Best off-road SUV 2023
Large and compact four-wheelers play an important role in two key areas: spacious and comfortable family vehicles during the week, and vacation and holiday capable adventure vehicles.
Undoubtedly, Australians have been fascinated by four-wheel drive vehicles in recent years. But in the face of such widespread popularity, we must not forget that the alternative is the four-wheeler.
All in all, they’re better suited for families, with more interior space, better ride quality, and more family-friendly features inside. If you need a large family car for weekend adventures and road trips, then you should consider a large all-wheel drive vehicle.
Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol – mainstays of the Australian four-wheel drive market – are not on this year’s list. LandCruiser as it was beaten by previous Land Rover Defender transfer champs and Patrol hasn’t been updated enough to warrant a new review.
Instead, Defender has two new rivals, Ford Everest and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Contents
Winner: Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender
There are 21 options
$81,950 – $226,500* MRLP
Something we love
- –Air suspension and large diameter tires provide high ground clearance when off-road
- –Off-road tech party
- –Highly refined and inclusive on dirt and asphalt
Something we don’t have
- –Wheel diameter is less suitable for terrain than competitors
- –Prices range from expensive to very expensive
- –Off-road is too beautiful?
Read reviews
The new Land Rover Defender combines modern capabilities with legendary capabilities.
This modern remake of the brand icon continues to impress, especially from a terrain perspective. Featuring a modern aluminum platform with independent suspension and adjustable air suspension, a large overall ground clearance is provided, allowing Defender to overcome obstacles that other vehicles cannot. overcome.
The wheel diameter – limited by the size of the brake – is high for the terrain. On some variants, 18-inch wheels can be installed, but the standard 19-inch and higher (highest) tariff is not always suitable for the terrain. However, the overall diameter of the tire is high, more than 32 inches.
The range of powertrains available in the Defender is impressive, from the bright and powerful turbocharged four-cylinder petrol (P300) to the turbocharged (albeit expensive) six-cylinder petrol and diesel. money). They are perfectly suited for off-road and off-road driving, and match the tone of the suspension to deliver an impressive range of performance.
Combined with a locked center and rear differential and an advanced and sophisticated traction control system, wheel spin is rare. This Defender delivers a sense of composure and competence, even for inexperienced drivers behind the wheel.
All of these have a cream-colored finish on black tarmac and around the city, which has been significantly refined, as well as reliably removing wave-induced dirt. Off-road unrivaled yet elegant and graceful on the road, Defender doesn’t risk getting dirty?
| Land Rover Defender Gallery Reference Land Rover Defender V8 110 P525 2023 Price and specifications Land Rover Defender 2023 |
Second place: Ford Everest
Ford Everest
There are 8 options
$52,990 – $77,530* MRLP
Something we love
- –Powerful, quiet and efficient optional V6 engine
- –A practical addition to the interior too
- –Performance suspension designed for on-road and off-road
Something we don’t have
- –Infotainment system may not work sometimes
- –Off-road traction control is not as effective as Land Rover
- –Can use 10-speed automatic transmission
Read reviews
Developed in conjunction with the new Ford Ranger, Ford’s new Everest SUV continues to impress the new generation. Don’t forget that Ford Everest won the 2015 Driver of the Year crown.
A 10-speed automatic and a fully functional all-wheel drive low-range transmission (on 4×4 models, of course) are combined with a refined, dynamic powertrain when choosing a diesel engine.-Model -Torque and durable. The new 3.0-liter V6 is the star of the show; however, the 2.0-liter, twin-turbo, 4-cylinder engine (but has been reworked) is equally powerful and quick.
In general, good ground clearance and locking the rear differential help Everest have good off-road ability. Having the option of off-road tires helps, along with 17-inch and 18-inch diameter wheels to choose from. However, the off-road traction control system is not as perfect as others (especially the Land Rover) and the rear differential lock seems to turn off when in operation.
The driving experience is enhanced by a well-tuned chassis that offers absorption and compliance on a wide range of roads and soils, with coil springs and independent and rear suspension. Soundproofing and complexity are also remarkable.
The 10-speed automatic transmission can sometimes have too many tight ratios. It feels like home on the open road, but it can be quite challenging to meet the demands of fast-paced city driving.
| Ford Everest showroom Refer to Ford Everest Trend 4WD 2023 Ford Everest 2023 price and specifications |
Finalist: Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Jeep Grand Cherokee
There are 8 options
$77,950 – $119,450* MRLP
Something we love
- –Impressive, modern high-class furniture
- –Large and spacious, with plenty of room for passengers
- –Impressive high-end technology
Something we don’t have
- –Off-road speed is great behind
- –Reduced load and traction
- –The convertible V6 petrol engine is your only engine choice
Read reviews
Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee L brings the major American brand back into the seven-seat SUV game, replacing a successful but aging model.
With this new generation Grand Cherokee, the formula has changed. It’s significantly larger (especially in this long-wheelbase L variant) and lacks the option of a turbo-diesel powertrain. A shorter 5-seat version (no longer an L, but 5.2m long) is coming soon but still has the ability to carry many people and items inside.
The interior of the Grand Cherokee L is impressive in terms of equipment and is a clear step up from the previous generation. There are many technologies to use.
While the Grand Cherokee’s 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine is intelligently tuned by Jeep and handles well with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it lacks the mid-range torque of its rivals because it doesn’t have any feel. any coercion.
While the suspension’s on-road compliance (including the air suspension of higher-end models) is mostly good on the road, it’s not quite up to the weight of the off-road. . It can feel stiff and snappy when raised and doesn’t offer much pronunciation.
The addition of a low-range gear lever on the Summit Reserve spec is a significant addition to off-road driving, but it comes (off-road at least) with 21-inch alloy wheels.
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Gallery Review of Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2023 price and specifications |
You can read about all other 2023 driver categories and winners here:
Category Driver of the Year and Winners
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