Aussies love 4x4s and off-roading. There was once a time when buying an SUV meant buying a vehicle with genuine terrain-tackling ability, rather than a crossover wagon just for taking the kids to-and-from school.
What separates a true 4×4 from a crossover wagon is generally a separate ladder frame, low range gearbox and toughened undercarriage, sometimes with wading ability. Examples of this are Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner – all of which share underpinnings with their commercial vehicle derivatives.
Having said that, some monocoque, or unibody SUVs have commendable off-roading ability, thanks to advances in modern electronics. A swathe of new electric SUVs have torque on demand too, which negates the need for a low range gearbox. Here is a preview of what’s coming to our shores in 2024.
2024 INEOS Grenadier
Freshly landed on Australian shores, the INEOS Grenadier fills a void left by Land Rover’s decision to make the Defender a more luxury and image-focused vehicle, forsaking its rugged old-school roots for a more high-end platform.
In the spirit of the old Defender, the French-made Grenadier starts from $97.000 before on-road costs.
Rugged construction and live axles front and rear give you the assurance of tried-and-true mechanicals, but the company has borrowed from none-other than BMW for its 3.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel diesel inline-six engines. Tied to a ZF eight-speed automatic, the pedigree is beyond doubt.
Keep an eye out for the Quartermaster ute version that will drop later in the year as well, giving the dual cab LandCruiser 70 Series some stiff competition.
2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series
Well-loved but sometimes derided for its dated appearance, the 70 Series LandCruiser has just received a comprehensive update for 2024, including the addition of the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine from the HiLux, HiAce and LandCruiser Prado, tied to a six-speed automatic transmission. Comprehensive updates inside and out also seek to modernise the old beast, which will no doubt have customers flocking to the nearest Toyota dealership.
V8 fans needn’t worry, because the 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 remains available in some models too, albeit mated exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission. We wouldn’t be overly surprised if this option disappears in years to come thanks to pesky emissions regulations, however.
2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado
Due in the middle of the year, one of Australia’s best-loved large 4x4s comes in for a new generation overhaul for 2024. Engine choices will include a new 48V, mild-hybrid version of the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder, likely tied to a ten-speed automatic gearbox.
Stylistically, the new Prado takes a completely different direction from the purely functional aesthetic of its predecessors, with a retro and fun design that borrows from ancestors such as the 80-Series Toyota Land Cruiser of the 1990s. The body will be 100mm longer, 95mm wider and 20mm taller, with a 60mm longer wheelbase. For the first time ever, the Prado’s more luxurious brother, the Lexus GX will be reaching our shores too. Expect this one to be a strong seller, so get in quick with that order if you want to be one of the first!
2024 Nissan Patrol
The successor to the much-loved Y62 Nissan Patrol will be eschewing V8 grunt for a twin-turbo V6, according to several reports, which apes the transition made by its arch-rival: the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. Presently, the Patrol is powered by a 5.6-litre V8 generating 298kW and 560Nm, connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Appearance-wise, don’t expect it to deviate too far from the confronting styling of the current generation, with an evolutionary approach expected, but the interior will come in for some much needed love.
2024 Jeep Recon
Tentatively confirmed for Australia, the future of off-roading arrives with the Jeep Recon, an electric beast promising around 600km of range and rapid charging. Based on the iconic Wrangler, the Recon inherits its legendary off-road capability, translated into the silent efficiency of an electric powertrain.
Scheduled for a 2024 debut, the Recon marks a pivotal moment for Jeep, and off-road enthusiasts watch with bated breath as this electric warrior prepares to carve its own path in the wilderness.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S
Another vehicle hinted for a 2024 debut by Jeep Australia executives, the Wagoneer S sits atop the Stellantis STLA large architecture, which can facilitate full electrification. The vital statistics for this one are impressive: 447kW, 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds and around 650km of range.
There’s currently no word on exact timing but it may even be joined by Jeep’s electric baby, the Avenger in due course. Presently, those seeking Jeep adventure thrills combined with electrification only have the option of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe, which starts at an eye-watering $129,950 before on-road costs.
2024 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Seeing as there’s an all-new Mitsubishi Triton in town, it stands to reason that it will be followed soon by its Pajero Sport wagon counterpart. If the Triton’s specs are anything to go by, we can expect a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel with 150kW and 470Nm, plus the flexibility of a seven-seat layout. Mitsubishi’s 10 year/ 200,000km warranty advantage will continue to lure customers in, as will the three diamond star’s proven prowess and Paris-Dakar rally winning credentials.
2024 GWM Tank 500
Not content with bringing the midsize GWM Tank 300 to Australia, a larger sibling in the form of the GWM Tank 500 will arrive soon, with a hybrid 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, combined to an electric motor and nine-speed automatic. The combined system output of 258kW and 3000kg braked towing capacity should have rivals of this new, incoming Chinese seven-seater quite worried.
2024 LDV D90 new generation
The current LDV D90 is one of the best kept secrets on the Australian market. Where else can you find a seven seat SUV for the mid 30’s in this day and age, let alone one that has room for seven fully-sized adults?
Expect a facelifted model to arrive throughout the course of 2024, with thinner, more sinister LED headlamps apeing its T60 Max stablemate and a lot of improvements to safety and comfort. A significantly improved interior will be part of the equation too, keeping up with the pace of competition. A 48V mild-hybrid system is expected to be added to the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine of the current model to improve efficiency.
2024 BYD YangWang U8
BYD is a brand with very grand ambitions in Australia, with the YangWang U8 luxury hybrid SUV expected to be launched here as early as late 2024. Combining a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with four electric motors, the total system output of 880kW and 1280Nm gives the gargantuan vehicle the propulsion to reach 100km/h in 3.6 seconds from a standstill. BYD also boasts the car has an unmatched ability to wade flash flooding, but we don’t recommend you try this at home!
