Armored vehicles can often save your life in GTA Online. But which ones should you buy and for what situations are they suitable? MeinMMO presents the 5 best armored vehicles.
What are armored vehicles? These are cars that you can upgrade for combat situations, better protecting you and your vehicles from enemy attacks.
For this purpose, armor plating and bulletproof windows can be installed in the vehicles. However, this comes at the expense of speed. Armored vehicles are therefore not found on our list of the fastest cars.
What you should watch out for: Before acquiring one, you should consider that there is no “perfect” armored vehicle. Some offer strong protection against explosions, such as from rocket launchers. However, these have limitations when it comes to protection against firearms.
Others, on the other hand, are better protected against gunfire from weapons like assault rifles, while they can withstand little to no rocket hits.
We will show you the strongest armored vehicles and also give you tips on which of these vehicles excels in what situation. Keep in mind that there is no one “best” vehicle that fulfills all characteristics. Each vehicle has its own advantages and is suitable for different situations. Therefore, the ranking from 5 to 1 can be seen differently by each player, as the cars differ according to their intended use.
5. Paragon R (Armored)
- Price: Not available in the shop
- Shop: –
- Vehicle class: Sports car
- Vehicle type: Civilian
- Seats: 2
These are the key features: The Paragon R stands out with its twin machine guns, primarily due to its armament. Additionally, it is one of the fastest armored vehicles and overall solidly armored.
However, it does not provide comprehensive protection against explosions or gunfire. It will explode after 2 explosive attacks, and gunfire can break through the protective glass after a certain number of hits.
How to obtain the car? You need to complete all six Casino Heist missions as a host. Here you can find our guide to GTA Online: Casino Heist Guide – How to get rich
4. Insurgent Pick-Up Custom
- Price: 202,500 GTA$ as an upgrade at the Mobile Operations Center
- Shop: Warstock Cache & Carry
- Vehicle class: Off-Road
- Vehicle type: Military/Civilian vehicle with armor
- Seats: 9
These are the key features: The Insurgent is an especially thickly armored vehicle. Its greatest strength is its resistance to explosions and seating capacity.
It can withstand up to 11 shots from a rocket launcher when no player is in the vehicle. With passengers, the Insurgent can withstand significantly more shots.
However, players must make compromises when it comes to protection against firearms. The Insurgent cannot be upgraded with bulletproof glass.
In firefights, the vehicle is therefore only conditionally suitable, but it can defend itself in case of doubt with a minigun or turret. If you also want to transport many people, it is a good choice. With up to 9 seats, the vehicle offers plenty of room.
You need to upgrade the standard version in a Mobile Operations Center for the vehicle. The standard model, the Insurgent, costs 897,750 GTA$. However, if you complete the Humane Labs Heist, you will receive a discount and only have to pay 675,000 GTA$. Nevertheless, the investment is worth it: For these reasons, the Insurgent should not be missing from any garage in GTA Online.
3. Duke O’Death
- Price: Free for returnees, 665,000 GTA$ regularly
- Shop: Warstock Cache & Carry
- Vehicle class: Muscle Car
- Vehicle type: Armored civilian car
- Seats: 2
These are the key features: The Duke O’Death is particularly well armored against explosions. It can take up to 5 explosive hits before blowing up.
Additionally, it is quite fast. Although it has no armament, you can fire your weapons out of the window while driving. Overall, it is a robust car and reasonably priced. Returnees even have the option to get the car for free.
The Duke O’Death was part of the “Cunning Stunts” update for GTA Online, which introduced a crazy stunt mode to the game. This allows players to build all sorts of crazy tracks and test their driving skills.
How do you get the car for free? Anyone switching from an old console (Xbox 360, PS3) to PS4 and Xbox One gets the vehicle for free. All others must purchase the Duke O’Death in the shop.
2. HVY Nightshark
- Price: 1,245,000 GTA$
- Shop: Warstock Cache & Carry
- Vehicle class: Off-Road
- Vehicle type: Civilian vehicle
- Seats: 4
These are the key features: The Nightshark is the fastest among the larger heavy armored vehicles. Although its armor is not as effective as the Insurgent’s, the Nightshark’s higher speed makes it more versatile.
You can find a direct comparison of armored off-road vehicles on YouTube in the video by Onespot Gaming (via YouTube.com). In time trials, the Nightshark is significantly faster than other armored vehicles like the Insurgent, Insurgent Pick Up Custom, Menacer, Nightshark, Barrage, and the Zhaba.
As with all heavy armored vehicles, the Nightshark lacks protection against firearms as the windows cannot withstand any hits. Otherwise, it is a fast and very robust SUV.
Additionally, it has stylish machine guns under the hood. Unfortunately, their damage is rather limited. Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Nightshark.
1. Kuruma (Armored)
- Price: 689,250 GTA$ or 525,000 GTA$ after completing the Fleeca Heist
- Shop: Southern San Andreas Super Autos
- Vehicle class: Sports car
- Vehicle type: Armored civilian vehicle
- Seats: 4
These are the key features: The Kuruma has long been one of the most popular armored cars in GTA Online. Although cars like the Paragon R or Duke O’Death can reach higher speeds, the Kuruma’s speed is sufficient.
Its decisive advantage is its nearly bulletproof armor, and the windows are almost completely sealed. However, the vehicle cannot withstand an explosion attack.
For heists, the Kuruma is ideal, as NPCs primarily attack you with firearms. With four seats, you can take colleagues along, and the armor also protects beginners from an early demise.
Ultimately, the choice also depends on your preferences and the purpose for which you need the vehicle.
Heavy SUVs like the Insurgent or Nightshark are particularly practical in open gameplay, as their explosion resistance can protect against rocket launchers from other players.
But they are also very helpful in heists, especially if you need more seats and want to keep your team together.
Sports cars usually offer better protection against gunfire and are therefore strong both in open play in shootouts and in heists against NPCs.
Which armored vehicles do you recommend? Are there any missing from this list? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
