Wagons Medium
FORD EVEREST
The Everest wagon is based on the Ranger ute platform.
In mid-2015 Ford released the Australian designed and developed Everest SUV range that's being manufactured in Thailand. It's very good, but it's not cheap! It was updated in mid-2018.
HAVAL H9 SEVEN-SEATER
Forget Chinese-vehicle prejudice - this wagon is a class act
We knew the Chinese vehicle invasion would gain momentum and the new Haval H9 is an example of much better quality machinery.
HOLDEN TRAILBLAZER
This seven-seat wagon version of the Colorado ute is a second-generation model.
Holden's successor to the Jackaroo wagon range was a Colorado ute derivative, the Colorado 7. It was replaced by the Trailblazer in late 2016.
ISUZU MU-X
The wagon derivative of the D-Max ute range has had performance upgrades.
Isuzu Ute Australia released the anticipated seven-seat wagon version of its D-Max ute range in late 2013, with third-row seating, coil-spring rear suspension and rear axle disc brakes. It scored a performance boost in May 2017 and interior upgrades in 2018.
JEEP CHEROKEE
The new model looks soft, but has surprising off road ability.
The Cherokee has been with us in several forms since 1994. The post-2014 model is available with and without low-range gearing, so is also listed in our soft-roader section.
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
Jeep's wagon is well specified with a choice of petrol and diesel engines
Jeep gave the Grand Cherokee a facelift and equipment upgrades for 2014. Highlights were a new eight-speed automatic transmission and more grunt and flexibility. A Trailhawk version arrived in mid-2017 and supercharged 6.2L V8 in late 2017.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90
The old box is no more.
After an absence of five years the Defender 90 was reintroduced in 2010, with powertrain and interior improvements. It was discontinued three years later and in January 2016 all Defender models ceased production.
LDV D90 SEVEN-SEAT WAGON
The Chinese invasion gathers momentum - December 2017
Following the Australian launch of the T60 ute, LDV has released the first details of the LDV D90: a seven-seat SUV.
MERCEDES-BENZ ML
Class 4WD and with class-leading economy - sadly too soft since 2014.
The M-Class, fitted with the optional off-road package that included height-adjustable air suspension, low-range gearing and a proper spare wheel, was the last 'Benz wagon that was useful on and off road.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO
Still competitive, but showing its age
The current-shape Mitsubishi Pajero carries on, but this monocoque, all-independent-suspension wagon is still reasonably competitive. Mitsubishi has kept the Pajero in step with the Japanese medium wagon competition and the 3.2-litre diesel is still a reliable performer.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT
The Challenger replacement is a giant performance leap forward.
Like its predecessor the 2016 Challenger replacement uses the Triton ute powertrain and chassis, with a coil-sprung live rear axle. With Super Select 4WD drivetrain and stability and traction control as standard, the Pajero Sport is one of the best specified and keenly-priced medium wagons. It was upgraded in 2018.
NISSAN PATHFINDER
Medium Wagons
The last 'real 4WD' Nissan Pathfinder was released in June 2010, with increased performance from its 2.5-litre diesel engine. In 2014 the Pathie became a softroader, with almost no off-road ability.
PORSCHE CAYENNE
Medium Wagons
The Porsche Cayenne shares the VW Touareg’s central body and door sections, and adds unique bonnet, front and rear panels, plus a different interior. The powertrains, suspensions, wheels and tyres are also different.
RANGE ROVER SPORT
The mini Range Rover has it all - except bush-friendly tyres - August 2016
The post-2014 Range Rover Sport has all-aluminium monocoque body structure in which the joints in the shell are rivetted and bonded together using aerospace techniques. Significant upgrades were announced in late-2016.
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER
This quirky retro-Cruiser can be a good used-wagon buy
The FJ Cruiser was described by its designers as a modern interpretation of a Toyota classic; the FJ40 two-door wagon that was produced from 1960 until 1984. Sadly, the FJ production ended in August 2016.
TOYOTA FORTUNER
A capable but expensive medium wagon offering from the 4WD market leader.
Toyota has released a new seven-seat Fortuner that's based on the 2016 HiLux platform. Part-time-4WD is the only driveline available.
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 76 SERIES
A pocket-sized wagon with a big heart and superb off-road capability.
The LandCruiser 76 Series is essentially a shrunken Troop Carrier with class-leading performance and good towing ability.
TOYOTA PRADO
The Prado received a much needed new powertrain for 2016 and upgrades for 2018 .
The post-2010 Prado range scored upgraded diesel and petrol engines in September 2015, six-speed transmissions and additional improvements for 2018.
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG - Updated March 2015
Medium Wagons
The latest generation Volkswagen Touareg was released in mid-2011 and was updated in 2013 and 2015. The new model received a much-needed boost in interior space.
