The 8 Best Beach Cars on The Market in 2024
Source: Pixabay
When it comes to summer driving, nothing beats being right on the beach. Some vehicles operate better than others in the sand, rain, possible hurricanes, and other conditions you’ll encounter at the beach. Having a car in a coastal vehicle has pros and cons, so be sure to consider some of the best beach cars for your summer driving.
Driving on the beach is much more difficult than driving on the road, and conditions can be considerably more challenging than standard street driving. When considering a few of the best beach cars, these are some early things to consider since they can vary drastically.
- Number of seats
- Drivetrain
- Ground clearance
- Driving purpose
- Price
- Reliability
If money is tight and you need to stick to a budget, search for American brands that are 4WD, easy to work on and have a large range of used components.
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1. Ford Bronco
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is built to look attractive while also performing well in just about any condition. It has excellent off-road capability that’s perfect for the sand and nearby coastal areas. With the seats down, the Bronco Sport has a cargo capacity of 65.2 cubic feet, which is enough room for beach gear, coolers, and passenger space (it even has a built-in bottle opener).
The Bronco Sport is available with a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine as standard or a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as an option and the latest Broncos are still 4WD. Designed with detachable hardtops and aftermarket soft tops, the Bronco comes along with numerous packages available with contemporary amenities. The Bronco is definitely a contender for one of the best beach cars.
2. Jeep Wrangler
Another famous all-terrain vehicle that can handle the beach’s changing sand is the Jeep Wrangler. Not including its impressive off-road abilities, the Jeep is still one of the most beach-friendly and summer cars available. Its retractable doors and detachable top allow one of the most unique driving experiences.
When it comes to off-roading, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can get you into and out of any coastal environment. Any type of sandy terrain will be handled with ease for the basic 4WD and V6 engine. The Jeep Wrangler is one of the best beach cars for a day on the sand with all the freedom you have inside the car and the Jeep’s capabilities.
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3. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the few genuine SUVs left since most have been recently replaced by crossovers, and it’s popular for a good reason. People are still impressed by its all-wheel-drive capabilities.
When the back seats are folded down, you’ll have about 90 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it one of the largest on the market to carry beach supplies and more. The 4Runner also comes with roof racks and back racks, so even more space for water essentials like surfboards, or kayaks. Because this is designed for off-road exploration, it is the ideal vehicle for a road trip to the beach and is also excellent for resale and reliability.
4. Ford Mustang Convertible
With up to 460 horsepower possible, this is one of the quickest vehicles and open style convertible to really get the beach feel. The Mustang is an excellent option as a convertible with its sleek appearance, and you can store your beach essentials in the rear or on the roof if you keep the hardtop on.
With high-end technology designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable, you can focus on appreciating the world around you as Ford provides a smooth ride.
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5. Subaru Outback
The Outback is one of the best all-wheel drive with a ground clearance of 8.7 inches which is great for poor weather conditions, but also for the beach. The half wagon styled vehicle is great for bringing large beach equipment like surfboards and kayaks with its large roof rack. Known for its dependability and safety, this is also a good choice for entertaining families at your beach house, as it seats 5 people more comfortably than other SUVs.
It’s great for beach terrain driving with its standard AWD system and has a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine. It has excellent off-roading capabilities, so whether you need to drive through a forest or take a detour to the beach, the Outback will get you there.
6. Jeep Gladiator
Jeep is well known for some other vehicles, and the Gladiator has been gaining popularity as an alternative option for the last few years. Coming equipped with a V6 engine and 4WD, this pickup truck has up to 285 horsepower and 260 ft-lbs of torque, perfect for beach hauling that correlates to around 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. So, if you want a beach truck capable of towing a boat from road to water, the Jeep Gladiator is a great option.
7. Porsche Cayenne
One of the more expensive options, the luxury style Cayenne has true off-road capabilities and elite interior comfort for long road trips to the beach. It boasts standard AWD to help drivers get in and out of sandy conditions and offers tons of interior accessories to help you improve your driving. The Cayenne has a surprisingly high towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. A luxurious vehicle with off-road and towing capabilities definitely makes it an option for one of the best beach cars available.
8. BMW 4 Series
BMW is known for its quality and durability. If you’ve always wanted a convertible and something you can depend on, the 4 Series is a great summer vacation option. Beach driving can be both exciting and safe with the standard 4-wheel drive and 8-speed transmission. It’s not great for hauling tons of stuff, but if you’re going solo or don’t have many passengers, this is a fun and exciting option.
You truly can’t go wrong with any of these options, but in order to have one of the best beach cars for you, it’s important to weigh what’s important to you and your family. A convertible might be fun, but won’t be very practical for a family of 5. It’s always a great idea to test drive a few different options to get a true feel for the handling and how it might feel in the sand. Image source
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