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Whether they're for work or for play, we are officially a nation of outdoorsy adventurers.
Australians' appetite for 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles remains insatiable, and with supply finally freeing up, carmakers across the globe are going in hard to cash in big.
Some are all-new, others are extensively facelifted or slightly updated, but whatever they may be, it's a win-win situation. Buyers get more choice and carmakers make more money.
Without further ado then, here are the best 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles of 2024.
Best 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles arriving in 2024
- 01. Toyota Prado - Mid-2024
- 02. Lexus GX - H1
- 03. Jeep Wrangler - April
- 04. Ford Transit Custom - Q2
- 05. Renault Kangoo E-Tech - February
- 06. LDV Deliver 7 - Late 2024
- 07. Peugeot e-Expert - 2024
- 08. GWM Tank 500 - March
- 09. Mercedes-Benz V-Class & Vito - Mid-2024
- 10. Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo - Late 2024
- 11. Peugeot Expert - 2024
- 12. Ford Everest - Mid-2024
- 13. Other new models coming in 2024
01. Toyota Prado - Mid-2024
The almost new-from-the-ground-up Toyota Prado – now also known elsewhere as the LandCruiser 250 – is this year's hottest SUV.
For its fifth generation – fourth in Australia since 1996 – the ultra-popular 4x4 shares a variation of the TNGA-F (F for frame, as in body-on-frame) platform with the larger LandCruiser 300, meaning much of the latter's uprated off-road capability, body strength, drivetrain sophistication and advanced safety have also been adopted.
Underneath that boxy post-modern body is a carryover four-cylinder diesel engine, but now with an eight-speed auto and 48-volt assistance to help boost efficiency and cut consumption, while the five- or seven-seat cabin is as functional as it is modern and fresh.
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Toyota Prado
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
02. Lexus GX - H1
Though two previous generations have been available in North America and elsewhere since 2002, the Lexus GX is finally a reality for Australia.
As before, the Prado provides the basis for the three-row luxury 4x4 wagon, so we're talking about Toyota's TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. Also shared with the massive LandCruiser 300 and Lexus LX, it includes the latter's 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, driving all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
As expected, the GX's interior is spacious - sitting on a 2850mm wheelbase - as well as salubriously detailed and sumptuous to boot. A Prado by Prada by any other name, then, there's enough differentiation here for Lexus to command a premium.
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03. Jeep Wrangler - April
Out since 2019 in Australia, the fourth-gen (JL-series) Wrangler has been facelifted for 2024, with minor but worthwhile changes to help stoke interest in the 4x4 legend.
Changes include a new grille and wheel styles, a redesigned dashboard with a larger central touchscreen, updated multimedia system and higher-quality interior trim. There have also been advancements in safety, with more standard features and improved driver-assist tech.
Being a Jeep, the Wrangler has also seen a boost in off-road capability, further broadening the American 4WD's appeal.
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Jeep Wrangler
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
04. Ford Transit Custom - Q2
The second generation of Europe's Ford Transit Custom model builds on its successful predecessor's unique combination of driving dynamics, progressive functionality and smart design.
As before, short and long styles are available, in standard or high roof configurations, sitting on an all-new architecture bringing a lower floor and consequent roofline, for easier loading as well as increased towing capacity of up to 2500kg.
Along with the staple 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel choices – now with eight-speed torque-converter automatic availability – the all-electric e-Transit EV offers a 74kWh battery, DC fast-charging ability and up to 380km of range.
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Ford Transit Custom
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
05. Renault Kangoo E-Tech - February
Building on the previous Kangoo Electric model, which has the distinction of being the first-ever commercially-available small electric van in Australia, that model's completely-redesigned successor is the E-Tech.
Based on the third-generation Kangoo that's larger, safer and more comfortable than ever, it is built in two lengths – the standard L1 with a 3.3 cubic metre load volume and 608kg payload, or the extended L2 Maxi Pro that ups those metrics to 4.2 cubic metres and 764kg. Towing capacity is 1500kg braked.
The big news, though is the 90kW/245Nm electric motor, paired with a 45kWh battery. Range is around 285km, but recharging is comparatively fast and easy. Like the van itself.
Read More:
2024 Renault Kangoo E-Tech van priced to take on the Peugeot e-Partner in an electric van tussle
06. LDV Deliver 7 - Late 2024
Hot on the heels of the big – and big-selling – LDV Deliver 9, the mid-sized Deliver 7 is chasing the established Ford Transit Custom, Hyundai Staria Load and Toyota HiAce.
LDV surprisingly launched the electric version - the eDeliver 7 - earlier this year before the diesel variant is expected to arrive at the end of 2024.
In China the Deliver 7 uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150kW/375Nm to drive the front wheels.
The eDeliver 7 sits below the eDeliver 9 EV van.
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07. Peugeot e-Expert - 2024
The larger of Peugeot's two-pronged van range in Australia that also includes the Partner, the Expert will be joined by the all-electric e-Expert later in 2024.
Expected to be the Series II update with a fresh face, more digitised interior and improved safety, the e-Expert pairs an electric motor up front with either a 50kWh or 75kWh battery pack, the latter offering a circa-330km range.
The competition includes the Mercedes-Benz eVito, Ford e-Transit Custom and LDV eDeliver 7.
Read More:
Peugeot's 2024 launch calendar: More hybrids, EVs and commercial vehicles on the way
08. GWM Tank 500 - March
Following on from the smaller Tank 300, the Tank 500 ups the ante with more space, more seats, more power and more tech.
It is now in showrooms with prices starting at $66,490 drive-away and is initially hybrid only.
Being based on a variation of the Cannon ute's platform means the 500 is a body-on-frame 4x4 wagon, taking on the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser 300. As such, it has been engineered to provide impressive off-road capability as well as decent on-road manners.
Generously equipped, the GWM flagship is big on luxury and safety, and includes a massive electronic display screen as well as three-row seating. One for the family with an adventurous spirit, then.
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09. Mercedes-Benz V-Class & Vito - Mid-2024
Due mid-year, the V-Class and Vito medium-sized vans have been facelifted, keeping this generation comparatively fresh for a 2014 design, ahead of the all-new electric-first models coming from 2026.
Key changes include a sleeker headlight and grille treatment, as well as revised LED tail-lights, colours and wheels, while larger electronic displays, refreshed instrumentation, a new steering wheel with updated touch controls and additional equipment head the changes inside.
Much of the Mercedes-Benz vans' powertrain and chassis elements remain the same as before.
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10. Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo - Late 2024
When it arrives by the end of 2024, the ID.Buzz Cargo will have a bunch of EV alternatives to contend with – yet this concept has been mooted since 2018.
Derived from the short-wheelbase people mover of the same name, the Cargo has a partition to separate occupant from the load area, which is under four metres long.
Other features include two- or three-seater bench configuration, dual sliding doors and either barn doors or a tailgate out back. Of course, being an ID.Buzz, there's also an electric motor, mounted on the rear axle, and powered by a battery pack of around 82kWh in capacity.
Read More:
11. Peugeot Expert - 2024
Set to be aggressively facelifted in 2024, the Peugeot Expert is the medium-sized van in the French's brand's Australian commercial vehicle line-up, sitting above the Partner and below the Boxer vans.
Ranging in length from 4959mm to 5309mm depending whether you choose the short or long wheelbase, the Expert currently comes in two grades - the entry-level City and the top-spec Pro.
At present, one engine is available across the range - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, with a choice of manual gearbox or automatic transmission.
Peugeot Expert
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
12. Ford Everest - Mid-2024
Think of the Ford Everest as an SUV version of the Ford Ranger off-road ute, because that's essentially what this go-anywhere seven-seater is. It's due for a minor model-year update in mid-2024.
Now in its second generation, the Everest is based on the new Ranger and among other elements shares the same ladder-frame chassis, engines, four-wheel-drive system and cabin styling of the utility. There's also a rear-drive version.
Rivals to the Everest include other ute-based seven-seat SUVs such as the Isuzu M-UX and Toyota Fortuner.
13. Other new models coming in 2024
Want to know what other new models are due in 2024? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- Best electric cars arriving in 2024
- Best sports cars arriving in 2024
- Best small SUVs and crossover arriving in 2024
- The best new cars coming in 2024
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