SOFT-ROADERS

There is an ongoing argument between Suzuki and Toyota over who was first to introduce the SUV. The answer is neither of them.

The post-2014 Nissan Pathfinder models – including the 2023 version –  were definite softroaders, with a monocoque body temporary spare tyre and no low range gearing. They also came with V6 petrol power.

The Outback drifted somewhat from its off-roading roots in the early 2000s, but the 2015 model had enhanced 4WD capability. Upgrades were introduced in 2016 and 2021.

The Forester is a great on-road performer, with quite good fire trail capability. The 2016 Forester had some styling changes, a quieter, more comfortable cabin and upgraded instruments. In September 2018 Subaru launched the new generation of its top-selling Forester All-Wheel Drive wagon.

The success of the Peugeot 2008 DKR race machine in the 2016 Dakar event has prompted some off-road enthusiasts to suggest that there may be a place for a 2WD to challenge the accepted ability of a 4WD for off-road touring. It’s not that simple.

Jeep mademany claims for the 2018 Compass and Compass Trailhawk models , but ‘ best-in-class 4×4 off-road capabilities’ required proof, because it ignored the fact that Suzuki’s Grand Vitara has much better low-range gearing.

We always reckoned there was a market for the Fiat Panda in Australia. Now it’s arrived, badged Jeep Renegade.

Don’t take any notice of TV ads showing soft-roaders tearing through beach-front salt water. Do it and you’re certain to void your warranty and you could be on the path to an expensive recovery or total loss.

Nearly all European soft-roaders now come with temporary spare wheels, run-flat tyres or no spare and a can of tyre inflation gas and sealant.

The X-Trail has been a big seller for Nissan, with 140,000 sold in Australia since its introduction in 2001. The restyled model went on sale in March 2014 and was updated in May 2017. We reckon it’s become too soft for bush work, so we haven’t updated our testing.

The largest-selling medium softroader wagon was updated for 2015 and thereafter came with a temporary spare tyre.

Early Santa Fes were solidly made, but the latest model takes the Hyundai brand to a whole new level. This vehicle has impressive specifications, is strongly made and tows well.

Run-flat tyres and emergency spare tyres have no place in the Australian market, especially for people who want use their SUVs for trips more than 100km away from service back-up.

In this article we look at the most popular pre-2008 softroaders in the used market and check out their bush cred’.

If true to its name the Yeti should have been launched on the snowy slopes of the Himalayas, but the deep sand of Australia’s Finke River served just as well to demonstrate this new wagon’s considerable ability.

The Nissan Murano used an Xtronic continuously variable transmission in place of a conventional automatic transmission. A CVT has ‘stepless’ gearing within upper and lower limits.

The Outlander has always been one of the best softroaders, although Mitsubishi’s sometimes radical front end styling alienated many loyal customers over the years.