Thoughts on Best Car for the "Grand Tour"

[Crazy Dazz]

Ok, so my idea of a Grand Tour is probably different from the classic.

At some point, when this ****storm is over, I plan to start travelling. I'll basically be going when and where I feel like, not the usual tourist destinations, just anywhere that interests me, dependent on weather and such. Might take my son with me, maybe a dog.

Not really interested in paying to stay in roach motels, so plan on camping and sleeping in the car when necessary.
I've no interest in Caravans. Anything comfortable enough to make a difference would be too big, too expensive, and too much hassle.
Similarly with a camper or bus, the cost of making something decent and reliable just isn't worth it. I thought of a van, but extra space comes at the cost of usability.

I am strongly attracted to the idea of 4wd, and therefore a little torn. It's not that I plan on any hard-core offroading, but there will be plenty of unsealed roads and tracks, and it just gives an extra level of security and independence.

The car must be comfortable and able to handle long highway drives with aplomb. So I have "narrowed" it down to; Ute, Wagon, SUV, 4wd, or 4wd ute. With the rider that the cargo area must be at least 6ft long. Not a troupy, as they are too unstable.