A soft-roader SUV is fine for the school run, but if you tow a van, cross a creek or head remote, you want a proper body-on-frame 4WD with low range and the clearance to back it up. These are the seven worth your shortlist in 2026, and how to choose between them.
1. Toyota LandCruiser Prado: the default choice
The Toyota LandCruiser Prado is the 4WD most Australians land on, and for good reason. The 250 Series pairs a 2.4 litre turbo diesel with a 48-volt system, seven seats and genuine off-road hardware, with the Toyota dealer network and resale behind it. It is not the cheapest, but it is the safe, do-everything pick.
2. Ford Everest: the all-rounder
The Ford Everest is the one that pushes the Prado hardest. The V6 diesel makes 184 kW and 600 Nm, it tows 3,500 kg, the cabin is the most modern in the class, and it drives more like a big SUV than a truck. For a lot of families it is the smarter buy.
3. Toyota LandCruiser 300: the flagship
The Toyota LandCruiser 300 is the one you buy to cross the country and never worry. A twin-turbo V6 diesel, huge touring range and legendary durability make it the benchmark for serious remote travel, and demand still outstrips supply.
4. Isuzu MU-X: the value tourer
The Isuzu MU-X takes the tough D-Max underpinnings and adds seven seats and a wagon body. A proven 3.0 litre diesel, 3,500 kg towing and sharp pricing make it the value pick for families who actually go bush.
5. Nissan Patrol: the big-hearted hauler
The all-new Nissan Patrol Y63 moves to a twin-turbo V6 with more power and better economy than the old V8, while keeping the huge cabin and towing muscle the Patrol is loved for. It is the pick if you want maximum space and grunt.
6. GWM Tank 500: the value hybrid
The GWM Tank 500 undercuts the establishment with a hybrid V6 drivetrain, seven seats and a long warranty, all standard. It is the newcomer that makes you question paying twice as much, as long as you are comfortable with a younger brand.
7. Land Rover Defender: the premium pick
The Land Rover Defender is the one that does capability with style. It is genuinely tough off road but far plusher and more distinctive than the mainstream pack, at a price to match. Buy it with your head and your heart.
How to choose
For the safe all-rounder, start with the Prado or the Everest. For serious remote touring, the LandCruiser 300. For value with seven seats, the MU-X or the Tank 500. For maximum size and towing, the Patrol. And if you want capability with a premium feel, the Defender. Check current drive-away pricing and wait times on each model's page before you commit, because in this class the queue can matter as much as the price.
