Whether you're looking for a new car for commuting, school runs, grocery shopping, or a weekend getaway, there is no vehicle like a 4WD to get the job done. You can floor a four-wheeler across Australia's rugged terrain for a quick road trip or navigate the urban sprawl making it an excellent option for Australian families.
Top 4WDs in the Market
Not all large SUVs are great 4WD capable of off-roading on a beaten track, which is why we've prepared a list of the top 4WD in Australia.
Some offer the best price value proposition, some provide luxury suitable for a long, dust-filled journey, while others focus on sheer power and off-roading capabilities. This list has something for everyone looking to buy a great 4WD.
Toyota Hilux SR5
The Hilux is the nation's best-selling vehicle, but compared to the other rivals on the market, it falls short on ride quality. Australia's hot seller, Toyota, promises a comfortable ride with the Hilux SR5.
It is an undeniable workhorse that triumphs on undulated roads and in harsh conditions but immediately adapts to freeways, with Aussies using it for school runs and work.
Loaded with a 2.8L turbo diesel engine with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the Hilux SR5 has some serious power. It has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg and is decked out with 18-inch alloys, easily rolling through rough terrains.
Although the interior looks outdated and the infotainment system seems complicated, the SR5 is built to last. Compared to its rivals, the cabin does feel slightly cramped.
In addition to its off-road capabilities, the SR5 comes packed with safety features such as pedestrian detection, a pre-collision safety system, and much more.
Isuzu MU-X LS-T
The Isuzu MU-X was always a good value for the money until the manufacturer slowly started increasing its price with the latest model. However, it is still an excellent option for those families who like to go on adventures.
Equipped with a 3.0L turbo diesel engine with a six-speed transmission, the Isuzu MU-X LS-T can tow up to 3,500 kg, similar to its competitors. It's not heavy on acceleration but runs smooth and is generously quiet for a diesel engine. The handling is comfortable on-road and off-road.
Offering multiple 4WD modes to choose from and a 235mm ground clearance with differential locks, the Isuzu MU-X LS-T can conquer any terrain surface and emerge unscathed.
What's great about Isuzu is that the company puts considerable effort into the interior with plush soft surfaces, digital and analog functions, and ample storage space. The vehicle strikes the right balance between luxury, practicality, and utility, and it is surprisingly nice to drive.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is somewhat of a super mid-size SUV. At first glance, it is smaller than its rivals, but once you get inside the vehicle, it can feel open and airy, easily capable of accommodating seven comfortably.
Similar to the Triton Ute from the Japanese brand, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport comes with a 2.4L four-cylinder diesel engine, but unlike the Triton, this one has a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Although it is no match for the other V6 engine SUVs on the list, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport makes an excellent 4WD for its smooth power and fuel efficiency.
Its high ground clearance and long suspension make the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport a great off-roader. In that department, it can compete with some of the best 4WD vehicles in Australia.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport is arguably one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the Australian market. Although it doesn't compare to the comfort and technology offered by the Audi Q8, BMW X5, and other rivals, it has charm and finesse.
It has a gorgeous exterior, high-end interior finishes, sport handling, and acceleration with impressive off-road capabilities. The rear-wheel steering system makes maneuvering in tight corners easy.
The Range Rover Sport doesn't come cheap and is even more expensive than its rivals, but the sports aspect of the 4WD demands such a high price. Land Rover estimates that the Range Rover Sport will go from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.3 seconds, making it a seriously fast 4WD.
Suzuki Jimny
If you don't have a budget to buy a Toyota, Ford, or Mitsubishi, you may want to consider the Suzuki Jimny. It is an affordable four-wheel drive vehicle that is fun to drive. However, it is pretty small and may not be a practical 4WD for many.
The car weighs slightly over 1,100 kg making it the world's only lightweight off-roader. Unfortunately, at the price you're getting the Suzuki Jimny, don't expect a locking differential. However, even without that, the Suzuki Jimny performs well off-road thanks to the rigid-axle suspension and a low-ratio 4WD gearbox.
In some aspects, it even feels superior to the Jeep Wrangler, which is an incredible feat considering the price difference. The Suzuki Jimny uses its light weight to its advantage, quickly moving over mud while being easy to handle.
Besides off-roading, the Suzuki Jimny doesn't impress. With its uneconomical 1.5L petrol engine, tiny cabin, and slightly above-average road manners, it may not appease many car buyers in Australia.
If you're looking for a family car with four-wheel drive, you should look elsewhere, as the Jimny may not cater to your needs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is a serious competitor against the Isuzu Mu-X and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
It comes loaded with a 3.6L petrol V6 engine, unlike its diesel-engine rivals, and it looks ruggedly handsome. On the interior, it is modern, with leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and high-tech digital displays.
Jeep Grand Cherokee pairs impressive off-road capability with on-road refinement, giving a smooth ride quality at all times.
It can tackle whatever your lifestyle requires, luxury, practicality, finesse, and power. Whether you're looking to climb rocky hills or drive during snowy weather, the Jeep Grand Cherokee does not disappoint.
Land Rover Discovery
Since its launch in Australia in 1991, the Land Rover Discovery has gained much popularity among the Aussies. It is a terrifically competent off-road vehicle and has fantastic road manners.
The interior is minimalistic but feels premium, and the car is comfortable. It has somewhat of a calm assurance when driving the Discovery, and once you get past that, it's quite gritty and tenacious over rough surfaces.
Discovery's new six-cylinder engine comes in petrol and diesel, with updated suspension and great new features. It is an absolute monster on rocky surfaces and a very likeable versatile 4WD for use around town.
Jeep Wrangler
The latest generation of the Jeep Wrangler is useable on urban roads and can tackle rougher terrain. It has the same much-loved design, but the interior is much more spacious and feels refined compared to the previous generations.
Under the bonnet, you'd be surprised to find a downsized engine that offers improved efficiency and better road manners. Equipped with locking differentials, articulating axles, and underbody bracing, the Jeep Wrangler provides spectacular off-road performance. However, it doesn't feel like an everyday vehicle like the Land Rover Defender.
Jeep Wrangler comes in many specifications, including four-cylinder petrol and a petrol-electric hybrid.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most expensive on our list of the best 4WDs on the market. With an unwavering beast-like exterior and an almost luxurious, sleek interior, the G-Wagen has an exceptional off-road ability.
Mercedes G-Wagen triumphs supreme on Australian urban roads and the outback off-terrain surfaces due to its fully independent front suspension, locking differentials, improved ground clearance, and superb off-road abilities.
The AMG G63 sports a twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine that produces almost 600 bhp, dominating anything in its way. However, be prepared to have a Premier League footballer's budget.
If you're tight on cash, you can opt for a "gentler" G350d version with the straight-six diesel engine.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
With solid insulation from all the outside noise, Toyota managed to ensure driver's comfort in the latest model of the Prado VX. Equipped with a new four-cylinder engine, it packs a serious punch when you floor the pedal while offering improved fuel efficiency.
You will find a lot of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado on Australian roads because of how versatile it is. It carries the mommy's school bus label while fully capable of traversing the heaviest of terrain roads due to the excellent traction and fantastic ground clearance it has. The Prado VX is a phenomenal off-roader thanks to the 19-inch alloys paired with locking rear and centre differentials.
Loaded with a 2.8L turbo diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, it has enough power to tow up to 3,000 kg. Inside the cabin, you'll find a premium-quality interior. Although it does not match Lexus's standard of premium, it does offer leather seating, three-zone climate control, and a large infotainment screen complemented by a fantastic JBL 14-speaker audio system.
Nissan Patrol Ti-L
Aiming to take a bite of the Toyota Land Cruiser market, the Nissan Patrol Ti-L comes with an exterior facelift and boasts a 5.6L V8 engine with seven-speed automatic transmission. It's a mean machine that roars when you put your foot down.
The Nissan Patrol Ti-L has a massive 272 mm clearance and comes loaded with many off-road functions, ensuring a smooth ride on all terrains. It also has a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.
Patrol Ti-L's interior has surprisingly comfortable leather seats combined with leather and dark wood grain on the dash, giving the vehicle an elegant touch. Some may find it outdated, but it's definitely not displeasing.
Ford Ranger Raptor/Ford Ranger XLT
The new Ford Ranger Raptor replaces the old leaf springs with uprated springs, re-engineers the axles, and provides a 30% increased ground clearance. It is a rough-track sports car.
Unfortunately, for the price, you're getting a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel engine making the Raptor one of the most expensive commercial vehicles. That said, it is unmatchable when covering very rough terrain at high speeds.
If you're looking for something more than the Ford Ranger Raptor, you may want to consider the Ford Ranger XLT ute, which boasts a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel V6 engine with a 10-speed auto transmission.
Closely related to the Ford Everest, the Ranger XLT has a comfortable interior, great features, and sufficient towing capacity, and it is much more practical than the Raptor.
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender is available in many variants, including the 3.0L diesel engine and the four-cylinder petrol engine. Whichever engine you choose, all variants come with air suspension and a composed chassis on all surfaces. You won't feel any bumps, and the handling across all terrain types is nothing short of a revelation.
The Land Rover Defender's interior doesn't offer luxury but was designed with practicality at its core. Interior plastics are hard to touch and durable, with fabric covering the dashboard and doors. It may feel minimalistic or even uninspiring and may not live up to its enormous price tag but let's not forget what it was made to do: rock-hopping, water-fording, axle-twisting, and much more.
The Best 4WD Off-roaders and Light-commercial Vehicles Coming in 2023
If you're looking for a 4WD new car and can wait a little bit more, there are some pretty exciting cars arriving in 2023, including:
- Peugeot e-Partner
- Ford E-Transit
- Kia EV9
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
- Mahindra Scorpio-N
- GWM Tank 300
Best 4WD SUVs You Should Look out for in 2023
If you're looking for a 4WD SUV, you may want to consider the following models coming in 2023:
- BMW X1
- Honda CR-V
- Range Rover Sport petrol
- Range Rover SV
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Mazda CX-60
- Lexus RX
Does Westside Auto Offer Car Finance?
At Westside Auto, all vehicles are available for immediate delivery and quick and easy car finance options. There are several tailored car finance packages catering to your needs and budget.
Whether you're looking for petrol, hybrid or diesel engines for your next car, contact us at (08) 6145 0099 and discuss with our car expert to learn more about the car finance options Westside Auto has to offer.
