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29 March 2024

Kings of the hill

(SUPPLIED)

Published
By Dominic Vogan

The 4x4 is a strange beast. These days you can't just say '4x4' and expect everyone to know what you are talking about.

There are so many categories, styles and purposes for the four-wheel drive vehicle that people can no longer rely on being able to randomly choose any one and expect it to fulfil all their needs. There are off-roaders, soft-roaders for the school run, full size, medium and compact SUVs, crossovers and SAVs, or suburban activity vehicles – the latest acronym to fulfil the lifestyle "needs" that young up-and-coming suburbanites are encouraged to have.

But establishing which is the best 4x4 is no easy task. The ultimate criteria has to be the vehicle which fulfils the original purpose of the 4x4 configuration first and foremost – that is, the ability to travel over a wide range of off-road terrain thanks to their standard suspension set-up and range, front and rear clearance, gearing options and engine power and torque. And on top of that which vehicle offers the owner all the conveniences one would expect from a typical urban sedan.

With those criteria in mind, here is our pick of the best the market has to offer.



Nissan Xterra

This is a relative newcomer to the market, but has already impressed motoring journalists globally with its agility on the dunes and over rocky terrain. It has a four-litre V6 engine coupled to either a five-speed auto or six-speed manual box, and a two-speed transfer case for both able highway and off-road use.

Engine : 4.0 litre V6

Price: Dh91,000

Supplier: Arabian Automobiles 04 295 2222



Mitsubishi Pajero

A five-speed manual gearbox option as well as the 4LO ratio and a rear diff lock are some of the features, which attract the off-road enthusiast to the Pajero. Available in either short or long wheelbase (which offers greater stability), it is also a bargain in terms of pricing versus features and capability.

Model: Pajero

Engine: 3.8 litre V6

Price: Dh124,000

Supplier: Al Habtoor Motors - 04 269 1110, 050 678 8400



Jeep Wrangler

There is something about the character of the Wrangler, which sets it apart from all other 4x4s. While luxuries are minimal and rear seating is limited, the Wrangler is the most enjoyable and competent short wheelbase 4x4 on the market. It also looks the part with a set of "chunkies" on each corner.

Model: Wrangler Unlimited

Engine: 3.8 litre V6

Price: Dh100,000

Supplier: Trading Enterprises 800 4119



Nissan Patrol

With more than 50 years of development, the Patrol has always been an off-roader first and a road car second. The 4.8 litre engine now features variable valve timing and a system to boost low end torque for even better dune bashing and rock-riding performance.

Model: Patrol LWB

Price: Dh136,000

Supplier: Arabian Automobiles 04 295 2222



Hummer H3

While it's not as hardcore as its older bigger brother, the H3 is still a favourite with a lot of regional off-roaders, even though much of its suspension technology is several years old. Part of the joys of going dune bashing is doing it with a like-minded group of people, and the H3 crowd in this region will gladly welcome you onboard.

Engine: 3.7 litre

Price: Dh122,000

Supplier: Liberty Automobiles 04 341 9341 / 02 558 9988



The Toyota Land Cruiser

There's a very good reason why many desert excursion companies use this vehicle day in, day out to trek across the interior: It is extremely good at what it does. The Land Cruiser is not only powerful and versatile, it is also comfortable and has enough storage for even the most unlikely emergencies. The FJ Cruiser, built on the same platform, is more "funky" and can be easily modified for the real hardcore off-roader.

Engine: 4.7 litre V8

Price: Dh198,000

Supplier: Al Futtaim Motors 04 206 6666



Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee has the refinement of a quality town car, but it also maintains the classic Jeep genes making it bags of fun in the wilderness. With a range of engines from a three litre to a 6.1 litre Hemi V8 (although I wouldn't advise taking this into deep sand) you get bags of low-end grunt, but it lacks low gearing options for the off-road purists.

Engine: 5.7 litre V8

Price: Dh155,000

Supplier: Trading Enterprises 800 4119



Land Rover LR3

At the comfort end of the 4x4 range is the LR3. With a choice of four litre V6 or 4.4 litre V8 the LR3 features four-corner independent air suspension with electronic cross-linking and variable ride height, which gives it great stability both on and off-road. It also features Land Rover's patented Terrain Response system to help even the most novice of drivers tackle the most demanding surfaces.

Model: SE

Engine: 4.0 litre V8

Price: Dh165,000

Supplier: Al Tayer Motors 04 303 7070



Porsche Cayenne Turbo

This may seem like it's coming out of leftfield but the Cayenne Turbo's all-wheel drive, low-range gearing and advanced electronics make it a viable off-roader – with a good set of "boots" on. The 700nm of torque make it very versatile and manageable on all terrains – and of course, there's the fact that you can take it through a car wash and drive it to the opera on the same day.

Engine: 4.8 Twin Turbo V8

Price: Dh375,000

Supplier: Al Naboodah Automobiles 04 338 6999



Hummer H2

At just over 2,900kg, the H2 is the heavyweight champ of the 4x4s, but thanks to its military pedigree that brash exterior is not just for show. A 6.2 litre V8 and six-speed automatic transmission and axle and diff locking capability make this monster surprisingly agile.

That and the fact that you can bring your extended family and pets along for the ride.

Engine: 6.2 litre V8

Price: Dh212,000

Supplier: Liberty Automobiles 04 341 9341 / 02 558 9988