5 Best Military Armored Vehicles

Five proven armored wheeled vehicles chosen for different roles, from a light tactical truck to a modular 8x8 platform.

Military & armored vehiclesUpdated By Sources & methodology

Rugged military vehicle parked in a desert landscape
A rugged military vehicle in a desert landscape illustrates the vehicle class. The exact model is not identified and it is not a ranked entry. Photo credit

Short answer

The Rheinmetall Boxer is our pick for modular 8x8 versatility. The Patria AMV XP is the heavier-payload alternative, the Stryker is the proven infantry carrier, the Oshkosh JLTV is the light tactical choice and the M-ATV is the blast-protected veteran.

Most modular
Rheinmetall Boxer
Lightest class
Oshkosh JLTV
Basis
Role fit, not a numeric score

5 Best Military Armored Vehicles at a Glance

5 Best Military Armored Vehicles — Manufacturer and army specifications, 2025–2026
Vehicle Best for Version / era
Rheinmetall Boxer8x8 family Modular multi-role 8x8 8x8 family
Patria AMV XPCurrent 8x8 Highest payload margin Current 8x8
StrykerICV and A1 upgrade Proven infantry carrier ICV and A1 upgrade
Oshkosh JLTVJoint Light Tactical Vehicle Best light tactical choice Joint Light Tactical Vehicle
Oshkosh M-ATVMRAP all-terrain vehicle Blast-protected veteran MRAP all-terrain vehicle

5 Best Military Armored Vehicles: Entry Details

Rheinmetall Boxer

8x8 family · Modular multi-role 8x8

The Boxer pairs a common drive module with interchangeable mission modules. Rheinmetall says modules can be swapped in under 30 minutes and lists more than 30 capabilities. The Boxer pairs a common drive module with interchangeable mission modules. Rheinmetall says modules can be swapped in under 30 minutes and lists more than 30 capabilities.

Armoured personnel carrier crew
3 plus up to 8 dismounts
Reconnaissance variant speed
Above 100 km/h
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Interchangeable mission modules
  • Wide range of variants

Things to consider

  • Figures vary by variant and brochure
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Patria AMV XP

Current 8x8 · Highest payload margin

Patria lists a maximum combat weight of 32,000 kg and a payload of up to 15,000 kg. Its 450 kW engine supports a top speed above 100 km/h. Patria lists a maximum combat weight of 32,000 kg and a payload of up to 15,000 kg. Its 450 kW engine supports a top speed above 100 km/h.

Maximum payload
15,000 kg
Maximum combat weight
32,000 kg
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Large payload for an 8x8
  • Optional swimming capability

Things to consider

  • Manufacturer figures; older brochures differ
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Stryker

ICV and A1 upgrade · Proven infantry carrier

US Army doctrine describes the Stryker infantry carrier as an eight-wheeled vehicle with a sustained speed above 60 mph. The upgraded Stryker A1 has a 450-hp engine and a 60,000 lb gross vehicle weight. US Army doctrine describes the Stryker infantry carrier as an eight-wheeled vehicle with a sustained speed above 60 mph. The upgraded Stryker A1 has a 450-hp engine and a 60,000 lb gross vehicle weight.

Sustained speed
Above 60 mph
A1 gross weight
60,000 lb
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Long service record
  • Selectable 4x4 or 8x8 drive

Things to consider

  • Original weights and crew figures vary by source
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Oshkosh JLTV

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle · Best light tactical choice

Oshkosh says the JLTV weighs under 6,350 kg at curb weight and exceeds 70 mph. The base vehicle gives small-arms protection, and an add-on B kit raises it to MRAP-level protection. Oshkosh says the JLTV weighs under 6,350 kg at curb weight and exceeds 70 mph. The base vehicle gives small-arms protection, and an add-on B kit raises it to MRAP-level protection.

Curb weight
Under 6,350 kg
Payload
5,100 lb (2-door)
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • Modular armour
  • Light enough to transport easily

Things to consider

  • Protection depends on the kit fitted
Oshkosh logo & history →

Oshkosh M-ATV

MRAP all-terrain vehicle · Blast-protected veteran

The M-ATV uses a V-hull and blast-attenuating seats for four passengers plus a gunner. The US Army put its weight at about 25,000 lb, and it uses a 370-hp engine. The M-ATV uses a V-hull and blast-attenuating seats for four passengers plus a gunner. The US Army put its weight at about 25,000 lb, and it uses a 370-hp engine.

Weight
About 25,000 lb
Engine
370 hp
Strengths & things to consider

Strengths

  • V-hull blast protection
  • Independent suspension with 16 in of wheel travel

Things to consider

  • Older design; figures date from 2010-era sources
Oshkosh logo & history →

5 Best Military Armored Vehicles: Analysis

Why the Boxer comes first

The Boxer’s swappable mission modules let one drive platform serve as a carrier, command vehicle or reconnaissance machine. The Patria AMV XP competes on payload instead, with up to 15,000 kg listed.

Light, medium and veteran choices

The JLTV replaces the old light truck role with modular armour, while the Stryker offers a proven carrier. The M-ATV’s blast-protected hull remains relevant, but its figures come from older sources. For other utility designs, see the light utility vehicle guide.

Our verdict

Editorial verdict

Choose the Boxer for modular flexibility and the AMV XP for payload. The Stryker and JLTV suit proven infantry and light tactical roles, while the M-ATV is best seen as a blast-protected veteran.

FAQ: 5 Best Military Armored Vehicles

Which of these vehicles is the most modular?

The Rheinmetall Boxer, whose mission modules Rheinmetall says can be exchanged in under 30 minutes.

How much payload does the Patria AMV XP carry?

Patria lists up to 15,000 kg, with a maximum combat weight of 32,000 kg.

How fast is the Stryker?

US Army doctrine gives a sustained maximum speed above 60 mph for the infantry carrier.

Does the JLTV always have MRAP-level protection?

No. The base vehicle provides small-arms protection, and the B kit adds MRAP-level protection.

Is the M-ATV still a current design?

It is a proven MRAP-era vehicle, but this entry relies on older Army figures, so check current specifications.

Sources & methodology

Editorial choices weigh role, modularity, protection concept and published manufacturer or army figures. This is not a numeric ranking; weights and speeds vary by variant and source, and each row states what the figure refers to.

Maintained by , a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy

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