10 Best Cars Under $35K for Retirees Who Love the Outdoors

Just because money is tight doesn't mean that retirees, or anyone living on a tight budget, can't find a quality car for exploring the great outdoors. From crossovers and SUVs to pickup trucks, there are plenty of affordable used and new vehicles to whisk you away on an off-road adventure.

These adventure-ready cars are all available for less than $35,000, making them smart money moves for car owners looking to score a killer deal on a versatile vehicle that's well-suited to their active lifestyles.

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MSRP: $29,995

Reviewers have praised the Subaru Forester for having off-road capabilities that far exceed the average small SUV. They also noted that its spacious interior and advanced standard safety features make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Owners have lauded this vehicle for its incredible safety and versatility, as well as its roomy and comfortable ride and excellent cargo space, all making it a great choice for exploring the outdoors.

MSRP: $31,695

Reviewers have noted that the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport all-wheel-drive setup is vastly more capable off-road than the majority of small crossover SUVs.

Owners love the small SUV's smooth ride quality and powerful engine, and they also praised its ability to function as a daily driver. It's a capable vehicle for off-road adventures, camping trips, and beach getaways.

MSRP: $32,145

Reviewers have stated that the Toyota Tacoma more than earns its reputation as a durable vehicle that is highly capable on any road. It's also easy to drive, no matter how rugged the journey gets.

Owners have praised the Tacoma's reliability, with some of them happily reporting that they have purchased numerous Tacoma models over the years.

MSRP: $28,145

Reviewers consider the Ford Maverick an excellent compact truck due to its affordability and numerous equipment modifications that can enhance its off-road and towing capabilities.

Owners have praised this small pickup truck's utilitarian capabilities, noting that it's just as capable of tackling daily commutes as it is cruising rugged trails on the weekend. They also noted the subcompact truck as being a fantastic alternative to a small SUV.

MSRP: $34,995

The Subaru Outback is a well-rounded station wagon-meets-SUV that reviewers have praised for its spacious cabin and smooth ride, ever-capable off-road abilities, and practical roof rack and cargo areas that will easily serve families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

In particular, they lauded the Outback's versatility and off-road prowess, which make it well-suited for drivers looking to traverse roads less traveled.

MSRP: $29,800

Reviewers praised the Toyota RAV4 for its spacious interior, accessible technology features, and comfortable ride. In particular, they praised the TRD Off-Road trim as a standout for its all-terrain tires and exceptional suspension.

They noted that the RAV4 TDR trim's all-wheel-drive system with advanced torque vectoring, excellent traction control system, and rugged styling make it a standout vehicle for drivers looking to take on all kinds of terrain.

MSRP: $29,500

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has been praised by reviewers for its exceptional ride quality and handling, numerous tech features, and practical cargo bed.

They also praised this compact truck crossover for its overall utility and notable ground clearance that almost matches that of off-road icons like the Subaru Outback. It's a unique Jack-of-all-trades vehicle that's ideally suited for hitting the trail with plenty of camping gear in tow.

MSRP: $32,690

Arguably the most iconic off-road vehicle of all time, the Jeep Wrangler is no exception to its automaker's rugged, impressive lineage.

The Wrangler is a dominant off-road force with a spacious, high-quality interior and enough practicality to make any driver want to take it anywhere.

MSRP: $19,259

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack comes with the standard all-wheel drive capabilities that outdoor enthusiasts crave, while also offering a comfortable interior built with quality materials and enough cargo space to serve families on the go.

Owners have raved that the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a "perfect" station wagon with enough features to make it a satisfying off-road addition to anyone's driveway.

MSRP: $23,550

Thanks to its incredible interior space, flexible cargo and passenger configurations, better-than-expected maneuverability for its size, and available four-wheel-drive setup, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo can be a great camper, according to reviewers.

Owners have praised the Sprinter Cargo's 4x4 capabilities and engine power, noting that they use it as their primary vacation vehicle.

With Americans spending a whopping $61 billion on camping in 2024, retirees looking to get in on the action of this classic recreation activity while sticking to their budget should consider purchasing an affordable, trail-ready vehicle.

With so many practical and versatile off-road options to choose from, shop around to see which one is best suited to your needs, just like drivers can compare auto insurance rates to save money on car insurance. This will also help keep more money in your pocket.