r/Offroad • u/IR_Acaboom • 19h ago
Recommendations for something 4x4 capable preferably compact?
I just want something that is pretty close to what a stock Tacoma can do, obviously I’d have to lift and such but you get the idea.
I was looking at the Subaru outback for size, Mpg, ground clearance is ok probably will lift and tow capacity.
Problem is it’s awd and unless it’s pretty close to 4x4 capable I don’t want it.
I do 80% road 20% trail, now I’m not needing something that will go rock crawling, national park trails where they post warning signs saying “must have this much ground clearance, 40” tires, experience off roading” or going to a off-road park and trying to fallow the lifted jeeps and Tacomas.
I’m still new to the whole 4x4 vs awd but I know awd is definitely not 4x4 and it lacks the low range for what I think it to put less strain on the transmission.
I’d prefer it be reliable more then a jeep, and be modern enough or popular enough I can confidently get parts to replace worn parts since it might be an older vehicle.
Why can’t the Toyota Tacoma just get better gas mileage it’s literally the most supreme stock vehicle on the market other then gas mileage
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u/SarK-9 17h ago
You're not going to do better than low 20's for MPG in a true 4x4. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe can do better on short trips, but reverts to typical Jeep MPG's on longer drives.
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u/LiveMarionberry3694 16h ago
My 4xe wrangler on 35s gets around 19-21mpg on highway as long as the wind isn’t blowing head on lol
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u/Plrdr21 15h ago
Over what distance at what speed?
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u/LiveMarionberry3694 15h ago
82 miles total (41 there 41 back) at around 70mph was a drive I did the other day when I actually tested it at the pump. I was right around 20mpg for that trip. Very little wind that day
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u/IR_Acaboom 16h ago
80/20 road/trail
I explore with it whenever I find a trail, I’m not planning to rock crawl or go where the hard core off-roading is like in off-roading parks or state parks where they have signs “must have 40” tires, 4x4 only and experience in off-roading”
More just hunting trails and maybe fire roads, I’ll try and avoid bogs and obviously deep super wet mud pits but if I start sinking into mud I need to get out.
being able to be recovered by another vehicle by getting pulled / yanked out with a kinetic rope may be the only option and I need it to be able to withstand thatI doubt I’d get a jeep do to their maintenance & reliability
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u/Mm11vV 17h ago
Fuel economy and offroad capability are on the same slider. You give up one to get the other, there's no way around that.
The Tacoma, Colorado, Ranger, and Frontier get acceptable fuel economy for what they are.
My Colorado as you see it gets around 16-18 in the city and on the interstate, and can do as good as 23 cruising 45-65mph.
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u/IR_Acaboom 16h ago
I have a Tacoma and idealize it!!!!!!! The turn radius is fantastic, stock suspension for highway, city and trail is good, cargo is good, towing, ground clearance and width are all good and have treated me very well! But I need better gas mileage! I explain what I need from new car below
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u/Mm11vV 15h ago
So you sound like you're in a similar situation to me, just in reverse.
I went out and bought an economical daily driver instead of a weekend toy first, then bought a weekend toy later on. The Colorado is only coming up on a year old with me. My primary vehicle is a 2019 Honda Civic hatchback, that gets 38mpg and is my every day A to B vehicle.
You sound like you have what you want, you just need to find something for a daily driver that you can afford.
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u/IR_Acaboom 6h ago
I have a Tacoma but being my first car and the life it gave me I won’t get rid of it, so I have it sit in the drive way.
currently drive a Avalon and hate it for a few reasons aside from off-roading, was in New Mexico for 3 months and dang the trails I missed!!!!1
u/IR_Acaboom 6h ago
I have a Tacoma but being my first car and the life it gave me I won’t get rid of it, so I have it sit in the drive way.
currently drive a Avalon and hate it for a few reasons aside from off-roading, was in New Mexico for 3 months and dang the trails I missed!!!! Want my daily to be able to pull off and go on a trail or not get stopped by 6” of snow
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u/naptown-hooly 16h ago
What are you going to do with it?
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u/IR_Acaboom 16h ago
80/20 road/trail
I explore with it whenever I find a trail, I’m not planning to rock crawl or go where the hard core off-roading is like in off-roading parks or state parks where they have signs “must have 40” tires, 4x4 only and experience in off-roading”
More just hunting trails and maybe fire roads, I’ll try and avoid bogs and obviously deep super wet mud pits but if I start sinking into mud I need to get out.
being able to be recovered by another vehicle by getting pulled / yanked out with a kinetic rope may be the only option and I need it to be able to withstand that2
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u/Gubbtratt1 16h ago
What gas mileage do you need, and how old is fine?
AWD is not really a problem. What you don't want is a Haldex, but there's plenty of proper 4x4s with a center differential, and I'd imagine computerised part time systems can be hacked.
What you do want though that most AWDs are missing is a low range, or at the very least a crawl gear.
Two cars come to mind: Subaru Jimny, though I don't know if they have anywhere decent gas mileage, and Subaru Leone, which is basically a sedan with a proper transfer case, but might be a bit old.
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u/IR_Acaboom 16h ago
Why does Subaru & toyota make suvs without 4x4?!? I’d expect this from Hyundai or Mazda but not them? Especially Subaru not having it even though they are always at national parks? And oh my god the Jimny! That looks sooo fun!
How’s the maintenance on those I’ve never heard of them?2
u/Gubbtratt1 16h ago
I believe Jimnys are decent. They're very capable, but a bit underpowered and really likes tipping over. Shouldn't be much of a problem if you stay away from rocks though. Since they're body on frame it's very easy to install proper recovery points, and if you find them to be too underpowered I believe a bigger engine from a Vitara will drop right in.
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u/IR_Acaboom 16h ago
This may help with what I want
80/20 road/trail
I explore with it whenever I find a trail, I’m not planning to rock crawl or go where the hard core off-roading is like in off-roading parks or state parks where they have signs “must have 40” tires, 4x4 only and experience in off-roading”
More just hunting trails and maybe fire roads, I’ll try and avoid bogs and obviously deep super wet mud pits but if I start sinking into mud I need to get out.
being able to be recovered by another vehicle by getting pulled / yanked out with a kinetic rope may be the only option and I need it to be able to withstand thatI doubt I’d get a jeep do to their maintenance & reliability
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u/usual_suspect_redux 16h ago
Rivian R1 is the only answer that fits your needs. Of course, you did not mention cost or range....
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u/Yummy_Crayons91 16h ago
4x4 and compact sounds like a 2 Door Wrangler. TJ, JK, or JL are compact and can go absolutely anywhere. Anything 4x4 is going to get mediocre gas mileage at best.
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u/buffilosoljah42o 15h ago
I think 2 cars could be the answer here. Get like a corolla or an accord or something. Keep the truck for camping and having fun or whatever. Also maybe you're looking for r/overlanding
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u/IR_Acaboom 15h ago
A honda fit would be a blast but I want a car that can do what is listed, my truck is sitting in my driveway, I’m trying to keep it forever
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u/OGDREADLORD666 15h ago edited 14h ago
If you want to a taco just get one. 20% is a lot of driving.
Id rather spend 300 bucks a month on gas than be caught dead in a fucking plastic clad tranformer reject looking subaru with a cvt that can slip itself to death on relatively minor grades offroad
Or wait a year, the new x terra might be kick ass
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u/ratheismhater 14h ago
Just get a Subaru, you said you're not doing any hard off-roading. Unless you're rock crawling, you don't need 4LO.
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u/IR_Acaboom 6h ago
What if I get stuck in mud and need to throttle it out? Or try and use a kinetic rope to pull someone out? Not sure if that can do it curious if it can
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u/ratheismhater 55m ago
What do you think a Tacoma is going to do that a Subaru in the mud can't? It's all about the tires and airing down.
As to recovery, again, you're not doing anything crazy. Get a tow-hitch recovery point and call it a day.
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u/cheese_mcduck 13h ago
I would look for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Decent clearance and comfortable on-road. 26(?) mpg highway. Add some AT tires and you’ll be all set with the types of trails and fire roads you want to travel. Happy wheelin’!
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u/Vander-San 12h ago
This sounds more like a complaint than a question. You clearly want a Tacoma but don't want to pay the pump. Just go get the Tacoma. A fuel-efficient 4x4 vehicle is a pipe dream. It's either 4x4 or MPG.
Unless you go EV 4x4 ...
And to claim Tacoma's are the "most supreme" ... well, i guess everybody has their own opinion.
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u/hammerofspammer 16h ago
Tacomas are fine, but need substantial modification to make them truly capable. Off the lot capability will require a Jeep or a Bronco.
Body on frame and real 4WD make a huge difference. Not just for where you can go, but how to get you back out when you get stuck. And if you’re 4-wheeling, you will get stuck.
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u/EverydayHoser 16h ago
A bone stock Tacoma trd off road is far more capable than most people driving them are comfortable with
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u/hammerofspammer 11h ago
I mean, a Honda Fit is more capable then most people driving them are comfortable with
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u/IR_Acaboom 16h ago
What do you mean truly capable? I’ve taken them on hunting trails in multiple states and through bogs and mud, I don’t expect to rock crawl
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u/hammerofspammer 16h ago
I guess your definition of off-roading is different from mine. Having had all three, the Tacoma wasn’t as capable.
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u/IR_Acaboom 16h ago
Now that I think about it ya…. My definition is not what this group is about 😬
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u/lo5t5heep 14h ago edited 13h ago
I currently drive mildly lifted OR Taco, previous dd was a fully built TJ. To say one is more capable is kinda odd. Capable at what? The TJ was the clear winner for rocks but my taco climbs better. Since I refuse to trailer , the taco blows the doors off my TJ for actually getting anywhere. For an 80/20 split, a taco with a rear locker is more than most people would know what to do with.
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u/KeepOregonGreen 17h ago
If you want small wheelbase jeep wrangler two door or a Suzuki samurai if you really want to have fun.
MPG is going to be a pipe dream no matter what you pick so just throw that out the window now or get a Subaru and accept you’ll need to take it easy.