best large SUV for light off roading?

Hey guys just wanted opinions on what you guys think be a good fit for me. I'm looking for a vehicle that can meet the following

Seats 7 person and possible 1or 2 dogs.
Able to go off road. This is subjective but deep woods camping sand dunes etc.

I would love the sequoia or a land cruiser but it's way too much money. I was thinking the armada?

 

One of these comes to mind... 4WD Van/ Motorhome (photos taken in Baja California)





It had front and rear ARB lockers as well.







Sadly, it was sold and the owner (Art) built a bigger one! Here are the details of the one above: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/buy-sell-trade-other/197796-4x4all-terrain-motorhome.html

 

The Armada is junk according to reviews I've read, but I have no actual personal experience. I would get a used Sequoia if I were in your shoes. Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon would be cool as well depending on how you feel about GM vehicles.

 

Wow that thing is awesome lol I don't think I would have the time O mod it like that.

I'm not to fond of the tahoe and suburbans but I may not have too many options.

 

Why has no one asked the reason this is in 2nd gen? lol

Yeah....staying away from Toyota means Tahoe/Suburban or Expedition in my mind. My dad had an Expedition (before they went all independent suspension) and it was a nice truck.

 

Everything is second gen related.

 

What are you doing Andy?

 

I used to have a 2009 tahoe, Great family SUV. Mine was fully loaded LTZ model. Wife misses it. Got rid of it because we decided in a small lifestyle change. Probably going to Buy again in a year or two because the wife really wants one again.

I would go Tahoe over Suburban just because it'll probably be better for off roading.

Get the LT model, not LTZ for off roading. LTZ comes with auto leveling (autoride) suspension which is great for street use or light trails. LT you can upgrade to Z71 or just buy Kings or Icons if you really want a better off road suspension.

If you're going for looks, I would still go Tahoe/Yukon over the Sequoia.

 

Are you looking new? If not look at 80 series land cruisers.

 

Hmmm... yeah maybe an 80 series... 3rd row seating!

 

Didn't think about that, the 80s Gen Land cruiser lol geekhouse looking for a second vehicle. I'm trying to plug in that minivan vs everything gap in my life.

 

2003-2009 4runners had optional 3rd row seating.

 

I'm not even sure why this is on TW......

 

80 series land cruiser. They are cheap...at first...

 

great point. can get one for pretty cheap and won't guzzle gas as hard as a land cruiser.

 

100 series Land Cruiser (98-06)

Perfect vehicle for what you want.



http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

 

This is what the A-Team would have driven if the A-Team wasn't a bunch of pussies!

 

Ford Excursion - has tons of room. real axles front and rear. can fit 35's with almost zero effort.

or on the cheaper side suzuki xl7, pre 2005 model, can get old man emu 2.5 lift and with some trimming you can squeeze in some 235/85/16's. i had one of these for a bit, not great but better than that armada pig.

 

Quigley 4x4.com. Almost got one of these but wouldn't fit in garage. YouTube quigley van and take a look.

 

I owned an Excursion (V10) years ago. Aside from the obvious thirst for gas, it was one of the best trucks I've ever owned.