Off-roading and the outdoor lifestyle is a growing niche in the country. Bad roads, constant flooding, plus the beautiful scenery that can only be reached by a tall-riding 4×4 are some of the reasons why more and more people are abandoning traditional sedans and looking towards these go-anywhere rides.
Looking for a nice rig to accompany you on your adventure? Look no further as we’ve got quite a lineup for you to consider.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi has a long motor sports heritage of competing in the top echelons of rally and rally raid events like the Paris-Dakar and other similar long-distance rallies using their Strada, Montero Sport and Pajero platforms which utilize similar components. Today, that rugged appeal is enhanced by their latest MIVEC equipped 4N15 clean diesel engine and a new terrain response software on the Strada pickups which optimize the various electronic stability aids on mud, sand, grass, snow, and of course, paved roads. Coupled with their slick shifting automatics (6-speed for the Strada, 8-speed for the Montero Sport), these two offer what could be arguably, the most car-like drive, while realizing your rally raid dreams.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet’s strong lineup of trucks such as the Colorado and the Trailblazer makes for excellent off-road vehicles thanks to powerful engines, tough suspension and impressive build quality. The brand recently unveiled the Colorado Trail Boss variant to beef up its existing High Rider Storm pickup. Catering to a growing off-road enthusiast market that seeks stylish sophistication, performance both on and off the beaten path, these 4x4s offer generous safety equipment and mobile phone connectivity, making them an impressive value-for-money proposition. Both SUV and pickup can be had with the wall-climbing 2.8-liter CRDi diesel engines with 200hp and 500Nm of torque. Want the complete package? Look no further than Chevrolet’s offerings.
Isuzu
Isuzu is acknowledged as the diesel authority in the industry, having their current model lineup powered by their most advanced diesel engines. Robustly built, under-stressed with excess durability built in to withstand the rigors of hardcore off-road use, Isuzus make for a perfect workhorse. Its new Mu-X Boondock variant is the latest to join its existing D-Max pickup. These mean Isuzu variants are equipped with tall-riding, nitrogen-charged monotube dampers that deliver a towering (for stock) 247mm ground clearance, plus more aggressive Yokohama Geolandar GO15 A/T tires that vastly improve trailing capability without compromising on-road performance. These minor changes make the Isuzus chunkier, more aggressive and more purposeful. Need something that’s as reliable as death and taxes, this is your ride for that intense trail ahead. Indeed, Isuzu is your best bet.
Jeep
The Jeep’s iconic model, the Wrangler, is an American institution, tracing its lineage to the Willy’s Jeep of WWII era and, ironically, is a (very distant) cousin of our own owner-type and PUV jeepneys. But while they may share the same basic layout and silhouette, the similarities end there. New for 2019 is the Jeep Wrangler JL, which mixes old world charm and cutting-edge technology. Extensive use of aluminum and magnesium, together with a new Hurricane 2.0 turbo engine, delivers amazing performance with improved on-road refinement, greater fuel efficiency, and a more well-rounded package. It still has detachable roof panels that make al fresco off-roading possible, unique to the Jeep. Want an icon that is ready for a new generation of adventure seekers? The Jeep has you covered.
Land Rover
From the makers of the best 4x4s, the Land Rover is another off-road icon that hails from Old Blighty, carrying with it the promise of delivering the most sophisticated and most luxurious off-road adventure package. While the brand may not have a strong motorsports credential, the Defender in particular, is used as military vehicles and emergency response and rescue vehicles by the United Nations, Red Cross and the World Health Organization. Indeed, these organizations have cemented the brand and the model as a true legend in all of motoring, making it a highly desirable and capable vehicle despite its simple design. But even Land Rover’s more luxurious products, such as the Discovery and the Junior Discovery Sport, along with their Range Rover kin have arguably the very best terrain response software that optimizes the electronic driving aids for hardcore rock-n-roll use on extreme terrain. Want the best? Then get the best 4×4 by far.
GAC
While GAC is a relatively new company, its factories actually assemble many of the Japanese brand vehicles in China, so GAC knows a thing or two about building reliable, safe and solid cars. The brand currently has two crossovers on sale, the compact GS5 and full-size seven-seat GS8, with a third, smaller subcompact crossover called the GS3 slated to join the lineup soon. Not exactly hardcore mud-pluggers, but very capable on paved roads and typical provincial dirt and farm roads. These crossovers are built for a new breed of digitally connected buyers looking for great value for money with impressive specs. The GS8 also has a terrain management software if in case you feel brave to test its capabilities too. The Japanese, Koreans and American brands should start worrying because GAC is breathing down on their necks with the engineering expertise to back them up.
Suzuki
Suzuki is a small little Japanese company known more for their motorcycles and cute kei cars in their home domestic market. But the all-new Jimny is causing a global revolution. No other 4×4 has created so much anticipation and hype for the global SUV market, particularly in the Philippines where 4×4 hobbyists and car aficionados have been clamoring for this cute ’ute. But make no mistake, the Jimny’s diminutive size makes it a tiny terror in the trail, highly capable thanks to its short wheelbase and excellent break-over angle. The low-geared transmission is perfectly matched to the modest 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine and the light weight means it can easily float over difficult terrain where bigger, heavier rigs can barely cross, even if they are modified. Yet the new Jimny is more spacious inside and more refined on the highway, making it a real hoot to drive regardless of surface. Don’t let its cute looks deceive you, the Jimny is a serious mud crawler.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
