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Ten Best Cars for Lovers of the Great Outdoors

Last updated: Oct 22, 2019 at 3:21PM
Published on: May 9, 2014 by CarGurus Staff

Fall is the time of homecoming football games, apple picking, and camping before colder weather sets in. Here are 10 cars for the great outdoors, no matter what you’re looking to do.

For Highway Driving

2020 Acura RDX A-Spec

The Acura RDX will let you explore without giving up luxury. Our reviewer gave the 2019 model a 9/10 for Look and Feel, drawing attention to the 12-way power heated seats and brushed aluminum brightwork. The A-Spec package gives this SUV a sportier look with 20-inch wheels and a larger exhaust. 

2020 BMW X3 M

The BMW X3 M, which debuted this year, is the sportier version of the luxury brand’s crossover. With the Competition trim, you can get a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine making 503 horsepower, just over twice the amount of power found in a standard X3.  

For Windy Back Roads 

2020 Hyundai Kona

When the Hyundai Kona first debuted in 2018, our reviewer insisted that it “deserves your attention.” Two years in and we still agree. Switch the car into Sport mode to make the most of it. 

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Even though the weather is cooling down, you still have time to take a convertible out on the roads. Our reviewer took the 2019 version of the Mazda MX-5 Miata through twisty two-lane backroads and found that it produced “symphonic performance honed to perfection” thanks to its quick, sharp, and precise steering.

2020 BMW Z4

Our reviewer took the 2020 version of the BMW Z4 on some back roads and found it to be a luxurious convertible that, when equipped with the larger 6-cylinder engine, can pack a punch. It’s the ideal cruiser for the long way home.

For Off-Roading

The Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Gladiator both fit the bill for the best off-roading vehicles. The 4Runner, now available with the TRD Pro’s distinctive Army Green exterior, is a throwback off-roader. Our reviewer gave the 2019 version a 9/10 for Performance, noting that the Multi-Terrain Select 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system can “help you claw through loose terrain.” 

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Our reviewer took the 2020 Jeep Gladiator for a spin earlier this year, noting that the cab—which is borrowed from the Wrangler—is “designed to get dirty.” 

For Family (or Plenty of Gear)

2020 Honda Pilot

Looking for a ride that can handle double duty, hauling both your family and their gear to the next adventure? The Honda Pilot is a top SUV for traveling toward the great outdoors with a car full of passengers, thanks to its 3 rows of seats and available all-wheel drive (AWD). 

2020 Chrysler Pacifica

If space is your top priority, take a look at the Chrysler Pacifica, which can seat up to eight with a second-row bench—and still has more than 32 cubic feet available behind the third row. It also features a tri-pane panoramic sunroof, so everyone gets a great view.

2020 Subaru Outback

Matt Smith, our senior editor, took the 2020 Subaru Outback for a drive earlier this year and found that it “will meet or exceed the needs of nearly every shopper–even those living high above sea level,” thanks to the available 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which gives the wagon a much-needed power boost. 

For more car news, check out these articles:

  • Top Used Sedans for Winter Driving
  • How Many Turkeys Can Our Most-Watched Crossovers Hold?
  • Cars in the City: 5 Top Used Cars for City Living

Filed Under: Car Lists, Car Shopping, Editor's Picks Tagged With: best cars for great outdoors, best off-roading vehicles, top family vehicles for camping, top luxury vehicles for driving

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