In what can be called far more than just a trend, the best-selling vehicles on the Australian market tend to be large, adaptable SUV and ute platforms that offer buyers the best of both worlds approach to motoring.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 best 4x4 and off-road arrivals here in Australia throughout 2022 to help you with your search.
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Request a quote1. Ford Everest
2022 is set to play a major role in the future of Ford, with the release of two heavy-hitters in the world of 4x4s and off-road cars. Leading the charge will be the next-generation Ford Everest, which receives a major styling overhaul, fresh mechanicals underneath and a heap more tech inside.
Ford has been spotted testing the Everest in some tough off-road conditions ahead of its official launch later this year, which shows that the company is keen to maintain, and improve upon, the Everest’s off-road credentials.
Ford is expected to carry over its single and twin-turbo diesel engines for the Everest range, as well as the flagship 3.0-litre V6 diesel for more powerful variants, each of which receive a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
2. Mazda BT-50
Mazda’s ute lineup is set to receive a major update for 2022, complete with a new entry-level model with fresh fuel-efficient engine, as well as more features across the range.
The BT-50 range receives a new XS base model, powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel unit pushing out 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, which maintains some pulling power for towing large objects and off-road driving.
Underneath, the mechanicals remain the same, which means the BT-50 retains its adventurous nature for weekend adventures while retaining its workhorse abilities.
The tried-and-tested 3.0-litre turbo-diesel makes yet another appearance in mid to high-spec variants, making it the pick of the bunch for off-road driving and towing up to 3,500kg in the flagship variant.
3. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Mitsubishi has given its family-friendly Pajero Sport lineup an update for 2022 with the release of the Pajero Sport GSR range-topper.
The Pajero Sport, which actually shares its platform with the Triton ute comes ready for off-road antics with a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel pushing out 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, locking rear differential and high & low transfer case.
The Pajero Sport GSR sits at the top of the range, while the entry-level GLX with a 4x2 system can be purchased for $17,000 less than the flagship, with the entry-level 4x4 GLX priced at $48,940.
Best of all, the Pajero Sport comes packaged with Mitsubishi’s market-leading ten-year warranty with ten-years of capped price servicing.
4. Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series
While it may have officially launched late last year, production slow-downs and long waitlists mean that the majority of customer deliveries of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will take place in 2022.
In its latest form, Toyota has thrown out the V8 in favour of a new, more fuel-efficient twin-turbo V6 engine producing 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque, making the LandCruiser an absolute powerhouse when it comes to towing large objects and pushing off-road with a ten-speed automatic transmission, locking differentials and a heap of off-road technology.
Inside, the 300 Series has received a significant refresh over its predecessor, with more safety and entertainment features packaged as standard across the range. All the hardcore underpinnings have been updated underneath, too, meaning that the 300 Series is ready for action, no matter how tough the terrain may be.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is set for a major overhaul this year, with the release of an all-new model riding on a fresh platform, a new set of engine options and a comfortable interior cabin for weekend and holiday trips away.
Sharing its platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the Grand Cherokee is being brought into the 21st century with a series of mechanical updates that should translate to the most rugged and capable off-roader we’ve seen from Jeep yet.
The long-wheelbase 4x2 is set to debut first here in Australia, with 4x4 variants set to hit dealerships in late 2022, with a new 3.6-litre six-cylinder and a new hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric, with towing power standing at 3,200kg.
6. Next-Gen Ford Ranger
Perhaps the most significant new car entrant into the 2022 model year, Ford Ranger is hoping the next-generation Ranger will blow the ute segment out of the water with its first major update in more than a decade.
Under the hood, there’s a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and a new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel borrowed from the American F-150 pickup, which is expected to give the top-of-the-line Ranger some serious pulling power.
Better yet, Ford will fine-tune the Ranger lineup specifically for Australian road conditions, which should result in the most comfortable ride quality possible on smooth surfaces, while adding to its off-road credentials when the going gets tough.
7. Lexus LX
If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious than the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, the upcoming release of the Lexus LX off-roader should have you well-and-truly covered.
When it arrives some time in the middle of 2022, the Lexus LX takes the hardcore platform and engine lineup from the 300 Series, while adding a number of premium, luxurious features inside the cabin.
Buyers have the choice of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol producing 305kW of power and 650Nm of torque, as well as the 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel producing 227kW/700Nm, both of which are paired with a ten-speed automatic with locking differentials for some serious off-road driving and towing power.
8. Next-Gen Nissan Pathfinder
Set to arrive some time in the middle of 2022, the all-new Nissan Pathfinder comes riding on a brand new platform that should translate to more occupant space, comfort and features, as well as upgraded hardware to handle some off-road action.
The Pathfinder will feature seven and eight-seat configurations for all the growing families out there, with power supplied by a 3.5-litre V6 pushing out 212kW of power and 351Nm of torque, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic in favour of the controversial CVT automatic.
The styling has been brought well into the 21st century with a new front fascia and LED headlights, while the inside receives added tech in the form of a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 9.0-inch infotainment system.
9. Ineos Grenadier
It’s not every day you get a brand new car from a brand new manufacturer, but 2022 will see the launch o the Ineos Grenadier here in Australia, which is effectively a continuation of the traditional Land Rover Defender bodyshape, with a live axle four-wheel drive system.
The simple yet hardcore underpinnings of the Grenadier means that it comes out of the box ready for off-road action, with options of a diesel and petrol six-cylinder engine courtesy of BMW. When it arrives, expect to see two, four and five-seat configurations available, with the promise of a dual-cab ute Grenadier also on the way.
10. Volkswagen Amarok W580X
We’ll cap-off our list with a new, hardcore dual-cab ute from Volkswagen that sits atop the Walkinshaw range, which receives a heap of added off-road equipment designed to get you further off the beaten track than the standard Amarok.
Set to arrive in April, the Amarok W580X receives the same V6 turbo-diesel pushing out 190kW of power and 580Nm of torque, with a raised suspension platform and more hardcore shock absorbers underneath.
The Amarok W580X receives a set of 18-inch forged alloys with all-terrain Pirelli tyres, an LED lightbar and alloy bash plate up front to handle the punishment of off-road driving.
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If our list of the best 4x4 and off-road cars arriving to Australia in 2022 has sparked your mind into action, click here for a free quote on your dream car, or to speak with one of our car-buying experts.
