Vehicles

[trekingwithhim]

I figure vehicles are hiking gear.

Our family of four is considering purchasing a new (to us) vehicle. Currently have a Ford Expedition and am wanting to downsize to something with much better mileage and much better cost of ownership. This vehicle will be on road 95% of the time, but we do live in the midwest with all four seasons strongly. I also love to get into the mountains to ski and hike so I want this vehicle to be capable on such roads. Any recommendations? Thanks.

[nyker]

I am sure you'll get 20 answers for 20 different vehicles, but a large portion of folks here which need both a daily driver and a trail-capable vehicle choose from among the following vehicles, in no specific order:

Toyota 4Runner
Pickup Truck of various makes
A Jeep variant
Subaru
Bronco/Blazer

But as I said, there are literally dozens more vehicles that could work fine and I am sure someone will say that their Prius made it to the Capitol and SCL trailheads...
So it depends on your price point, how the vehicle feels for you, how much mileage you're looking for, ease of modifications/aftermarket, cargo capacity need, hauling needs, etc.

[JTOlson26]

I'll vote for the 4runner.

I have a 2014 with 250k miles and not a blip of an issue thus far. I have it lifted 2 inches with 33 inch times and can still get over 20 MPG if I play nice and drive around 70 MPH. I drove 8200 miles in a 30 day period this summer and it performed beyond admirably, per usual.

It has never failed to get me where I want to go off-road, either. Though I do have a Trail Edition which comes with a rear-locker, plus the aforementioned lift and tires. But even a stock SR5 is going to take you almost anywhere if you're a modestly capable off-road operator.

[nyker]

I'll add that I've driven or owned all of the above at some point over the decades and can say the following things:

For a daily driver that goes off road occasionally/ on weekends, I also like the 4Runner the best from what I've driven (with family, kids, gear, baby stuff etc.)

Subaru - of 4x4s, feels like most like a car and has surprising amount of capacity, but generally less clearance than others but seems pretty reliable, but won't be the gnarliest vehicle at a trailhead.

4Runner - reliable, off-road capable truck platform, with good cargo space, decent mileage for a solid off road 4x4 vehicle that is comfortable to drive with a proven drivetrain/engine combination in its latest version

Pickup Truck - especially larger versions, can be the strongest, haul the most, carry the most though probably less mileage than most others. Longer wheelbase on longer versions may be an issue on tighter steep trail roads but clearance best at least for most stock vehicles. A little firmer ride for some, but I like that. Less interior storage than some other vehicles. Long cab versions help that but make the truck longer and a little harder to maneuver around tighter areas, circular driveways, etc.

Jeep - the classic off road vehicle; Wrangler versions smaller, shorter wheelbase great for tight trail roads and tons of aftermarket parts and versatility, more than most people will ever do. Tends to be noisier and some say less reliable over long term but probably easier and cheaper to fix also than some others. Decent mileage. Great beach vehicle for mobile surf casting on the east coast though...Not a ton of interior storage though.

Bronco/Blazer (at least older versions in the 80s era) - solid trail vehicles, like closed-in covered pickups, have solid clearance, good power, cargo capacity. Average mileage. Strength of a pickup in covered shorter wheelbase platform. Have not driven the new Bronco.

[pvnisher]

I once saw a mid 90s Chevy lumina WELL into some pretty gnarly terrain.
Never underestimate the off road capabilities of momentum and disregard.

[Wentzl]

Change your user name to Subaru.

Get one quick, before electric is your only option.

[Tim A]

I was in a similar shopping situation a few years ago and test drove a Tacoma, 4Runner and a few Subarus. Opted for the Subaru Outback. It gets to 90% of the places the 4Runner can and does it at a third less cost upfront and with better than 30mpg compared to the Toyota’s struggling to make 20mpg.

If finances are not an issue the 4Runner is significantly more capable.

[aleugers]

I have a 2015 4Runner and love it for getting all around the mountains and ski areas in the Rockies. It is very capable off-road and handles great in the snow with the right tires. If I were looking to replace it I’d likely get another if I couldn’t wait for the new generation to come out.

The OP mentioned wanting much better gas mileage than the Expedition and using it on roads and being in the Midwest. In my experience I get around 16mpg average over the year with my 4Runner, I do have a lift and off-road tires though. Even when stock I never got more than 18 avg. I do live in a fairly hilly part of Colorado and regularly drive through the mountains. The 4Runner doesn’t have the best acceleration so I do give it plenty of gas to keep up with traffic and don’t think about the mpg. The 4Runner also doesn’t handle traffic as smoothly as the newer gen crossovers. My wife has had both a Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer recently and they’re both more comfortable around town although I’d still rather drive the 4R, I kinda like the truck feel and not worrying about curbs or bumps in the road.

[9patrickmurphy]

On road most of the time, good fuel economy, spacious enough for a family of 4 plus gear, and capable enough for adventure-ish things? Yeah, Subaru. Outback sounds like your car.

[mtnkub]

^ Yes! For those specs, sounds like Subaru Outback for sure. And if you wanted better 4WD capability and/or ground clearance: the Outback Wilderness.

[justiner]

This vehicle will be on road 95% of the time

Have you considered renting an off road vehicle for that 5% of the time. The $$$ you save in wear and tear/gas would more than pay for it.

[Dave B]

Rav4 Primes are pretty spiffy. Can do daily commutes on battery, then can average 40-50 mpg pretty easily on highway when in hybrid mode. AWD + some better A/T tires will get you to just about any 14er.

I don't think they make those Colorado flag emblems like they do for Suboobarus tho.