The 4x4 van is your gateway to adventure. It's the perfect vehicle for visiting and seeing some of the most beautiful places around. However, knowing your vehicle's strengths and limitations is crucial. While some 4x4 vans, like the Mitsubishi Delica, are the rarest in the world, others are easier to come by. Either way, they are a dream to drive by most gearheads.
There's a lot that goes into planning a trip, and one of the most crucial things to look into is the type of vehicle you plan on using and whether it's suitable for where you wish to go. Although, when it comes to 4x4 vans they're practically unstoppable off-road machines. With these 4x4 vans, the world is your oyster as they're capable of going almost anywhere.
9 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 is in control in all types of terrain, whether it's mountainous, ice, or muddy areas, because of its selectable all-wheel drive. The Sprinter is a commercial vehicle with good tractive power which is activated by engaging electronic traction system 4ETS which takes over when the situation calls for it.
The Sprinter 4x4 has the power to pull a heavy load which is ideal for an adventurer but can also work as a normal everyday vehicle. To adventurers, these are considered a luxury motor home.
8 Quigley Conversions GM Vans
Specializing in 4x4 conversions, the Quigley Motor Company is one of the oldest and a very successful conversion shops. Located in Manchester, Pennsylvania, it is the biggest manufacturer of high-quality 4x4 conversions. Most vans and RVs do not come as standard with 4x4, so Quigley transform them into adventure vehicles.
They are transformed with 4WD systems to handle off-road adventures in rough terrain, which makes driving off the beaten path bearable.
Ford E-350 Camper Van
The Ford E-Series has been a huge success for the American automaker since it was introduced as a replacement for the Ford F- series panel van. The E-350 Series is one of the Super Duty models and has stronger springs and brakes, along with good towing capacity.
The E Series van was discontinued in 2014 and replaced by the ford transit. It used to be offered as a cargo and passenger van, but now it's only offered as a stripped-out chassis, making it perfect for those who want to build the ultimate overlanding vehicle.
7 UAZ SGR Expedition Van
UAZ (Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant) is an Auto manufacturer from Russia that's known for making 4x4s. The four-wheel-drive SGR Expedition Van is a utility vehicle capable of tackling the worst of road conditions. It comes with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 111 horsepower.
The SGR Expedition is not a very comfortable van apart from the warm seats in cold weather, and it's certainly not stylish, but it's as good as any other van out there with a four-wheel-drive system. If you want a bare-bones van that's perfect for venturing off-road, this is it.
6 V0lkswagen Transporter
The Volkswagen Transporter T5 is the fifth generation of a series of vans produced and sold worldwide for over 60 years. Amongst the various engine choices, the optional 180-hp, 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel four-cylinder is arguably the best for going off-road.
The Transporter has evolved over time to meet modern needs, and it's flexible, capable, and reliable, yet comes with advanced modern technology.
5 Toyota Mega ACE II
This lifted minivan is the perfect retro off-roader. It packs 4WD, a 2.0L turbodiesel engine, a sweet skylight roof, and offers seating for eight. The seats also convert into a bed.
It’s powered by a 2.0-liter 2C-T turbo diesel engine, a 5-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately, it's only available with a right-hand drive setup.
4 CHEVROLET KODIAK
The third-generation Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick are available in multiple cab configurations. They were produced by the Chevrolet and GMC divisions of General Motors from 1980-2009. It is surprisingly agile and maneuverable, and the Hydro Max brakes are top-notch, as they should be for a vehicle of this size.
The production of the Kodiak and TopKick was ended in 2009 due to a decline in the market.
3 NISSAN NV 4X4 CONVERSION
This Nissan 4x4 conversion is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, rated at 375hp and 387lb-ft of torque. The NV is good at towing, capable of pulling up to 9,400 pounds.
With the off-road features, the NV4x4 offers plenty of traction when driving in patches of rough terrain.
2 Peugeot Boxer 4X4 Concept
The Peugeot Boxer has a selectable 4WD system, with raised suspension about 30mm at the front and 50mm at the rear. For good traction in bad conditions, it's fitted with off-road Goodrich all-terrain tires. This Camper van has been converted into an RV with a living space of up to three people.
The Boxer 4x4 is perfect for the active family as it comes with a canoe on the roof rack and a Peugeot eM02 FS Powertube electric mountain bike mounted on the back.
1 Mitsubishi 4X4 Delica
The Mitsubishi Delica was first produced in 1968. It started out as commercial pickup trucks and delivery vans. It comes with selectable high and low four-wheel-drive and features a diff lock.
The Delica offers great traction and enough torque to keep it moving when the going gets tough. Thanks to its great ground clearance it won't have any problems in uneven terrains either.