There’s been quite a lot written here on this subject so I don’t know how helpful my additional comments might be, but here goes. I just completed a 6 week plus, 9000 mile trip from West Virginia to Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier NPs, with numerous stops along the way and back, carrying all my photo and computer gear, tools, clothes, etc., driving some uneven and bumpy dirt and gravel roads some amount of time, and even sleeping occasionally in the rear compartment with all that gear stacked up next to me.
I was driving a 2020 Toyota 4Runner, Ltd, which is built on a truck frame unlike most SUVs, with the rear seats folded down, and while a little cramped to sleep in, the vehicle was perfect for the trip and easy to photograph out of and access my photo gear. I had 2-Z9s, a 600 mm f/4E, a bulky RRS tripod and far more lenses and gear than I either needed or used.
I did it by compartmentalizing everything. I bought a couple of Pelican cases with the Trek PAC case dividers and did my daily photographic work out of those cases, which easily stacked on top of each other when I needed additional room or to access cases behind them. Had two cameras within easy reach on the passenger side and the 600 ready to go in the back connected to the tripod or one camera up front and the other on the 600 in back, depending on what I was anticipating. Had a separate case for computer, electronic, and backup gear. Also had a suitcase for clothes, and a medium sized case loaded with tools for the car and cameras. It worked perfectly. Only thing I would do differently is have bought instead of the Ltd model 4Runner, I’d have used the TRD off road model, which I’ve owned previously, and have on order now for the future. The Off Road has some rock climbing ability and a stiffer suspension, etc.
Toyota no longer makes an 8 cylinder engine in any model, I’ve recently learned, which was a disappointment, but the 6 is ok. As Steve says, it sometimes feels a little underpowered but it did just fine. Very comfortable to drive. Only thing that happened to me on the trip was a cracked windshield and scratches from getting to close to bushes, which I compounded out. Only limiting factor is its towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity is only 5000 lbs.
So, I vote Toyota 4Runner, TRD, Off Road.
Just a side note. Someone commented that insurance would cover photo equipment stolen out of a car when left overnight. Car insurance, even one with comprehensive, frequently, usually, will not cover personal property stolen from a car, particularly if left overnight. Homeowners or renters insurance may cover, but not likely, and so I suggest checking with your insurance company before assuming you’d be covered. Most homeowners and renters insurance will not cover photographic equipment. Because of this, I carry additional “Valuable Personal Property” insurance for my camera gear and guns. Even at that, I’m not at all sure that the policy would cover “unprotected” photo gear left in a vehicle overnight. In my case, I did not leave my gear in the car overnight if I wasn’t sleeping with it. Just a thought for consideration
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