I'm looking to get a new vehicle in the coming year, and have decided that I really want the capability of getting higher up, Ansel style, for landscape shots. I've done some searches and seen commentary on vehicles for photography, but am curious about those who are getting on top of a stock vehicle, without a platform.

I saw a post by Frank P. about using his Xterra this way, and have been reviewing their characteristics. That appears to be a good choice in my initial research. My hope is to find a way of getting this capability without giving up good mileage. Many of the better mileage suv's appear to have very light body frames. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a stock vehicle that has good roof strength and gets 20 mpg?