The answer to the question “what’s a good car for hunting?” will depend on what other purposes you have in mind for the vehicle, your budget, and the reasons you want a hunting vehicle that is not a truck in the first place.
Choosing a modern vehicle that will take you hunting but do other things will depend on what else you want to use it for, such as commuting or traveling with a family. A few good hunting vehicles that are not trucks include:
- Subaru Outback
- Jeep Cherokee
- Toyota Camry
- Jeep Wrangler
- The new Chevy Blazer
Let’s explore those ideas so you can dig into finding the best car for your next hunt.
Reasons You Might Not Want a Truck
We know it’s hard for many folks to imagine why someone wouldn’t want a truck for hunting.
The reality is, though, that plenty of die-hard hunters have other obligations that a truck doesn’t align with — things like a family, long commute, or concerns about lower emissions.
Maybe you just want something easy to find a parking spot for in the city.
Top Features in a Hunting Vehicle That Is Not a Truck
Regardless of why you want to look beyond a pickup truck for your next hunting vehicle, here you are. So, when you start shopping, keep these key features in mind. They can help make your next hunting trip safer and more enjoyable while ensuring all of your gear makes it to the stand and back home.
So, let’s look a little closer at what’s a good car for hunting.
Storage
The need for storage is one of the biggest factors when choosing a hunting vehicle. Pickups allow you to keep messier items outside where they won’t stink up your interior. However, there are ways to get around the funk and still have a great all-around vehicle.
For example, roof-top cargo carriers and hitch-haul attachments can really increase outside storage capacity. When you head out on a hunting trip, you’ll undoubtedly have a lot of gear.
If you are just out for the day, you probably have a pack with several layers of clothing, food, and water, plus your guns, ammunition, and gear for transporting and field-dressing any game. Full coolers on the way home will only add to the need for lots of storage space.
Traction
Some of the best hunting spots will be pretty remote, and you want a vehicle that can take you there. Look for one that is sure-footed in both on- and off-road conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
This may not be so important for getting to local hunting spots, but it makes a significant difference in longer cross-country trips. If you use the same vehicle for daily driving, it will be even more important.
Some of the top cars and SUVs on our list below get upwards of 30 MPG, which shows that you don’t have to give up on a fuel-efficient hunting vehicle.
Reliability
Who wants to break down in a remote area where cell service is spotty at best, only to have to hike out for a chance at better reception?
Yeah, that’s what we thought. This makes reliability another key feature of any vehicle you take on your next hunt.
5 Vehicles for Hunting That Aren’t Trucks
Any hunting vehicle that is not a truck should have the features of a pickup that you use for hunting but in a different body style. So now that you know what to look for let’s get into a few of the most popular and well-respected non-truck hunting vehicles.
1. Subaru Outback
A wide range of car enthusiasts highly regards the Subaru Outback. If you want the best car for hunting, this should be the first one you check out. Subaru’s all-wheel drive is known for excellent traction in virtually any condition you are likely to find while hunting. They have extra ground clearance, too, so you don’t have to worry about getting hung up on rocks or branches.
In addition to being reliable, surefooted, and pretty fuel-efficient, these cars also tend to wear very well. So you may be able to pick up one that is several years old but still perfectly suitable. Subarus also make great family cars thanks to them being lower to the ground than many trucks and SUVs.
2. Jeep Cherokee
If you prefer something with a little more of the “truck” feel, then consider a Jeep Cherokee. In addition to higher clearance and off-road capability, newer Cherokees offer some great technological advances. For example, you’ll get a navigation system and emergency assistance if you find yourself in a bind. These features are only accentuated by ample storage capacity in the cargo area and rear seat.
Jeeps are not known for their fuel economy, so you may want to look elsewhere if this is the most important consideration for you.
3. Toyota Camry
Toyota has an excellent reputation for making dependable and fuel-efficient vehicles. No, they are not designed for off-road use. However, the Camry is a comfortable and roomy car that will take you to many local spots. Add a hitch-haul to the back for a cooler, and you are good to go. It fits five adults comfortably, even with their gear, so it is also suitable for family road trips.
4. Jeep Wrangler
If the idea of a sensible family sedan for hunting didn’t sit well with you, don’t worry. You still have a couple more tough, rugged options left.
Take the Jeep Wrangler, for example. There isn’t another vehicle on the road that would rather be off of it, and it shows. Clean lines and utility have consistently called out from the Wrangler over the years.
5. Chevy Blazer
Chevy brought this classic back out recently, and it may be one worth checking out for your next hunting vehicle that is not a truck. It’s an attractive SUV that is both comfortable and fun to drive. However, it falls a little behind competitors in fuel economy. Plus, 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space — that more than doubles with the rear seats folded — means the 2022 Blazer has more than enough room to carry hunting gear and a cooler or two.
Wrap Up
We can offer suggestions of some of the more popular choices, but ultimately, the best hunting vehicle is one that gets you safely to and from your hunt while also filling your other transportation needs. So whatever you decide on, it’s a good idea to make sure it has enough cargo space for gear and will reliably get you where you are going, no matter where that may be.
Recommended: Can You Hunt from a Side-by-Side? (What You Need to Know)
