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Drivers looking for budget-friendly adventure vehicles are in luck because they have some fantastic options. Read on for three great off-road options—including a used Ford Bronco—that are also pretty great on asphalt.
Few things are more freeing than hitting the open road for a grand adventure in the great outdoors. Whether intrepid explorers are heading across the state to camp on BLM land or across the country to see everything America has to offer, they need solid vehicles capable of going the distance.
Sharing a love of adventure and the great outdoors doesn’t mean everyone reading this has the same needs. No vehicle’s perfect for every buyer, so making an informed purchase is vital. We’ll offer information about several good options, starting with the used Ford Bronco.
Why a Used Ford Bronco Is the Ultimate Adventure Machine
Trip planners who want to include serious off-roading in their adventure plans need a rugged vehicle that can handle anything they throw at it. A used Ford Bronco is one of the best options available.
Featuring a 300-hp 2.3L 4-cyl or optional 330-hp 2.7L twin-turbo V-6, every Ford Bronco comes standard with 4WD. Models with the smaller engine can also be outfitted with a seven-speed manual transmission for those who want a more hands-on off-road adventure.
One of the things that makes a used Ford Bronco such a good option is that it’s so versatile. Buyers will find it’s surprisingly refined on-road yet capable of tackling even seriously treacherous terrain when taken off the beaten path, making it perfect for road trips.
The Subaru Outback Is Great for Traditional Road Trips
Not planning on doing any serious off-roading during those outdoor adventures? The Subaru Outback is a good option. Although this rugged-looking station wagon cannot handle treacherous terrain, it has AWD and 8.7 inches of clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading.
Fuel-efficient and easy to drive, the Outback features comfortable accommodations and plenty of space. With all seats in place, it offers just under 33 cu ft of cargo space, enough to fit a reasonable amount of luggage for a road trip.
Subaru also has a reputation for putting safety first. Parents planning to introduce their kids to the great outdoors on family camping trips will appreciate the standard EyeSight suite of driver-assistance tech and excellent crash test ratings.
Check Out the Toyota Tacoma for an Adventure-Ready Truck
The Toyota Tacoma got a complete redesign for 2024. The mid-size pickup is now in its fourth generation, and though it’s not known for off-road prowess, the truck makes a good adventure vehicle for drivers who also need to prioritize getting the job done at home.
The fourth-generation Tacoma is powered by a 2.4L turbo 4-cyl engine that comes in two forms and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. All trim levels but the entry-level SR feature i-Force engines good for 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Not all iterations of the Toyota Tacoma are suitable for the serious adventurer. The TRD Off-Road and new Trailhunter trim levels come standard with integrated overlanding technology and equipment essential for getting off the beaten path.
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