10 of the Best Off-Road Vehicles in 2024

We’re fanatics when it comes to gravel, rocks and muddy trails, which is why our market is saturated with tough, rugged 4x4 off-roaders.

Not all off-road vehicles are created equal, though, so if you’re looking at your best options for an adventurous set of wheels that can transport you and your family - you’re in the right place.

Join us as we take a look at ten of the best off-road vehicles on sale here in Australia and break down their specifications to help you out with your search.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The all-American icon proves itself one of the leading off-roaders that simply oozes personality.

While it comes powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Jeep has maintained the fundamentals of the Wrangler that make it a hardcore off-roader capable of tackling virtually anything you throw at it.

It’s one of the only vehicles on the market that allows you to remove the doors and roof entirely, while the hardcore Wrangler Rubicon comes packing 32-inch off-road tyres, locking front & rear diffs, a heavy-duty Dana rear axle and upgraded suspension.

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol

• Power & Torque: 200kW/400Nm

• Ground Clearance: 255mm

• Wading Depth: 760mm

• Approach Angle: 43.9 degrees

• Departure Angle: 37.0 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 22.6 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 2,495kg

Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series GX

Sitting at the top of Toyota’s lineup, the almighty LandCruiser 300 is a smooth and comfortable daily driver with immense off-road potential.

With 700Nm of torque from its twin-turbo V6 powertrain, a clever, full-time 4x4 system with a locking centre differential as standard and the option of a locking rear or front & rear differential in the range-topping GR Sport, the LandCruiser 300 Series is hard to ignore, particularly for family buyers.

• Engine: 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel

• Power & Torque: 227kW/700Nm

• Ground Clearance: 245mm

• Wading Depth: 700mm

• Approach Angle: 32 degrees

• Departure Angle: 25 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 25 degrees 

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

Ford Ranger Raptor

The latest-generation Ford Ranger has confidently asserted itself as one of the most capable off-road utes you can find in Australia.

With a tough platform, powerful engine lineup and tonnes of clever off-road tech and hardware, the Ranger is confident in the face of a tough off-road trail while treating those inside to impressive levels of space, tech and comfort-focused features.

• Engine: 3.0-litre V6 diesel

• Power & Torque: 154 - 184kW / 500 - 600Nm

• Ground Clearance: 272mm

• Wading Depth: 850mm

• Approach Angle: 32 degrees

• Departure Angle: 25 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 24 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

Nissan Patrol Ti Warrior

What do you get when you hand off an already impressive 4x4 wagon to a team of experts that specialise in off-road tech? The Nissan Patrol Ti Warrior, of course.

The Patrol Ti Warrior is the end result of an aftermarket program aimed at making the almighty Patrol even more confident off-road with the help of a revised and lifted suspension system, GVM upgrade, recovery points and lovely bi-modal exhaust that lets the 5.6-litre V8 engine scream.

• Engine: 5.6-litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol

• Power & Torque: 298kW/560Nm

• Ground Clearance: 323mm

• Wading Depth: 700mm

• Approach Angle: 40 degrees

• Departure Angle: 23.3 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 24.4 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GSR

While it’s not the most modern package, Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport continues to impress on everything from value, to family-friendly practicality and impressive off-road capabilities.

With a body-on-frame platform, hefty turbo-diesel torque, acres of interior space for seven and a capable 4WD system, the Pajero Sport is a must-have on any adventurous family’s shortlist.

• Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 133kW/430Nm

• Ground Clearance: 218mm

• Wading Depth: 700mm

• Approach Angle: 30 degrees

• Departure Angle: 24.2 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 23.1 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 3,100kg

Land Rover Defender 90 P400

The Land Rover Defender has an almighty reputation when it comes to off-road prowess, a feat made even more impressive by the sheer opulence on offer inside the cabin.

Available in three formats, including the short wheelbase 90 and the stretched-out 130 platform, the Defender upholds Land Rover’s reputation when sealed roads stop and makes for one of the most versatile and luxurious off-road experiences on sale in 2024.

• Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol 

• Power & Torque: 294kW/550Nm

• Ground Clearance: 216mm

• Wading Depth: 900mm

• Approach Angle: 30.1 degrees

• Departure Angle: 37.6 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 24.2 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain

The Isuzu D-MAX has a rock-solid reputation for off-road antics, with recent updates making it more capable, well-equipped and stylish than ever before.

The D-MAX platform has proven itself tough enough to bash its way up a trail, with its willing 3.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant offering up to 3,500kg worth of braked towing capacity make it a great option for a long-distance tourer.

• Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 140kW/450Nm

• Ground Clearance: 240mm

• Wading Depth: 800mm

• Approach Angle: 27.3 degrees

• Departure Angle: 19 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 23.8 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

Suzuki Jimny

While it doesn’t command the same footprint as most rivals on our list, don’t underestimate the plucky little Suzuki Jimny when the going gets tough.

It’s a physics lesson in practice, with the Suzuki Jimny providing a first-hand example at the virtues of a lightweight platform and simplicity when tackling an off-road trail, with an affordable asking price and charming looks making it hard to resist for price-conscious buyers.

• Engine: 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol

• Power & Torque: 75kW / 130Nm 

• Ground Clearance: 210mm

• Wading Depth: 300mm

• Approach Angle: 37 degrees

• Departure Angle: 49 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 28 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 1,300kg

Mazda BT-50 SP

The Mazda BT-50 is another great option in the world of dual-cab utes that aren’t afraid to get their toes dirty.

With a platform shared with the D-MAX, the BT-50 has all the important hallmarks and hardware of a tough off-roader, though presents buyers with a more refined interior layout and long equipment lists that make it a particularly great option for family buyers.

• Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

• Power & Torque: 140kW / 450Nm 

• Ground Clearance: 240mm

• Wading Depth: 800mm

• Approach Angle: 30.4 degrees

• Departure Angle: 24.2 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 23.8 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

Lexus GX 550 Overtrail

The Lexus GX range is one of the most impressive, luxurious and capable off-roaders you can buy in 2024, with the GX 550 Overtrail turning things up to eleven.

Based on the latest-generation LandCruiser Prado, the Lexus GX benefits from all the tough and important off-road hardware you could dream of while throwing in a clever adaptive suspension system, locking rear differential, multi-terrain traction control system and a kinetic dynamic suspension system that culminates in a fierce luxury off-roader.

• Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 diesel

• Power & Torque: 260kW / 650Nm 

• Ground Clearance: 225mm

• Wading Depth: 700mm

• Approach Angle: 27 degrees

• Departure Angle: 22 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 24 degrees

• Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

What Makes a Good Off-Road Vehicle?

While there is a wide range of things that culminate in a tough, adventure-ready off-roader, some of the basic, fundamental things that make for a good off-road vehicle include:

• A Powerful Engine with Tonnes of Torque: off-roaders are typically powered by a turbo-diesel engine which produces more torque than a comparable petrol engine which gives you that confidence-inspiring ‘push’ up a steep trail.

• Capable 4WD System: great off-roaders are fitted with either a part-time or full-time 4x4 system combined with a low-range transfer case that helps to deliver maximum torque at low speeds to help climb out of trouble.

• Approach, Departure & Breakover Angles: these angles map out just how capable your off-roader is when it comes to climbing (approach) an incline, descending (departure) back down and how steep of an incline you can tackle without hitting the underbody (breakover).

• Locking Differentials: to help push you over a steep trail with limited grip, the best off-roaders on the market will feature either one or multiple locking differentials which help you put power down to the ground, even if one wheel is in the air or doesn’t have any grip.

• Tyres: The most capable off-road vehicles come fitted with either all-terrain or highway-terrain tyres that offer extreme performance when they hit the dirt or mud.

• Tow Hooks & Recovery Points: you’ll know if your vehicle was built to go off-road by taking a quick look at its recovery points; the easier to access, the better when it comes to getting out of strife quickly.

Request a Quote

If you’re looking to upgrade to a tough 4x4 off-roader, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who can take the stress out of the buying process and even find you the best possible price.