Hiking vehicles

[rally_toad]

What kind of vehicles do you guys all drive when your going hiking? Im thinking about investing in a 4wd high clearance Jeep or something of the sort so I could get to some places where I definitely couldnt get to with what Im driving now (73 mustang):) I saw a Jeep Grand Cherokee today for $2600 and I was thinking about checking it out. What "hiking vehicle" is easiest to drive and which gets the best gas mileage (even though I know most wouldnt be too fuel efficient.)

[nonot]

I'd guess about 80% of trailheads are fine for 2WD moderate clearance (Suburus, etc) and about 95-98% of trailheads are fine with 4WD and stock high clearance (SUVs, most pickups).

Having true 4WD (AWD and other marketing terms do not count.)

Don't want to pick on you specifically but you always see people making the same tired, not factual, statements. Subarus have more clearance than almost any stock vehicle out there, including pickups and SUVs. Simple as that. Can't say I've ever seen a trailhead people said, "oh ho, can get here with a forerunner or tacoma but no subies!" that I had an issue with. I had a built forerunner and still prefer my subaru lol. Additionally, while I would agree AWD isn't as good/useful as true 4wd, I would also contend that "get to the trailhead" situations in AZ are easily done in AWD vs 4WD for the most part. Also, not every AWD is created equal of course. I only commented on this point because most the things you mention are exactly what AWD is particularly useful for.

These seem like arguments that are a decade out of date if I'm being honest

Suburus claim they have more ground clearance because they lack the rear differential bulb which is an automatic extra 3-4 inches that other vehicles cannot claim. Does this make them better? No, not in my opinion.

As I stated, many trailheads need no special vehicle features beyond moderate clearance. I'm glad you enjoy driving your Suburu to these.

A subie cannot make it to all trailheads that a SUV can, as you claim. It is likely you are not going on the roughest roads if you have never had to turn around when trying. Subies are capable vehicles but they are only built for light to moderate difficulty off roading.

[rcorfman]

@big_load
I see Subaru is advertising a new electric model. That ought to be on your short list.

[big_load]

@CannondaleKid

That said, I'm wondering which vehicles are on your short list?

It varies according my overall plan. At the top, if it were to be my only vehicle, would be the 4Runner. I'd consider something like a Wrangler as a special-purpose second vehicle, but I wouldn't like it as my only one. The same is true for any sort of pickup.

As rentals, I've driven all the Jeep models, 4Runner, Tacoma, F150, Ranger, all and the big SUVs. Most of the challenging mountain driving I've done has been with the Wrangler or 4Runner. I've also done plenty (actually more) with a plain-old 4-door sedan, but that made me grind my teeth and swear a lot and I'd rather not spend the whole drive wondering if I'm going to hit and impassable obstacle, or have to get out and build road, or whether I'll be able cross the ford again on my way back.

[LindaAnn]

@big_load
I loved both 4Runners I’ve had—great all around vehicles and will get you most anywhere you are likely to want to go. I have a Rubicon 392 now—it’s definitely more capable than the 4Runner, but I wouldn’t particularly enjoy driving it daily. I think having 4wd is the way to go though.

[xsproutx]

Suburus claim they have more ground clearance because they lack the rear differential bulb which is an automatic extra 3-4 inches that other vehicles cannot claim. Does this make them better? No, not in my opinion.

Never said better but if you want to talk clearance, you can't just make an arbitrary rule, "well, yes, it does have more but only if you exclude one of the things that takes up more space on other vehicles". At the end of the day, that's still clearance is my only point and on *most* roads in AZ, that's more important than the angles because that's REALLY a shortcoming on subies. Can absolutely make an argument on whether that's *worth* it or not and have perfectly valid points

But yeh, my 4runner was great and capable. My biggest issue with them now is the prices are over-inflated for what you're getting, they're dated as hell on the design front/class of interior, guzzle gas, and just aren't as nice a drive in everyday mode. Not many other cars have 12 years in a single generation for a reason. Of course, many people will see some of this as a plus as it makes parts cheap, at least. I have similar complaints about my JK that I sold 4 years ago. Was a great trail vehicle and would be a good second vehicle, but wasn't great for daily driving (although I had a commute then that I haven't had since right after I sold it... go figure)

[SuperstitionGuy]

@CannondaleKid
Yes, yes #6 is the most likely used option that you listed!
It would be used every day and in the case of being stranded it would be a life savior for sure!

[big_load]

they're dated as hell on the design front

There's a full redesign for the 2024 model year, so I'm debating whether I can wait for it.

[xsproutx]

@big_load
Didn't know that! It'll be interesting to see what they do with it, especially considering emission requirements these days. I have a sports car that will no longer be made next year because the v8 in it brings down the companies overall emissions so they decided to just get rid of it

Of course, if there are still 23's on the lot when the 24 comes out, could mean a discount?

[CannondaleKid]

It would be used every day

Pretty much... I bought the Coleman cooler in April 2011 and the same one has been used first in my Samurai, next the Cherokee and now in the 4Runner and it has been in use as close to as constant as possible. Whenever the vehicle is running the cooler is on, and whenever I'm out hiking, it is on using solar power. (Even on somewhat cloudy days the solar panel will usually charge just enough to run the cooler)

[kelly14]

Subarus have more clearance than almost any stock vehicle out there, including pickups and SUVs. Simple as that.

My wife has a forester. I don’t think that’s accurate. And the listed ground clearance is kind of deceiving.

I get after it multiple times a month and choose my mostly stock ram 1500 4x4 100% of the time when not on a groomed dirt or forest road

[chumley]

@kelly14 The stats may be accurate, but the particular stat being cited is a poor metric in which to evaluate many of the capabilities being discussed. But marketing departments spend a lot of money to convince people otherwise.

[big_load]

they're dated as hell on the design front

There's a full redesign for the 2024 model year, so I'm debating whether I can wait for it.

I guess I spoke too soon. More recent rumors suggest Toyota is behind schedule and the update may not happen until 2025. I probably won't hold out that long.

[hikeaz]

E rated tires

[big_load]

I won't feel fully informed until @RedRoxx44 weighs in.

Also, while I don't feel compelled to go for a snorkel, the possibility reminds me of the time we crossed Cherry Creek in @outdoor_lover's Ford Explorer. I felt a distinct lack of certainty about making it all the way across with the engine still running.

Some of my more interesting adventures were along that road. On the way back in @sneakySASQUATCH's pickup, there were a couple big boulders in the road that weren't there on the way out. We were barely able to squeeze by. It wouldn't have been fun trying to move them in the snow with the tools at hand.

[outdoor_lover]

@big_load
It was a Ford Escape and yes, going in was fine because the deeper end was on the far side so I had speed going for me. Coming back out, you hit the deep side first which didn't allow for speed. If it hadn't been for the front wheel drive grabbing hold, we would have been going to a float. I think I smoked a half a pack of cigarettes after that. I think the Escape was only a few months old at that time. With that said, the new Escapes, as well as many of the SUV's have shrunk in size, both in cargo and features that used to be desirable for a real SUV. I would never buy the newer model. Honestly, unless you have a money tree, I wouldn't do a Jeep either. They are money siphons. I guess if I was going to go the SUV Route again, I would be looking at the 4 Runner or maybe even check out the new Ford Broncos. Not too many choices left for true SUV's that aren't geared more for soccer moms. I'm glad I went for a truck, although with the long bed and that long wheel base, there are probably some routes I wouldn't try. Sure don't mind all that cargo room though and being able to stretch out fully in the back on a real bed.

[big_load]

@outdoor_lover
I'm not sure why l said Explorer. I remember being amazed at how brave you were about putting such a new car in harm's way.

[TooOld2Hike_EP]

Not really related to what kind of vehicle, but you want something newish. Either that or replace the flexible brake lines on a really old vehicle.

Case in point: I was returning yesterday on FR 25 when my front brakes failed! Apparently all the rough and tumble of the road (I drove less than 10 mph most of the time, often 5 mph) flexed my 30-year-old (stiff) brake lines to the point of failure.

[TooOld2Hike_EP]

@nonot
Yesterday I was thinking about your recommendation for a winch while I was driving FR 25. (I saw how there could be very slick patches of mud where someone could become stuck or slide off the road. (Which, at some points, would be irretrievable.))

But I also noticed that there wasn't anything substantial to winch to.

Another thought: I would add to your list a Triple A Plus membership.

I ended up blowing a brake line on the FR from all the movement of my front wheels.

I was able to drive in 1st gear using the rear brakes to where Sycamore Creek Road meets the Beeline. From there, Triple A towed me to Phoenix. For "free." (Just the cost of membership.)

BTW, except for my 30-year-old brake lines failing, my Blazer worked fine for the road. It has selectable 4x4, with Low option. The clearance was fine for the two creek crossings. I didn't bottom out in any ruts.

[xsproutx]

I was able to drive in 1st gear using the rear brakes to where Sycamore Creek Road meets the Beeline. From there, Triple A towed me to Phoenix. For "free." (Just the cost of membership.)

Always sucks but good you made it that far. If you don't already, carry the info of an off road recovery place with you as well when you're out. Can climb to a high spot to maybe get cell signal, depending on where you are, or use a sat comm device if you have one.

[TooOld2Hike_EP]

@xsproutx
An "off road recovery place." Is that like a Good Sam's RV listing?