Longboards, Barrels, and Beckoning Breaks: 2024’s Raddest Surf Vehicles Ranked

The popularity of surfing has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade! An ideal car model for a serious rider finding the best breaks will meet a few specific needs. It should be a good place to spend a few nights, as well as boast above-average all-terrain handling. 2024’s Raddest surf vehicles sees us highlighting cars appropriate for seeking out barrels from Rhode Island to California!

2024’s Raddest Surf Vehicles Ranked

Many cars a surfer would choose as their favorite may not be the latest model! “Gently used” vehicles are still excellent choices when it comes to traveling for this action sport. Searching for swells can be one of the most fun driving experiences ever! Here are some of the rides that brave boardshorts-sporting drivers will love. 

The Volkswagen Westfalia Wagon:

Affectionately known as the “Vanagon”, this model tops nearly every surfer’s four-wheeled wish list. It was made from 1979 until 1992 and uses a 4-5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. The MPG rating isn’t stellar, but it has the charm and practicality to secure our top spot. 

The 2024 Subaru CrossTrek: 

As soon as you have your gear ready and see the day’s offerings, the 2024 Crosstrek offers many wave-friendly perks. Its AWD is excellent for the locations you may be scouting for your next session. CrossTreks also have a 16.6-gallon tank and a 3,500-lb towing capacity. You may not be using the car to sleep in, but it will be fantastic for getting you there! 

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma:

Toyotas are hard-working trucks that have a reputation for extreme durability! The 2024 model cranks out 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It could assist with a trip West up river or anywhere else you are eager to drop in and carve! The 5 to 6-foot long bed is an excellent benefit when it comes to much-needed storage for the journey’s essentials.  

The 2024 Subaru Forester:

This is the amazing relative of the very surf-inclined CrossTrek! You’ll be capturing shots or enjoying swells with an EPA rating of 33.26 MPG. The Touring model has a 3,000-lb towing capacity and very efficient CVT. From inland wave pools to the thrill of the sea’s beckoning swell, the Forester is always down. 

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler:

This year’s Wrangler comes in the standard 4ce or EV model. The electric range is 370 miles, and an off-road towing wrench is standard equipment. The Wrangler’s removable top also makes it a savvy surfer’s choice. These are vehicles that outdoor adventurers have always flocked to!

The Volkswagen Type 2 Window: 

This is the surfer’s getup that will always muster up a genuine smile from any true rider! There’s nothing quite as true to the sport as this “hippie camper” classic! Its best versions were made in the late 1960s. From Maui to Montauk, the VW Type 2 is any true barrel burner’s iconic dream. 

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser:

While definitely from the “newer breed” of surf-ready vehicles, the Land Cruiser is a great fit for beach driving. Any of summer’s conquests can be easier with its full-time 4WD system. The Land Cruiser’s burliest feature for surfers is the CRAWL and multi-terrain select. 

The 2011 Honda Element:

The Honda Element was obviously designed with action sports in mind! The backseats can flatten, which makes it easy to sleep in. Even though it’s a bit boxy, its ability to fit a mattress makes it a bit more useful than the CrossTrek. The Element boasts a 1,500-lb towing capacity, rendering it perfect for a bucket list experience. 

Tides, Terrain, and Travel: Choosing the Perfect Ride for Your Surfing Lifestyle

The cars on this list are ideal for surfers because they are excellent for conquering any obstacle potential. To meet a surfer’s criteria, some vehicles are great workstations on wheels or camper vans, but they may not fare as well when navigating water or rocks. 

Many people who are just now getting into the sport are looking for a vehicle that makes their plans affordable. The Volkswagen models bring about a sense of iconic statement. They may not be able to handle the unpredictable landscape that a Jeep Wrangler can. If these feel a bit inaccessible to one day own, they are still fit for a wave-conquering vacation! 

Wrapping up A Wave-Rider’s Auto Wish List:

It has been rewarding to see surfers create very tight-knit communities nationwide! There’s a good deal of comradery that stems from a like-minded individual who is out there paddling in search of the same type of excitement. Which one of these board-hauling buggies is your favorite? The VW Westfalia sure is a classic, while the Tacoma can conquer any tough terrain thrown at it! Let us know what you think of these surf vehicles in the comments below, or check out another article about the best coastal destinations to explore.