Which manual, diesel 4x4s are good?
What is the best type of 4x4 with a manual transmission and diesel engine?
Aidan Kelly (Kildare)Jun 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
Without knowing your budget and what your needs with regards to towing etc. are it's difficult to give a precise answer, but as a starting point, and in alphabetical order:
None of Audi's Q models are really suited to heavy off-road work, though the Q5 and Q7 are fine towing machines. Not that you'll find a Q7 with a manual gearbox.
Same story with BMW's X models. Fine for towing. You'll have to seek out an older X5 if you want a manual transmission though.
Citroen C-Crosser, Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35: fine road cars.
Hyundai Santa Fe: depending on age and spec can be quite good off-road and as a tow car.
Hyundai Terracan: horrible beast of a thing, but it is big...
Hyundai Tucson: more car-like than most 4x4s.
Isuzu Trooper: hard as nails, durable workhorse.
Jeep Cherokee: good workhorse, but raucous on the road.
Jeep Compass: really not that great on the road despite its 'crossover' image.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: surprisingly good depending on age.
Jeep Patriot: a Compass with more upright bodywork...
Jeep Wrangler: tough, great off-road, but not so good on it.
Kia Sorento: first generation a tough tow car; latest more road-biased.
Kia Sportage: fine road car - especially the latest one.
Land Rover Defender: same comments as Jeep Wrangler above.
Land Rover Discovery: one of the very best all-rounders - newer versions way better.
Land Rover Freelander: good mix of on-road behaviour with all-road ability, but others at price better.
Range Rover line-up: luxurious regular model not bad off-road, Sport great to drive on-road and Evoque not really a 4x4 despite the badge.
Mazda CX-5: new SUV in the crossover mould - lovely on the road, where it should stay.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class: see BMW X5 comments.
Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander: very much road cars.
Mitsubishi L200/Pajero/Shogun: durable, strong, tough, but also rough and unrefined - proper 4x4 system though.
Nissan Navara/Pathfinder: see L200 etc. above...
Nissan Qashqai: a road car, even in 4x4 guise.
Nissan Terrano: old-school 4x4.
Nissan X-Trail: pretty good mix of attributes.
Opel Antara: road car - and not a good one.
Peugeot 4007, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti: just road cars.
SsangYong Actyon/Kyron/Rexton: rough and ready tow machines.
Subaru Forester: more a road car, though later one pretty good.
Subaru Outback/XV: road cars - nice ones.
Suzuki Grand Vitara: not bad as an all-rounder - relatively cheap and cheerful.
Suzuki SX4: car with 4x4 mechanicals.
Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser: enviable reputation for toughness and reliability, though not very civilised.
Toyota RAV4: good road car, ok tow car.
Volkswagen Amarok: good all-rounder, though just a pick-up.
Volkswagen Tiguan: lovely road car, but most models so-so off-road.
Volkswagen Touareg: high quality car that's a good all-rounder.
Volvo XC60/XC90: good road cars - not for off-road.
So come back to us with more details and we'll talk you through a purchase.
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser@Shane_O_D