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Australia's vast and diverse landscape beckons adventure seekers with its rugged terrains, remote tracks and breathtaking scenery, but venturing off the beaten path demands a capable off-road vehicle.
Whether you're a seasoned off-road enthusiast or a weekend warrior yearning to explore hidden gems, selecting the right 4WD companion is paramount. You can find out more about five of the best off-road cars (in no particular order) available in Australia right now with Savvy, so learn all you need to know with us today!
All information is correct for the 2024 model year of each car
Ford Everest
The Ford Everest has carved out a strong niche for itself in the Australian market, offering a compelling blend of practicality, comfort and off-road capability. This mid-size SUV caters to adventure seekers who are looking to explore beyond the bitumen while also valuing everyday usability.
According to VFACTS data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the Everest was only outsold by the Toyota Prado among all large SUVs in 2023, recording 15,071 registrations.
Price:
The Ambiente RWD is the cheapest Everest variant in 2024, starting at a price of $53,990, while the Platinum 4WD is the most expensive at $79,490.
ANCAP safety rating:
★★★★★
Key features:
- Safety features: one of the key off-road features that the Everest boasts on AWD variants is Ford’s Terrain Management System, which allows you to adapt the dynamics of your vehicle to suit the road (or lack thereof) ahead. Other base safety features include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
- Cargo space: in terms of storage, you’ll have access to 259L of storage with all seats up. However, if you lower the seats in the third row, this can increase to as much as 898L.
- Engine, power and towing: the Everest offers a choice of either a 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel engine on the Ambiente, Trend and Sport variants or a more powerful 3.0L V6 Turbo-Diesel engine, which is only available on the Sport and Platinum models. These help deliver up to 157kW of power, 500Nm of torque and up to 3,500kg towing capacity.
- Seating capacity: all Everest variants enable you to seat up to seven people, making them suitable for large family trips both off-road and to and from school. This is standard on the Trend, Sport and Platinum variants, while you have the option to upgrade your Ambiente from five to seven seats.
- Ground clearance: the Everest comes with a maximum unladen ground clearance of 230mm on its RWD variants, with 4WDs offering clearances of between 226mm and 229mm. It also comes with front and rear departure angles of 30.4° and up to 25°, respectively.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X from Isuzu Ute has built a reputation for being a workhorse, prized for its durability, functionality, and off-road prowess. This utilitarian SUV caters to adventure seekers who prioritise reliability and capability over bells and whistles.
The MU-X finished just behind the Everest for total sales in the large SUV segment in 2023, with 14,139 for the year.
Price:
The base model of the MU-X, the LS-M 4×2, will set you back $48,900 in 2024, while you could pay up to $67,400 for the LS-T 4×4.
ANCAP safety rating:
★★★★★
Key features:
- Engine, power and towing:Â the MU-X comes with a 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine which can deliver up to 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, as well as a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.
- Cargo space: all variants come with a cargo capacity of 311L with all seats up, which increases to 1,119L once you fold the third row of seats down.
- Safety features: Terrain Command is standard across all variants, which allows you to switch between 2WD-high and 4WD-high modes at up to 100km/h. It also includes Rough Terrain Mode, which aids your driving in more challenging or slippery conditions. Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) will also come in handy.
- Seating capacity: all MU-X variants offer a seven-seat capacity which, like the Everest, gives you more freedom of choice when it comes to how you wish to use your vehicle as a family.
- Ground clearance and wading depth: the MU-X’s ground clearance tops out at 235mm (LS-U and LS-T) and boasts steel and poly-composite underbody protection, as well as a wading depth of up to 800mm. Approach and departure angles vary by model but can reach up to 29.2° and 27.6°, respectively.
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover is one of Australia’s leading luxury car brands, particularly when it comes to rugged off-roaders. You’ll be able to select from a range of 4×4 variants with the Defender, which has a strong reputation in Australia as an all-terrain adventurer.
Although its numbers were lower than the two SUVs listed above, it was the most popular large SUV over $70,000 in Australia in 2023, with 3,846 new registrations in total.
Price:
Luxury brands charge luxury prices. The cheapest Defender variant is the 90 S P300, which begins at $88,870, with the price reaching $240,270 for the costliest variant, the 130 V8 P500.
ANCAP safety rating:
★★★★★ (applies to all 110 variants except V8 models)
Key features:
- Engine, power and towing: you’ll have the choice between a range of different engine types, with turbo petrol, diesel and supercharged V8 all available, as well as mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). The 130 V8 P500 is the most powerful of all variants, with a remarkable maximum power of 368kW and torque of 610Nm. The maximum supported towing capacity is 3,500kg.
- Cargo space:Â if you have plenty of gear to take with you on your off-road adventure, the Defender comes with cargo space of up to 398L, although you can increase this significantly by folding down the rear seats (available on certain variants).
- Safety features: the Defender is packed with a range of safety features, some of which may differ between variants. Terrain Response and Terrain Response 2 are among its flagship features, adjusting drive modes based on the terrain. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), wade sensing and a 360° camera all also feature.
- Seating capacity: the Defender’s variants provide buyers with a range of options to choose from in terms of seating, with the 130 coming with a capacity of up to eight. Options for five and seven-seat vehicles are also on offer.
- Ground clearance and wading depth: when it comes to tackling rougher terrains, the Defender comes with a wading depth of up to 900mm and an off-road ground clearance of up to 290mm (both air suspension). Its approach and departure angles are the best on this list at up to 37.5° and 40°, respectively.
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol is Japanese manufacturer Nissan’s flagship and best-known vehicle. It’s well-established in Australia, having entered production in 1951, and offers a level of power not seen by many top off-road SUVs on the market today.
In Australia, the Patrol was only outsold by the Toyota LandCruiser Wagon among all upper large SUVs in 2023, registering 7,812 new car sales throughout 2023.
Price:
The Patrol is a step up in value on the Everest and MU-X but falls short of the Defender’s pricing, with the base Ti setting you back $84,900, while the Warrior is the most expensive variant at $101,060.
ANCAP safety rating:
Unrated (as of 31 July 2024)
Key features:
- Engine, power and towing:Â your car will come with a 5.6L V8 Direct Injection engine, which enables the Patrol to hit power and torque peaks of 298kW and 560Nm, respectively, as well as a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.
- Cargo space: it also comes with ample storage space, listing it at 467L with all seats up and as much as 1,413L if you fold down the third row of seats.
- Safety features: the Patrol’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) suspension system helps reduce body roll when turning corners and can boost wheel traction on more difficult terrains. You can also take advantage of features like the Intelligent Around-View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
- Seating capacity: with the Ti, you can pack up to eight people in your vehicle, which drops to seven if you decide to go for the Ti-L. The Nissan Patrol Warrior also comes with eight seats.
- Ground clearance: the Patrol offers an impressive 273mm ground clearance, while it also comes with approach and departure angles of up to 34.4° and 26.3°, respectively.
Toyota LandCruiser 300
The LandCruiser 300 needs no introduction in the off-road world. Japanese giant Toyota has had a stranglehold on a large portion of the Australian market for decades and its large SUV is one of the most popular in its class.
The LandCruiser Wagon sold 15,035 units across Australia in 2023, according to VFACTS data. That's in addition to the 11,414 units purchased in the 4×4 pickup/cab chassis segment.
Price:
The LandCruiser 300 clocks in at the highest base price of any car on this list, with the GX starting at $98,076. The most expensive model is the Sahara ZX, which is listed at $146,876.
ANCAP safety rating:
★★★★★ (applies to all models except Cab Chassis variants, which are unrated as of 31 July 2024)
Key features:
- Engine, power and towing:Â your LandCruiser will come with a 3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel engine, which offers a maximum power of 227 and peak torque of an amazing 700Nm. You can also enjoy braked towing of up to 3,500kg.
- Cargo space: the LandCruiser offers cargo space of up to 1,164L in the Sahara with both second and third rows folded down, though the exact space available will depend on the variant you choose.
- Safety features: Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control are standard across all variants, while Multi-Terrain Select is available on all models above the GX. The suite of features included through Toyota Safety Sense, as well as Anti-lock Braking System and Brake Assist, Trailer Sway Control and a reversing camera are all included.
- Seating capacity: the model range is split down the middle when it comes to seating, with the GX, Sahara ZX and GR Sport all offering five and the GXL, VX and Sahara all coming with seven.
- Ground clearance: all LandCruiser variants offer an unladen ground clearance of 235mm, placing them around the middle of the pack for this list. You can expect an approach angle of 32° on all variants except the Sahara ZX, which falls to 24°, while all models have a departure angle of 25°.
What is the best off-road vehicle in Australia?
While there’s no one answer for which model is best, as this will come down to your preferences, it’s important to know what to consider when comparing the best, most capable off-road vehicles. While some of these are discussed above, it’s worth doing your research into some, or all, of the following variables:
Higher clearance allows for better handling of obstacles and uneven terrain.
Determine the vehicle's ability to climb inclines, navigate obstacles and descend slopes without scraping the underbody.
This is important if you plan on traversing water crossings. In this situation, the higher, the better.
Towing is definitely worth considering if you plan on hauling trailers or campers.
Skid plates safeguard vital components from damage on rough terrain.
Sufficient power and torque are crucial for tackling inclines, hauling loads and navigating challenging terrain.
Features like hill descent control, crawl control and multi-terrain select systems can enhance off-road capability.
Advanced safety features like pre-collision warnings and lane departure alerts can be valuable in off-road situations.
Consider your passenger and cargo space needs for off-road trips and camping adventures.
If the vehicle will also be used for everyday driving, consider the on-road comfort you feel driving it and the features to make your life easier.
Having a strong fuel economy is important for venturing into remote areas, as well as helping you save on petrol overall.
Off-road vehicles can range significantly in price depending on brand, capability and features.
This may be essential for customising your vehicle for specific off-road needs, so consider how easy it is to get your hands on them.
Maintenance and fuel costs can vary depending on the vehicle's complexity and engine type.
If you’re in the market for a good new or used off-road vehicle, you can consider a variety of car loans and other finance options with Savvy before you buy.
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