Most 'softroaders' don't meet our criteria for legitimate bush-travel vehicles, but we've had requests from softroader owners and potential buyers for some guidance in buying and operating these machines. In this section we've included our observations on past models - for those who are in the used-softroader market - as well as reviews of selected newer models. Unfortunately, most post-2015 vehicles are too 'soft' for any serious outback travelling, so we're not wasting our time and yours testing them.
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.
Read guideIn this article we look at the most popular pre-2008 softroaders in the used market and check out their bush cred’.
Read guideNearly 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.
Read guideFord upgraded the Territory for 2015 and sharpened pricing, with list prices for 4WD models down by $3000.
Read guideHyundai and Cub Campers combined to celebrate the launch of a Trek ‘n’ Tow suspension kit for the Santa Fe seven-seater in 2009, when Hyundai made cosmetic and equipment changes to the range.
Read guideIn early 2010 the ix35 replaced the original Hyundai Tucson that was launched in 2004, but in some global markets the name ‘Tucson’ was retained. When the ix35 was replaced in Australia in the third quarter 2015 the Tucson name was restored.
Read guideEarly 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.
Read guideTV ads show softroaders doing all types of off-road driving, but none is really suitable for hard-core bush work. Knowing its shortcomings is the first step to happy off-bitumen travel in a softroader. We looked at five 2003 softroaders and drew up some criticisms and recommendations.
Read guideJeep's Cherokee model has returned to the Australian market. The 2015 KL is based on the Fiat/Chrysler wide-compact platform, with petrol and diesel engine choices.
Read guideJeep makes many claims for the 2018 Compass and Compass Trailhawk models , but ‘ best-in-class 4x4 off-road capabilities’ will need some proof, because it ignores the fact that Suzuki’s Grand Vitara has much better low-range gearing.
Read guideWe always reckoned there was a market for the Fiat Panda in Australia. Now it's arrived, badged Jeep Renegade.
Read guideKia’s Sorento brand started life as a body-on-frame, conventional 4WD wagon with low-range gearing and live rear axle and then morphed into an AWD or 2WD machine with monocoque construction and all-independent suspension.
Read guideAlthough built on the parent company's - Hyundai's - Santa Fe platform the Kia Sorento has styling, powertrain and suspension settings of its own.
Read guideThe 2014 Kia Sportage won the J.D. Power Germany Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study, in the hard-fought ‘Compact SUV’ category. The Sportage scored 83.6-percent driver satisfaction.
Read guideLand Rover Discovery Sport was the first member of the new Discovery family and features optional 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than that of the previous Freelander 2. A plug-in hybrid version is due in 2020.
Read guideThe seven-seat New Age XUV500 is available with on-demand AWD and a six-speed manual transmission. Auto models were released in May 2016.
Read guideThe largest-selling medium softroader wagon was updated for 2015 and thereafter came with a temporary spare tyre.
Read guideThe Outlander has always been one of the best softroaders, although Mitsubishi’s sometimes radical front end styling alienated many loyal customers over the years.
Read guideSmall SUVs now proliferate, but this rapid little beast stands out from the crowd. It has some bush cred as well, we found.
Read guideThe Nissan Murano uses an Xtronic continuously variable transmission in place of a conventional automatic transmission. A CVT has ‘stepless’ gearing within upper and lower limits.
Read guideThe post-2014 Nissan Pathfinder is now a definite softroader, with a monocoque body and no low range gearing. It also comes with V6 petrol power and a continuously variable transmission, making it, in effect, a seven-seat Murano.
Read guideThe 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.
Read guideBack in 2004 Subaru and Jayco combined their strengths to illustrate the Outback’s abilities as a bush towing vehicle.
Read guideIf 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.
Read guideThe 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.
Read guideDon’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.
Read guideThe 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.
Read guideSubaru has a proud history in Australia and the company is responsible for starting the entire all-wheel-drive movement, despite Toyota’s totally incorrect claims that the RAV 4 was the first SUV.
Read guideThe Outback drifted somewhat from its off-roading roots in recent years, but the 2015 model had enhanced 4WD capability. An uppgrade was introduced in March 2016.
Read guideThere’s an ongoing argument between Suzuki and Toyota over who was first to introduce the SUV. The answer is neither of them.
Read guideToyota joined the move to diesel power in the Australian softroader market with the introduction of a frugal yet potent 2.2-litre option for its RAV4.
Read guideToyota’s Kluger was launched in 2003 and the fly in the Kulger’s ointment jar was Ford’s Territory, which consistently outsold the Toyota machine.
Read guideOur continual monitoring of softroaders since 2000 has seen us checking out some in head-to-head comparisons. Here’s a test we did in 2008.
Read guideMazda joined the three-row seat SUV brigade with the Australian release of the CX-9 seven-seater.
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