Best Doomsday Vehicles: Top 5 Rides For Escaping The Apocalypse Most Recommended By Experts

Are you looking for the kind of ride that will help you navigate the apocalypse, the end of the world, or even the sudden appearance of flying saucers? Let’s hope none of those are anytime soon, but if worse comes to worst, we’ve got you covered. You’re not looking for just a vehicle; you need to find the best doomsday vehicle to use as your ticket to survival and style in a post-apocalyptic world.

Owning a doomsday vehicle is the ultimate show of preparedness for intelligent minds. It is your toolkit on wheels for any apocalyptic scenario you can imagine. Whether you’re escaping hordes of undead or outrunning radioactive mutants, your vehicle is your fortress on wheels.

But here’s the real kicker: These doomsday vehicles are not just about survival; they’re about thriving in style. The best ones are tricked out with features that would make James Bond jealous – think reinforced armor, bulletproof glass, and even flamethrowers. You’re not just surviving; you’re looking cool doing it.

We want to help you to prepare for the apocalypse by providing you with the definitive list of the best doomsday vehicles, according to the experts. You are smarter than the average bear, because you are prepared. Take that last step and secure the transportation you need to outlast everyone else. Have you done anything to prepare for the apocalypse? Leave a comment to let us know!

The List: Best Doomsday Vehicles, According to Experts

1. Jeep Wrangler

The top choice on our list of doomsday vehicles is none other than the Jeep Wrangler. “Jeeps are iconic in doomsday prepper communities because they’re built to be abused by the road and it’s easy to repair them. They’re also the ideal vehicle in a doomsday scenario because they have universal components that you can acquire more easily domestically,” says Forbes.

The Jeep Wrangler is the best Doomsday vehicle, according to experts.
Jeep Wrangler off-road (Photo by Dan Gomer on Unsplash)

It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared. “During the apocalypse, it becomes crucial most of the time to go off-track for your safety,” writes Armormax. “Therefore, you should consider a vehicle that is perfectly suitable for off-road adventures. The second important thing to consider is that the vehicle should have enough space to carry your gear. Because you need to carry plenty of items for survival like food, weapons, first-aid kit, clothes, etc. Jeep Wrangler is an incredible SUV that fulfills all your needs. It can crawl up anywhere due to its excellent off-road capabilities and robust front and rear axles. Much advanced safety features further to make it safe. For example, it has a tire-fill alert system, forward-facing camera, and run-flat tires. Above all, its exterior is exceptionally strong that can protect its occupants from any kind of attack. All these characteristics make it one of the finest options for the apocalypse.”

These Jeep Wrangler will become your insurance policy for the unexpected. “The Wranglers are the highest and most commonly lifted vehicles you can get for under 200 Benjamins. The height advantage means you can crawl over bad roads or leave the streets altogether while Hyundais are left to the flames or aliens. A platform made for customizing allows you to easily loot parts off other cars or prepare the improvements ahead of time at little cost or effort. The front bumper, unlike most cars, is designed to repeatedly take the full force of the car as you may have seen in videos where one’s Jeep sits undamaged and some poor, little sedan lays nearby in mangles,” notes Hot Cars.

2. Hummer

If you want to survive doomsday, you have to drive a Hummer. Well, at least, that is what most experts believe. “If nothing else, you automatically get the title of general when you roll up to the survival camp in this,” says Hot Cars. “The 2009 H2 gets 393 horsepower with a V8 and has a nine-speed automatic. It’s built like a Jeep with modes like 4-high, 4-high lock, and 4-low lock, letting you lock out the rear differential to bust out of tough situations and crawl up and down the steepest of hills. The H2 might not be as reliable but the GM platform permits for lots of domestic repairs any time you find an abandoned Tahoe. The windows don’t allow for as much visibility but that’s a good thing! There’s less glass space to get broken, and more metal plating to protect you.”

Hummer
Hummer (Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash)

The Hummer is loaded with everything you need to tackle whatever doomsday throws at you. “The Hummer H2 is no longer in production (it hasn’t been since 2009), but a used one in good condition is a solid choice for a bug out vehicle,” shares Urban Survival Site. “The H2 undeniably has poor fuel mileage and parking it can be rather difficult in tight conditions, but it’s a tank of a vehicle that can barge through practically anything, with lots of storage space. Off-road capabilities are also uniformly excellent.”

Lions and tigers and bears – no problem. Zombies? You may need extra reinforcements. “Zombies are slow, skinny, and poorly equipped, so basically the Iraqi army. The Hummer H1 has already defeated them, twice, so it should have no problem running down zombies. The big diesel V8 can run on nearly any fuel source, and has enough torque to power over crumbled buildings. There’s enough room inside for all the food and guns you will ever need. It has zero luxury items, but you won’t care as you’ll be driving over everything you can find,” notes Zero to 60 Times.

3. Subaru Outback

Subaru makes the cut for expert recommendations for doomsday vehicles. If moms trust them with their children, of course they will be safe enough to get you out of harm’s way. “Subaru makes a whole lot of money selling a ton of ugly cars. No worries though, as they are known to stand up to a beating. Decent gas mileage means you can go where you need to get when the gas stations are out of power. The Outback doesn’t offer any more performance over the regular Impreza, but it does have more ground clearance and a cool off-road look. Like an AMC Eagle, except it runs. Giant swarms of locusts? Just turn on the wipers, hit the lights, and gas it,” shares Zero to 60 Times.

Subaru Outback 2024 (subaru.com)
Subaru Outback 2024 (subaru.com)

Ready to survive zombies, alien invasions, or a sudden ice age? Subaru has the reliability you need. “If you’re looking for a smaller bug out vehicle, you still have to select a model with AWD capabilities and plenty of storage, and the best choice here will be the Subaru Outback wagon (essentially a wagon version of the Subaru Legacy sedan). Subaru is known for making AWD sedans and wagons, and they largely control this section of the car market. Subaru’s are also noted for their reliability and are popular among outdoors enthusiasts looking for a compact off-road vehicle,” writes Urban Survival Site.

Your Subaru will be your trusty sidekick through thick and thin. “This one won’t be breaking down cement barriers, but the added horsepower (170) makes this flat-four Subaru the fastest of the Outback lineup, and that matters because the Outback, despite normally being slow, has 8.7” of ground clearance and legendary AWD born from rally history that will let you fly over rough terrain and snow, even in an unmodified base model. As you may know, people love to lift these! This being a cheaper car, you can get your family moving for a lot less, and with as much trunk space as an SUV. With just two, the folded-down seats leave more than enough space to sleep inside,” explains Hot Cars.

4. Mercedes Benz Unimog

The superstar on this list of best cars for doomsday is the Mercedes Benz Unimog. Have you even seen it? “If you are looking for foolproof security with stunning design, Mercedes-Benz G-Class might be the best option for you. It comes with a thrilling 4-liter twin-turbo V8 diesel engine with 412 hp. In an event of the apocalypse, nothing like powerful vehicles traverse mud, steep slopes, and water can stop it. This vehicle has many safety features like a multi-function suspension steering wheel, automatic climate control, and passenger airbags. Some other features like the anti-lock braking system and run-flat tires make it a brilliant off-road runner,” adds Armormax.

Mercedes Benz Unimog
Mercedes Benz Unimog (mercedes-benz-trucks.com)

You will definitely be the neighborhood legend with the coolest ride when Armageddon knocks on your door. “In North America, it’s hard to remember that Mercedes makes a bunch of rugged utility vehicles for the rest of the world. If you can do without leather and touch screens in your Benz, look for a Unimog. These medium duty trucks serve as military vehicles, fire trucks, various off-road vehicles, and whatever else you need. The 5.1 liter turbo diesel makes V6 horsepower, but massive torque. It’s like a massively more capable Land Rover,” writes Zero to 60 Times.

Invest wisely. Your family will thank you for it. “I’m sure some Unimog owners will try to tell you their rig is worth upwards of 100 grand, but the fact is that you can get a well-running Unimog for well under 20k,” shares Hot Cars. “With the ridiculously tall German farm truck, you get a cabin-on frame with a bed that can literally be changed with hand tools (though you need a way to lift it, I suppose). The frame itself can flex up to 25% for maximum articulation, making it far better than a Jeep at off-roading. Once you summit the learning curve of the seven different levers you control (just for the transmission and drive modes) then you have an enviable diesel machine that can carry a football team, hold a camper box, or even mount a turret gun.”

5. Chevrolet Silverado or Express

Doomsday vehicles are like off-road dreams on steroids and Chevrolet provides the steam behind making those dreams come true. “Let’s start things off with a practical choice,” advises The Prepper Journal. “Chevy makes a solid truck, there’s no doubt about it, and this one was built specifically for unforeseen emergencies. Although we can’t say that the zombie outbreak was ‘unforeseen,’ we can certainly classify it as an emergency. The fully capable 4×4 features a 5.3 liter EcoTec3 V8 engine with plenty of power (355 ponies to be exact) along with lower body armor, raised suspension, solar power pack, generator, military First Aid Kit, gas masks, a crate of food with Top Ramen and Twinkies (your new favorite food groups in this post apocalyptic world), and a whole lot more.”

Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Silverado (chevrolet.com)

Whether you’re fleeing from zombies or just the everyday chaos of modern life, the Chevy will get you where you want to go. “In the case of an apocalypse, a pickup truck can be the finest option to carry all of your food and gear. It contains everything you need to survive in any disastrous situation. This 4 x 4 truck comes with a 355 HP and 5.3-Liter V8 engine that make it the perfect ride for off-road tracks. Knight XV gives tough competition to this vehicle. The Chevrolet Silverado has gas masks, a military first aid kit, and a built-in generator. Further, it contains a solar power pack, and a lockable truck vault to carry food and weapons. Further, its robust exterior makes it unbreakable. In case of an attack with lethal weapons, you can still survive in this vehicle,” says Armormax.

Have you considered a van for your apocalyptic adventures? The Chevrolet Express may be your ticket to the easy escapes you need. Van life, bay-bee! The Express is cheaper than the Mercedes Sprinter and friends because it doesn’t have a tall roof or fancy features. It is, however, more reliable,” notes Hot Cars. “The V6 is surprisingly capable, able to tow 4,500 lbs. The V8 options expand that number up to 10,000 pounds! People do use these as simple DIY vans as often if not more than Sprinters. Bikers and skiers love them for camping and taking their palls to the slopes. So, it tows like a truck and has 4WD like a truck, it can even be lifted like a truck… why doesn’t everyone own one? Frankly, we don’t know. It might be the insecurity of owning a van. They are missing out because besides being able to save your whole Mormon neighborhood, you can also load up the roof to 2,000 lbs with tents, solar panels, and battle-axes. Frankly, it’s hard to pick a truck over one of these, especially if you hope to stay in the car for more precarious situations.”

Which doomsday vehicle suits your style? Leave a comment to let us know!

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Sources:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.

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About the Author

Te-Erika Patterson

Te-Erika is the Publisher of The Feisty News for Women, the only full-service news source for women. Te-Erika is also the author of How To Love a Powerful Woman, Leave Your Baby Daddy and Loving Female Led Relationships: Relationships that Empower Women. A graduate of The University of Florida, Te-Erika enjoys a thriving career as a digital content creator that has spanned more than a decade. She enjoys chocolate, wine and solitude, and she is currently living a quiet life in Montgomery, Alabama. Follow her @Te-Erika

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Comments

    1. FJs are awesome, this writer probably never heard of one….. FJs, Jeeps and Subarus are everywhere in the mountains of Colorado, we know what we are doing

  1. If there is a massive EMP burst(s), none of those vehicles will be operative afterwards.

    1. Keep a spare starter/solenoid in a faraday cage with the vehicle and you can be up and running in just a few minutes with the proper tools

      1. you’re a moron… EMP burst will not affect the starter but will fry all the electronics / computer chips…. a new starter would be useless on today’s vehicles

      2. If the car has a computer controls and electronic ignition, will replacing the starter/solenoid actually get you up and running again?

    2. Yep. Consumer-grade modern computer controlled vehicles will be unrepairable then. Toss in normal sensor and component failures and there will be a lot of vehicles immobile in short order because their parts weren’t selected with commonality and repair inventory reduction in mind. And there aren’t books like “How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive; A Manual of Step-By-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot” around anymore.

    3. BS. my 89 YJ doesnt have a computer chip one, nothing but motor, trans and Jeep, climb right up and down the mountains , no problem. A lot of old good running Jeeps here

    4. I if there is a EMP/nuclear detonation, you’d need a pre 1975 ish and preferably a diesel so you run it on kerosene or vegetable oil, cuz gas pumps wouldn’t work. Unless the apocalypse is trying to get the target on Black Friday

      Except the Unimog all the rest are crap, this article stupid.

    5. Incorrect . Diesels have no ignition system to fail and can be modified to run with NO electrical parts at all . I Know > I have one .

    6. CUCVEE. The military Chevy Blazer (K-5). 6.2 mechanical diesel. Only thing electric on the engine is the starter, fuel solenoid and alternators and batteries. You can hold the fuel solenoid open with small vice grips. If you can get it turned over, it’s running. Not powerful, but gets 20 mpg.

    7. Absolute Correct! China will hit us with an EMP at 300 miles geo and nothing electronic will survive. I was in a war game with China 12 years ago they waxed our ass. Zero hardened electronics survived that includes commercial aircraft and any other unit with a computer chip.

  2. This is literally the most backwards list for a prepper vehicle list. Jeeps from 20 or 30 years ago with the 4 liter engine might be good but anything in the last 10 years have too many electronic components that will fail and they are NOT known to be that bullet proof. The same is true for the Chevy Silverado…the ones from the last 10 or 15 years are junk. GM trucks from the 1990s or early 2000s are great. My thought is get a 4runner…they’ve had the same engine for the last 10 years plus and ARE bulletproof. They aren’t as refined as the newer Jeeps or Chevy’s but they are truly bullet proof because they use tested tech. The best prepper move though is to get your life right with God…thing are wrapping up quickly in this realm. Google Brian Melvin on Youtube if you want convincing.

  3. The last thing you want , post apocalypse, is to stand out. Drive something flashy and you become a target. A pre 2000 4wd, manual transmission pickup will get you anywhere and keep you off radar. Creature comforts are nice but they also break and your local dealer will probably be out of business. Better to be able to shop a junk yard.

  4. And every effete EV owner will be Zombie food.

    One thing overlooked here: do any of these vehicles have a non-button way to roll up the windows? Honestly not confident Mad Max will find useful any vehicle built after 2001 to government standards.

  5. To not include the Toyota 4Runner here is a massive miss. Easily as capable as a Wrangler and far more reliable. #justsayin

  6. Anything with a VW 4 cylinder style engine will run if you stick with the basic electrical parts. A extra ignition coil and set of points and your ready to go even if you have a problem. A light ride can go places heavy ones can’t and a “come-along” and jack can get you places others can’t.

  7. As soon as you start talking about Zombies, and their danger, you lose any sense of credibility.
    Vehicle specs are important. Safe from zombies is not.

  8. So you’re just going to get fuel at any gas station during the apocalypse? how about new tires? oil changes and other maintenance? What ABOUT WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID? there was a shortage of that back during the COVID pandemic and you think it’s going to be plentiful during the apocalypse?

  9. “Experts” hahahaha, rates Chrysler garbage #1. Jeep has become a sell out to soccer moms and drugstore cowboys.

  10. Man I love this, the fact that these articles are being written, you should already be at your permanent shelter if not start walking

  11. Where is the trailer for the mechanics and Jeep parts to keep it running ?
    Heeps are a Jip and Nothing but Junk .

      1. I am in the Philippines now and can assure you that no jeepneys are jeeps. They are old Japanese trucks with passenger body attached. They stink and are really loud but are not jeep, even though that may sound like a contradiction.

  12. This article was written by someone with absolutely no understanding of what a “doomsday” scenario looks like. It means no service, parts, or any other means of vehicle maintenance.
    Under such a situation a vehicle like the Jeep, which is rated as one of the worst for
    reliability is among the worst to have. You’d be better off with a Camry.
    Subaru, while making the cut for reliability, has severe shortcomings due to its ground clearance and durability in extreme situations.

    The best option: A Land Cruiser or at least an FJ Cruiser.


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