The Quest for the Ultimate All-Purpose Vehicle
The relentless march towards crossover-everything has, surprisingly, made some vehicles significantly more versatile. A key factor is the increased storage space and ease of access provided by a large hatchback, compared to the traditional trunk found in many sedans.
Some people are fortunate enough to own multiple vehicles, each tailored to a specific purpose – a sports car for spirited driving, a truck for hauling, a luxury car for evenings out, and even a passenger van for transporting a large group. But what if you could only have one vehicle to cover all bases? What’s the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife?
This question was posed by Crank Shaft, who also had an answer. He recently realized that the Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle might be the most versatile, unmodified vehicle currently available:
“It is luxurious, handles well, is loaded with tech, has a remarkably tight chassis for having two huge sliding doors, has a more than enough power, seats seven, comes in AWD, has a towing package, can be converted to a cargo truck that will carry 4x8s on the floor, etcetera.”
Having driven one, it’s difficult to disagree. The Pacifica even comes with fancy pillows! And, as Crank Shaft demonstrated, it’s possible to load the van with an astonishing amount of gear.
What do you think? Can you name a more adaptable vehicle?
Reader Responses
Readers weighed in with their own contenders for the ‘most versatile’ crown. Some of the vehicles suggested, and the arguments in their favor, included:
- Range Rover LWB: Mentioned for its three-row seating, all-weather capability, strong towing capacity, and powerful engine. Its potential high maintenance costs were also acknowledged.
- VW Multivan: Proposed as a vehicle that can function as a van, multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), and even a camper.
- Minivans (various): Minivans, overall, got a lot of love, specifically the Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica, for their ability to haul people and cargo in relative comfort.
- Full-Size Pickup Trucks: Crew cab pickup trucks were championed by some for their towing and hauling capacity, interior space, and available features.
- Subaru Outback: Appreciated for its comfort, gear-hauling abilities, safety, and, in the XT trim, its surprising performance, being more of a wagon than SUV.
Several readers highlighted the importance of considering the vehicle’s size and its suitability for urban environments, such as the ability to park easily, suggesting the choice of the most applicable vehicle really does “depend on what ‘all the tasks’ the car needs to do are.”
Ultimately, identifying the most versatile vehicle is a subjective exercise, depending on individual needs and priorities. However, the debate itself highlights the diverse range of vehicles available and the ingenuity of their owners in maximizing their capabilities.
