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If there’s one thing most men have in common, it’s our unquenchable thirst for exploration. When we’re not sweating our brains out in the gym or grilling barbecue out the garden, we just seem to crave for a good adventure—whether it’s braving the urban jungle, exploring the wilderness or going where no man has gone before. Unfortunately, most dads are too busy for any of that.

The grind of work, saving up for tuition fees, paying the rent—there’s just too much stuff that demands our attention. Let’s face it, we aren’t as free as we used to be. So what’s the best way to escape all of this stress? A proper weekend getaway, of course!

It really doesn’t take much: A couple of days at a remote beach, some grilled chicken and a surfboard should be enough to rejuvenate the mind. But to do any of this, you need a road partner that you can rely on.

Having a reliable vehicle is just as important as any aspect of any good road trip. So here are some options to consider when looking for a car that can handle the grandest of adventures:

Most people are under the impression that it’s expensive to go on an adventure and have a good time. Thankfully, it appears that Suzuki doesn’t share that mindset. With the top-spec Jimny available for less than 1 million Pesos, you get a light, nimble and capable off-roader that’s fun to drive and ready to tackle any terrain.

Inside the cabin, it’s pretty much your basic 2+2 seating configuration with little room in the back for anyone older than 6 years old. It’s a setup more suitable for new dads enjoying their first born than it is for hauling two teenagers around. When the time comes, you can fold the rear seats down and get more room for luggage. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway with your one and only.

What the Jimny lacks in modern amenities, it makes up for in genuine off-road capability. With selectable four-wheel drive and low range gearing typically found in trucks twice its size, Suzuki has made a true 4X4 vehicle half the size of its competitors.

The narrow track makes it extremely maneuverable in tight trails while still providing great approach, departure, and breakover angles. In addition, the 1.3L engine is fuel efficient and delivers satisfying power whether on or off the road.

Having undergone only three major updates since its introduction in 1970, Suzuki has stuck with their formula of a fun, capable truck ready for anything you throw at it.

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With the exception of beards, selvedge denim and outdoor sports, you’d be hard pressed to find something as manly as a good old-fashioned pick-up truck. Let’s be honest–we’ve all fantasized about owning one so we’re giving it the moment it deserves here on the list.

While there are a lot of options for pick-up trucks in the market, the Hilux has always been a solid contender, and for good reason. The new model receives a timely facelift and other upgrades to the engine and suspension has been done as well to improve performance and driving experience, respectively.

Outside, the most significant change is the redesigned front end, that although we’ve heard some say it’s taken on an odd shape, actually increased approach angle significantly, making it better than its competitors in that category.

Inside is where most of the updates are really noticeable. The new model boasts a classier cabin with piano black accents spread across the dash, and sitting behind the wheel feels more car-like thanks to a fresh dial display and a now tilting and telescopic steering column not available in the previous model.

Pick-up trucks can’t be practical family cars? Well, the new Hilux begs to differ. Now with more legroom in the rear passenger seats than its predecessor, it should be able to sit two adults comfortably. Although passengers in the back are short of an A/C vent, Toyota makes up for it by providing a center armrest with cup holders and a couple of sleek bag hooks for versatility.

The smaller 2.8L diesel aims to be more economical than the previous 3.0L offering, and to be honest, there’s no feeling of shortage in power at all. The 4WD system is now engaged by a turn of a knob making it effortless to drive on uneven roads that lead up to the most secluded beachfronts, all while carrying a couple of surfboards or a dirt bike in full stride.

There are cars that can handle the occasional trip out of town, then there’s the Jeep Wrangler. When you think of cars built for adventure, a Jeep Wrangler is bound to pop up somewhere on the list, if not on top. Part of the elite class of ultimate off-roaders, it has no trouble keeping up with the best of them Think Land Rovers and Land Cruisers.

Outside, the utilitarian aesthetic is striking, perhaps more so than anything offered in the market today. Angular lines make up most of the body with large fenders flares going over its all-terrain tires. Jeep has taken a modular approach by separating the fenders completely from the body making replacements easy in case you encounter stubborn boulders along the way.

The same industrial design language carries over handsomely inside the cabin while still managing to look and feel refined with metal accents and chunky, glove-friendly turn knobs and A/C vents.

Now would also be a good time to note that being a Wrangler, there are tons of driving configurations available from the get go as all four doors and roof panels are removable when you fancy an au naturel drive in the province. With plenty of room in the back, the kids are bound to have a blast every time.

In the city, the Wrangler’s 2.8L turbo diesel engine and beefed up axles don’t help much with fuel economy delivering 5-6km/L and about 10-12km/L on the freeway. Sure, you can find SUVs that put up better numbers, but they aren’t nearly as capable as the Jeep. Besides, you’ll probably have too much fun driving it around to even care.

Let’s face it, these trucks will never be the most practical family vehicle. More often than not, you’re going to have to sacrifice a bit of comfort or fuel economy in exchange for better driving capability. But what these types of vehicles do extremely well is to take you places outside the reach of normal transportation. Do you really want to take the family on a 6-hour bus trip and a jarring 30-minute jeepney ride to the mountain top?