily modified Samurais going for below $5,000.

Performance

If you come across a 1995 Samurai for sale, make sure you check for the condition of the starter, leaky distributors, and just like when shopping for affordable classic cars, check for rust.

9 2001 Nissan Xterra

Average Used Car Price: $3,763

The 2001 Nissan Xterra's performance is primarily due to its sharing of DNA with a real truck, the Nissan Frontier. So, aside from its rugged and muscular looks, the mid-size SUV can handle a good deal of outroads. It has a double-wishbone suspension in front and a dual leaf spring in the rear. Offered as an XE or SE trim, the Nissan Xterra comes with two engine options: a standard 2.4-liter inline-four that produces 143 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque and a 3.3-liter V-6 option that grunts 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque.

Performance

With proper modifications, the 2001 Xterra is another budget overlanding rig that will be great for your adventures. This is why car collectors and overlanding enthusiasts have the Xterra on their radar. It’s an affordable option, and you’ll have a good buffer to upgrade its bumper, improve its suspension, get better skid plates, and equip it with a good set of winch for recovery.

8 2004 Subaru Forester

Average Used Car Price: $4,471

For the 2004 Subaru Forester, which got its DNA from the Impreza sans its powerful motor, the Japanese carmaker listened to the clamors of the driving public for something that has more suds. With the existing naturally aspirated X and XS catering to the daily driving needs of consumers with its 2.5-liter 165 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque, Subaru added the turbocharged XT, which gives out 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.

Performance

If you’re looking for a small SUV for overlanding, the XT might be your best option to take the generalized abuses of lengthy expeditions. The Forester will not have a problem handling moderately uneven paths or dirt roads, but note that the vehicle’s ground clearance and approach or departure angles are not ideal. So, don’t forget to install some skidplates to protect the underside and ensure you have traction boards or other vehicle recovery provisions before heading out. You may also want to install a roof rack, upgrade the suspension, get a two-inch lift, and bigger tires.

RELATED: Top 10 Off-Road Upgrades And Modifications For Your 4x4

7 2005 Mitsubishi Montero

Average Used Car Price: $5,612

The Mitsubishi Montero, more popularly known as Pajero or Shogun in other markets, has a rich motor sporting history. Belonging to the third-gen of the line, you can expect outstanding performance and excellent reliability from the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero. It is powered by a potent 3.8-liter V-8 with 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet.

Ensuring its composure on and off the road, you’ll find a fully independent suspension system on all corners with double wishbones with coil springs in front and multi-link coil springs at the rear. Combined with rigid subframes, the 2005 Montero suspension system filters out the irregularities and harshness of the surface. The four-wheel drive system assures you a good grip on whatever driving conditions you face.

Performance

You can snag a 2005 Montero for your overlanding lifestyle for around $5,600, depending on the condition of the vehicle. You will have more than enough room in your budget to give the overlanding SUV a good lift, new shoes, and snorkel, among other upgrades.

6 2000 Toyota 4Runner

Average Used Car Price: $5,516

Inspired by the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Trekker, the Toyota 4Runner was born in 1984. The SUV market was still very young then, and the 4Runner met the needs of consumers who wanted a versatile four-wheel drive and a comfortable passenger vehicle. The 2000 Toyota 4Runner belongs to the third generation of the brood and has been known for its reliability through the years.

The 2000 Toyota 4Runner was offered in several trims with the base two-wheel and four-wheel drive equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The SR5 and Limited variants came with a 3.4-liter V-6 that cranks out 183 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque. The 4Runner has become an icon in the off-roading scene because of features such as crawl control, electronic locking rear differential, and sway bars that can automatically decouple and reconnect.

Performance

It is common to see this old gem with six figures registered on its odometer. If you can score one today, you can give it a host of suspension upgrades and interior and exterior mods to make your overlanding life easier. Consider throwing in a good communication setup, which is essential when overlanding.

5 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser

Average Used Car Price: $7,550

The Toyota Land Cruiser was born in the 1950s and introduced in the United States in 1958. Over the years, it has received various accolades, from being the best-selling Toyota in the U.S. to the best full-size SUV and 4x4 of the year. It was a perfect choice for those who want a good blend of luxury and toughness in their rides. It had a retail price of $39,085 back then, but you can snatch one today for around $7,550 on average.

The Land Cruiser is your usual, comfortable machine that handles well on ordinary roads. However, thanks to its solid front axle, it stands out with enough grant and finesse when driving on hills, over holes, sand, mud, or pretty much when your GPS says there are no roads ahead. The Japanese carmaker gave the 80 Series Land Cruiser a more potent engine than its predecessor and enhanced its off-road and overlanding readiness with optional locking differentials in the front and rear.

Performance

When you get one today, you have a ton of options for Land Cruiser overlanding mods, depending on your budget. You can upgrade its suspension, install roof racks or roof tents, give it larger tires, put aftermarket bumpers, add a snorkel, and perhaps, throw an extra battery.

RELATED: Suspension Upgrades Aren't Just For Looks

4 2010 Land Rover LR4

Average Used Car Price: $10,000

If you are looking for a reliable workhorse that can take you from point A to any point your online maps cannot see, a 2010 Land Rover LR4 is a good choice. You’ll have the luxury and comfort you can expect from Land Rover and the capabilities to plow through any road and weather conditions. The LR4 is a big leap from its multi-awarded predecessor, the LR3.

The luxury brand gave the LR4 a subtle aesthetic makeover with the big news installed under the hood as a five-liter V-8 with 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The LR4 specs sheet also boasts an integrated body frame, a revised suspension system, and an improved terrain response system.

Performance

Straight from the factory, the 2010 LR4 already gives you a cloud-like ride. Still, you can further enhance your luxury SUV for overlanding with a rooftop tent, awning, fluid storage system, and auxiliary lights.

3 1996 Ford Bronco

Average Used Car Price: $13,478

Considered one of the last true old-school American SUVs, the Ford Bronco had a good run from 1966 to 1996 before the Ford Expedition replaced it. You’ll see the evolution when you compare the original Bronco to the new breed of the iconic SUV. Despite using a two-door frame, the Bronco had ample space for passengers and any cargo you might need to bring. It is known for its rugged, utilitarian appeal and its off-road capability.

Performance

The nostalgia of car collectors and enthusiasts pushed the used Ford Bronco prices a notch higher. And if you’re getting in the overlanding game, you can easily mod a 1996 Ford Bronco for world domination. You can go beyond basic light, skidplate, or rock sliders and work on the suspension system to improve the ride capability and slide in some bigger shoes to your rig.

2 2009 Lexus GX 470

Average Used Car Price: $14,031

If you want an affordable overlanding SUV that perfectly combines off-road prowess, elegant styling, and upscale interior, the GX makes a strong case for itself. The ride shares its DNA with the iconic FJ Cruiser and the 4Runner, which guarantees it can handle off-road trails while remaining refined on city streets. It relies on a 4.7-liter V-8, producing 263 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque. The GX 470 comes with four-wheel drive, and you can easily switch from four high to four low with a flick of a lever when crawling. It is also equipped with an air suspension system so you can adjust the ride height depending on driving scenarios.

Performance

You’ll still find a lot of units from private owners or auctions with used and abused units going as low as $8,000, but the GX with no kinetic dynamic suspension system and going for around $14,000 will give you less to no headaches. Check for rust on the undercarriage, air suspension issues, dashboard cracks, and driveshaft clunks.

Some mods you can do with your luxury SUV overlanding rig come in the form of lift kits, bigger tires, high-output lights, and recovery gear.

RELATED: 10 Best Vehicles For Overlanding

1 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK

Average Used Car Price: $14,195

Before the Jeep Wrangler claimed its crown as a hardcore off-roading beast, the rugged SUV slowly evolved from its YJ roots in the 1980s and TJ modernization through the 1990s. Perhaps the pinnacle of the Wrangler’s appeal came when Jeep released its JK generation, which today still commands a used vehicle price between $12,000 and $15,000, depending on the trim.

Aside from improving the interior room and the Jeep Wrangler's stability, the carmaker ensured it had a competitive approach, departure, and breakover angles compared to its predecessor. The lower-tiered Wranglers sport coil spring setups, while the Rubicon models have electronically locking axles. The Four-wheel drive of the Rubicon also came with a system that features an ultra-low crawler gear.

Performance

The stock Wrangler JK is already a formidable overlanding rig. But, of course, you can add a rooftop tent, install bigger tires, some LED lights, or put some organizers with easy-access drawers, and a freezer at the back.