Besides the rifle, the car is probably the most important piece of equipment for a hunter. Even if one lives in the hunting area, it is hardly possible to transport weapons or retrieve game independently without a reliable and off-road vehicle. Most active hunters do not live in the hunting area; often, the travel time is even one or more hours. In this case, comfort and performance for the hunting car become increasingly relevant characteristics.
Small and Affordable
Lada Niva
The Lada 4x4, formerly known as Niva, has developed over time into a reliable companion for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts. For over 40 years, this Russian SUV has proven itself in demanding situations, whether transporting bags of corn or hunting game. Interestingly, its technology is still based on the Fiat 124, as Fiat was Lada's technical partner during Soviet times.
The Lada 4x4 surprises with its generous space. Even with four adults and a dog on board, passengers do not have to feel cramped. Off-road, this Russian SUV feels at home, as it has excellent suspension. However, the gear reduction could be a bit shorter to perform even better in difficult terrain.
On asphalt, the Lada 4x4 shows its weaknesses. The vehicle produces a loud noise similar to a tractor, and its thirst for fuel is considerable despite the modest power of 83 hp. Additionally, there is a risk that something may break down repeatedly, regardless of the vehicle's age. Those looking for an uncomplicated car should continue their search.
However, for those seeking a robust forest worker at an affordable price, the Lada 4x4 is just right. This vehicle is not easily deterred and is ready to take on any adventure with you. Its proven off-road capability and ability to tackle difficult terrain make it an ideal companion for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable partner.
Suzuki Jimny
Some cars seem to be made for eternity, and the small off-roaders from Suzuki undoubtedly belong to this category. After the LJ, SJ, and Samurai, the Jimny has captured the hearts of hunters since 1998. This bonsai SUV fits perfectly into the hunting area - it is small, light, agile, and maneuverable. However, it only offers sufficient space when the rear bench is folded down to create additional storage space.
The Suzuki Jimny also presents itself as a special model Ranger in a hunting outfit and is available for an additional thousand euros more than the standard Jimny. Under the hood, there is always the reliable 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with its 85 hp, which consumes an average of 7.1 liters of gasoline.
The Jimny is a true all-rounder and impressively demonstrates its off-road capability. Whether steep slopes, muddy paths, or rough terrain - this compact off-roader masters every challenge with ease. Its compact size allows it to weave through narrow paths and forest trails where larger vehicles would fail. With its robust construction and efficient all-wheel drive, the Jimny is a reliable partner for hunters who want to fully enjoy their hunting trips.
Despite its compact size and off-road capabilities, the Jimny is also well-suited for urban environments. It is easy to maneuver and finds space even in tight parking spots. Additionally, it offers solid equipment and modern safety features that enhance driving comfort and safety.
The Suzuki Jimny embodies the idea of a timeless off-roader that withstands the test of time. With its compact size, proven off-road capability, and affordable price, the Jimny is an excellent choice for hunters looking for a reliable and versatile vehicle that performs well both in the hunting area and in urban settings.
Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster has long become a bestseller and has secured a firm place in the automotive market. Although the name Dacia may be familiar to former citizens of East Germany who have been acquainted with the robust sedans from the Balkans since the sixties, the Dacia brand, as a subsidiary of Renault, has long earned a reputation as the "Aldi" among car manufacturers - those who spend more on a car are to blame!
Especially the first SUV from Dacia, the Duster, has led to a real hype. With the proven all-wheel technology of the Nissan X-Trail, including a locking lamella coupling for equal drive power front and rear, the Duster makes its way - optionally with a 105 hp gasoline engine or a 110 hp diesel engine from Renault.
Meanwhile, the Dacia Duster is so popular that alongside the budget versions, more and more fashionable special models are being offered. A highlight is the Dacia Duster Delsey, equipped with air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, CD radio with Bluetooth interface, and a stylish Delsey travel bag as a bonus. The Duster offers space for the whole family and is already available at an affordable price. With an average consumption of only six liters of diesel per hundred kilometers, it is also economical to operate.
The interior of the Dacia Duster is designed to be rustic, while the suspension ensures pleasant driving comfort. With a respectable ground clearance, the Duster is ready to move off the beaten path and tackle difficult terrain.
The Dacia Duster combines practical utility, spaciousness, and off-road capability at an attractive price. It has become a popular choice for families looking for a reliable and versatile SUV. With its robust appearance, comfortable driving characteristics, and economical efficiency, the Dacia Duster meets the demands of a modern and affordable family SUV.
Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is a versatile vehicle that has proven to be an excellent hunting car. With its off-road capability and robustness, it is ready to take on the challenges of hunting terrain.
The X-Trail features a powerful all-wheel drive that ensures optimal traction on various terrains. Whether muddy paths, steep slopes, or rough terrain - the X-Trail masters these obstacles with ease. Its high ground clearance allows it to step over obstacles, while its robust construction protects against damage.
The interior of the X-Trail offers ample space for hunters and their equipment. With foldable rear seats and a spacious loading area, you can easily transport hunting gear, game, and other items. Additionally, the X-Trail has various storage options to facilitate organization and access to your equipment.
The X-Trail is not only practical but also offers comfort and modern technologies. With comfortable seats, good sound insulation, and pleasant suspension, you can enjoy driving comfort even on longer hunting trips. Additional features such as a navigation system, rearview camera, and modern safety features ensure a stress-free driving experience.
The reliability and durability of the Nissan X-Trail make it a trusted companion for hunters. Whether you are looking for game, transporting your equipment, or simply exploring the terrain, the X-Trail provides the performance and versatility you need.
Overall, the Nissan X-Trail is an excellent hunting car that scores points in terms of off-road capability, comfort, and functionality. With its robust design, generous space, and powerful drive, it is a reliable partner for demanding hunting adventures.
Everyday Hunting SUVs
Land Rover Defender
The history of the Land Rover Defender began on the stormy Welsh coast shortly after World War II. In 1947, Maurice Wilks built the first Land Rover from a decommissioned Willys Jeep. Due to the shortage of steel sheets but the availability of aluminum from numerous decommissioned military aircraft, the first Land Rover received an aluminum body - and that has not changed to this day. Because the forefather of European off-road vehicle construction can still be ordered from the local dealer today. And it has remained true to its roots: irresistibly off-road, angular, and with a large tailgate for easy loading - this is how the British off-roader has always been. The latest generation called Defender TD4 even received comfortable seats, a six-speed transmission for gentle RPM, and a functioning heater! This was quite different for the earlier Series I to III as well as the Defenders with the diesel engines TDI and TD5 for a long time.
Since the model year 2012, the Land Rover has been offered exclusively with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine from Ford (122 hp) - for the first time also with a diesel particulate filter to meet the Euro 5 emissions standard. A special model of the series was the Blaser Edition, developed in collaboration with the gun manufacturer from Isny. This limited small series was based on the 110 Station and was specially tailored for hunters. It impresses with a gun safe, a winch, work headlights, and a spacious roof rack.
The Land Rover Defender is not just an off-roader but a legend. Its roots go back far, and its versatility and robustness make it an ideal companion for adventures in nature. With each model, the Defender remains true to its heritage and offers hunters and outdoor enthusiasts a reliable vehicle that can withstand the challenges of the terrain.
Range Rover
The Range Rover offers a spacious interior that impresses with high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Comfortable seats, top-notch upholstery, and state-of-the-art technologies create a luxurious driving environment where one can relax even on long hunting trips.
The performance of the Range Rover is impressive. With powerful engines, whether gasoline or diesel, it is capable of effortlessly handling any challenge in the terrain. Its all-wheel drive system and advanced suspension technology provide excellent traction on various terrains. Whether steep slopes, muddy paths, or rough terrain - the Range Rover masters them with ease.
The versatility of the Range Rover is also evident in its practical features for hunting. A generous trunk offers ample space for equipment and harvested game. The foldable rear seats create additional storage space when needed. Furthermore, the Range Rover is equipped with modern assistance systems that enhance safety and comfort during driving.
The reliability of the Range Rover is another reason why it is a popular high-end hunting car. It is designed to perform at its best even under demanding conditions. From the robust body to the high-quality components, the Range Rover is built to withstand the challenges of hunting terrain while ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
Overall, the Range Rover is an excellent high-end hunting car that combines luxury, comfort, and reliability. It offers the perfect combination of top-notch off-road capability and an elevated driving experience. For hunters who value style, comfort, and performance, the Range Rover is the ultimate choice to elevate their hunting experiences to a new level.
Mercedes G-Class
The Mercedes G-Class offers customers the agony of choice. Either one opts for overflowing luxury and immense power at a steep price, or one seeks an indestructible, irresistible, and modest off-roader for work with a trailer and chainsaw. After 35 years of service, the G-Class from Mercedes has evolved into Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
For the luxurious boulevard experience, the customer can choose the G 65 AMG, equipped with a twelve-cylinder gasoline engine and impressive 612 hp. However, when it comes to the green everyday life in the hunting area, the G 300 CDI Professional with its 184 diesel hp is a better fit. For the hunter, this offers a functional interior, similar to that of the Unimog. In fact, these rustic switches come from the G variant for the Bundeswehr, which bears the beautiful name "Wolf." The G 300 CDI Professional is always and without exception a five-door vehicle with a three-liter six-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission.
In civilian life, the G-Class with a short wheelbase is only available as a convertible with a five-liter V8, which would rather drift into the fashionable lifestyle world. In contrast, the G 300 CDI Professional, with its unique combination of three differential locks (front, rear axle, and center differential), offers unbeatable traction. Where the G-Class cannot proceed, it is better to continue on foot.
The Mercedes G-Class uniquely combines luxury and work capability. Whether one chooses the path of luxury and performance or seeks function and robustness for work in the terrain, Mercedes offers various options to meet different requirements. With its impressive off-road capability and unmistakable Mercedes quality, the G-Class is an outstanding companion for hunters and adventurers looking for a top-class off-roader.
Jeep Wrangler
The name Jeep stands for the first truly off-road all-wheel drive car, and this honor undoubtedly belongs to it. Already in the 1940s, four GIs could enjoy the compact off-roader. After the end of World War II, the American Jeep inspired a series of descendants worldwide. In Japan, the legendary Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser emerged as direct offshoots of the Jeep. In Great Britain, the American relative also served as inspiration.
The current Jeep Wrangler has developed into the best Jeep of all time. As a Rubicon model, it is even the most off-road capable car in the world as standard! In the hunting area, it impresses mainly with its long suspension travel, which is gentle on the back, and its high axle articulation. Where Land Rover and Suzuki have difficulties, the Jeep simply glides over. It is available in both short and long wheelbase (Unlimited).
The 2.8-liter diesel engine of the Jeep Wrangler is a robust companion that delivers a genuine 200 hp to the crankshaft. Since 2012, there is also a new V6 gasoline engine that sends impressive 284 hp into the race and provides plenty of power.
The Jeep Wrangler embodies the legend of the off-road vehicle and continues it with its outstanding design and performance. With its robust construction, top-notch all-wheel drive system, and powerful engines, it is ready to face any challenge. For hunters and adventurers, the Wrangler offers an unparalleled driving experience characterized by comfort and off-road capability.
The Jeep Wrangler remains an icon in the world of off-road vehicles, and its reputation as a reliable and powerful companion is passed down from generation to generation. When it comes to real off-road adventures, the Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate choice.
Pick-Ups for HuntersVW Amarok
The VW Amarok is a high-performance pick-up and a popular vehicle worldwide in this category, where American (Dodge, Ford) or Japanese manufacturers (Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota) are usually at the forefront. In Germany, the focus is, of course, heavily on VW, especially since the Amarok shines with economical diesel four-cylinder engines ranging from 122 to 180 hp and an impressive eight-speed automatic transmission. The Amarok, which emerged after some uncertain adventures, is the first true pick-up to bear the VW logo. Older generations may remember the front-wheel-drive Golf Caddy and the VW Taro, which was optionally available with all-wheel drive but never as a double cab. Behind the VW logo of the Taro was, in fact, a Toyota Hilux. And then there is the legendary 16-inch double cab based on the VW T3 syncro, affectionately known as "Doka," with an incredible 70 turbo diesel hp. Nowadays, it enjoys great popularity among hunters as a coveted youngtimer! But back to the Amarok: It impresses just like the Ford with a suspension tuning and noise insulation at car level. Nevertheless, one should not forget that a leaf-sprung solid axle (best when fully loaded) and a long wheelbase (preferably for straight-line driving) should not be neglected. Pick-ups are not sports cars and not necessarily the first choice in winding mountain areas. Nevertheless, they have developed in recent years from sober utility vehicles to loyal companions in hunting areas.
Ford Ranger
Pick-ups are the perfect alternative for hunters who regularly need to retrieve heavy game, especially in red or fallow deer areas. Those who are out in the hunting area with a pick-up and were smart enough to mount a winch on the cabin wall can only smile with satisfaction: The harvested deer on the hook, a loading ramp set up, and the game is safely on the flatbed. It is therefore no coincidence that the Federal Forest in the red deer-rich northeast of the Republic relies on Ford - more precisely on the Ford Ranger.
A brand new version of the Ford Ranger has just hit the market, which is considered a hidden gem among off-road flatbed trucks. In addition to powerful diesel engines with four (125 and 159 hp) and five cylinders (200 hp), the improvements in the suspension compared to previous models are particularly noteworthy. The new Ranger offers driving comfort at car level and a high degree of safety. The skid protection ESP is standard, and the Ranger received top marks in the European crash test. As with most pick-ups, customers can choose between single and double cabins.
The Ford Ranger offers a wide range of engine options and equipment packages at prices ranging from just under 27,000 to over 40,000 euros. The top model Wildtrak, equipped with a six-speed automatic and a powerful 200 hp diesel engine, is also available. Unlike its predecessors, the Ranger is no longer produced together with the Mazda BT 50 in Thailand but now comes from the Ford plant in South Africa, where there is a rich experience in hunting large game.
Mercedes X-Class
The Mercedes X-Class is an impressive off-road vehicle that proves to be the ultimate hunting car. With its elegant appearance and robust performance, it uniquely combines luxury and functionality.
The X-Class offers a variety of strengths that make it an ideal companion for hunters. Its powerful engines provide enough power to tackle even rough terrain. With the all-wheel drive option, it can effortlessly navigate through mud, snow, or rubble to reach remote hunting areas.
The generous loading area of the X-Class provides ample space to safely transport game or equipment. Thanks to its strong load capacity and the option to mount a winch, retrieving heavy game is no longer a problem.
The interior of the X-Class is elegantly and comfortably designed. High-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology create a luxurious environment where one can relax after a long hunt. The interior offers enough space for hunters and their equipment, and the comfortable seats ensure comfort even on long journeys.
The safety features of the X-Class ensure the safety of the occupants, even in demanding driving situations. With advanced assistance systems such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and emergency braking assist, the X-Class offers a high level of safety and protection.
With the Mercedes X-Class, hunters have a vehicle that combines style, performance, and functionality. Whether on rough terrain or on the highway, the X-Class meets every challenge with flying colors and allows hunters to fully enjoy their hunting experiences.
Nissan Navara
The Nissan Navara is an impressive vehicle that has proven itself as both a hunting and off-road vehicle. With its robust features and versatility, it offers hunters an ideal solution for their adventures in nature.
The Navara is characterized by its off-road capability and effortlessly masters difficult terrain. With its powerful all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, it can handle even rough paths and muddy roads. Whether it is about accessing remote hunting areas or crossing obstacles, the Navara proves its strength and reliability.
With its robust construction and impressive loading area, the Navara offers ample space to safely transport game or equipment. The high load capacity and practical load securing systems make loading and unloading hunting gear a breeze. Additionally, the option to mount a winch allows for the easy retrieval of heavy game.
The interior of the Navara not only offers comfort but also a range of modern features. With comfortable seats, a clear dashboard, and state-of-the-art technology, the Navara is designed to make long journeys enjoyable. Furthermore, advanced safety features such as driver assistance systems and airbags ensure the safety of the occupants.
The Navara is not only an excellent off-road vehicle but also a reliable partner for hunting. Its versatility, off-road capability, and practical features make it an excellent choice for hunters looking for a robust and powerful vehicle that meets the demands of hunting and off-road driving.