The light switches to green and cars take off, kicking up sand behind them. The cars can be Jeeps, dune buggies, or even old pickups. Whatever is racing on sand dunes, it's going to be loud and fast. Even drivers with years of experience can be caught by the dunes and their unpredictability. What if you need to cross a harsh desert in a car? A good desert vehicle needs off-road capabilities and reliability to handle a serious task.
The choice of a car depends on your off-road skills and the terrace. Some high-performance vehicles have powerful engines, but they are too heavy for the sand dunes. Most modern trucks and SUVs can handle rocky terrains, dirt roads, and a bit of bouldering. But if you want to whip across a desert dune, you're going to need something special. Check out these 15 sick photos of cars racing on sand dunes.
15 Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is known for its legendary off-road capabilities. The 2016 model has a 5.7L V8 engine that packs 381 hp channeled to an eight-speed automatic. It has a reputation for ruggedness. The car can handle a payload of 1,320 pounds. A Torsen center differential sends torque where it's needed.
14 Dodge/RAM Power Wagon
When Dodge bought the Power Wagon nameplate back, we all were blown away by its off-road capability. The car has a tall suspension, a disconnectable front swaybar and locking differentials. For desert adventures, the Power Wagon is one of the most capable trucks ever made. It features a 5.7L V8 Hemi engine.
13 Ford Raptor
The Ford F-150 owns any terrain thanks to huge all-terrain tires, a widened F-150 body and a lane-filling stance. Its long-travel suspension gives it impressive ride comfort and excellent off-road capability. New Raptor or old, this is the car that without any modifications can cross any desert around the globe.
12 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6
Mercedes-Benz calls the G63 AMG 6x6 "the most spectacular cross-country vehicle of all time." Indeed, with portal axles, off-road reduction gear in a separate case, six wheels, 400 kW of power and five differentials that can be locked on the move, the car is ready to meet all challenges dunes have to offer.
11 VW Beetle
In a list full of boxy trucks, the little Bug feels like it doesn't belong. However, countless Beetles were cut, lifted and flared to accommodate huge wheels and tires. These tuned monsters can be driven on sand dunes. The stock engine isn't powerful, but fuel-efficient and easy to modify.
10 Hummer H1
Many of us remember that the Hummer H1 as the coolest set of wheels. Here, the vehicle was disassembled down to the frame with most suspension parts modified or replaced and then powder-coated. The original engine was replaced by a 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 engine that is balanced and powerful.
9 Toyota Hilux Pickup
The Toyota Hilux Pickup is a very capable off-roader blessed with legendary reliability. Thanks to the high-riding suspension, this pickup has incredible ground clearance. In terms of reliability, this is an excellent desert runner. The pickup is available around the world, so replacement parts are easy to find.
8 Suzuki Samurai
The Suzuki Samurai is a tiny machine with a wheelbase of 80 inches, but it can handle the most extreme climates. The secret is the weight. The car only weighs a ton - literally - so with proper tires, it can float easily over sand dunes. With a manual transmission, reliable 4WD performance and manual hubs, it's extremely durable.
7 Land Rover Defender
The broad-shouldered Land Rover Defender is the stalwart in the off-road segment. Boxy, bold and crude, its go-anywhere capabilities cemented its reputation as one of the best vehicles in the world. The Defender offers durable cabin furnishings, numerous luxury features, and upscale materials. It is a great workhorse with a simple mechanical setup.
6 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD Van
With the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD Van, you'll have room for lots of supplies. This vehicle is in a class of one - its own. It's the only van in North America that comes with a real 4-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. Every model features a turbo-diesel V6 engine, so power and fuel-economy are matched to the chassis.
5 Mitsubishi Montero
The Montero was an answer to the Land Cruiser. The later variants of these machines had a 3.5L V6 engines with a locking differential and a heavy-duty rear axle. The car came with adjustable shocks that could change the ride quality to soft, medium, or hard. Finding parts for this workhorse won't be a problem.
4 Isuzu Trooper
The Isuzu Trooper is a definition of a workhorse. Even though it runs in rear-wheel-drive, you can engage four-wheel drive via a button. When it comes to the sticky stuff, it's one of the most capable machines. The Trooper rides on a heavy-duty frame with a coil-spring suspension at the rear.
3 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited
The newest Wrangler is what the Jeep is all about with its amazing off-road capabilities. No matter what variant you get, you can remove the roof and the doors, fold down the windshield and enjoy the outdoors. Jeep enthusiasts have embraced the Wrangler, so there are lots of aftermarket parts available.
2 Subaru Forester
There is a reason Subaru sells so many Foresters – they're easy to love. The steering is accurate, the ride is refined and the brakes are strong for emergency stops. The powertrain used in Foresters is known for the best traction in slippery conditions. It's one of the most reliable cars you can find.
1 Volvo XC70
The Volvo XC70 is one of the best choices for a desert trek with deep sand and heavy off-roading. It has a long list of advanced safety features. All XC70s come with the Volvo’s City Safety system that automatically applies the brakes in an emergency. It offers a generous 72 cu.ft. of storage.