Which is the best mid-size SUV for off-roading?

With Australians unlikely to travel overseas for the foreseeable future a road trip is on the cards. We find out what SUV is best for heading off road.

Now is a great time to see parts of Australia.

THE QUESTION

For my retirement I’m hoping to travel a bit around Australia, so want a mid-sized 4x4 around $50,000. Not a wannabe 4x4: a genuine one with full-size spare underneath or on the rear door. The Suzuki Grand Vitara isn’t available anymore, and the Suzuki Jimny’s too small with two doors. I like the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, but am open to other suggestions. I’d prefer an ex-demo or low kilometre vehicle.

James Raine, email

ANSWER

The mid-size SUV market is crammed with soft-roaders rather than “proper” 4WDs with low-range gearing, so options are minimal. Something larger, like the Pajero Sport, may have to be your target.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a genuine off-roader with good tow ability.

CHOICES

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 5 Seats, $52,490 drive-away

A bit over $50,000, but you get a five-year/100,000km warranty, which is boosted to a 10-year/200,000km warranty if you get you get every scheduled service done at a Mitsubishi dealer. The deal is sweetened further by four years free roadside assistance. The entry-level GLX is only $45,990 drive-away, but a GLS will make retirement travels more enjoyable. You score power leather seats, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and power tailgate. A rear diff lock adds to the Pajero Sport’s already talented off-road chops. As a ladder-frame, ute-based 4WD it’s not to be confused with a more on-road suited and settled SUV such as a Mazda CX-5. A Pajero Sport doesn’t enjoy corners, but cruises well, the engine’s smooth and it returns a respectable 8L/100km.

The Jeep has multiple off-road driving modes.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, approx $48,000 drive-away (ex-demo)

Expensive new, but dealers are trying to shift Cherokees well below list price. Look for a 2019 model with delivery or a few thousand kilometres, haggle hard and expect to drive away for less than $50k. The only mid-size SUV with proper off-road ability, you get rugged suspension and wheels, 221mm ground clearance, low range, Rock Mode, locking rear diff and underbody skid plates. You can also option off-road tyres. Looks far better after 2018’s facelift, and the five-year/unlimited km warranty allays some fears over Jeep’s recent reliability woes. Annual services aren’t cheap at $399 a pop, the V6 petrol likes a drink (10.2L/100km), and while it’s a beast off-road, it’s hard to drive with finesse on the sealed stuff. A full-size spare wheel is under the boot floor, but cargo space is mighty.

Toyota Fortuner GX, approx $53,600 drive-away

Toyota’s rugged reliability is a plus on long road trips.

If your trip turns into an Australian odyssey, you can’t go far wrong with a Toyota. Reliability’s one positive, but dealers in (almost) every town for service and parts is a huge advantage. You can’t afford a Prado, but the HiLux-based Fortuner (same engine as the Prado) has just been updated with suspension improvements to make it better on-road. It still drives like a ute, though. This Pajero Sport rival now has more safety to go with decent cabin comfort and go-anywhere off-road ability. Fuel use is a good 7.6L/100km, but services are needed every six months, costing a chunky $3535 over five years.

WILDCARD

Subaru Forester 2.5i-S AWD, about $48,400 drive-away

The Subaru Forester is a great choice if you don’t plan on going too far off the bitumen.

Before you dismiss it, are you planning to do the Canning Stock Route? If not, the Subaru Forester is a brilliant all-rounder with surprising off-road talents despite no low range or diff lock. Its 220mm ground clearance is impressive and smart X-Mode adjusts gearing and throttle on loose or slippery surfaces. It’ll take you further than all other medium SUVs of its ilk. It has a huge cabin and boot, full-size spare, is comfortable and quiet to drive, uses 7.4L/100km and is flush with tech and safety. This grade gets leather seats, sunroof, power tailgate and excellent sound system. Services are annual/12,500km, costing $2385 for the first five.

VERDICT

If you’re going to do rugged off-roading, it’s hard to look past the Pajero Sport. Good value, well-equipped, comfy and cheaper to run than the Jeep and Toyota. It won’t be fun to drive around town, though, which is why I’d lean towards the Forester. It’s your preferred medium size, will go further than you’d imagine and is the smart choice for on-road travel.

Originally published as Which is the best mid-size SUV for off-roading?