Click to read the full Land Rover Defender review
On its strengths both on tarmac or off it, the Land Rover Defender remains unchallenged in the off-roader category. You can get stripped-out commercial models or luxurious, almost Range Rover-challenging levels of comfort, and three body lengths. It’s a very technology-led design, with off-road accessories reinforcing that it’s built for work, despite high-tech additions like independent air suspension. And it’s wrapped in a design that recalls the original Defender series very effectively, inside and out.
It makes the most sense in its most basic form, too. Go overboard on a 130 and you could buy a Range Rover – with more luxury and tech – for just a couple of thousand more. Choose a hardtop and the modern engines and chassis are leagues ahead of the previous Defender, and the price is closer to rival premium SUVs without the depth of ability or legendary name (and residuals that go with it).
Land Rover couldn’t risk producing anything less than the best off-roader when replacing the Defender, and it succeeded. But at the same time, it also created a very recognisable, appealing SUV with refined on-road manners, and generous equipment, for drivers looking for an alternative to a Mercedes GLE or BMW X7, with a more authentic, rugged ethos.
RUNNERS UP
Click to read the full Toyota Land Cruiser review
Take away the high-street presence and motorway prowess, and focus on sheer off-road strength, and you get the Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s recognised the world over as an unstoppable force, with versatile four-wheel drive (including rear differential lock on Invincible models) and plenty of torque from the 2.8-litre diesel. It’s comfortable, with a seven-seater option, and Toyota’s latest safety technology keeps the on-road experience as polished as the impeccable build quality.
Thanks to the old-school hardware of solid axle and chassis, it’s tough off-road, and easily fixed. With up to ten years of warranty cover, Toyota’s certainly confident it won’t go wrong. This is the Land Cruiser’s real strength; when you’d consider some 4x4s because they’re easy to sell after three years, the Land Cruiser is the one you’ll keep for decades.
Click to read the full Dacia Duster review
It can feel like off-roading and confidence in bad weather is getting priced out of reach sometimes, but Dacia has you covered. The latest Duster is a significant upgrade over the already well-liked original; refined and quiet, with sophisticated climate control and infotainment at odds with Dacia’s affordable image.
High ground clearance, sensible wheels and tyres, and lower-range low gears mean most dirt tracks and verges can be handled with the basic model for a little under £16,000, but all-wheel drive is welcome for slippery surfaces, mud, snow and sand. The Dacia Duster 4x4, with manual gearbox and diesel engine, costs a little over £22,000. It’s less than half the price of our other 4x4 candidates, and more rugged than typical ‘all-wheel drive’ crossovers. This real-world ability means the Duster 4x4 is a rare bargain and in a class of its own.
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