How Off Roaders Have Evolved

The humble 4x4 has come a really long way since its decidedly more agricultural roots. These vehicles were favoured by blue collar workers and the military alike, as they are rugged and easy to work on, and can take pretty much any terrain or abuse one could just about throw at it.

It is this rough and ready image that made some 4x4s into the icons that they are today. Celebrities soon wanted to be seen in them, and the more popular models of the time, think the Mercedes G class and the Land Rover Defender, would eventually be revered as legends of the automotive world.
Automakers soon realised that a new class of buyer was purchasing these off roaders. Most of them had one thing in common - they had no desire to actually bring these capable vehicles to do any sort of mud plugging. These vehicles were essentially status symbols to them, and the car makers then realised that if they took the rough edges of these off roaders, they’d open up sales to an even wider market.

This gradual evolution means that modern SUVs may have had their bloodlines sullied with components that favour a more tame on-road experience, at the expense of its off-road capabilities. Still, the collective neutering of more mainstream 4x4s to pander to the consumer simply makes financial sense.

You can classify modern SUVs into 2 classes - those that can actually handle the rough stuff, and those that look like they could potentially do so.

It is hard to trump the Land Rover Defender's off-roading capabilities

The former, in most cases, has ditched the clunky and archaic systems of their predecessors; you won’t find large and bulky solid axles, and unrefined mechanical locking differentials here. What we do have in this day and age though, is the wonders of technology. Advanced, up-to-date suspension and drivetrain setups may in theory prove less capable than more tried-and-true systems of yesteryear, but sophisticated computer systems and driving assists mean these cars may perform just as well off-road, but be miles ahead on-road.

Land Rover’s terrain response is a prime example of such a system. It uses said driving assists to regulate wheelspin, braking each individual wheel should it detect a loss in traction, and then using its torque vectoring to make sure the wheels that do have grip have the drive the car needs to get out of any potential sticky situation. The lack of axle articulation is also compensated by the air suspension systems that the company has fitted to most of their cars.

The latter meanwhile, may share a similar body style to the former and their shared predecessors, but lack the smarts and the driveline to do any form of serious offroading. Dubbed “softroaders”, some of these vehicles are glorified reshelled hatchbacks, sporting drivetrains that were really only designed for use in an economy car on-road.

The Hyundai Kona is now offered witheither Hybrid or EV drivetrains

Land Rover has gotten in on this too. Their “Soft-Road” offering still has the DNA of their more off road-focused models, but without the electronic and mechanical complexity of one that can actually go off-road. Yes, they made a Front-Wheel Drive version of the Evoque for certain markets.

You have plenty of affordable choices to choose from, like this Ssangyong Tivoli

The Cupra Ateca is a go-almost anywhere firecracker... but secretly, it really is more street car than SUV if you ask me

Regardless of its off-road capabilities, these vehicles often have plush interiors with premium materials, and expensive trim both inside and outside, paired with refined and torquey motors for effortless wafting through busy city streets.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a 5+2 seater, and has the ability to do a little offroading.. for the casual offroader in you

These vehicles are mechanically simpler. They sport less powerful engines that are easier to find, and have been made for longer (thus parts are cheaper!). Solid axles mean a harsher and more jittery ride on-road, but makes for greater chassis articulation off-road. Mechanical locking differentials are not uncommon on these vehicles too, and require a great deal of effort to engage should the going get really tough.

Essentially, both systems work in a similar fashion - you’re really just making sure the wheels with traction get the power it needs to get the car unstuck. The modern equivalent just does so with a certain level of clinical precision that the older cars could only dream of having.

Older 4x4s are also not built to the same build quality standards as the newer cars. Larger panel gaps, non-standard air conditioning, and more agricultural materials are commonplace, as are interiors which are basically parts-bin specials from various manufacturers and eras.

The modern SUV has more presence and widespread appeal than their classic counterparts. In stock form they may be equally capable, but it is worth noting that long-term reliability of modern electronics is still unproven. The classics will always have a place in the hearts of 4x4 fans. They are simplistic, and offer the complete off road experience, unsullied by regulations or by electronic nannies. Their owners stand by their flaws, believing that it adds a degree of character and charm that their newer counterparts just cannot replicate.

Small, and quite attainable for the average buyer, the Suzuki Jimny is quite a gem

Regardless of your priorities, that is charm versus on-road compliance, there will be a 4x4 for every budget and every need on our classifieds. With thousands of cars already available for sale on our platform, and with new listings added everyday, there is something for everyone!

Credits: Jek Ray Low