Dubai
2023/07/24
Driving in the desert has a certain thrill you can’t merely get elsewhere. But if you want to embark on such an adventure, you need a reliable car. Several factors come into play when choosing a reliable car for desert driving. Factors like cargo space, off-road capabilities, reasonable fuel economy, horsepower, and drivetrain, amongst others, are some things to consider when choosing a car.
Some vehicles feature better designs to handle the desert terrain and heat than others. Based on expert opinions, below are some of the best cars to consider for desert driving.
One of the most common vehicles with a legendary reputation for off-road ruggedness is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its heritage dates back over six decades, which roots in this SUV’s renowned unwavering reliability and exceptional durability.
In its 2023 version, Toyota left no chances by equipping the SUV with a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine that packs 409 horsepower.
The Mercedes-Benz G Class is another exceptional car for desert driving, built with the best material. It features a timeless design with a refined interior that symbolizes luxury in the desert.
Aside from its distinctive boxy design, Mercedes did not compromise on performance in the G-Class. The 2023 version of this SUV is a 4WD powered by a 416-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine channeled to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
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The Subaru Forester is a versatile choice when going on an adventure to the desert. It is a car maker and model renowned for its reliability, practicality, and impressive off-road capabilities.
The Subaru Forester has a roomy interior with modern features to ensure ultimate comfort. The 2023 Subaru Forester comes with six trims. Still, standard features include the AWD and CVT with a 2.5 liters four-cylinder engine that produces 176 pound-feet of torque and 182 horsepower.
Many motorists complain about the enormous size, speed, and utter impracticality of the Hummer H1 as a street vehicle. But none of these concerns matters when planning to go on a desert expenditure.
The Hummer H1 is an all-terrain military-grade vehicle built to perform optimally even in hot, sandy environments. The latest model of the Hummer H1 comes equipped with a 6.6 liters turbo Duramax Diesel V8 engine channeled to an Allison 1000 5-speed automatic drivetrain.
When it comes to sport classic design, the Jeep Wrangler brand is known for it. It features a long wheelbase and provides enough room for people and gadgets. Jeep makes it even more capable for off-road adventure by including larger axles, a disconnectable front sway bar to increase wheel travel, and locking differentials, among other things.
The 2023 Wrangler has a 3.6 liter V6 engine boasting up to 285 horsepower channeled by a 6-speed manual drivetrain.
Despite being an old model vehicle, the Suzuki Samurai has a special place in the heart of many off-road adventure seekers. This legendary 4x4 vehicle is compact and capable of withstanding the harshest desert terrain.
Despite its lightweight construction and tight turning radius, the Samurai will navigate through sandy stretches and narrow canyons effortlessly. It comes with a solid axle, leaf spring front and rear suspension, manual hubs, manual steering, and manual transmission, making it able to deliver reliable performance.
When it comes to maneuverability and stability through any terrain, an exceptional choice of SUV is the Mitsubishi Montero. This robust SUV combines luxurious comfort with rugged durability making it an ideal companion for desert adventures. Its advanced 4WD system and firm front, rear, and side bumpers effortlessly take the demands of the desert terrain with ease and confidence.
Notably, the 2006 Mitsubishi Montero is a rare machine with a large 3.8 liters V6 engine, a heavy-duty rear axle, and a locking differential. This Montero produces up to 215 horsepower and 246 torque, channeled by a 5-speed suitable automatic drivetrain.
The Ford 150 Raptor is capable of offering exceptional experience touring the desert. It provides motorists with many customization options in cab style, engine power, and accessories. The Raptor is one of the high-end variant models where most of its models come with a twin-turbo 450 horsepower V6 high output engine.
The 2023 Ford 150 Raptor has a V8 Predator engine from the Mustang GT500 equipped with a 5.2 liters supercharged engine that can deliver up to 700 horsepower. Furthermore, its 37-inch tires provide ample ground clearance specialized for desert cruising.
The Land Rover Defender is great if you are a big fan of off-road vehicles. Known for its off-road capabilities, the Land Rover Defender can handle any terrain and has the speed to get you through anything with ease.
The Land Rover Defender comes in different configurations. But standard on the 2023 Land Rover Defender is a turbocharged four-cylinder V8 engine connected to an AWD equipped with an eight-speed automatic drivetrain.
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Dodge is also a legendary automaker when it comes to off-road vehicles, particularly its Power Wagon. With the Power Wagon, you can be sure of dominating the desert with its unrelenting power and unmated versatility.
Built rugged, the Power Wagon can tackle even the most demanding terrains. And thanks to its big 5.7-liters Hemi V8 engine, which was later upgraded to a 6.4 liter V8 engine delivering up to 410 horsepower, and geared with the big 33-inch tires, the Power Wagons truly have the prowess to push through the treacherous desert terrain.
The Nissan Patrol stands tall regarding the best cars for desert exploration. It’s an enduring legend equipped to traverse the sandy dunes and rocky landscape. The Nissan Patrol will surpass your expectations with its modernized outlook. But don’t let its exterior fool you; underneath the luxurious features is an exceptional design with off-road capabilities. Its powerful engine options, advanced 4WD, and innovative technologies enable it to tackle desert terrain exploration effortlessly.
Whether you go for the latest Nissan Patrol with a V6 engine delivering 275 horsepower or the V8 engine producing 400 horsepower, you get an adequate ground clearance of 273 mm, all suited for adventure in the desert.
Range Rover is another exceptional SUV popular for its luxurious designs. And despite its classic exterior, the SUV comes with exceptional off-road capabilities. The Range Rover gives you peace of mind when you choose to use it to explore the desert because you know it’s built differently to handle such extreme conditions.
A typical 2023 Range Rover is a trio of powertrains equipped with a 523 horsepower twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 engine that can do 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
Last but not least, the Chevrolet Tahoe is a versatile and capable SUV you can consider for exploring the desert. This SUV is produced in different model variants: the LT, LS, Z71, and Premier. And standard on the Tahoe is a 5.3 liters engine that can produce up to 335 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also, the Tahoe provides motorists with a good ground clearance of up to 20 cm.
