best 4x4 australia 2021

In Australia 2021, the “best 4x4” club was a familiar mob: Toyota LandCruiser (200 run-out with the 300 arriving) for long-haul touring, Ford Ranger/HiLux for do‑it‑all utes, and Nissan Patrol if you like your dunes with a V8 soundtrack.

New‑gen Isuzu D‑Max/Mazda BT‑50 impressed with standard safety and value, while Land Rover Defender 110 brought luxury to the mud; Jeep Wrangler and Suzuki Jimny handled the fun‑size shenanigans.

Towing up to 3,500 kg is the norm for the big utes and wagons, low‑range 4x4 and decent ground clearance are table stakes, and aftermarket support is gigantic.

Trade‑offs? LandCruiser/Patrol are pricey and thirsty, utes can ride a bit jittery unladen, and the smaller heroes (Wrangler/Jimny) are brilliant off‑road but compromise space and refinement.

Choose based on payload, towing needs, and how far you’re wandering from the bitumen—then budget for tyres, protection gear and, ideally, some patience for 2021‑era wait times.