Ideal hunting vehicles have 3 essential qualities. First, it can navigate off-road terrain and give you access to remote hunting grounds. Second, it has the size and strength to haul heavy loads. Third, it has enough space to fit your hunting companions comfortably. These ten vehicles check all three boxes and should be on every hunter’s radar in 2024.
Hunting Vehicles – Best Trucks for Hunting
Pick-up trucks are the ideal vehicle for hunting — and most other outdoor adventures, for that matter. They’re bigger, stronger, and simply better than most SUVs and sedans. Plus, you can add numerous hunting accessories to trucks that improve their performance. These five trucks stand out above the rest.
1. Ford F-150
The entire F-Series could be on this list, but the F-150 is the king of outdoor trucks. It has the driving performance to get you to any remote hunting destination. The bed is about 50 inches wide — big enough to fit a four-wheeler and other high-tech camping equipment. The interior seats five people and can fold into a sleeping area for overnight hunts.
2. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Colorado ZRS is Chevy’s best outdoor truck. The bed is 58 inches wide and it can tow 1,300 pounds. No truck can match the spacious five-person seating. The suspension is also two inches taller than the original model, which gives it a huge off-road advantage.
3. Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline has the body of a pick-up but the handling and seating of an SUV. It’s an ideal truck for family hunting trips. The small wheel arches maximize the space of the 50-inch wide bed. It also has a waterproof trunk if you’re a heavy packer. Honda generously includes a fitted camping tent with your purchase.
4. Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma is an all-time favorite hunting vehicle. It has a whopping towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, fantastic driving performance and a bed width of about 60 inches. Since the Tacoma is one of Toyota’s longest-running lines of vehicles, you’ll have access to dozens of outdoor-focused modifications and spare parts.
5. Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator is the latest Jeep vehicle with elite off-road performance, but the 60-inch bed and 4,500-pound towing capacity set it apart from other Jeep models. This truck might look unconventional, but it has everything you need in a reliable hunting vehicle. It also maintains the same trademark Jeep features — detachable doors, open sunroof and fold-down windshield.
Hunting Vehicles – Best SUVs for Hunting
Although trucks are the best type of hunting vehicle, they’re also the most expensive. SUVs are generally more affordable and offer a balance of engine power and fuel economy trucks don’t have. These SUVs can hold their own in any off-road environment and get you to your hunting destinations.
1. Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is one of the best overall outdoor adventure vehicles of all time. The four-wheel drive, 5,000-pound towing capacity and unmatched durability make it a perfect choice for frequent outings. With proper maintenance, the 4Runner will last decades and give you up to 300,000 miles.
2. Subaru Outback
The appropriately named Outback is the go-to Subaru model for any outdoor enthusiast. The AWD, spacious ground clearance and unmatched storage space make it ideal for extended hunting trips in remote areas. Subaru also offers additional safety features if you want to make any modifications.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is another excellent hunting vehicle from Jeep — especially the Trailhawk edition. It beats every other SUV with a 7,200-pound towing capacity and has a V8 engine, giving you extra power. If you haul all your gear in a hunting trailer, the strong Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice.
4. Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is best known for its aerodynamic frame and elite driving performance in poor road conditions. It also has a surprising 6,000-pound towing capacity, which holds its own with the best trucks and SUVs. The interior contains three rows of seats and plenty of storage space, making it a great choice for extensive hunting excursions.
5. Volvo V90 Cross Country
If you’re a fan of upscale hunting or glamping, the V90 Cross Country is the SUV for you. It might look like a luxury vehicle, but it performs like a rugged off-roader. It has a B6 powertrain, AWD and an unmatched eight inches of ground clearance. The interior has more than enough space for five.
Ideal Hunting Vehicles for You
If you’re in the market for a new hunting vehicle, start by taking a closer look at these trucks and SUVs. They have excellent track records in off-road settings and have more than enough space for your hunting equipment. Following this guide will help you find your ideal hunting vehicle in no time.
