In 2011, a few manufacturers still make compact to midsize body-on-frame SUVs.
-- Toyota 4Runner Trail $36K
add ~$4K for KDSS
-- Toyota FJ Cruiser Off Road package $33K estimate
--Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon $33K
-- Nissan XTerra Pro-4X $30K
-- Nissan Pathfinder SV $34K
-- Nissan Pathfinder LE V8 $43K
-- Land Rover LR4 $47K
-- Lexus GX 460 $52K
KDSS is standard equipment, air suspension optional
-- Mercedes G550 $104K
These are the manufacturers' designated off-road models.
All include 4x4, tires with aggressive tread, shocks tuned for
off-road use, transfer case with low range, locking rear
differential, some underbody protection, and assorted
traction aids.
The Pathfinder LE V8, LR4 and G550 have V8 engines. Others use V6.
All but the Jeep and G550 have independent front suspension.
The Jeep Rubicon adds a locking front differential, more
aggressive taller tires and automatic sway bar disconnects
to improve off-road performance.
The G550 adds locking front differential.
The Jeep Liberty is a compact SUV with a unit body that has
extra stiffening added. Add Selec-Trac II and extra underbody
protection, and the price is about $27K.
Also worth mention is the Suzuki Grand Vitara, which can be
purchased with 4x4 and low range. The vehicle has a unit body
with extra stiffening added to the chassis. Price is about $26K.
As federal fuel economy standards rise, manufacturers will
increasingly turn to lighter, more fuel efficient designs. None of
the above models sells in large numbers. Wrangler is most
popular, with about 7000 vehicles sold per month. The others
are half that, or less.
-- Toyota 4Runner Trail $36K
add ~$4K for KDSS
-- Toyota FJ Cruiser Off Road package $33K estimate
--Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon $33K
-- Nissan XTerra Pro-4X $30K
-- Nissan Pathfinder SV $34K
-- Nissan Pathfinder LE V8 $43K
-- Land Rover LR4 $47K
-- Lexus GX 460 $52K
KDSS is standard equipment, air suspension optional
-- Mercedes G550 $104K
These are the manufacturers' designated off-road models.
All include 4x4, tires with aggressive tread, shocks tuned for
off-road use, transfer case with low range, locking rear
differential, some underbody protection, and assorted
traction aids.
The Pathfinder LE V8, LR4 and G550 have V8 engines. Others use V6.
All but the Jeep and G550 have independent front suspension.
The Jeep Rubicon adds a locking front differential, more
aggressive taller tires and automatic sway bar disconnects
to improve off-road performance.
The G550 adds locking front differential.
The Jeep Liberty is a compact SUV with a unit body that has
extra stiffening added. Add Selec-Trac II and extra underbody
protection, and the price is about $27K.
Also worth mention is the Suzuki Grand Vitara, which can be
purchased with 4x4 and low range. The vehicle has a unit body
with extra stiffening added to the chassis. Price is about $26K.
As federal fuel economy standards rise, manufacturers will
increasingly turn to lighter, more fuel efficient designs. None of
the above models sells in large numbers. Wrangler is most
popular, with about 7000 vehicles sold per month. The others
are half that, or less.