The Best Cars for Exploring the Australian Outback
The love for the Australian outdoors and off-road exploring is epic, and with wonderful destinations, such as Birdville, Odonata, and Cape York, it is understandable. As crowded as it may be, Australia finds a balance in its quiet and extensive inland. With the right set of wheels, driving through its tranquil interiors is a fantastic experience.
However, whether you live there or plan on relocating to Australia, the most remote and picturesque places require a comfortable and capable vehicle. Functionality is critical for fruitful outback road driving, and even though sleek and fancy cars are amazing, they are not fully equipped for the rugged terrain where grave and sand dust is the norm.
It is the reason the vehicle of choice to explore the vast countryside remains the capable and plush 4X4 SUV. They are the most appropriate option to endure a journey across bumpy and dusty Australian outback terrains.
Nissan Patrol GU
The relatively tough though simple design of Nissan Patrol Gu makes it perfect for remote and rugged-area travel. The vehicle features a separate chassis, all-rounded coil spring, and solid rear and front axles. The long wheelbase and wide track deliver a stable platform designed to withstand the weight of all gears necessary for the Australian outback cruises.
A turbodiesel engine with four cylinders powers the most recent model. The Patrol has a part-time four-wheel-drive system with autolocking hubs and a manual locking hub in DX and ST models, respectively.
The two-speed case provides practical low-range gearing, while the outstanding axle articulation guarantees stability. Being in the vehicle market for quite some time now, the vehicle possesses various after-market accessories such as water tanks, roof racks, long-range fuel tanks, and cargo systems. The Patrol GU’s cab variant has a great rear overhang with a 3200-kilogram towing capacity. Its interior is generously spaced and comfortable thanks to the long wheelbase and wide track.
Ford Everest
With the growing popularity of off-roaders, manufacturers are exploiting the trend to produce convenient, fully fitted tourers. Ford Everest is just one of those. The 4WD-only Basecamp model is based on the mid-spec variant that comes either as a 3.2-liter single turbo five cylinders of 143kW or twin-turbo four cylinders of 157kW in horsepower.
The trend features lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and hill descent control, among others. Other standing features include eighteen-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera, parking sensors, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control. It comes with adventure-ready add-ons, such as a snorkel, LED light bar, nudge bar, roof-top storage anchor, and awning.
The twin-turbo four-cylinder engine generates relatively more power without losing its punch. It is comfortable with heavy-duty work and highway cruising. Moreover, the vehicle is 4WD-only with low-range gearing and a rear electronic lock. The easily operated Terran Management System comes with multiple driving modes to ease cruising.
Subaru Outback
After years of innovation and launching the luxurious and technologically advanced Subaru Outback, the cruising experience took a new turn. The vehicle features EyeSight Driver Assist technology with almost double the field vision, a fatigue-reducing Driver Monitoring System, and the visibility-enhancing Vision Assist.
Apart from the highly conformable and sophisticated interior, the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and the boxer engine make every drive an out-and-out pleasure. With the tow-tone towing capacity, it is the SUV you want to assist you in tackling adventure with unrivaled comfort, confidence, and style.
The 2016 upgrade saw the fitting of the EyeSight driver-assist system that includes steering assist and pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control settings. Three-dimensional image processing and external sensors support distant and lateral obstacles recognition, stabilize control, and enhance pedestrian detection.
Moreover, it comprises blind-spot monitoring, traffic alert, high beam assist, and emergency stop signal. Outback’s highly spacious cabin has enhanced noise insulation, seat stitching, wider-opening doors, and soft-touch surfaces, adding comfort to the already unmatched performance.
Jeep Wrangler (JK)
The Jeep Wrangler (JK) series is the 3rd generation off-road vehicle assembled by the Jeep brand. The vehicle’s chassis and body have been redesigned to accommodate features that made it incredible for off-road cruises.
A Jeep Wrangler has rigid live axles, a fold-flat windshield, and a part-time 4WD system with low and high gearing options. Unlike the conventional two-door Jeep, this model premiered the standard four-door model with an overly stretched wheelbase. The automobile was awarded a three-star rating on rollover and front crash parameters.
The model has a cargo space of 56.5 cubic feet and 2.8 cubic feet behind the front and rear seats. When equipped accordingly, the two-door model can tow approximately 2000lbs of payload while the four-door counterpart can surpass the 3500lbs mark.
Land Cruiser 100 Series
The Land Cruiser has a proud and longstanding history, and it isn’t easy to find a vehicle that outmatches it. Unlike earlier models, Land Cruiser is relatively large and weighs about 2.5 tons, ideal for heavy towing. The petrol engine options comprise a 4.5-liter camshaft that boosts 165kW peak power and a 4.6 camshaft that delivers 170kW peak power.
Unlike older manual models, the current model is a four-speed auto transmission with low and high range 4WD and high range 2WD. Toyota Australia offers many model options, such as the base wagon RV, GXV, and GXL. The entry wagon is a six-seater with manual front hubs, split rims, vinyl trim, and power steering. The GXL models feature power windows, anti-lock brakes, cruise, remote central locking, and front airbags.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is an expansive SUV with demonstrated reliability and comfort thanks to its six-speed auto gearbox and emergency braking system. The amazingly comfortable, brilliant off-roader is a perfect choice when moving to Australia for cruises. The seven-seater SUV is the best-selling model because of its peerless service backup and proven reliability. For a four-wheel-drive machine, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is perfect for an ordinary family car, but the extra toughness makes it even more appropriate for unforgiving outback trips.