What's your favourite SUV/4x4?
Discussion
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with SUVs/4x4s, as I know that for 90% of my use, a car is objectively better and even equipped with a nice engine, a car with the same engine would be a lot quicker and handle a lot better. Sure, some of them are very good off-road but most rarely ever take them there and some of the more sportier focussed ones have questionable off-road ability. However, although I abhor most "crossovers", I still have a fondness for some SUVs/4x4s.
I think that most of us can agree that a Land Rover/Range Rover when working and not equipped with the 4 cylinder Ingenium diesel (with the possible exception of the Evoque) is quite a fine thing but of the current/recent crop, my favourite is probably the Jaguar F-Pace SVR (preferably in BRG over tan).
And I also think that the current Volvo XC90 (especially in black and R-Design spec) is a rather lovely thing.
But objectively those 2 vehicles are quite good!
There are several older SUVs/4x4s that I have a bit of an irrational "want" for though that I know aren't really very good but I still quite fancy owning them.
1st gen Mercedes-Benz ML (especially the ML55 AMG model)
1st gen BMW X5 (to me the X5 has got objectively better but less desirable for me over the generations).
1st gen VW Touareg
Mitsubishi Shogun
Shogun Sport
Jeep Wrangler
And I absolutely adore the XJ Cherokee (especially in 4.0 Limited spec), possibly even more than the Wrangler!
So what's your favourite SUV/4x4 and are there any that you have a bit of an itch to own, even though you know they're a bit c*ap?
I think that most of us can agree that a Land Rover/Range Rover when working and not equipped with the 4 cylinder Ingenium diesel (with the possible exception of the Evoque) is quite a fine thing but of the current/recent crop, my favourite is probably the Jaguar F-Pace SVR (preferably in BRG over tan).
And I also think that the current Volvo XC90 (especially in black and R-Design spec) is a rather lovely thing.
But objectively those 2 vehicles are quite good!
There are several older SUVs/4x4s that I have a bit of an irrational "want" for though that I know aren't really very good but I still quite fancy owning them.
1st gen Mercedes-Benz ML (especially the ML55 AMG model)
1st gen BMW X5 (to me the X5 has got objectively better but less desirable for me over the generations).
1st gen VW Touareg
Mitsubishi Shogun
Shogun Sport
Jeep Wrangler
And I absolutely adore the XJ Cherokee (especially in 4.0 Limited spec), possibly even more than the Wrangler!
So what's your favourite SUV/4x4 and are there any that you have a bit of an itch to own, even though you know they're a bit c*ap?
I've had one of those Cherokees. I didn't think too much of it but it was a fairly tired example. Good looking thing though, mine was the same colour as that example.
I like the 7L generation Touareg/Cayenne/Q7, particularly the Touareg.
Also the first generation Shogun. Mainly for the childhood memories and the inclinometer in the dash.
I like the 7L generation Touareg/Cayenne/Q7, particularly the Touareg.
Also the first generation Shogun. Mainly for the childhood memories and the inclinometer in the dash.
Im loving my 2005 Cayenne (low range with selectable diff lock transfer case, double wishbone long travel suspension permanent 4x4 ). My wifes 958 is not as good offroad (no low range transfer) but its diesel engine is better for long journey's.
Capable cars that can do anything from low range 1st gear rock crawling to high speed autobahn continent crossing.
Capable cars that can do anything from low range 1st gear rock crawling to high speed autobahn continent crossing.
The D4 is simply brilliant but I lost it to an errant motorcyclist and didn't feel brave enough for the reliability lottery again. Also really liked my D2. Mid 90s Landcruiser lacked character and wasn't as reliable as you'd think, although at 160k maybe I expected too much.
Current 1.8t Yeti is a fantastic country hack. Handles and goes ok, but has enough ground clearance to do more than most people need. I have got it cross axled where the D4 wasn't, but after rocking it from side to side with the kids it just drove off.
Current 1.8t Yeti is a fantastic country hack. Handles and goes ok, but has enough ground clearance to do more than most people need. I have got it cross axled where the D4 wasn't, but after rocking it from side to side with the kids it just drove off.
Favourite ever that I've owned : Fluffy the 80 series 4.5 straight six petrol
I sold it a couple of years ago as I just wasn't using it.
Now in Ireland in a private LC collection. Silly boy.
If I won the lottery I'd buy it back and send it to Jonathan Ward in 'merica for a full resto and LS conversion.
Current X5 G05 is quite clever and super relaxing but it's not a patch on Fluffy
I sold it a couple of years ago as I just wasn't using it.
Now in Ireland in a private LC collection. Silly boy.
If I won the lottery I'd buy it back and send it to Jonathan Ward in 'merica for a full resto and LS conversion.
Current X5 G05 is quite clever and super relaxing but it's not a patch on Fluffy
I don't have much of an opinion on SUVs and 4x4s purely as I've not owned any directly myself so I'll go with my very biased opinion and say the Mercedes ML. Mainly because this is my other half's car, it's hugely practical, reasonably good on fuel and is extremely comfortable. I don't think it looks too bad given it's age.
Was never a fan of any SUV but once bought a Vitara Boosterjet for general duties.
Whilst quite small it was incredibly good and so cheap to run.
Also had a very old, high mileage 2003 Forester - just kept on going and was superb on winter tyres.
The only other SUV I’ve had was Stelvio Quadrifoglio - outstanding. And not overly big either.
Stelvio definitely my favourite.
Whilst quite small it was incredibly good and so cheap to run.
Also had a very old, high mileage 2003 Forester - just kept on going and was superb on winter tyres.
The only other SUV I’ve had was Stelvio Quadrifoglio - outstanding. And not overly big either.
Stelvio definitely my favourite.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff