Many Australians have made the switch to 4x4s and utes. But with so many 4x4s on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which is the best.
To help you make a decision, we have listed the best 4x4s available to buy today in Australia.
1) Volkswagen Amarok
The Volkswagen Amarok is popular across the world for its ability to handle rugged terrain while offering an incredibly comfortable interior and sleek design.
The Amarok has an automatic 4×4 system, which is able to adapt to your needs and the terrain you are driving on. This ute comes with an automatic transmission and self-locking differential lock, similar to that of the Land Rover Defender or Range Rover Sport.
The smart 4×4 system of the Amarok will allow you go with ease from driving on the highway in the city to tackling a steep, rocky hill, without you having to make any adjustments to the car.
The Amarok comes with a 2-litre bi-turbo diesel engine coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The smallish size of the engine means you will get excellent fuel economy and a smooth, uncomplicated drive.
The price of the VW Amarok starts at AUD $45,990 for the base models.
2) Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
There are plenty of Jeep models available for off-road driving, but the Jeep Wrangler is one of the best on offer.
The Rubicon is available as a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine with an automatic gearbox. Despite the automatic gearbox, the Wrangler has powerful four-wheel drive abilities, with differential locks and a front sway bar.
Although the Wrangler has a lower ground clearance than other competitors in the field, like the Toyota Land Cruiser, this problem can easily be solved by fitting bigger wheels to the axles.
Although the Wrangler was designed for tough off-roading, it fares well in the city, as long as the roads are not too bumpy.
The price for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon starts at AUD $53,990.
3) Ford Ranger Automatic
The automatic Ford Ranger PX made its first appearance in 2011, and despite having a similar name to its predecessor, it is a brand new car.
You can control the 4×4 system of the Ranger electronically, with high-tech control options like engaging the rear locker while still keeping the traction control active on the front axle.
The Ford Ranger XLT has top of the range technology, like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen system, sat nave, parking sensors, and dual-zone climate control. The comfortable interior and powerful capabilities of the automatic Ford Ranger makes this a must-have for 4×4 car enthusiast.
The price of the Ford Ranger automatic starts at AUD $56,390.
4) Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery has been nominated as 4×4 Of The Year, so you can rest assured that you are getting a quality 4×4 when you buy the Discovery.
Specifically, the TDV6 entry model is the preferred choice of 4×4 for many Australians. The main reasons for this are the high-end interior finishes, excellent safety rating, spacious cargo hold and rear auto-locking differentials which makes this vehicle a dream off-roader.
The Discovery has excellent fuel efficiency considering it size, but is on the pricier side at AUD $69,630.
5) Toyota Prado
The Toyota Prado has for long been one of the best 4x4s in Australia, especially before the popularity of utes.
The Prado is extremely affordable, although its large, chunky body might not be everyone’s favourite look. Despite this size, it is a powerful 4×4 Land Cruiser with a diesel engine, extra seats and optional manual gearbox.
If you want a family 4×4 that can also tackle the outback, then the Prado is the way to go. Inside you will find a comfy cabin with plenty of space for children and luggage, or you can kit it out to be the perfect overlander filled with camping gear and a rooftop tent.
The newer 2.8-liter diesel engine is quieter than the older 3.0-litre engine, however it does not pack quite the same punch in terms of performance.
The Prado starts off at $73,990 for the base model.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for a family 4×4 or a rugged car to take you off road and into the bush, there is something out there for you.
Above we have listed the top 5 best cars with four wheel drive capabilities in Australia, and you won’t go wrong with any of these.
