Top 15 Indestructible Vehicles That Will Surely Survive A Desert Drive

The desert is undeniably one of the hardest roads to drive on.

To survive such a terrain, you need an equally-tough vehicle that can deliver a performance way beyond your average cars. It has to boast reliability and off-road capability. Of course, you’d also want one that has ample storage capacity in case you are transporting goods.

Believe it or not, there are certain vehicles that are built to endure the extremely harsh sand courses.

Here are the top 15 vehicles you should consider if you ever have to drive on a desert:

#1. Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota’s Land Cruiser has gained fame among vehicle enthusiast for its high performance. For once, the Land Cruiser 200, the latest model from the series, is a 5.7-liter V8-powered monster that comes with 381 hp channeled to an 8-speed automatic. The 4-wheel drive system also has a Torsen center and can tow over 4 tons. The only catch? Well, the vehicle costs more than $80,000.

#2. Volvo XC70 (Cross Country)

The V70 XC (Cross Country) is surely one of the most useful wagons you’ll find in the market, especially if you are carrying a heavy load. Today’s current models give you as much as 72 cu-ft storage space so it’s absolutely perfect as a wasteland vehicle.

#3. VW Beetle

Looks, as they say, can be quite deceiving. So don’t underestimate the VW Beetle despite its cute size and appearance.

Besides, the vehicle comes with durable tires that are absolutely up for the off-road job. Just make sure to watch the temp gauge though because the Beetle is merely air-cooled.

#4. Subaru Forester

The name alone gives you a clue that, yes, this vehicle isn’t only for smooth, plain roads.

The unbelievably lightweight Subaru Forester has a 6-speed manual transmissions standard as well as an all-wheel-drive system with impressive coupling locking center differential. Also, it has 2.5-liter flat-four cylinder engine and a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.

#5. Hummer H1

One look at the H1 and you know it’s definitely built for the desert – or any type of terrain, for that matter. This military vehicle has about 16 inches of ground clearance and enormous 37-inch tires.

#6. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited

Wrangler’s Rubicon Unlimited has become the go-to vehicle for desert drivers because of wonderful features such as larger axles, locking differentials, a disconnectable front swaybar, and a transfer case with ultra-low gearing.

#7. Toyota HiLux Pickup

Another Toyota product, the popular HiLux is virtually an indestructible bad boy that allows you to make it through the desert in style. Everything you’ll need for your trek is there – from a solid axle to a front suspension.

#8. Mercedes G-Class

Sometimes nicknamed the G-Wagen, the Mercedes Benz G-Class isn’t only desert-capable but is almost bombproof. This is popular not only among Hollywood celebrities but even to drivers in the United Arab Emirates where desert-driving is as common as breathing. It is, however, a fuel-thirsty machine so be sure to keep that in mind when you’re driving one.

#9. Suzuki Samurai

This small truck’s beauty lies on its weight. Since this only weighs around a ton, the Samurai can allow you to have an easier trek experience on sand compared with heavier vehicles. They’re even less expensive than other desert vehicles so if space isn’t much of an issue for you, this could make a valuable pick.

#10. Ford Raptor

Some enthusiasts are calling the Ford Raptor as the “true king of desert driving” and it’s really impossible to disagree.

The Raptor’s highly-anticipated new model will soon hit the market and its packed with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, a ten-speed automatic, and a new four-wheel drive system with six preset drive modes.

#11. Land Rover Defender

As with some machines on the list, the Land Rover Defender may not be catchy, design-wise, but is a certified bad ass on sandy terrain. If there’s one thing we don’t like about it, it may be the fact that it has a relatively small fuel tank.

#12. Isuzu Trooper

Yes, those Troopers you always see on the streets are desert-capable, too. The latest version comes equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 and an advance Borg-Warner “torque on demand” four wheel drive system.

#13. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD Van

For a brand generally known for classy cars, Mercedez-Benz surely came up with surprising adventure trekkers such as the Sprinter 4WD Van. This spacious vehicle has a payload of over 3,000 pounds and so it can be quite useful if you’re transporting goods. Rolling along sandy tracks isn’t a problem for this machine plus it doesn’t consume too much fuel.

#14. Dodge (Ram) Power Wagon

The Dodge Power Wagon may not be the fastest of the bunch but we’re certain its features will leave you pretty impressed. For once, the latest model has a 410-hp 6.4-liter V8. Those lovely 33-inch tires also make quite a nice addition for your upcoming desert adventures.

#15. Mitsubishi Montero

Many regard the Montero as Mitsubishi’s direct response to Toyota’s Land Cruiser. In particular, its SR model has gained quite a reputation of enduring rough use. This version of the vehicle even has adjustable locks that will allow the driver to choose and switch between “soft,” “medium,” and “hard” driving. It’s a powerful workhorse of an SUV that’s more than prepared to conquer any wasteland.

H/T: PopMech

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