Top 15 Desert Vehicles of All Time

I’m sure you’ve already heard about how exhilarating it is to drive vehicles on the dunes of deserts in Dubai or any other location worldwide. However, only off-road vehicles are the vehicles with the correct horsepower that can give you that.

But first, what is horsepower? For non-car aficionados, the term “horsepower” refers to how much power an engine produces. The stronger the horsepower, the higher the top speed (mph).

A vehicle with a more robust power is needed in the sandy deserts due to its challenging nature. So here are the top must-have off-road cars you should buy or use!

The Toyota Land Cruiser is known for its impressive off-road performance and legendary durability. This Toyota is worth considering if you're looking for a pickup truck that can do it all.

With 381 horsepower with 401 lb-ft of torque, this land cruiser is supplemented with a 5.7-liter v8 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The land cruiser ensures a smooth, comfortable ride.

The G-class should be part of your options if you’re looking for a four-wheel-drive through the desert that guarantees the best performance for off-roading and towing. This iconic SUV was built in Austria with ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum.

The Rubicon is the kind of Jeep ready for the dirt on the off-road and the desert. It’s a variant of the Jeep Wrangler, but one that is highly built with hard-core off-road capability. The Rubicon has more prominent and heavier rims, diamond plates, and tires. Moreover, with this car having larger wheels along with its Dana 44 axles in front of its gear ratio, Rubicon’s ride height is more capable in the desert than a Wrangler, especially in four-wheel drive.

Packed with a V6 engine and a 4WD, you’ve got one of the best rides in the desert. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 is excellent for towing and is built to withstand the instability of off-roading or driving in the desert. It’s available in a four-wheel-drive configuration and is expected to last 200,000-300,000 miles. However, some ZR2 owners have said their truck is still going well after 300,000 miles.

This pickup truck is built with an all-terrain system through 6 modes: Normal, Grass/Gravel, Sport, Mud/Sand, Rock, and Baja. The Ford Raptor series is the ultimate truck for your off-roading adventure, whether the Ford Ranger Raptor or Ford F-150. It’s built to last around 300,000 miles. It has a 283 ground clearance and a fuel economy of 80 liters.

It has a 2.0L Bi-Turbo Engine and a 10-Speed Transmission, perfect for a drive on the sandy desert terrain.

The Dodge Power Wagon is a truck that has withstood the wear and tear. It’s a vehicle that has been around since 1945 and was made to be a four-wheel-drive medium duty truck. The Power Wagon has special features such as an integrated 12k lb electric Warn winch, electronically controlled front and rear locking differentials disconnecting front sway bar.

Despite its age, the Dodge Power Wagon is a truck highly capable in the rough terrain in the farm, sand, or the off-road. It’s older versions operate on manual transmission.

The Hummer H1 is the most reliable and highly functioning model of the company, General Motors. This world-class vehicle brings you a 6.6L turbo-diesel engine, cooling-heating, suspension, fuel capacity, traction, and a comfortable ride. Hummers can last between 200,000 to 330,000 miles. However, some Hummer owners have claimed that you can expect these models to last for over 30 years, given that the model doesn’t have any manufacturing defects.

The Land Rover Defender is a great car for anyone who loves to go off-road. This vehicle is known for its off-roader capabilities; it can handle any terrain and has the speed to get you through anything as well. The Defender comes in several different configurations so that you can choose the right one for you. The Land Rover Defender comes in different configurations. It is an all-wheel drive that can withstand rough terrain with a maximum speed of 188 km/h and a fuel economy of 18 to 22 mpg.

The Nissan Titan XD comes with 400 horsepower, a 413 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity of 11,060 lbs. Compared to the 2022 Titan, the 2022 Titan XD has a wheelbase of 151.6 inches, making it highly functional for the off-roader. It can withstand driving through an all-terrain environment.

The first ever four-wheel drive sold in the United States, the Suzuki Samurai went on sale in 1985. It can withstand even the most challenging terrain, that it beat the 21,084 feet drive record set by a Jeep Wrangler. With good maintenance, a Samurai can hit 200,000 miles or more.

When you start to think about a Toyota good for off-roading, you would immediately assume getting a Hilux. However, did you know that there are equally or highly capable models like the hilux which Toyota made?

The Toyota 2022 4runner, for example, is one of the perfect vehicles you can use while driving through the dessert. It has a crawl control which automatically modulates the throttle and brakes, along with a highly advanced system that helps you travel through the toughest terrain. Moreover, the TRD Sports advanced capability features an X-REAS suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels and premium tires to travel smoothly through the roads. This vehicle is equipped a Multi-Terrain system, ensuring a strong traction.

The Gladiator is powered by a 3.6 liter V6 which produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic. This truck is truly ready for the trail and the dunes. Moreover, the Jeep Gladiator also last 200,000 miles or 14 years.

This SUV guarantees stability and maneuverability through any terrain with its advanced four-wheel drive (4WD) system. The Montero Sport offers strong front, rear, and side bumper. Moreover, this vehicle is also convenient since you can simply open its tailgate using the Mitsubishi Remote Control app on your smartphone.

Here’s one vehicle you shouldn’t underestimate. The Honda CR V may be small but can pack a punch. With a Maximum power of 88 kW and a fuel efficiency of 23.96, this car can take you through tough terrain. Along with cutting-edge technology for an advanced safety to ensure your family/passenger’s safety. The Honda CR V is built to last about 250,000 to 300,000 miles, if properly maintained.

The Subaru Forester is a vehicle that is dubbed as the extraordinary compact SUV that protects your family or your passengers better. It has a roomy interior with different model types built for different purposes. It has a standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive where you don’t have to worry about driving through different terrains regardless of weather. With driving capability lasting around 200,000-250,000 miles, most of these vehicles have been found to be still running on the road for 10 years.

If you’re planning on finding the best car model that will get you through the challenging sandy terrain in the desert, then choose from the ones written above and start driving.