What Is The Best 4x4 In Australia?

Australia's Most Popular 4x4

How many Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) do you see on the roads daily? A considerable number, of course! But the thing is, most of them are non-4wd (four-wheel drive). Additionally, some of these SUVs you come across on the roads are just designed to be firmer on the road.

However, if you are looking for a 4x4 SUV to help you traverse rough roads, there are many options. For instance, if you are a big car person, there are premium 7-seaters to go for, but if you are a small car person, you can go for the small 4x4 SUVs. This article will guide you on some of the market's best off-road SUVs or Utes.

What Does 4x4 Mean?

The massive expansion of the Sports Utility Vehicle market has resulted in a vast increase in the 4wd (Four-Wheel Drive) vehicles on sale. But then, what do people mean when they mention 4x4 vehicles? You'll be surprised that 4x4 does not essentially imply a four-wheel drive car.

The phrase 4x4 is a term that refers to a tough-looking and tall car designed for rough terrain. Even though there are 4x4 sports cars, 4x4 is often a reference associated with all-wheel drive SUVs. This means that these are the cars you should buy if you are looking for an offroad vehicle that can handle rough roads.

How Do You Choose The Best 4x4?

Do you own any 4x4 vehicles in your car collection? How did you choose that particular 4x4 vehicle? The crucial part of choosing a 4x4 car revolves around the kind of off-road ability you want. This is because the more off-road ability a car has, the less composed and comfortable it is on a tarmac road.

But if you are not on a tight budget, you can go for 4x4 vehicles that are comfortable and stable on both tarmac and rough roads. The essence of a 4x4 off road vehicle is to avoid getting stuck on uneven terrain, but at a basic level, it means having a lot of ground clearance and excellent tyres.

Furthermore, some high-end vehicles have advanced traction control and air suspension systems that enable you to adjust the car's settings to suit different terrain conditions. On top of that, most 4x4 vehicles have 360-degree camera systems, which enable you to overcome all sorts of impediments around your car.

The Best 4x4 SUVs In Australia

Ford Everest

Ford Everest is a Thai-made SUV that Ford first launched in 2016 following the announcement made three years before its introduction. In other places, Everest is also known as Ford Endeavour. The purpose of introducing it was to replace the Australian-made Ford Territory.

The car's engineering is based on Ford's overly successful T6 Ranger truck. It is designed to suit family accommodation and is fitted with coil springs in the rear to maximise comfort. The Everest comes in 5- and 7-seater configurations.

The engine choices include a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel. The cheapest version of the Everest goes for about $50,090, while the high-end version goes for approximately $73,190.

Grand Cherokee

The American Jeep Grand Cherokee is not a new vehicle in the Australian market since it was first launched in 1996 to counter Japan's domination of the SUV market. Unlike most of the 4wd cars of that time, which had a body-on-frame construction, the Grand Cherokee opted for a monocoque construction.

The upside is that the vehicle has maintained its car-like characteristics while retaining its off-road abilities. The cheapest model is the 4x4 Grand Cherokee Night Eagle at approximately $60,450, while the most expensive is the 4x4 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk at $140,450.

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is known for its brilliant and stunning set of features, which makes it one of Land Rover's best vehicles. The Defender's on-road performance is superb, making it more of an off-road SUV. It is designed to give you a comfortable and stable ride when you leave the tarmac road to get an exciting adventure in the wilderness.

Furthermore, the Defender's standard safety and technology features are high-end, with an ANCAP (The Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating of 5 stars. The 4x4 SUV's cost is relatively reasonable, considering it offers above-average comfort and convenience. Its price ranges from about $80,500 to $234,500.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport faces stiff competition with the launch of the latest Ford Everest and the new-generation Isuzu MUX. But the Japanese-based manufacturer is not backing down from competition as it also has an updated Pajero Sport lined up for 2022.

The offroad SUV also features a 4x2 option for customers with a strict budget. And that's where it has a viable edge over its competitors. Otherwise, the updated version doesn't feature many changes other than a few tweaks to specifications and equipment levels. The Pajero Sport is cheaper than its competitors, with an estimated retail price of $44,440.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a very popular and promising car brand in Australia. Are you looking for something stable on the open road, in the wilderness, or pulling a heavy load? The 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser is a superb new generation model that does not disappoint. However, considering the high price and trim levels, the SUV significantly lacks comfort, convenience, and safety and technology systems.

Car enthusiasts say it's pretty average on those grounds. The 4x4 SUV's engine comes in two options: the 3.3L automated manual and the 4.5L SP automatic. The price of the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser ranges from approximately $80,873 to $137,981.

Toyota Fortuner

The Fortuner is built on ladder-frame, rugged bones like the Hilux Ute. It also features the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, just like the Hilux Ute. The 4x4 SUV has a more luxurious interior and a more comfortable coil spring suspension setup. Have you been thinking about going out with your family to a vast outdoor area that other 7-seater family vehicles can't access?

Well, the Toyota Fortuner is built just for that! However, the Toyota Fortuner still lags in terms of sales. It has consistently been bested by the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Isuzu MUX. The price of the Toyota Fortuner ranges from roughly $49,715 to $62,945.

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover's Discovery offers greater efficiency, unparalleled off-road ability, and substantially better on-road experience than its previous 4x4 SUVs. Generally, the Discovery is Land Rover's most capable off-road SUV yet. Land Rover has always been unmatched regarding a fully loaded trip out in the wilderness and a brilliant on-road driving experience.

The Discovery isn't just a typical family SUV anymore; it's one of the most luxurious vehicles in the SUV market. The engine has two options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder version and a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel unit. The Discovery's price ranges from roughly $105,975 to $130,550.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is expected to start selling in the second half of 2022. Nissan Australia has not yet revealed many details about it, but we understand it's still unavailable for sale. The most exciting thing about this car is that it's expected to have a new 9-speed torque-converter automatic which replaces the contentious continuously variable transmission.

The vehicle's cabin is also elevated and is fitted with modern safety technologies like adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. The Nissan Pathfinder is estimated to retail at around $54,190.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is Hyundai's most spacious and largest SUV ever. The 4x4 SUV isn't just any family getaway car you have come across. The car features Hyundai's latest innovative Bluelink on top of its innovative safety tech and bold design. These features enable you to connect more with your vehicle and your loved ones.

The Hyundai Palisade offers more than just a luxurious cabin finish. The SUV comes in 7- and 8- seat options depending on the size of your family. The price range of the Hyundai Palisade is approximately $50,479 to $87,565.

Isuzu MUX

The Isuzu MUX features in the same category as the ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and the Toyota Fortuner. The Isuzu MUX is a 4x4 family adventure SUV loved by many Aussies, and there are some very good reasons for that. The SUV's reliable and robust build ensures a great driving experience.

The Isuzu MUX also features a seemingly indestructible ruck-derived diesel engine built on years of hard work. The most notable upgrade is the car's new control system with the latest safety equipment and infotainment. The price range for this 4x4 SUV ranges from roughly $54,00 to $67,400.

Lexus LX

Are you looking for something more composed offroad and more comfortable than the Grand Cherokee? The Lexus LX is a large off-road SUV with almost similar capabilities to the Toyota Land Cruiser. The most notable difference is the luxury levels since the LX is more of a premium model. The LX has three confirmed seater options; 4-,5-, and 7-seater options.

The 4x4 off road SUV retains the petrol powertrain option and offers a brilliant driving experience with advanced technologies. The 2022 Lexus LX price ranges from approximately $86,900 up to $126,000.

Suzuki Jimny

The Suzuki Jimny is a small 4x4 SUV with remarkable off-road ability. Considering that it's small in size, the Suzuki Jimny is doing quite well in a 4x4 SUV market dominated by more capable and advanced SUVs.

However, the Suzuki Jimny's high demand makes it limited, so you might have to wait if you intend to get one. The Suzuki Jimny comes with a 1.5-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder engine. Its price ranges from roughly $26,990 to $30,000, thus making it a budget-friendly car.

The Most Reliable 4x4 Utes In Australia

Many Aussies love the idea of owning a dual cab, Ute. Why do you think that's the case? Well, three things come to mind when you hear 'dual cab Ute.' Advanced, powerful, and reliable! So, what else would someone be looking for in a vehicle other than those three things?

The other things you should consider when looking for a dual cab Ute include fuel efficiency, space, and safety. Here's a list of some of the best 4x4 Utes you can buy in Australia. They include, but are not limited to:

Toyota Hilux SR5

Toyota Hilux SR5 features a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that ensures a decent off-road performance level. It is one of the most widespread 4x4 Utes in Australia and provides a more refined driving experience than its closest competitor, the Ford Ranger.

However, despite its brilliant performance and offroad ability, it still trails behind the Volkswagen Amarok and the Ford Ranger in the Ute market. Its price ranges from approximately $49,800 to $67,760.

Mazda BT 50

The Mazda BT 50 is progressively stable in the sales chart even though it is still bested by the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux. The BT 50 features the same infotainment system as the Isuzu D-max.

Its storage, space, and performance are pretty good. However, its 3.0-litre diesel engine trails behind the Biturbo outputs of the Hilux and Ranger. Its price ranges from roughly $62,990 to $66,990.

Mitsubishi Triton

The Mitsubishi Triton is an affordable 4x4 Ute that is less modern than the Volkswagen Amarok and the Ford Ranger. However, its latest safety upgrade and the 2.4-litre diesel engine make it more advanced than the Nissan Navara.

If you intend to transport hefty loads, then you might have to fine-tune the rear suspension. The Ute's price ranges from roughly $23,740 to $55,690.

Nissan Navara

Nissan's reliable pick-up truck, the Navara, has been subjected to considerably good upgrades on its rear suspension. The 4x4 Ute features a twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder and 7-speed automatic transmission, ensuring moderate fuel consumption and responsive performance.

Nissan offers two engine options for the Navara: a 2.3L 7 SP automatic and a 2.3L 6 SP manual. Navara's price ranges from roughly $32,300 to $70,590.

What Else Do I Need To Know About 4x4?

In recent years, almost all car brands have been producing an SUV build of some kind. If you are browsing for a more reliable 4x4 off road SUV, there are some reputable brands you can get by hunting on online car buying and selling platforms.

The Ford Everest, Grand Cherokee, Land rover Defender, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Toyota Land Cruiser are some of the best 4x4 SUVs on the market. However, size doesn't necessarily translate to quality.

The Suzuki Jimny gives the big boys a difficult time in the market, considering how it's in high demand. Before buying a 4x4 vehicle, you should determine whether you are looking for off road ability or traction.

This will help you make the right decision, and if you need a bit of help deciding the best option for you, your local car dealership can help.