Proper off roaders - list of vehicles
Discussion
Something that I've been musing...... if you want a "proper" rugged 4x4 off roader, what choice is there?
I know there will be debate on what constitutes a proper off roader, but IMO it's something tough, rugged, good flex, axle articulation and highly capable off road without having to drive it in a damaging manner. So good approach/clearance angles required. I'm also thinking of UK terrain, so as a rule, the more compact the better, larger vehicles are generally less capable in woods, on green lanes or trialling.
Please add to the list below:
current = still available new (UK)
past = no longer available new
Also ran = good, but not quite rugged and/or capable enough
EDIT:
As so many seem totally unable to grasp what I was asking, despite being stated. Here repeated is what I mean (for the context of this thread) of proper off roader:
I know there will be debate on what constitutes a proper off roader, but IMO it's something tough, rugged, good flex, axle articulation and highly capable off road without having to drive it in a damaging manner. So good approach/clearance angles required. I'm also thinking of UK terrain, so as a rule, the more compact the better, larger vehicles are generally less capable in woods, on green lanes or trialling.
Please add to the list below:
current = still available new (UK)
past = no longer available new
Also ran = good, but not quite rugged and/or capable enough
| Current | Past | Also runs |
|---|---|---|
| Land Rover Defender | Land Rover Series 1 | Isuzu Trooper |
| Jeep Wrangler JK 3dr/Rubicon | Land Rover Series 2 | Mitsubishi Shogun |
| Lada Niva | Land Rover Series 3 | Jeep Cherokee (KJ) |
| Suzuki Jimny | Jeep Wrangler TJ | Nissan Patrol |
| Mercedes G-Wagen | Jeep Wrangler YJ | Land Rover Discovery 3 |
| Jeep CJ | Suzuki Vitara | |
| Land Rover Discovery S1 | Mitsubishi L200 | |
| Range Rover (classic) | Ford Maverick/Nissan Terrano | |
| Jeep Cherokee (XJ) | Toyota Hilux Surf/4Runner | |
| Suzuki SJ/Samurai | ||
| Toyota 70 Series Light Duty | ||
| Ford Bronco (Early) | ||
| Ford Bronco (FSB) | ||
| Chevrolet Blazer K5 | ||
| Toyota Hilux 3rd-6th Generation | Toyota Hilux 7th Generation | |
| Toyota FJ 40 Series | ||
| Toyota 70 Series Heavy Duty | ||
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Monday 26th September 10:57
EDIT:
As so many seem totally unable to grasp what I was asking, despite being stated. Here repeated is what I mean (for the context of this thread) of proper off roader:
300bhp/ton said:
what constitutes a proper off roader, IMO it's something tough, rugged, good flex, axle articulation and highly capable off road without having to drive it in a damaging manner. So good approach/clearance angles required. I'm also thinking of UK terrain, so as a rule, the more compact the better, larger vehicles are generally less capable in woods, on green lanes or trialling.
For an example of the terrain or off roading ability and obstacles please use these pics as a reference (NOT THE VEHICLES specifically, just what they are doing!!!!)Edited by 300bhp/ton on Tuesday 27th September 13:15
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Tuesday 27th September 13:16
scrwright said:
Patrol an also run? LOL
100 best/what are the best lists are like farts. Yours are great, everyone elses stink
Quite. Bit of a daft list 300 'cause it's only your opinion. Don't like Jap stuff much either eh? 100 best/what are the best lists are like farts. Yours are great, everyone elses stink
A well-sorted series with extended spring hangers is still very capable, especially on green lanes. being sao narrow helps.
Shogun is in the wrong column, as is the Patrol.
And the L200 is Mitsubishi, not Nissan.
Why have the hilux and surf/4runner in different columns?
In what way do you think a hilux is better offroad than an L200? Both have stupidly long rear overhangs, making them seriously compromised.
Ever driven a Maverick/Terrano? They're fine offroad.
Why have the hilux and surf/4runner in different columns?
In what way do you think a hilux is better offroad than an L200? Both have stupidly long rear overhangs, making them seriously compromised.
Ever driven a Maverick/Terrano? They're fine offroad.
Melvin Udall said:
Isuzu Trooper not rugged enough? Fourtrak should be in there, somewhere.
Are they? I personally wouldn't have said so, but happy to be proven wrong.By rugged enough (and capable) my expectation is, that either stock, or without major modifications they should be able to do things like this:
If you think they can, then please move them to an appropriate column. Also wouldn't mind a pic showing them in action either.
Hard to move something between columns without requoting when the table is in your post?
Patrol/Safari massively tough and capable, can't see a Landcruiser in the list either.
Terrano not quite in that league but also plenty useful enough off road.
Patrol/Safari massively tough and capable, can't see a Landcruiser in the list either.
Terrano not quite in that league but also plenty useful enough off road.
Edited by GravelBen on Friday 23 September 12:46
Melvin Udall said:
300bhp/ton said:
Lack of flex. Prove me wrong though
That not enough for you?
PS, is flex your only issue? If so, how much flex do you think a Niva has?
Edited by Melvin Udall on Friday 23 September 13:21
Don't know a huge amount about Toopers, are the all live axle?? I kinda thought they were IFS.
Melvin Udall said:
Lada Niva is IFS.
Yes I know. That wasn't the question though.I'm not saying a Trooper can't be good - in fact totally the opposite I'm asking for people to tell me!!
IFS is a downer on the Niva too, but it's proven pretty darn capable. I'm just asking if the same is true of the Trooper? If so, then fine. Great in fact.
So........................
Are they normally IFS or live axle, or did they change over at some point from one to the other?
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