The 10 Best SUVs & Trucks for Hunting (Off-Road Machine!)

The hunting vehicle is one of the most crucial tools in hunting. A suitable car will make your hunting more enjoyable, efficient, and safe.

There are several things you should look for when choosing a hunting vehicle. It should have room to store your equipment and be reliable, among other qualities. You will also need a car that can go off-road since most hunting grounds are in rural areas or the middle of nowhere.

Here are some SUVs with a proven reputation as vehicles suitable for outdoor adventures such as hunting.

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner With Hunting Mods

At number one, we start with the Toyota 4Runner. This is the one for you if you’re looking for an SUV that can handle anything you throw at it.

It’s known for its reliability and off-road performance, making it an excellent choice for hunters. It also has plenty of cargo space for all your gear, so you’ll be able to fit everything you need for a successful hunt.

Other features that make the 4Runner an excellent choice for hunters include its comfortable interior, spacious cargo area, and advanced safety features. It’s also an excellent value for the money, so if you’re looking for a quality SUV that won’t break the bank, this is the one for you.

You can save even more money by purchasing a used 4Runner. The high trims of a used Toyota 4Runner in excellent condition start at $25,000.

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler With Off-road and Hunting Mods

There is no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a Jeep Wrangler. This off-road vehicle has everything you need to tackle even the most challenging terrain.

Thanks to its powerful engine and rugged design, the Wrangler is more than capable of handling whatever you throw at it. Plus, you can bring all your hunting gear with plenty of cargo space.

Features like skid plates and tow hooks make the Wrangler even more capable, while the available My Sky removable roof panels let you enjoy an unobstructed view of the night sky.

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder With Hunting Mods
Image by Stoic

The Pathfinder is an excellent choice for hunters who want a reliable and affordable SUV. It offers good cargo space and plenty of room for passengers, making it a perfect option for large families or groups. It also has a strong engine and good off-road performance, making it ideal for exploring rough terrain.

You will love the Pathfinder’s comfortable ride and its many features, including heated seats and a sunroof.

The sunroof is a great feature for hunters who want to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comfort of their vehicle. The Pathfinder also has a rear-view camera, which is very useful for backing up into tight spots.

For off-roading and hunting purposes, I highly recommend you look for the facelifted 3rd gen Nissan Pathfinder (R51) sold in 2008-2012. Obviously, you won’t find it in new condition, but you can find it in the used market at a relatively affordable price.

Ford Bronco

Ford Bronco 4Door For Outdoor

Next up, we have the Ford Bronco, designed for those who love the great outdoors. The Bronco is reliable and will get you where you need to go, even in the most challenging terrain.

Ford Bronco features excellent off-road performance, which ensures that you will be able to take on any terrain. It is also packed with features that make it perfect for hunting trips, such as a large cargo area and plenty of space for all your gear.

The Bronco is also very reliable, making it an excellent choice for those who want a vehicle they can depend on.

Jeep Gladiator

Jeep Gladiator For Off-road and Hunting

The Jeep Gladiator is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an SUV that can handle both on and off-road conditions. It has a lot of cargo space for all your hunting gear and is also highly reliable. It’s one of the best SUVs for hunting.

The Jeep Gladiator is exceptionally versatile and can handle any terrain you throw at it. It’s also very comfortable, so you can spend long days out in the woods without feeling cramped.

Another feature that makes the Gladiator an excellent hunting SUV is its towing capacity. It can tow up to 7,650 pounds, so you can quickly bring your hunting gear.

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Colorado Small Pickup Truck

The Chevrolet Colorado is an excellent option if you travel light on your hunting trips but still need an SUV that can handle tough terrain. It has plenty of cargo space for all your gear, and the 4-wheel drive system ensures you can get to even the most remote hunting spots.

Colorado is reliable, so you can count on it to get you through a long hunting season. It also features a comfortable interior with plenty of room for five adults. And if you need to tow a small trailer or boat, Colorado has you covered there as well – it has a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.

Subaru Forester

2022 Subaru Forester Pictures

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can take you off the beaten path, the Subaru Forester is a great choice. It has standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of tackling rough terrain.

It’s also outfitted with features like X-Mode, which optimizes engine output and throttle control for better traction on slippery surfaces.

Plus, the Forester has plenty of room to store your hunting gear, with up to 74.7 cubic feet of cargo space available.

Ford Ranger

New Ford Ranger Pickup Truck

The Ford Ranger is an excellent choice for hunting, offering many useful features for people who love to spend time in the great outdoors. It has a comfortable interior with plenty of space for all your gear, and the engine is powerful enough to get you where you need to go.

The Ford Ranger is reliable, so you can count on it to get you through challenging terrain. Plus, the off-road performance is top-notch, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore the backcountry.

Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Last but not least we have the Frontier Pro-4X. It’s an excellent SUV for hunting, as it offers plenty of space and is very reliable. It also has excellent off-road performance as it is fitted with all-terrain tires and a four-wheel drive system, making it an ideal choice for those who like to hunt in remote areas.

Some of the most loved features of this SUV include its comfortable interior and excellent fuel economy. It’s a great choice for those who want a reliable and affordable SUV for hunting.

The most notable downside of the Frontier Pro-4X is its lack of third-row seating. This can be a problem for larger families or those who often have to transport large groups of people.

Nissan X-terra

Well, I’m not talking about the All-new Nissan Xterra, don’t get me wrong, the 2022 Nissan Xterra is an excellent SUV. There’s nothing wrong with it.

However, for outdoor adventure needs such as hunting, fishing, and off-roading, the second generation Xterra (N50) is more suitable.

The 2nd Gen Xterra features a 4.0L V6 gasoline engine with up to 265 horsepower and is available in two transmission options, a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. I would obviously prefer the model with the manual transmission. The Xterra is equipped with a four-wheel drive system, making it a reliable off-road SUV.

You can find the Xterra on the used market in good condition for less than $10,000. You can build a great hunting vehicle out of a few after-market mods.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SUV for hunting can be a tough decision. There are so many great options on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

However, if you keep the factors we’ve discussed in mind, you should be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect SUV for your next hunting trip.

Ensure you consider cargo space, reliability, off-road performance, and comfort when deciding. With the right SUV, you’ll be able to enjoy your hunting trips to the fullest and make memories that will last a lifetime.