These are Australia’s cheapest off-roaders

Four-wheel driving (or 4x4 for short) has never been more popular in Australia, with buyers leaving regular passenger cars behind in record numbers to chase something a little more adventurous.

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Even road-based SUVs seem to be losing a little bit of appeal, in the face of proper off-road-capable utes and wagons.

While it’s easy to spend time focussing on the popular and expensive models like the Land Rover Defender, Toyota LandCruiser and Ineos Grenadier, we cannot forget about the more affordable end of the off-road range.

With that in mind, here are Australia’s cheapest off-road-capable 4x4 cars in Australia.

The Nissan Navara is a surprise entrant on this list, in its most basic single cab form. There’s only room for one passenger at this price point, with a five-seater dual cab ute costing around $7000 more.

But if you’re looking for cost-effective off-roading from one of your better-known brands, this Navara is one to look at. 

It uses a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine which makes 140kW and 450Nm, running through a six-speed manual transmission. There is a seven-speed automatic available for $2500 more.

For off-roading aficionados, there’s also a part-time four-wheel drive system, along with a low-range transfer case. The leaf-sprung rear end on this trim might not be as supple as the coils in other Navara models, but the locking rear differential will be a handy asset for off-roading.

The Mitsubishi Triton, at its lowest price, sneaks into this list with a figure of $37,490 plus on-road costs. 

This is for GLX specification, as a two-door cab-chassis and with a six-speed manual gearbox.

It might not get the Super Select drivetrain treatment of more expensive Triton variants, but you still get a part-time four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case. Although, you’ll have to go without the locking rear differential as well in this basic specification.

This Triton grade still gets the full-fat power option, which sets it apart from other base offerings like the 2.4-litre Toyota HiLux and single-turbo Ford Ranger. 

The 2.4-litre Triton makes 130kW and 430Nm, running through a six-speed manual gearbox in this specification. Although, a six-speed automatic transmission can be optioned for $2250.

Workhorse credentials are on point with a 1220kg payload, but buyers will need to factor in the inclusion of a tray in their budget and weight allocation. 

Another under-the-radar option in the four-wheel-drive ute segment is undoubtedly the Mahindra Pik-Up.

Something that is seen as more of an agricultural tool than recreational off-roader, the Pik-Up blends pared-back practicality at a low asking price: $37,990 drive-away for a cab-chassis model.

Mahindra is making some noise with their expanding range of new models like the Scorpio, but it's the long-serving Pik-Up that still provides a cost-effective ticket into off-road capability.

You could think of the Pik-Up as a 79 Series LandCruiser on a budget, where things like payloads and bush suitability are more important than things like ergonomics and cup holders. And from that point of view, it has merit.

Along with a six-speed manual gearbox (or the new addition of an optional six-speed automatic), you pick up a low-range transfer case and auto-locking rear differential in the Pik-Up, which makes it surprisingly capable and easy to drive off-road.

A 2.2-litre Mahindra-designed turbocharged diesel engine is used, which makes 103kW and 320Nm. It’s not a lot, but the Pik-Up is geared low for decent performance up to suburban speeds. Once you get up to highway speeds however, the Pik-Up can feel a little breathless.

READ MORE: 2020 Mahindra Pik-Up Review

The Ssangyong Musso – a Korean-made four-wheel-drive ute – is a bit of a forgotten child in the hotly contested off-road utility segment. However, although it’s not a popular choice against the likes of Fords, Toyotas and Isuzus, there is actually a lot to like about the Musso.

Firstly, it’s sharply priced. There’s no EX specification grade available any more, and the future of the manual-equipped ELX is short.

Those who are keen to jump sooner rather than later, a short-wheelbase ELX with a six-speed manual gearbox is priced from $36,790 drive-away. Opting for the six-speed automatic gearbox adds $2000, while the optional XLV long-wheelbase model costs an extra $1500. 

Secondly, it’s not a bad off-roader. Ground clearance is a little lacking, but the addition of an auto-locking rear differential makes traction easy to find off-road. There’s also a low-range transfer case and coil springs all-round, or leaf springs in the longer wheelbase XLV model.

The Musso picks up Ssangyong’s seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, which is the best in the segment, and also comes with seven years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing.

Under the bonnet is a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which makes 130kW and 420Nm, running though a part-time four-wheel drive system.

READ MORE: 2021 Ssangyong Musso Review (VIDEO)

It’s small and cute (in a boxy, retro way) but don’t underestimate how good the little Suzuki Jimny can be off-road.

It’s one of the few options available with live axles front and rear, along with coil springs and a low-range transfer case. 

Measuring in at less than 3.5 metres long and just over 1.7 metres high, the Jimny doesn’t have much room beyond two adults up front and two kids in the back. There is a boot, but it’s tiny. Even if two people were to fold down the rear seats, they would need to have a pared-back setup for camping.

However, the size of the Jimny is also its greatest asset off-road, where it can out-drive much larger, heavier and costlier vehicles (with the right driver behind the wheel).

Pricing is another big factor for the Jimny, which puts it as the cheapest off-roader available in Australia. In its most basic and affordable form, the Jimny Lite, it's priced from $30,490 plus on-road costs and is only equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The GLX variant costs a little more and has some nice features, and it comes with the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox. 

All come with the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which makes 75kW and 130Nm.

READ MORE: 2021 Suzuki Jimny VS 1977 Suzuki LJ50 Review (VIDEO)