the best 4x4

Asking for the best 4x4 is like asking which pie is most Australian: it depends on where you’re heading and how muddy you plan to get.

• Toyota LandCruiser 300: Pros: legendary touring range, reliability, cracking resale; Cons: eye-watering price, wait times, and a big footprint in tight bush.
• Ford Ranger Raptor: Pros: plush cabin and outrageous suspension that laughs at corrugations; Cons: lower payload/tow than work-spec utes and a thirsty petrol V6.
• Nissan Patrol (Y62): Pros: silky V8, dune-basher extraordinaire, strong value used; Cons: fuel economy best described as “optimistic” and infotainment from a simpler time.
• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: Pros: lock it, crawl it, roof off for maximum grin; Cons: clattery on-road manners, small boot, and options add up faster than a servo pie bill.

Shortlist these, test what fits your budget and terrain, and bring a snatch strap plus a sense of humour.