10 Best Vehicles for Active Lifestyles

2016 Subaru Crosstrek with bikes ・ Photo by Subaru

For the vast majority of consumers, vehicles are extensions of their owner’s personalities and passions. Those who live life in the fast lane drive sports cars. Those who put family needs first drive spacious crossovers and minivans. So what do active individuals drive? The needs of the adventurous differ from suburban homebodies, and their vehicles need to be reliable, capable, and versatile.

Active lifestyles aren’t reserved for the wealthy, so the automotive industry produces vehicles at all sorts of price points. One thing that every adventurous individual needs from his or her car or truck is utility. Camping, hiking, water sports, climbing – you name it – almost every outdoor activity comes with equipment. Another key requirement for those who live life off the beaten path is to own a vehicle with off-road capability. Not everyone needs a purpose-built 4-wheeler, but all-wheel drive gives drivers confidence to explore.

With these traits in mind, here’s our list of 10 best vehicles for active lifestyles.

Jeep Cherokee

"Jeep" and "active" may as well be the same word, considering every vehicle in the automaker’s portfolio is capable and durable. Jeeps are designed for the adventurous, and the Cherokee hits that perfect middle ground of affordability and utility. The compact crossover has enough space to haul gear and five people to wherever their hearts desire.

Powering the base model Cherokee is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 184 hp, but buyers can upgrade to a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 hp on tap. Regardless of powertrain, the Cherokee is connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive is available. The range-topping Trailhawk edition raises ride height by an extra inch and comes with additional off-road goodies. Prices start at $23,495.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

The premium counterpart to Jeep, Land Rover knows all about adventure. The Discovery Sport finds its way on our list of 10 best vehicles for active lifestyles thanks to a mix of refinement for those with a bit more money to spend, and off-road proficiency. The stylish luxury crossover looks just as good on suburban streets as it does climbing a steep hill.

Powering the Land Rover Discovery Sport is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that delivers 240 hp to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Beyond its standard all-wheel drive, the Discovery Sport comes with a 4-mode Terrain Response system to tackle sand, snow, rocks, or mud. Up to seven passengers can fit within the Discovery Sport’s compact body, but its 5-seater setup is best to mix cargo with passengers. Prices start at $37,455.

Photo by Land Rover

Subaru Outback

If we’re mentioning Jeep and Land Rover, then it would be a mistake not to invite Subaru to the conversation. Japan’s all-wheel drive champion may build sports cars like the BRZ and WRX, but it is beloved by adventurers perhaps more than enthusiasts. Two Subaru models make this list of 10 best vehicles for active lifestyles, but the Outback has a more esteemed reputation.

The wagon-crossover hybrid is powered by either a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder that delivers 175 hp to all four wheels or a meatier 3.6-liter flat 6-cylinder with 256 hp on tap. Both engines are mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and deliver superb fuel economy. The Outback offers plenty of passenger and cargo space without fitting within the crossover craze. The 2016 Subaru Outback will set you back $24,995.

Photo by Subaru

Audi Allroad

Perhaps the Subaru Outback’s closest rival, Audi’s Allroad wagon mingles premium design and refinement with its iconic quattro all-wheel drive system and increased ride height. The Allroad won’t be able to keep up with the aforementioned vehicles off-road, but it’s certainly a more comfortable means of transportation to your next adventure.

Powering the Allroad is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that delivers 252 hp to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. With up to 53 cu. ft. of cargo space, the Audi wagon doesn’t have immense utility, but it’s plenty for most adventure-seekers and its long shape is perfect for swallowing up a surfboard or kayak. The 2016 Audi allroad is the most expensive car on this list at $42,700.

Photo by Audi

Mazda CX-5

There’s another side to pursuing an adventurous lifestyle: practicality. Choosing an affordable vehicle that’s also fuel efficient enables buyers to spend more money on equipment and trips. That doesn’t mean shoppers must pick a boring vehicle, though. Mazda’s CX-5 crossover offers an attractive design and available all-wheel drive packaging to suit the needs of the young, and young at heart.

The Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder making 155 hp and is equipped with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Other standard features include air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS, driveline traction control, and electronic stability control. The CX-5 is one of the most affordable models on our list of 10 best vehicles for active lifestyles at $21,795.

Photo by Mazda

MINI Cooper Countryman

You might think it odd to include a MINI among high-riding, utility-focused vehicles, but the Cooper Countryman offers plenty of cargo and interior space, plus available all-wheel drive. While still technically a subcompact vehicle, the Countryman uses its rounded shape to create cabin volume that’s sufficient for all but the biggest excursions.

Under the hood of MINI’s Cooper Countryman is a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder putting out 121 hp. For those in need of a bit more grunt, the S designation churns up 208 horses. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard but an automatic is available for a premium. Standard features include automatic air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and electronic stability control. Prices for the MINI Cooper Countryman start at $22,750.

Photo by MINI

Toyota Tacoma

As much cargo capacity as some of these vehicles may have, some thrill seekers need more space. For this reason, we’ve included two midsize trucks on our list of 10 vehicles for active lifestyles. The Toyota Tacoma has owned its segment for years thanks to a reliable powertrain, durable body, and off-roading capability.

The 2016 Tacoma is freshly redesigned and uses a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder motor to deliver 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, but a 3.5-liter V6 churns up 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains are connected to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Equipped with its larger engine, the Tacoma can tow 6800 lbs. There are many bodystyle variations for the Tacoma, but prices start at $23,660 for the base spec.

Photo by Toyota

Chevrolet Colorado

The Tacoma’s newest and biggest challenger is Chevrolet’s Colorado pickup. Attractive, capable, and priced aggressively, the Colorado is a perfect fit for active individuals who appreciate the convenience and added utility of a truck bed. Having spent some time off-road with the Colorado, I can assure you that it’s up to just about any challenge.

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 181 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, but a 3.6-liter V6 gas motor and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel are available with up to 305 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, respectively. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the entry-level Colorado, but a 6-speed automatic is featured on higher trim models. The Colorado, when equipped with the Duramax diesel engine, can tow up to 7,700 lbs. Prices start at $20,100.

Photo by General Motors

Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade has introduced many shoppers to the brand by offering a taste of the ruggedness of its siblings, the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, at thousands less. By far the most affordable model on our list of 10 vehicles for active lifestyles, the Jeep Renegade is fun, spacious, and efficient. The Jeep Renegade Sport is powered by a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 160 hp and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Standard features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, 16" styled steel wheels, ABS and driveline traction control, electronic stability, power windows, and power locks. The Renegade retails for $17,995.

Subaru Crosstrek

For those who don’t appreciate the looks of the Outback, Subaru’s Crosstrek is a great alternative. Standard all-wheel drive, a rugged body, and bulletproof reliability distinguish the Crosstrek from bland crossover rivals.

Making slightly more power than last year is a 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine rated at 148 hp. The base spec includes a 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17" aluminum wheels, ABS and driveline traction control, and cruise control. Prices for the Subaru Crosstrek start at $21,595.