Don’t go chasing waterfalls – said TLC, but not you. You’d chase (aka hike to) any waterfall within driving distance.

But you need a car that can help you get there – even if it means going on rarely-traveled, never-groomed roads.

Does an outdoor car for chasing waterfalls sound like something you need in your life? Read on below.

What Do We Consider An Outdoor Car?

To make this list, the cars had to have three things. They had to be all-wheel drive, have some sort of taller clearance than previous models, and had to have four seats or more.

Here are five of the models that checked those boxes.

1. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

If you’re looking for a Jeep that doesn’t have that hardcore surfer vibe than this is the Jeep for you.

It looks more like an SUV than the classic models on this blog – it almost reminds us of the newer Subaru Outbacks.

When it comes to under-the-hood stuff, you’re still not getting great mileage. That’s not something Jeep is known for – so keep that in mind if you’re a commuter.

This car has a new Quadra-Drive II air suspension, which makes it higher up from the ground than the other models. Higher up, that is, if you push a button.

A car that gets taller on its own is pretty cool – and very useful if you’re going off-road.

If you want this model, you’re going to pay the big bucks – but hey, it’s a self-growing car. The MSRP is about $44,000 flat.

2. Nissan Pathfinder

This edition doesn’t look much different than the others- but there’s something to be said about the new specs. Instead of a normal SUV horsepower rating, this one is pumped up to 284HP.

That means it can go fast, but also that it can carry a lot. It’s ow rating is up to six thousand pounds, which can carry about any mid-sized camper (30 ft and under).

Another cool feature is the All-Around View Monitor. It gives you a 360-view of the terrain if you need to, like, locate a child? We don’t know how practical that is, but it’s cool.

This is a good car for a family or couple that likes to spend time outdoors. Reviewers said that it wasn’t quite comfortable for adults to sit in the back.

You’ll pay less for this car than for the last car, which is a little backward from what a Jeep/Nissan comparison usually looks like. Its MSRP is $32,920.

Oh – and it gets decent gas mileage, around 20 for city and 26 highway.

3. The Toyota Prius Prime

About two years ago Toyota announced that it was working on some new shapes and sizes for their famous hybrid. And they did – they came out with three different models.

The updated version of those models (and the biggest one) is the Toyota Prius Prime.

While this car isn’t exactly made for going mudding, it’ll take you on quite a hike. It has an amazing 55 MPG city/highway.

When using both fuel and its engine, the car can go 640 miles without filling up. That’s practically a trip from LA to Las Vegas back, twice!

The thing that reviewers didn’t like about this mileage friendly model? It doesn’t boast much storage space.

If that’s not an issue for you, then put it on your test drive list. It’s the cheapest model so far on our list, at just under $30,000 MSRP.

4. Subaru Impreza

If the first thing you think of when it comes to outdoor cars is a Jeep – the second should be a Subaru. The manufacturer makes their cars sporty, but not in the “I drive a fancy car” way.

They even make some models with manual and automatic shift, so the driver can choose their own adventure. Their most famous model is by far the Outback, but the Impreza probably comes in second.

Or maybe it ties with the Forester. Either way, this brand new Impreza will Impreza you with its stats (see what we did there?)

It has a 152 horsepower engine, which is good for the class, but miles under what the new Nissan (above) offered. You won’t be towing any big trailers with this guy.

Where it doesn’t deliver in tow volume, it delivers in passenger room and MPH. You can pick up 28 mpg city and 38 highway in this new model.

5. The Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL 4

We had to include the new Mini on this list because the concept of an “outdoor friendly” Mini Cooper is so foreign. But the developers of this car are trying not to make it that way.

It’s the biggest model to date and has four-wheel drive, which not all minis have. It’s not going to take you up the side of a mountain, but it’ll keep you on the road in less than ideal conditions.

It’s not quite as full of features as the brand’s more classic models, but if you need something cute but big, it gets the job done. MSRP is at $31,950.

Its MPG is about the same as the Impreza, at 28 city and 35 highway.

Choosing Your Car

When it comes to deciding which of the outdoor cars on this list are for you, the first thing is budget. Unless you’re shopping with unlimited funds (which makes us jealous).

Second, think about the kind of driving you do. Are you really going off-roading? Or do you need something that can keep you safe on icy roads?

Finally, check the MPG. The cars on this list are all pretty decent, but some outshine the others (the Prius).

Can’t decide if you want to shop for your car in person or online (yes, that’s an option!)? Click here.