2022-04-01 4x4 Magazine Australia

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contents
APRIL 2022
www.facebook.com/4x4aus www.4x4australia.com.au

36 4X4 OF THE YEAR
We tested 18 4x4 wagons and
pick-ups, to come up with a
winner in two categories.

26 90

A first drive of the Wild Ranger is the

INEOS Grenadier perfect rig for work

prototype. and play.

PAGE FIND US
140 ONLINE AT
˸;˸$8675$/,$ &20 $8

Spruce quupayliotyurk4it.x4 100 4cast
with
LC300 kitted 10 4WORD
with quality 12 LATEST NEWS FROM THE 4X4 WORLD
accessories. 16 TRAVEL BULLETIN

4x4 Driven

26 DRIVE: INEOS GRENADIER PROTOTYPE

32 DRIVE: MAZDA BT-50 XS

36 2022 4X4 OF THE YEAR

90 CUSTOM: FORD RANGER

100 CUSTOM: 2022 LANDCRUISER 300 VX

152 READERS’ RIGS

110 154 SHED: 1988 LAND ROVER 110 PERENTIE

Not even a cyclone 4x4 Explore

can keep Kalbarri 110 KALBARRI, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
down. 120 WOODS POINT, VICTORIA

4x4 HOW TO

132 HOW TO: WINCHING BASICS
146 CAMP KITCHEN: HOT CROSS BUNS

4x4 Gear

140 NEW STUFF ON THE MARKET
148 MAXXIS RAZR MUDDIES ON THE D-MAX

120 4x4 OPINION
A quick weekend
trip in the High 20 WANDERING AUSTRALIA: THE SHANLEYS
22 FOOTLOOSE: RON MOON
Country. 24 TECH TORQUE: FRASER STRONACH

THE SCORE

156 ALL THE STATS, FIGURES AND
PRICES OF EVERY 4X4 YOU CAN BUY

4x4 partIng pIC

162 YOUR SHENANIGANS CAUGHT ON FILM

132

Winch recoveries ARB Eldee

done right ... and Easter Festival’s

safely. tenth year.

4WORD EDITORIAL
Editor Matt Raudonikis
MATT RAUDONIKIS Deputy Editor Evan Spence
Art Director Jamie Burgess
FORD’S FOURBIE FRENZY Staff Journalist Tristan Tancredi
Editor-At-Large Ron Moon
T HE most amazing thing Toyota is going to suffer the most Road-Test Editor Fraser Stronach
that comes to mind when as a result of the new Fords, as it Sub-Editor John Panozzo
reviewing the Ford Ranger’s reduces production in its plants due Staff Photographers Ellen Dewar, Alastair Brook
win at 4X4OTY for 2022 is to component shortages. Buyers
that it is one of the oldest waiting for a new LandCruiser WHEELS MEDIA
4x4 utes on the market and there’s might consider a V6 Everest as Editorial Assistant Nick Segal
a new model coming out in just an alternative – if they don’t have News Desk Ben Zachariah & Jordan Mulach
a few months. That model will be to wait for it – as LC300 waiting
debuting a new V6 diesel engine in lists continue to grow. As good News Editor Kat Fisk
regular Ranger and a 400hp petrol as Toyota’s Prado is, it will be Marketing Specialist Katie Bastion
V6 in the Raptor model. Heaven in for stiff competition from an Customer Experience Vin Nguyen
help the competition! Everest with the performance and
refinement that a V6 engine brings Production Services Di McLarty
The Ford 4x4 onslaught through over any rattly old four-pot. Same Circulation Manager Stuart Jones
Q3 of this year will include the goes for Hilux against Ranger. Group Finance Manager Cain Murphy
aforementioned Ranger, Ranger General Manager – Technology Tim Kenington
Raptor and the new Everest Another point of interest from Communications Director Dave Harding
wagon, which, being bigger and the Ranger’s performance at Publishing Director – Digital Mike Stevens
also offering the V6 diesel engine, 4X4OTY was that, as it is such an Content Director – Enthusiast Simon Telford
should really shake up that mid-size old vehicle, what are all the other Chief Operating Officer Scott Davison
wagon market. manufacturers doing with their Chief Executive Officer Christian Clark
newer utes? It was said by our team
If FoMoCo can avoid the supply that the Ranger is the best driving CONTACT US
issues strangling the new-car 4x4 ute on the market, and the SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES:
market in this first half of the year, next best remains the also aging Ph: (02) 8315 2092 - Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM (EST)
then its T6-based range of 4x4s Volkswagen Amarok.VW will also Email: [email protected]
should kill it in the second half. be debuting a new model later this Web: secure.whichcar.com.au/4X4Aus
Already, Ford dealers are saying year which is expected to go on sale Post: Wheels Media, PO Box 161, Hornsby, NSW, 1630
there’ll be a six-month waiting list early in 2023. To put more fear into
for some Ranger V6 models, so the other manufacturers, the new GENERAL ENQUIRIES
popular has early interest been in Amarok will be based on the new [email protected]
the new generation of ute. Ranger with a VW skin wrapped
around it. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
All of these new Fords ride Scott Crowley
on the Australian engineered, With V6 Rangers and Amaroks
developed and refined T6 platform, coming soon, all the other ute [email protected]
and one thing that was repeated brands will be struggling to keep
throughout our 4X4OTY testing up until they can repower their own Published by Wheels Media,
was how well the Rangers coped models. With V6 Rangers, Raptors, a division of Are Media Pty Limited,
with Australian roads compared to Everests and Amaroks, Ineos
all of the other utes on test. This Grenadier, Jeep Grand Cherokee; ABN 18 053 273 546
comes from that Australian input the next 12 months promises to be a © 2021. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0726-2418
in to the vehicle from the earliest great one for new 4x4 vehicles.
stages in the development, which SUBSCRIBE TO
makes the Fords the closest thing ˸;˸ $8675$/,$
to an Australian new car you can
get today. Save up to 37%

Head to
4x4.subscription.com.au

or call (02) 8315 2092

M

DUSTING A PROBLEM?
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Dusting can cause havoc for some Toyota LandCruisers, which is why we’ve developed
the Terrain Tamer Air Filter Insert Kit.
The original design of the upper filter housing of some LandCruiser models features a seal
surface which is too narrow to match the seal of the filter itself. As a result, the filter
does not properly seal, allowing dust to pass through the airbox and enter the engine
intake.
To combat this problem, we’ve developed our Design Protected range of filter inserts,
which when fitted, create a surface area to perfectly match the filter, aligning in the
correct position to seal effectively and deliver a premium result.The kit includes the
insert, filter and sealant and carries the Terrain Tamer signature.

Available for V8 Toyota Landcruiser Models:
KDJ120/150/155, KZJ/RZJ120, TRJ150, VDJ76/78/79, VDJ200
For information visit terraintamer.com
or call 1300 888 444

4cast
NEWS AND VIEWS

WRAPS OFF THE
2022 FORD EVEREST

DUE FOR RELEASE LATER THIS YEAR, THE NEW 2022 FORD EVEREST WILL
BE POWERED BY V6 AND I4 DIESEL ENGINES

F ORD has continued its rollout of a disc-brake equipped and coil-sprung 50mm in-between the firewall and front
new 4x4 vehicles that will go on rear suspension instead of the leaf
sale in the second half of 2022, with springs and drum brakes beneath the axle line, again to accommodate the
the first look at the new Everest Ranger ute. These changes between the
wagon. This comes after recently ute and wagon are designed to create new engines and their related cooling
showing us the Ranger and Ranger a better riding and performing chassis
Raptor utes, both of which are based on for the Everest over the load-lugging systems.
the same T6 platform as the new Everest. Ranger ute.
The Everest will lose its familiar
Ford is calling this latest version of the Like the next-gen Ranger and
T6 body-on-chassis platform Next-Gen Ranger Raptor, the Everest’s chassis five-cylinder, 3.2-litre diesel engine but
T6, and as was the case with the previous is all-new using hydroformed rails to
WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS two iterations of the chassis, most of the allow the complex designs needed to returns the four-cylinder 2.0L bi-turbo
engineering, design and testing for it was accommodate the new engines. The
done in Australia by the local team. wheel track has been widened by diesel that is also in the current model.
50mm to improve the ride, off-road
As in the past, the Everest rides on performance and the look of the car. The big news engine-wise is the inclusion
its own version of the platform with Also in line with the Ranger chassis,
the wheelbase has been lengthened by of the 3.0L V6 diesel engine also coming
a shorter wheelbase than the
Ranger ute and from the Ranger. While

no figures have

yet been given GAins
for the power

and torque Riding on its own
outputs of the version of Ranger’s Next-

new V6, its Gen T6 chassis, the Everest
most recent now has a wider wheel
track and longer

wheelbase.

12 www.4X4australia.com.au

THE WIDER WHEEL TRACK AND LONGER WHEELBASE HAVE
ALLOWED THE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING TEAMS TO FIT A
LARGER, MORE ACCOMMODATING BODY TO THE EVEREST

application was in the Ford F-150 pickup been upgraded to heavier duty units to The second and third rows now fold flat
where it made close to 600Nm of torque cope with heavier loads.V6 and I4 diesel in to the floor of the vehicle, while the
and 185kW of power. Everests will only be offered with the tailgate has a larger opening in order to
10-speeed automatic transmission in swallow bigger goods – the tailgate also
Those power and torque figures, plus Australia. lifts higher for head clearance at the
the towing rating that has grown from back of the car.
3200 to 3500kg, should put the wind up Even the roof of the new Everest
Toyota as the V6 outguns the top-selling has been engineered to carry heavier The Everest’s interior has a more
Prado, and with its bigger cabin size loads and is now rated to hold a 100kg premium feel with most of its features
(over current generation) it could be dynamic load or up to 350kg static. That’s carried over from the new Ranger. These
an alternative for buyers unable to get enough to carry most rooftop tents and include a 10- or 12.4-inch centre-stack
in to a LandCruiser due to the massive their occupants in camp. There are two screen (depending on model spec) for
product shortages Toyota is suffering at newly designed roof bars with integrated most of the controls and AV duties plus
the moment. rails on most models and free-standing a huge configurable gauge binnacle.
ones on the top-spec Platinum model. While many of the vehicle controls have
Ford has not given us any payload or gone in to menus in the screen there
Gross Combined Mass figures for the BIGGER INSIDE are still large, tactile dials for the most
new Everest yet, but we expect them to commonly used controls like audio
exceed the current model. The towing AS mentioned, the wider wheel track volume and climate control temperature
experience has been made easier with and longer wheelbase have allowed the – finally a vehicle manufacturer that is
an electric brake controller built in to design and engineering teams to fit a listening!
the car and a trailer light check function larger, more accommodating body to the
that runs the lights through their paces, Everest. Without releasing actual figures, There are also plenty of power and
while you can step back and see if they Ford tells us there’s more shoulder room USB outlets throughout the cabin to
are working as they should. in the second and third rows of seats accommodate passengers in all three
and more leg room in all three rows. rows of seats. An electronic gear
Helping to give the Everest its higher The action of the third-row seats has shifter and park brake allow for more
towing capacity is the bigger and more been re-engineered to make entry and space in the centre console, while the
efficient cooling system that is possible exit easier for the rearmost passengers; dial to select four-wheel drive functions
thanks to the new front-end design and and the cargo space is said to be bigger, and modes is large and easily falls to the
the extra space afforded by the longer both with the third row folded or in use. driver’s hand.
nose. The front and rear axles have also

www.4X4australia.com.au 13

4cast

NEWS AND VIEWS

ADVENTURE READY SIMILAR RANGE, NEW MODEL features give the Platinum the look and
feel, both of which are more upmarket
THE Everest gets a new 4x4 system WHEN the new Everest lobs in the than anything we’ve seen in an Everest
that offers full-time four-wheel drive second half of 2022 it is expected to before.
for most driving conditions, and arrive with a similar four-model line-up
locked 4x4 high range and locked similar to what’s on offer now. These While the full model by model
4x4 low range for off-road driving. would include the Ambiente, Trend specifications and any pricing are yet
The multi-terrain selector puts seven and Sport, while the top of the range to be announced, we do expect the
drive modes at the driver’s fingertips model becomes the Platinum in lieu of prices to go up from what they are now
– three modes for on-road and towing, Titanium. to be more in-line with Toyota Prado,
and four designed to optimise the especially for the V6-powered Everests.
electronics for various off-road Platinum is designed to take Everest The next-gen model will give Ford a
conditions. The Everest also has a in to new ground in terms of buyers wagon to take the popular Prado head
driver-lockable rear differential lock and specification level. To be powered on and exceed it in performance and
and, as in the past, the Ford retains only by the V6 engine and four-wheel refinement thanks to its new engine.
ETC across the front axle when the drive, the model gets a premium dash
rear locker is engaged. and quilted-look heated and cooled We expect to see the new Everests in
leather seats, Park Assist 2.0, extra Q4 of 2022 following the arrival of
The Next-Gen T6’s wider wheel chrome inside and out, a bespoke grille Ranger in June or July, and Ranger
track has allowed the engineers to get and Platinum badging, plus exclusive Raptor shortly after that. It all adds
more travel out of the axles at both 21-inch alloy wheels. Thankfully, the up to a busy end to the year for Ford
ends to keep the tyres in contact with Platinum will also be available with as it works to retain its title of having
the ground. 18-inch alloys for those that want the biggest selling 4x4 model in
something more practical. The exclusive Australia.
Ford’s partnership with ARB 4x4
Accessories will not only provide a
range of common accessory items such
as bullbars, side-steps, suspension, roof
racks and lighting for the new Everest
and Ranger, but also more specific
items suitable for the adventurous
owner. The engine bays of all the
Next-Gen T6 vehicles, bar the Raptor,
have been designed to accommodate a
second battery and the kit to fit it will
come from ARB. When asked about
fuel capacity, Ford said it is working
with ARB on offering auxiliary tanks,
so again it seems Ford is listening to
what owners want from its cars.

MODELS

The bold-looking 2022
Everest will be available in
four spec levels, including

Ambiente, Trend Sport
and Platinum.

14 www.4X4australia.com.au

Safari 4x4

Melbourne, Australia. www.safari4x4.com.au/merchandise

TRAVEL BULLETIN Events that were postponed or in doubt are coming back
online, so it’s time to get out and about to enjoy this great
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS land and support the communities. The situation is still
fluid and things are changing all the time, so please check
with event organisers before locking in your plans.

Learn about Old Wilpena Station,
Wilpena Pound and Adnyamathanha

culture on a Yura guided tour.

MORE TO DO AT FISHING MELVILLE (NT) A RIVER AND A CONVICT CUNNAMULLA FELLA
WILPENA (SA) COLONY (TAS) ROUNDUP (QLD)
You’ll find some great
Wilpena Pound has long fishing here in this very When in Tassie don’t miss This fabulous gig is an annual
been the centre point different part of Australia. A out on visiting Strahan on event located at Cunnamulla
for any camping stay scenic 30-minute flight from the west coast and going for in south-west Queensland,
or exploration in the the capital of the Northern a cruise on a family owned showcasing the best of the
Flinders Ranges. Now Territory, Clearwater and operated boat. Your outback lifestyle. This year it
you can also join an Island Lodge is situated in cruise includes a delicious runs from Wednesday June
experienced Yura guide a wilderness destination lunch of local Tasmanian 30 to the following Saturday
for an entertaining and on Melville Island, produce, a one-hour guided evening. Amongst the many
informative stroll to approximately 100km north tour of the one-time convict activities is a junior rodeo
Old Wilpena Station, of Darwin. colony on Sarah Island, school which will be held over
one of SA’s oldest and a 30-minute walk at the three days and led by some of
best-preserved pastoral The Lodge itself is a Heritage Landing on the the country’s best stockmen.
settlements. Along the spacious and relaxing Gordon River and a tour Saturday is the main event
way find out about the retreat, set amongst acres of of Huon Pine Sawmill on and will include barrel racing,
Yura culture and the tropical gardens and exotic return to Strahan. a rodeo and live music. The
history of the local wildlife. There’s bluewater Roundup concluding with the
Adnyamathanha people. and estuary fishing chasing For more, check out: free Country Cares Arena Tour
giant barra and Spanish www.getyourguide. presented by the Drought
For bookings go to: mackerel, plus a host more com/strahan-l32298/ Angels on Saturday night.
www.getyourguide.com species. strahan-world-heritage-
cruise-on-gordon-river-with- For more info, go to: www.
Head to: www.clearwater lunch-t157077 cunnamullatourism.com.au
islandlodge.com.au

16 www.4X4australia.com.au

Switch off your torch, keep quiet, and
wait for the worms to light up the tunnel
with pinpricks of blue light.

HISTORIC KOW PLAINS HAVE YOUR SAY – BURRUP WORTH SEEING (NSW)
HOMESTEAD (VIC) PENINSULA (WA)
The Glow Worm Tunnel
Kow Plains Homestead in the A proposed amendment to the walking track is the
north-west mallee region of Murujuga NP Management fastest and easiest
Victoria was built as a head Plan is being way to experience
station for Kow Plains and the released the wonder of this
adjoining runs around 1879. for public
Since the 1990s, volunteers comment, historic tunnel, lit by
have worked to restore the with an April 8 thousands of glow worms,
property to its former glory. deadline. located in the Wollemi
National Park.
Kow Plains is situated Murujuga is one of WA’s
approximately 1km south most culturally The 400m-long tunnel
of the Mallee Highway at significant was built in the early 1900s
Cowangie. The Homestead is areas, with the as part of the railway
open at all times. world’s largest for the thriving mining
concentration of rock industry at Newnes. It’s
Four-wheel drive clubs art. The plan includes now home to thousands of
are very welcome at Kow the proposal for new glow worms that cling to
Plains Homestead, which is recreation facilities
managed by local volunteers and amendments to the dark, damp walls.
offering morning tea and a improve visitor access. For more information,
tour for a small fee. see: www.nationalparks.
To comment, visit: www. nsw.gov.au
For more, log on to: http:// dpaw.wa.gov.au
kowplains.com

www.4X4australia.com.au 17





WANDERING AUS

THE SHANLEY FAMILY

MASSIVE MEET-UP AT RAINBOW BEACH
E ARLIER this year, we hosted a
‘meet-up’ with all our mates from waking up to the waves crashing on a to hit the road for a lap of the map. It
around Queensland and beyond. beautiful beach. We had a great couple was also a great opportunity to catch up
This was a joint venture with our of nights with drinking, dancing and with all the amazing people we met on
good friends Greg and Ellie from plenty of laughs. On Saturday, we parked the road through the 4WD community.
@Makntrx_4x4 and we thank them for the fleet along DI lagoon beach and We love spending time with the travel
their help and support. spent the day chatting all things 4WD family that has formed through social
and travel. media, and we’ve made lifelong friends
We all congregated at Double Island along the way.
Point lagoon at Rainbow Beach and The power of social media and how
had the best time meeting, greeting far it reaches blows our minds. We were We also had a great time over the
and doing what we love – 4WDing and overwhelmed by the love and support we weekend showing off our new vehicle
camping. The weather was mostly kind have received through our social media builds, with months of planning and
to us with a passing shower every now pages and this was reflected with the preparation put in to our rig – as well
and then, but that didn’t stop us having number of people who made the effort as Greg’s new GMC Denali (pictured).
the best time in the sand, saltwater and to join us over the weekend. We wanted We will reveal more on the rig in later
in our rigs. to organise a meet-up with likeminded issues, but let’s just say we are thrilled
people who love the outdoors, travel and with the next-generation WNDR AUS
The weekend started off at Rainbow 4WDing as much as we do and, well, we machine! We were privileged to display
Beach, hitting the Freshwater track in certainly achieved that. and use some great products, and we
a mega convoy of awesome rigs. We hit feel our followers could see the products
Teewah Beach to set up camp among Over the afternoon we met weekend in action to consider using them for
the dunes, where you never get sick of travellers, 4WD enthusiasts looking to their next adventure.
set up their rigs, and other families keen

MEGA CONVOY

The size of the crowd
at the Shandley’s Double
Island lagoon get-together
shows the popularity of

4x4 touring.

20 www.4X4australia.com.au

size XXl

The GMC Denali in
touring guise, dwarfs
the Shanley’s portal-

axled LC79.

It continues to amaze us how travel,
camping and social media can bring so
many great people together. Our weekend
meet-up reiterated for us that it doesn’t
matter who you are, how much money you
have, or what you drive or camp in, it’s just
about coming together to enjoy the great
outdoors and having a good time.

Given the success of this meet-up, we
are keen to organise more catch-ups in the
future. If you are keen to get amongst it,
we would love to see you at our next event.
Keep an eye out for our future plans in
coming months. We have really enjoyed
our travelling and social media journey so
far and are looking forward to many more
adventures and meet-ups. See you at the
next one!

Until then,
Go wander ...

www.4X4australia.com.au 21

footloose

RON MOON

IF IT’S FLOODED ... FORGET IT!
IT’S the latest catch cry from
governments all around Australia when and then approved the convoy to cross anyone in that time, which I guess was
rain falls and creeks come down in the flooded section. Yes, the water was hardly surprising given the state of the
flood. And it’s a good, simple message flowing, but hardly at any breakneck roads and the amount of water moving
speed – and it was, at the time of the around.

meant for the people out there to vehicles’ crossing, about 30cm deep. A day later we came to the Ashburton
River crossing, which was still flowing
try and keep them safe when water is Obviously, the police had checked to strongly but shallow across its concrete
causeway. Still, we opted to walk the
flooding across a city street or country ensure there were no washed-out sections route and check just to make sure
nothing had been washed away – but
road. under the flowing water before allowing what we found was rather different.
The flood had washed a barbwire
I’m not a great lover of it. Why? It’s too the convoy across. And, if you were in a fence downstream, complete with star
pickets, and this was tangled in a great
bloody simple and all-encompassing. ‘normal’ low-slung car, you were obliged mass in the centre of the river and was
completely underwater and out of sight.
Just recently I caught a bit of flack on to stay where you were. With some pliers and a bit of mucking
around, we cleared the wire and pickets
Facebook for a few posts I put up, the The comment that the police had from the road and, with the causeway
now cleared, we crossed easily.
latest on the Stuart Highway being cut okayed the crossing by trucks and
So, if you come across a flooded
by flood waters and vehicles being filmed 4WD vehicles brought another hail of road crossing, check the stream first to
make sure the track or road surface is
passing through the long flooded stretch. keyboard-warrior diatribe, with some intact under the water and there’s no
obstruction like barbwire or star pickets
“What happened to, ‘if it’s flooded stating: “So, the police don’t practice to get tangled up on. If the water is
too deep – say, up to your thighs – and
forget it,’” the keyboard warriors railed what they preach!” flowing quickly so you are tending to
lose your footing, don’t even think about
and hailed. Others got a little more Dear Lord, give me strength! Could trying to cross in a 4WD vehicle. Turn
around, go back, or sit and wait for the
personal saying with my vast amount of it be that some people are so bloody stream to drop from its peak.

experience I should have known better stupid that they believe that, or are they And if in doubt about your vehicle’s
capabilities or your skill level – if it’s
and I was setting a bad example. Another just stirring the bloody possum? I’m flooded – forget it!

pointed out, rather erroneously and not sure, but it certainly shows a lack of

alarmingly I thought, that water just a knowledge about driving a 4WD vehicle

few inches deep could sweep a vehicle off and driving in the outback generally, and

a road. Geez, the water would have to be driving across a flooded section of road,

flowing bloody quickly and you’d have to more specifically.

have a light, low-slung vehicle with hardly I remember a few years ago we were

any ground clearance for that to happen. in the Ashburton region of Western

That particular video clip which wore Australia when we got caught in

the aggression of some people, was of monsoonal type rain and flooding

a convoy of vehicles – trucks and four- streams and tracks. We dodged around

wheel drives – crossing a flooded section a bit trying to get away from the morass

of the Stuart, and as I pointed out to and then gave up and propped for two

people who hadn’t bothered reading the days while the tracks dried out a little

short article, police had checked the road and the creeks dropped. We never saw

SNAGS

Barbwire and star
pickets are some of
the hidden traps on
flooded roads – so

check before
crossing.

22 www.4X4australia.com.au

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FRASER STRONACH

BIG BANG THEORY To optimally combust a litre of petrol you here also. Higher engine speeds mean
need a whopping 5564 litres, or 5.564 cubic higher piston speeds and faster piston
R OMANCE all we like about grunty metres, of air.To optimally combust a litre acceleration, both of which have attendant
V8s, creamy-smooth straight sixes of diesel you need even more air, some 6346 engine durability and reliability issues.
or punch-above-their-weight fours, litres or 6.346 cubic metres. (Air volumes Pumping efficiency will also decrease at
the primary purpose of all internal calculated at normal temperature and higher engine speeds, as there is less time
combustion engines is as mundane pressure as the volume occupied by a given to fill the cylinders with a fresh charge of air.
as simply pumping air. Without air, and its weight of air varies with temperature and
key constituent oxygen, you can’t combust pressure.) Plan C is to not use just one pump (i.e.
either petrol or diesel. And without the engine) but to add extra pumps to
combustion you can’t convert the potential This is of course the age-old problem with the system. Enter the turbocharger and
energy in petrol or diesel in to mechanical internal-combustion piston engines. If you the supercharger. Both turbochargers and
energy to propel your vehicle. It’s as simple want to produce more power you need to superchargers are auxiliary pumps that
as that. be able to move more air in to and through increase the engine’s effective pumping
the engine.That is, increase its pumping capacity by feeding it with pre-compressed
Popular racing fuels like methanol capacity. and denser air that contains more oxygen
and more particularly nitromethane are per unit volume than air at atmospheric
different as they contain their own oxygen The most obvious and simple way to pressure.
so aren’t as reliant on external oxygen for do this is to build an engine with a larger
combustion. In fact, nitromethane, which working capacity. Everything else being The difference between the two, of
has double the oxygen content of methanol, equal, a larger capacity engine will be course, is that a turbocharger is driven by
can burn without any external oxygen at all. able to pump more air, burn more fuel and exhaust-gas pressure, while a supercharger
therefore produce more power. But larger is mechanically driven off the engine.
The problem faced by diesel or petrol capacity engines come with their own Both arrangements have their inherent
engines is that to burn either fuel you problems.They will be physically bigger advantages and disadvantages.
need an awful lot of air. And while getting and heavier, and take up more space, all
the fuel in to the engine, specifically its considerable negatives in vehicle design. Automotive diesel engines were miserable
combustion chamber, is relatively easy, And they will be inherently more expensive things until a turbocharger or two (or three!)
capturing the huge volume of air needed to build if for no other reason than bigger helped make them a thing of wonder.
and drawing it in to the combustion capacity engines generally have more Meanwhile, while normally aspirated petrol
chamber is extremely hard. cylinders, therefore more moving parts to engines can perform admirably,
manufacture. Bigger engines also require turbocharging even a small capacity petrol
So how much air do you need to optimally more raw materials to make, regardless of engine can produce anything from a relaxed
combust a litre of either diesel or petrol? To the number of cylinders. low-rpm grunter to a potent high-rpm
burn a kilogram of diesel at peak efficiency screamer. And while we may have reached
you need 14.5kg of air.To optimally burn a Plan B is to keep the engine the same ‘peak diesel’ in terms of technological
kilogram of petrol you need 14.7kg of air. capacity but to make it rev faster. A faster development, there’s probably a few tricks
Now, given both diesel and petrol are far revving engine will obviously pump more to come with petrol engines before the
heavier than air by volume (with diesel air than a slower revving engine, everything seemingly inevitable transition to the
being more dense than petrol), the required else being equal. But there are problems electric motor for automotive use.
air-fuel ratio by volume is far more telling of
the problem at hand.

peak diesel

Diesel development has
reached it’s ‘peak’, while
petrol motors continue

to improve and rise to
match the former’s
capabilities.

24 www.4X4australia.com.au

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DRIVE

INEOS GRENADIER
PROTOTYPE

26 www.4X4australia.com.au

A FIRST DRIVE IN THE INEOS GRENADIER, ARGUABLY THE MOST
ANTICIPATED NEW 4X4 TO HIT THE MARKET. IS THE ‘DEFENDER 110’
DOPPELGANGER THE TOUGH, SUPERIOR, GO-ANYWHERE MACHINE IT

HAS BEEN TOUTED TO BE?

T OYOTA’S LandCruiser pretty about it. The live-axle coil-sprung wasn’t going to be, he thought, his sort
much owns the bush. It’s not Grenadier is a confident and of Defender.
that the LandCruiser – either comfortable off-roader that feels, at
in civilian-spec 300 guise or first acquaintance, to be as solid and So Ratcliffe, founder and two-thirds
one of the industrial-strength unstoppable as Toyota’s benchmark owner of the sprawling Ineos Group
70 variants – is necessarily a four-wheel drives. of chemical companies, did what any
great thing to drive. But it’s become self-respecting billionaire would do
an article of faith that a LandCruiser You could call the Ineos Grenadier a in that situation: He decided to make
will get you where you want to go, no passion project. Land Rover Defender his own version of the Defender. Only
matter how remote the destination or enthusiast Jim Ratcliffe wasn’t happy better.
how rough the road. More importantly, when JLR finally stopped production
it will also get you back home again. of the classic off-roader in 2016, Six years later, the first pre-
ending a 68-year run that had seen production Ineos Grenadiers – the
The all-new Ineos Grenadier might more than two million of them made. name comes from the pub in London’s
look like a love letter to an old Land He’d heard the all-new Defender, posh Belgravia, where Ratcliffe and
Rover Defender 110, but a brief off- then under development, would be an his mates hatched the idea over a few
road drive suggests the Grenadier expensive, slickly styled, high-tech 4x4 beers – are now rolling off the line at
has more than a touch of LandCruiser with independent suspension. That what was once Mercedes-Benz’s Smart
car factory in Hambach, France.

www.4X4australia.com.au 27

DRIVE INEOS GRENADIER PROTOTYPE

WHEELS, SUSPENSION & EXTERIOR & CHASSIS planned four-cylinder units, and in part to
POWERTRAIN package the heavy-duty cooling system.
DESPITE design cues unashamedly The front bumper extends farther out
THE Grenadier’s off-road credentials start borrowed from the old Defender such from the bodywork than that of the old
from the wheels up – literally. It rolls on as the headlights in the front fenders, Defender, to enable the car to meet
six-bolt, 17- or 18-inch steel or alloy wheels, the rounded shoulder on the bodyside, modern pedestrian protection regulations.
each of which can be fitted with either and the cutouts in the roof that echo the Access to the rear load space is via a two-
Bridgestone Dueller A/T or BFGoodrich famous Land Rover ‘alpine light’ windows, thirds, one-third vertically split rear door,
T/A KO2 tyres in 265/70R17 or 255/70R18 on closer inspection the Grenadier is similar to that on the LandCruiser 76
sizes. The Bridgestones were developed quite different. It’s much wider in the Series wagon.
specifically for the Grenadier, while the body, and with the front wheels set
KO2s were chosen because of their proven farther back, the touchdown point of the The door handles are robust push-
reputation in the aftermarket as a high- A-pillar is closer to the front axle. button types similar to those used on
capability off-road tyre. Regardless of the old Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. Deep
which combination you choose, generous At 4927mm, including the rear-mounted swages in the doors are for rubbing
sidewalls ensure off-road comfort, spare wheel, the Grenadier is 53mm strips or an optional clip system Ineos
capability and durability. shorter overall than a LandCruiser 300 insiders call ‘The Utility Belt’. Along with
and 17mm longer than a LandCruiser clips installed under the rear-most side
It has a separate chassis like the 76. Its 2922mm wheelbase is 72mm windows, the system allows accessories to
LandCruiser 70, but with coil-sprung live and 192mm longer, respectively, than be affixed to the side of the vehicle. The
axles front and rear to ensure maximum that of either Toyota. Ground clearance ‘alpine lights’ in the roof are not windows,
articulation in off-road conditions. The is 264mm, compared with 235mm for but recesses with a tube running through
variable-rate Eibach springs have been the 300 and 215mm for the 70, and it them that can be used to secure loads on
calibrated to deliver a comfortable ride will wade through water 800mm deep the roof, or a canopy to the side of the car
and maximum wheel travel at slow speeds without the optional snorkel fitted. when parked.
off-road, but be firm enough to ensure good The Grenadier’s 35.5-degree approach
body control at highway speeds. They’re angle, 36.1-degree departure angle, and Other smart details include a lockable
assisted by over-sized shocks designed 28.2-degree rampover angle are all better storage unit that fits in to the spare wheel,
to keep the damping oil cool over long than those of the Toyotas – it’s built to go which is mounted on the larger of the two
stretches of rough road. off-road. rear doors, with its outside face closest
to the car. A hefty three-rung ladder,
Under the bonnet is a choice of BMW The Grenadier’s snout protrudes available as an option, can be fitted to the
turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engines – between the headlights, in part a legacy narrower of the rear doors to allow access
the petrol B58, which develops 210kW and of the decision to use in-line six-cylinder to the roof.
450Nm, and the diesel B57 which makes BMW engines instead of the originally
183kW and 550Nm. The driveline comprises
a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission
with a Tremec two-speed high-low transfer
case and permanent all-wheel drive with
a lockable centre diff. Lockers for the rear
and front diffs will be available as options.

BMW ENGINES

Powering the new
Grenadier are petrol
or diesel BMW turbo
straight-sixes.

28 www.4X4australia.com.au

CABIN & ACCOMMODATION large buttons or rotary controls on a
vertical panel under the central air vent
INSIDE are Recaro seats, trimmed that looks vaguely like it was styled
in hard-wearing cloth or leather. The by the guy who did those aeronautical
steering wheel is a simple two-spoke Bell & Ross watches. Continuing the
item, with thumb controls for audio and aircraft cockpit theme is a roof panel that
cruise control on either spoke. Behind it includes the off-road mode and diff-lock
is a small screen inset in the dash that controls, as well as 10amp switches for
shows all the major warning lights. The interior and exterior power outlets. Order
speedo, tacho and other readouts are on the optional high-load wiring pack and
a configurable screen in the centre of the you get additional switches that handle
dash. Different display configurations 25 and 500amp loads. Four exterior power
and functions are actuated via a rotary outlets are situated in the lower forward
controller on the centre console. corners of the ‘alpine light’ roof cutouts.

The HVAC system is controlled via

COMING SOON

Australian-spec
Grenadiers are expected
in showrooms towards
the end of 2022.

www.4X4australia.com.au 29

DRIVE INEOS GRENADIER PROTOTYPE

TOP SHELF

The Grenadier
proved to be a
worthy off road rival
to the LandCruisers.

OFF-ROAD low-geared. Production cars will have Volume seller is expected to be the
a different steering tune, says chief five-seat Wagon, which is the main
IT didn’t take long for the Grenadier engineer Oliver Schilpf. ‘civilian’ variant. Two commercial
to establish its off-road credentials on versions will be available – the five-seat
our test loop through an abandoned We’ll wait until we drive it on the Utility, which has its rear seat moved
coal mine near Créhange in France. It road and spend more time exploring forward 700mm to increase load space,
grunted through the deep mud, eased its capabilities off the road, but at first and the two-seat Utility, which has no
down steep slopes, traversed tricky acquaintance the Ineos Grenadier is rear seating at all. Both Utility versions
inclines, and walked across deep gutters a viable alternative to the 300 and 70 can be quickly identified by the steel
with insouciant ease. The B58 BMW LandCruisers, particularly in terms of panels in place of the Wagon’s rear-most
petrol engine doesn’t have the same ride and refinement. And unlike the side windows.
low-end torque as the diesel B57, but computerised, click-and-point new
there was no need to rush obstacles Defender, the Grenadier feels warmly A crew-cab Grenadier rolling on a
to maintain momentum – the good analogue rather than coolly digital in its longer 3227mm wheelbase is currently
axle articulation kept the wheels on responses. under development and will be available
the ground and the ZF eight-speed with either a pick-up bed or as a cab-
automatic always seemed to be in the SUMMARY chassis model sometime in 2023. A
right gear. three-row, seven-seat version of the
THE first customer-ready Grenadiers Wagon is also under consideration,
Such is the traction and the sensitivity are scheduled to roll off the line at driven by demand from USA customers.
of the feedback through the chassis, Hambach, which has the capacity to
the throttle can be used to deliver build 32,000 a year, in July, with the first Final pricing has yet to be confirmed,
precise dollops of power and torque, Australian-spec vehicles arriving before but Ineos sources suggest the entry-level
precisely when needed. The off-road the end of the year. Based on current two-seat Utility will start at $84,500. If
ride is controlled and comfortable, with enquiries, Ineos says Australia is on track Australian pricing follows the rumoured
relatively little head-toss or jolting, to become the Grenadier’s fourth-largest UK model, this suggests the five-seat
while the steering feels a little light and market, behind the UK, USA and China. Wagon will start at less than $100K.

30 www.4X4australia.com.au

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DRIVE

MAZDA BT-50 XS

WORDS TRISTAN TANCREDI PHOTOS CRISTIAN BRUNELLI

UNDERPOWERED FOR A KEY to Mazda’s platform-sharing That’s why the addition of a new variant
THE ROUGH STUFF? WE arrangement with Isuzu is that powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel
the latest-gen BT-50 shares engine is cause for a double take or two.
TEST MAZDA’S NEW Isuzu’s venerable 3.0-litre turbo-
ENTRY-LEVEL BT-50 XS diesel engine; an engine praised Dubbed the XS, the 1.9-litre variant
for being unstoppable and ‘truck tough’. is the new entry-level model in the
4X4 TO FIND OUT It’s just a D-MAX disguised as a BT-50 BT-50 line-up. The cheapest entry
... yeah? point is the XS single-cab chassis in
4x2 configuration, priced at $33,650.
Since Mazda severed ties with Ford However, for those who prefer to pack
and began its new relationship with up the tools and chase off-road trails on
Isuzu, the BT-50 has been somewhat of weekends, the only 4x4 variant in XS
a sales success, despite the tribulations trim is the XS dual-cab pickup, listed at
brought to the market by COVID – in $51,240. It’s also the model we recently
fact, the BT-50 registered a sales record took off-road.
of 1222 in January 2022.
The 1.9-litre engine generates 110kW
Helping with that sales success is in and 350Nm, significantly less than its
large part thanks to the popularity of more renowned 3.0-litre stablemate
said 3.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, code- (140kW and 450Nm). In XS 4x4 form,
named 4JJ3-TCX in its current iteration. the only option is to run that through

32 www.4X4australia.com.au

NEWBIE

Tempting budget
buyers is Mazda's
new BT-50 XS 4x4
ute, powered by a
1.9L turbo-diesel.

a six-speed automatic transmission, help to drop down (or back up) when off at launch. The leaf-sprung rear-end did
as no manual gearbox is available ... road, but this was a rare occurrence. slap around at times, but the vehicle
unfortunately. remained compliant and at no stage
Like many unladen dual-cab utes, struggled despite some challenging
Mazda lists the smaller-capacity the BT-50 XS would benefit from some terrain.
engine with a combined fuel weight in the tray. Unladen, the XS does
consumption of 6.9L/100km. We ended a bounce and sway on sweeping bends Ground clearance sits at 235mm, and
week of on- and off-road driving with the and undulating gravel back-roads – we managed to scrape the side-steps
figure sitting at 9.5L/100km. nothing 100kg strapped down in the tray on a few steeper sections. Adequate
wouldn’t fix. approach and departure angles (30°
Despite a drop of more than a litre and 23.9° respectively) and an 800mm
in capacity, the 1.9-litre engine is a The part-time 4WD system – with high water-fording depth (close to the class
competent performer both on- and off- and low range – can be easily slected via leader) makes the XS a great all-round
road. As you’d expect, it needs to work a rotary dial located in a great spot on performer.
harder, earlier; but once you’re up to the centre console. A driver-selectable
cruising speeds, it’ll sit comfortably at rear locking diff is standard, and easily One issue from our off-road excursion,
around 1750rpm in top gear. located and engaged when required. which also translates to the on-road
experience, is engine NVH can be
The six-speed Aisin transmission On some scrabbly climbs in the Mount intrusive. As the 1.9 needs to work
is mated well to the 1.9-litre engine, Macedon region of Melbourne, the harder to get the vehicle up a steep track
engaging the required gears without too 1.9L felt as capable as the 3.0-litre SP or ahead of a slow road train on bitumen,
much fuss. Occasionally it’ll need a bit of variant we’d previously steered off-road

www.4X4australia.com.au 33

DRIVE MAZDA BT-50 XS

DOES THE JOB

The four-cylinder
1.9-litre proved
competent in our
time with it on the
tar and in the bush.

it can be quite an earful until it settles at used instead. SNiAceFiEntTerYior but
the mid-range. The BT-50 was awarded a five-star
lacks a few niceties.
For its $51,240 asking price, the safety rating by independent body The XS retains the
XS loses a few nice-to-haves that are ANCAP. It features a full suite of BT-50’s a five-star
standard on the premium models. advanced safety tech: Antilock Braking ANCAP safety
Gone are the dual-zone climate control, System (ABS); Autonomous Emergency rating.
leather-clad steering wheel and gear- Braking (AEB); Braking Assist (BA);
shift lever, front seat warmers, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution on or off with their right thumb.
automatic seat adjustment. Instead, (EBD); Electronic Stability Control Despite its entry-level status, the XS
the XS model has vinyl in lieu of carpet (ESC); Emergency Stop Signal (ESS);
(a benefit to some), comfortable and Hill Descent Control (HDC); Hill Launch still asks for more than $50K in 4x4 form.
supportive cloth trim pews, instead of Assist (HLA); and a Traction Control The easiest way to think of an XS is
leather seats fused with synthetic-suede System (TCS). that it’s an XT – the previous entry-level
seen on the SP, and two speakers instead BT-50 – with a smaller engine. The XT
of eight. Mazda also listened to consumer retails for $53,360; the XS for $51,240.
feedback and added a new Lane Support So the savings to be had opting for the
The XS 4x4 wears 17-inch alloys – system button to the steering wheel of smaller-capacity XS over the equivalent
17-inch steelies on 4x2 models – and on all variants, so users can toggle the tech XT variant is just $2120. Think of it
our test vehicle they were wrapped in this way: Is it worth losing 1.1 litres in
255/65R17 Dunlop Grandtrek AT25s. capacity for $2120?

As mentioned in our launch review In saying that, despite its size, the 1.9-
(www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2022- litre engine is competent on both on- and
mazda-bt-50-sp-xs-review) the XS has the off-road tracks ... we’d still prefer to stick
smaller seven-inch touchscreen with a with the ‘truck tough’ 3.0-litre engine,
few apps (best avoid Mazda’s standalone though.
sat-nav software). It does come with
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
connectivity, but Android Auto failed to
recognise my Samsung Galaxy following
numerous attempts with different cables
– Mazda says that not all devices support
connectivity, so it might be best to check
with your Mazda dealer first.

The placement of buttons instead of
dials for common uses – temperature
and volume control, for example – is
an annoyance, especially off road, and
it would be nice to see simple dials

34 www.4X4australia.com.au

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36 www.4X4australia.com.au

ALL 4X4OTY VIDEOS

A MEGA-FEAST OF 4WDS DOING THEIR THING

18 WSTINARNTEERRSS!
2

A tsunami of off-road wagons and pick-ups fronted
up for 4X4 Australia’s 4X4 Of The Year in 2022

www.4X4australia.com.au 37

18 contenders, two winners
and a mega-load of driving

on all sorts of terrain ...

IN KEEPING with the tumultuous no longer need to have been launched or
times of the past few years and the updated in the last 12 months. We’ve opened
difficulties that it has created for the it up to all those new vehicles, plus significant
new-car industry around the world, other 4x4 models that are still on the market.
we’ve given the awards, now in their By significant, we mean sales leaders, previous
38th year, a shake up to reflect the times. 4X4OTY winners, winner of our comparison
tests throughout the year, or just models we
Whereas in the past few decades 4X4 feel are at the pointy end of their respective
Australia has given its highest accolade to just categories.
one model each year, for 2022 we branched
out to introduce two awards, reflective of the Something that hasn’t changed is the
diversity of the new 4x4 market in the 21st criteria that we score the vehicles against.
century. 4X4OTY will now be awarded to two They have been developed over the decades
vehicles, one for utes and one for wagons. to create an even playing field for all the
vehicles selected, and after the week of
For those interested, the first 4X4OTY testing our assessors score the vehicle out of
winners back in 1984 both came from the 10 points in each of the criteria. This gives
Mitsubishi showroom, with the 4x4 L300 each vehicle a score out of 50 from each
Express taking the gong for sub $15K and the assessor, and these are added up to find the
Pajero getting the plus $15K award. two winners.

Also new in 2022 is the fact that the vehicles

38 www.4X4australia.com.au

VALUE FOR MONEY

Judged according to a vehicle’s equipment level, safety
features and price relative to its direct competitors. Just
because a vehicle has a high price doesn’t mean it’s not good
value, in the same way a cheap car doesn’t always represent
good bang for your buck ...

BREAKING NEW GROUND

Refers to advancements in technology and design. How
a vehicle has raised the bar in the class it fits in and
taken 4x4s to a higher level. If a vehicle has the latest
safety features, worthy engine technology or an advanced
driveline, it will score well here.

BUILT TOUGH

Refers to how strong a vehicle is and how well it will cope
with the rigours of tough off-road driving environments.
Will it be up to the task of carrying loads and outback
travel, or fall apart at the first hurdle?

BUSHABILITY

How well a vehicle is equipped for off-road travel.
Suitability of the standard tyres for rough roads, touring
range, available accessories and underbody protection are
just some of the factors considered here. Is this a vehicle
you would choose to drive around Australia the rough way,
or is it best left to the suburbs?

DOING THE JOB

Judged according to a vehicle’s design brief. Does a luxury
vehicle have all the latest in comfort and convenience
features and do they work in the real world? How well a ute
carries a load, or a seven-seater accommodates a family will
all come in to play here.

www.4X4australia.com.au 39

20 4X4 OF THE YEAR The
22 Contenders

MERCEDES BENZ G400D
ENGINE 3.0L I6 turbo diesel
MAX POWER 243kW at 3600 to 4200rpm
MAX TORQUE 700Nm at 1200 to 3200rpm
GEARBOX 9-speed automatic
BRAKES Four-wheel disc
TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 241mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE 30.9°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 29.9°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 23.5°
FUEL TANK 112L

PRICE $233,776 plus on-road costs
WARRANTY Five-year unlimited kilometres

MERCEDES BENZ G400D

THE G400D is the most expensive four- G400D could very well be the perfect mix
wheel drive on this test, so it will be of on-road comfort and off-road ability
interesting to see if it’s actually the best … you’d really hate to scratch it though,
performer.You just have to close the doors considering the price tag.
on the G400D to know this is a quality
vehicle; they have that satisfying thud of But at the end of the day it was that
an old Merc. With triple locking diffs the pricetag that eliminated the G400d from
our finalists.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY P360
ENGINE 3.0L turbo in-line 6-cylinder
petrol MHEV MAX POWER

MAX POWER 265kW at 5500rpm
MAX TORQUE 500Nm at 1750 to 5000rpm

GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
BRAKES Four-wheel disc

TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 283mm (claimed)

APPROACH ANGLE 34°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 30°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 27.5°

FUEL TANK 90L
PRICE $112,095 ($130,149 as tested)

WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
P360

WITH 265kW of power available, this is though, can it outperform the new Land
turbo-petrol powered six-cylinder Land Rover Defender when the going gets
Rover Discovery looks to be a fun, yet tough? And is it worth the $130,149 price
practical off-road wagon. Being a newish tag as tested when the Defender comes in
Land Rover product, the interior quality nearly $10,000 cheaper as tested?
and design is first class, as you’d expect, Out team thought it not and it was out on
making this a luxurious and capable family its low profile tyres and lack of off road
wagon with a bit more wow factor than touring equipment .
some other offerings on test. The question

40 www.4X4australia.com.au

LAND ROVER DEFENDER D300
ENGINE 3.0L twin-turbo in-line
6-cylinder MHEV

MAX POWER 220Kw at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE 650Nm at 1500 to 2500rpm

GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
BRAKES Four-wheel disc

TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 218mm (claimed)

APPROACH ANGLE 38°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 40°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 28°

FUEL TANK 89L
PRICE From $101,950 ($121,691 as tested)

WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres

LAND ROVER DEFENDER
D300

THE Defender would have to be one bringing the price point to over $120,000,
of the most polarising 4WD releases in so it’s certainly not a cheap vehicle. With
recent years. It’s no longer a Defender a plush interior full of off-road-friendly
in the traditional sense, it’s a modern practicalities, modern tech and safety
and extremely technical 4WD that can features, can this new-found on- and off-
no longer be fixed with a hammer and a road capability secure the D300 Defender
screwdriver. As tested, this D300 Defender a place on the podium? Our guys liked it
was loaded up with factory accessories, and voted it in to the Top 6.

CHEVROLET SILVERADO LTZ PREMIUM
ENGINE 6.2L V8 petrol

MAX POWER 313Kw at 5600rpm
MAX TORQUE 624Nm at 4100rpm

GEARBOX 10-speed automatic
BRAKES Four-wheel disc

TOWING CAPACITY 4500kg (on a 70mm ball)
GROUND CLEARANCE 235mm (claimed)

APPROACH ANGLE 21°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 21°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 20°

FUEL TANK 91L
PRICE From $114,990 +ORC

WARRANTY 3 years / 100,000km

CHEVROLET SILVERADO
LTZ

THERE aren’t many vehicles around that for work or play and sounds amazing in the
do what the Chevy Silverado LTZ can process. It’s also a massive four-wheel drive
do. It’s not only a luxury vehicle with a physically, which is something you do get
premium interior, it’s a full-sized ute that used to out on the open road. Is it simply
can tow huge amounts of weight without too big and low for Australian off-road
even flinching. There’s a 6.2L petrol V8 conditions though?
matched to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, The Chevy’s perforamce on dirt roads and
which produces more than enough grunt low ride height cut it from the list.

www.4X4australia.com.au 41

20 4X4 OF THE YEAR The
22 Contenders

LANDCRUISER 300 VX
ENGINE 3.3L twin-turbo diesel V6
MAX POWER 227kW at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE 700Nm at 1600 to 2600rpm
GEARBOX 10-speed automatic
BRAKES Four-wheel disc
TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 235mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE 32°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 25°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 21°
FUEL TANK 110L (80L main, 30L sub)

PRICE From $122,510
WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres

LANDCRUISER 300 VX

THE VX 300 Series LandCruiser is bound on one that is. With its 3500kg tow capacity,
to be one of the most popular models 700Nm of torque and a 10-speed automatic
in the new LC range, coming in much gearbox, the VX 300 Series has plenty
cheaper than the Sahara, but it is still to offer as a tow rig or family off-roader.
well-appointed. It’s also safe to say, the 300 We’re particularly interested to see how it
Series is one of, if not the most popular performs over our gruelling test loop, and
four-wheel drives available in Australia at if it is as solid in the outback as the ever-
the moment … if you can get your hands popular 200 Series it replaces.

JEEP GLADIATOR RUBICON
ENGINE 3.6L petrol
MAX POWER 209kW at 6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 347Nm at 4400rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed ZF auto
BRAKES Disc front and rear
TOWING CAPACITY 2712kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 249mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE 40.7°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 25.1°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 18.4°
FUEL TANK 83L

PRICE $80,831 drive away
WARRANTY 5-year / 100,000km

JEEP GLADIATOR
RUBICON

IF off-road capability, the ability to automatic gearbox, the 3.6L V6 petrol
further customise a vehicle and the fact motor doesn’t have to work as hard, saving
you need a ute are some of your new- fuel in the process. While it is clearly
vehicle purchase priorities, it’s hard to focussed on being a competent off-roader,
ignore the Gladiator Rubicon as a solid the extra wheelbase makes the Gladiator
option. Front and rear diff locks, mud- handle better than any Wrangler ever
terrain tyres and a removeable roof from made.
the factory make this the most unique The big Jeep’s low ride height and cost
vehicle on test. Now fitted with an 8-speed eliminated from our final testing.

42 www.4X4australia.com.au

TOYOTA HILUX SR5
ENGINE 2.8L turbo diesel
MAX POWER 150kW at 3400rpm
MAX TORQUE 500Nm (auto) at 1600 to

2800rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic

BRAKES Front disc, rear drum
TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 247mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE 31°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 26°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 25°

FUEL TANK 80L
PRICE From $65,766 drive away

WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres
(2-year extension)

TOYOTA HILUX SR5

THE Hilux took out top spot at last year’s control system, and when combined with
4X4OTY award, and for good reason. We the rear suspension travel, will get you
said it then, this Hilux is the best Toyota has most places you’d ever want to go. Getting
produced. It now makes good power, the your hands on one is the hard part at the
off-road ability is right up there, and it’s a moment, they’re still selling like hotcakes.
proven platform for work or play. Speaking So, while it’s proven to be a good thing, and
of off-road capability,Toyota has a proven has been recently refined for more power in
reputation for having a ripper traction- all settings, is Hilux starting to show its age.

FORD RANGER XLT
ENGINE 5-cyl 3.2L turbo diesel / 2.0L

bi-turbo
MAX POWER 147kW at 3000rpm / 157kW at

3750rpm
MAX TORQUE 470Nm at 1750rpm / 500Nm at

1750rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed auto (3.2L) / 10-speed

auto (bi-turbo)
BRAKES Front disc, rear drum
TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 237mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE 29°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 21°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 25°
FUEL TANK 80L

PRICE $66,564 (2.0L bi-turbo model)
WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres

FORD RANGER XLT

THE Ford Ranger won last year’s 4x4 the 10-speed automatic gearbox this
ute Megatest comparison, striking a time around, which would have to be the
balance between good off-road ability and more popular driveline package currently
excellent ride comfort on road. Despite offered in the Ford Ranger stable. With
being one of the oldest platforms on the an all-new model Ranger looming in the
market still for sale, the Aussie engineered distant future, does this current model
Ford Ranger still just plain works in the Aussie-engineered ute still stand towards
harsh Australian conditions. We tested the front of the pack, or should you hold off
the bi-turbo diesel powered Ranger with for the new Ranger when it arrives?

www.4X4australia.com.au 43

20 4X4 OF THE YEAR The
22 Contenders

FORD RANGER RAPTOR
ENGINE 2.0L bi-turbo
MAX POWER 157kW at 3750rpm
MAX TORQUE 500Nm at 1750rpm
GEARBOX 10-speed automatic
BRAKES 4-wheel disc
TOWING CAPACITY 2500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 283mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE 32.5°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 24.0°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 24.0°
FUEL TANK 80L

PRICE $85,310
WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres

FORD RANGER RAPTOR

THERE’S not much else like the Ranger a lower 2500kg towing capacity which is a
Raptor on the Aussie car market, a fun negative for off-road tourers. If that doesn’t
utility loaded with premium Fox off-road bother you and you want an enjoyable
suspension and BFG all-terrain off-road vehicle that is still mostly practical as a ute
rubber from the factory. With its sporty for work or play, the Raptor is definitely
interior design, it’s basically begging to be worth consideration. In saying that, can
driven hard and fast over rough terrain. It this fun factor alone be enough to net the
is wider than a normal Ranger, and also has Raptor a win? Not this time around.

NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X WARRIOR
ENGINE 2.3L twin-turbo

MAX POWER 140kW at 3750rpm
MAX TORQUE 450Nm at 1500 to 2500rpm

GEARBOX 7-speed automatic
BRAKES Front disc, rear drum

TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE N/A

APPROACH ANGLE 36.0°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 19.0°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 26.2°

FUEL TANK 80L
PRICE $72,823 drive away

WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres

NISSAN NAVARA PRO-4X
WARRIOR

THE PRO-4X Warrior is unique in the is basically a 4WD modified enough to
dual-cab market, and one we were keen take nearly anywhere in Australia safely
to take a closer look at. With 40mm of and comfortably.The Navara is an aging
extra ground clearance, 30mm wider track platform, but has been constantly evolved
compared to a stock Navara, and factory throughout its production cycle.
fitted 4x4 accessories thanks to the team The team thought the Warrior a good
at Premcar, the PRO-4X Warrior has off- vehicle but the way it struggled on our hill
road credentials by the truck load.This climb discounted it from the final six.

44 www.4X4australia.com.au

VW AMAROK W580
ENGINE 3.0L V6 turbo diesel
MAX POWER 190kW at 3250 to 4500rpm
MAX TORQUE 580Nm at 1400 to 3000rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed ZF automatic
BRAKES 4-wheel disc
TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 258mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE N/A
DEPARTURE ANGLE N/A
RAMPOVER ANGLE N/A
FUEL TANK 80L

PRICE $71,990 + on-road
WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometreS

VW AMAROK W580

ANOTHER platform that is showing its to 580Nm of torque when required. It’s
age, theVW Amarok joins us this year not just the performance of the engine
for our annual 4X4OTY test. It might that shines though, the Amarok handles
be getting on in years, however new life corrugated roads and bitumen like a
has been breathed in to the 580 thanks dream thanks to an excellent chassis and
to this collaboration with Walkinshaw suspension package.
Performance to bring you the W580.The As the onlyV6 ute the Amarok is a great
performance from thatV6 turbo diesel performer but the drivers thought it too
is still leading the pack, producing up pricy for its age and equipment.

ISUZU D-MAX LS-U
ENGINE 3.0L
MAX POWER 140kW at 3600rpm
MAX TORQUE 450Nm at 1600 to 2600rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed
BRAKES Front disc, rear drum
TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 240mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE 30.5°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 19°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 23.8°
FUEL TANK 76L

PRICE $64,986
WARRANTY 6-year / 150,000km

ISUZU D-MAX LS-U

ISUZU has built a reputation for reliability restyling, which really brings the Isuzu in
thanks largely to its 3.0L turbo-diesel to the modern age. It’s also safer than ever
engine, something that has proven popular with a massive list of inbuilt technology, yet
with everyone from tradies to grey nomads. sadly more expensive than ever, stepping
It now has the off-road credentials to keep away from the more basic and cheaper
up with the competition, thanks to a factory model D-MAX this current unit replaces.
fitted rear diff lock, something the D-MAX It was this price hike and a poor showing
was absolutely begging for.You also see a on the hilll climb that cut the D-Max from
more modern interior as well as exterior contention.

www.4X4australia.com.au 45

4X4 OF THE YEAR20
22 The Contenders

NISSAN PATROL despite the lack of a diesel powerplant NISSAN PATROL TI-L
TI-L and solid axles. Will petrol power reign ENGINE 5.6L V8 Petrol
supreme on this test, and will the older MAX POWER 298Kw at 5800rpm
IT’S big, it’s wide and it has a screaming Y62 keep up with the newer players in the MAX TORQUE 560Nm at 4000rpm
V8 petrol motor that produces great field? That’s what we’re here to find out. GEARBOX 7-speed automatic
power. It’s also getting a bit long in the One thing is for sure, we’ll have plenty BRAKES Four-wheel disc
tooth having been with us since 2013, of fun trying to answer that question. TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
however recent revisions have kept the Straight to the Top six for the Nissan! GROUND CLEARANCE 273mm (claimed)
big Patrol alive, and popular thanks to APPROACH ANGLE 28°
keen pricing. The Y62 has also proven DEPARTURE ANGLE 26.3°
to be popular with off-road enthusiasts, RAMPOVER ANGLE 24.4°
FUEL TANK 140L

PRICE From $95,115
WARRANTY Five-year unlimited kilometres

MITSUBISHI However, if you’re looking for a bargain, and MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT EXCEED
PAJERO SPORT don’t need 7-seats, park yourself in a Pajero ENGINE 2.4L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder
EXCEED Sport GLX from just over $48,000. Now
that’s dirt cheap, considering the 10-year MAX POWER 133kW at 3500rpm
The Pajero Sport is popular with families warranty.We’re looking to see if the nicer MAX TORQUE 430Nm at 2500rpm
wanting a 7-seater that won’t break the interior and extra seating make the Pajero
bank.Thanks to the clever Super Select II Sport Exceed the 4X4 Wagon you should GEARBOX 8-Speed automatic
4WD system, rear diff lock and three off- buy. Maybe if you’re not going off road. BRAKES Four-wheel disc
road modes, there’s plenty of potential as an
off-road tourer as well. For this test we’ve TOWING CAPACITY 3100kg
selected the higher spec Exceed Pajero GROUND CLEARANCE 218mm (claimed)
Sport, which has niceties like leather seats.
APPROACH ANGLE 30°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 24.2°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 23.1°

FUEL TANK 68L
PRICE From $59,190

WARRANTY 10-year / 200,000km
(whichever comes first)

TOYOTA Inside this VX spec Prado, the interior TOYOTA PRADO VX
PRADO VX is practical as well as luxurious, as you’d ENGINE 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo diesel
expect from an upper-spec model.You are MAX POWER 150Kw at 3000 to 3400rpm
TOYOTA’S Prado has always been a hit definitely paying for that luxury though, MAX TORQUE 500Nm at 1600 to 2800rpm
with Australian families, combining with a price tag well over $80,000. The GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
comfort, reliability and off-road ability competition in this segment has never BRAKES Four-wheel disc
in to one package. Thanks to its recent been tighter however, so is the Prado still TOWING CAPACITY 3000kg
update, the Prado now makes a decent the family 7-seater 4x4 wagon to beat? GROUND CLEARANCE 219mm (claimed)
amount of power too, with a claimed APPROACH ANGLE 30.4°
500Nm available which seems to be the DEPARTURE ANGLE 23.5°
sweet spot for off-road power figures. RAMPOVER ANGLE 21.1°
FUEL TANK 150L (87L main, 63L sub)
46 www.4X4australia.com.au
PRICE From $83,635
WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres

+ 2 years

ISUZU ISUZU MU-X LS-U
MU-X LS-U ENGINE 3.0L
MAX POWER 140kW at 3600rpm
THIS is quite literally a new Isuzu MU-X, family around in a more premium interior. MAX TORQUE 450Nm at 1600 to 2600rpm
redesigned from the ground up from its Price hikes on the entire 2022 Isuzu MU-X GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
predecessor. Featuring similar running range mean that you are paying for these BRAKES Four-wheel disc
gear as the current D-MAX, it goes a step upgrades though, the MU-X is no longer a TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
further by offering a rear diff lock (as does simple and affordable 4WD as it once was. GROUND CLEARANCE 235mm (claimed)
the new D-MAX range), Rough Terrain In saying that, these upgrades are certainly a APPROACH ANGLE 29.2°
mode for improved off-road traction control welcome addition, bringing the Isuzu MU-X DEPARTURE ANGLE 26.9°
calibration, and seven seats to lug a growing closer to the competitors in this space. RAMPOVER ANGLE 23.1°
FUEL TANK 80L

PRICE From $64,861
WARRANTY 6-year / 150,000km warranty

SSANGYONG SSANGYONG REXTON ELX
REXTON ELX ENGINE 2.2L turbo diesel
MAX POWER 148kW at 3800rpm
WITH seven seats, a 3500kg towing daily then take camping, fishing or through MAX TORQUE 441Nm at 1600 to 2600rpm
capacity and premium looking interior, this dirt-road trails on the weekend, the Rexton GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
Rexton has plenty to offer Aussie families certainly is an affordable option for you to BRAKES 4-wheel discs
on paper. Just like its ute counterpart, the consider. TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
Musso, Ssangyong’s Rexton also has one of It was the lack of suspension travel and GROUND CLEARANCE 203mm (claimed)
the best warranties in the business coming slow to react ETC that stopped the Rexton APPROACH ANGLE 20.5°
in at 7 years of coverage. We’re interested on the hill and eliminated it from 4x4OTY DEPARTURE ANGLE 20.5°
in seeing how it copes when the going gets contention. RAMPOVER ANGLE 20°
rough though, limited ground clearance FUEL TANK 70L
and suspension travel will be the biggest
limitations for the Rexton off road. If you PRICE $47,990 drive away
are looking for a family wagon to drive WARRANTY 7-year warranty

FORD EVEREST FORD EVEREST TITANIUM
TITANIUM ENGINE 2.0L bi-turbo 4-cylinder
MAX POWER 157kW at 3750rpm
MAX TORQUE 500Nm at 1750 to 2000rpm
GEARBOX 10-speed automatic
BRAKES Four-wheel disc
TOWING CAPACITY 3100kg
GROUND CLEARANCE 225mm (claimed)
APPROACH ANGLE 29.5°
DEPARTURE ANGLE 25°
RAMPOVER ANGLE 21.5°
FUEL TANK 80L

PRICE From $78,974 drive away
WARRANTY 5-year unlimited kilometres

FORD’S Everest has proven to be a on proper off-road terrain, even though
vehicle with solid road handling, as well as this Titanium spec is rolling on 20-inch
offering family practicalities for day-to-day wheels. Coming in at close to $79,000
duties. Thanks to extensive development though, it needs to be brilliant to outdo the
in Australia by Ford engineers, the Everest competition.
really has been designed and built for It was let down by its its inability to
Australian conditions, and that shows. It’s make our hill climb which surprised and
also no slouch when the going gets rough disappointed our team.

www.4X4australia.com.au 47

20 4X4 OF THE YEAR The
22 Top 6

After the first cull our six finalists in 4x4OTY are the Toyota
Hilux SR5, Ford Ranger XLT, Toyota Prado VX, Nissan Patrol Ti-L,
Land Rover Defender 110 D300 and Toyota LandCruiser VX.

48 www.4X4australia.com.au

www.4X4australia.com.au 49

Toyota Hilux SR5

As the overall winner of 4X4OTY in 2021, the SR5 was a
walk-up start in 2022 and it edged its way through the first
stage of testing with the same does everything well but nothing
exceptionally’ manner.

50 www.4X4australia.com.au