When it comes to buying a car, there’s nothing handier than owning a 4x4. You can use it to drive the family around comfortably, especially with all the creature comforts that come in today’s best trucks. Plus, you can use it to move heavy loads on the job site, off-road, or even help in moving houses.
In this article, we will try and help you decide which 4x4 to buy in Australia. As you might imagine, the answer to this question is subjective. Some people may prioritise interior comfort and electronics, while others may want the sturdiest off-road 4x4 money can buy.
So, we’re going to look at a few different models you can find on Australian streets today. Then, I’ll share with you my pick for what I consider to be the best 4x4 you can buy in Australia.
What to Look for in a 4x4
If you’re shopping for a 4WD vehicle, you first need to determine your priorities. For instance, if you’re a tradesperson wanting a workhorse with none of the frills, then you’ll probably want a 4x4 ute with the lowest trim level.
However, if you want to drive a powerful beast that’s fully-equipped with the best seats and heaps of the latest driving tech, then you might want a high-end 4x4 SUV instead.
So, here are some key questions to ask yourself when you’re comparing 4WD vehicles:
- Will you have passengers in the car often, and if so, how many?
- Are you planning on doing a lot of off-roading?
- How much cargo do you plan on carrying?
- How important are interior comfort and in-car entertainment?
By asking these questions, you should get a better sense of where your priorities are. Then, you’ll be better informed about choosing the best 4x4 for your needs.
Four of My Favourite 4x4s
Alright, so let’s get to it. Here are four of my favourite 4x4s to buy in Australia.
Ford Everest Sport
Let’s start this list with probably the most reliable 4x4 you can find anywhere: the 2020 Ford Everest Sport. If you’re looking for a family-friendly type of 4x4, this one will treat you well.
It’s got a 3.2-Litre TDCi turbo diesel engine with a maximum output of 143 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Pair that with a 6-speed transmission, and you’ve got a rugged 4WD that’ll get you where you need to be with the most comfort.
Inside, you’ve got all the connectivity you need to keep yourself on the right route while your kids stay happy as well. Being a sports version, the Ford Everest comes with leather accented seats inside and black body accents for the outside.
2020 Toyota HiLux SR5
Of course, if you’re looking for something more of a workhorse, there are a few 4x4 makes and models that have stood the test of time. Among them is the Toyota HiLux which remains a popular option even today.
The SR5 variant of the Toyota Hilux is an absolute beast with a maximum output of 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. That’s thanks to the 2.8-Litre DT4 diesel engine that it has under the hood.
Passengers will have just enough legroom inside the cabin. The tradeoff for that is the roomy cargo bed in the back that you can use to haul whatever your job requires.
Despite being more of a work vehicle, you still get a few amenities inside like smartphone connectivity, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4.2-inch display screen.
2021 Mitsubishi Triton GLS
Another great 4x4 ute is the latest Mitsubishi Triton GLS. As you may already know, the Mitsubishi Triton is one of the great names for pickup trucks, and the 2021 model keeps that legacy going.
The truck carries a 2.4-litre DT4 diesel engine with a maximum output of 133 kW of power, plus 430 Nm of torque. You can get it in auto or manual, but either way, they’ve paired that engine with a 6-speed transmission.
This 4x4 makes for a perfect dual-purpose vehicle, great for work and great for leisure. It’s not the most family-friendly vehicle of the bunch, since you’re giving up some cab space for the cargo bed in the back. Still, it’s pretty comfortable inside for when you do have passengers.
The Mitsubishi Triton will also serve as a versatile off-road 4x4 if you feel like getting a bit adventurous.
2020 Land Rover Discovery HSE SDV6
At this point, we’ve looked at a family-friendly 4x4, followed by two of the most popular 4WD workhorses around. But if you’re the kind of person who enjoys the finer things in life, you’ll want a 4x4 that’s powerful but also packs a lot of style and luxury.
The 2020 Land Rover Discovery SDV6 HSE is what you need. Don’t let the sophisticated aesthetics fool you. There’s a 3.0-Litre DTV6 diesel engine inside with a maximum output of 225 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque! That makes this beautiful 4x4 the most powerful one we have on this list.
You’ll find all the best comforts inside that you’d expect from a Land Rover, especially a high-end model like this one. That includes digital TV, heated steering wheel, and so much more.
My Top Pick for the Best 4x4 to Buy in Australia
Determining the best 4x4 in Australia boils down to what the buyer’s priorities are. Do you want something more luxurious, something family-friendly, or a total workhorse that can take a lot of abuse?
I'm going to say that the Ford Everest Sport is my top pick for the best 4x4 to buy in Australia. The reason for that is simple: among all the fantastic makes and models I've listed here, the Ford Everest is the most well-rounded of them all.
The way I see it, I could confidently take the Ford Everest off-roading in the daytime and get it all muddied up without a worry. Then, I could hose it down and use the same 4x4 SUV to take my wife and kids out to dinner that very night.
When you have a 4x4 that can do both, to me, that means you’ll get the most out of every dollar you spend.
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By Ray Hasbollah