Used RAV4 v X-TRAIL v Forester v Santa Fe v Outlander v Escape/Tribute v CR-V
With the exception of Subaru, no manufacturer bothered to produce four-wheel drive wagon versions of a common or garden-variety small car before the 1980s. Until then, a 4x4 was a rugged go-almost-anywhere style of machine with few concessions to luxury, the Range Rover being the exception to prove this particular rule.
If you wanted to go bush you bought a LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol. Otherwise you settled for a passenger car.
Some oddball vehicles such as the Toyota Tercel and the Alfa 33 4WD wagon followed Subaru onto the beach and easy trails in the 1980s but the 1990s brought the major trend we are still in the midst of ten years later. Call it lifestyle...
Way back in the 1970s, Land Rover realised that few buyers used the Rangey under conditions more arduous than crossing a muddy carpark. But the popularity of the vehicle suggested other aspects of the vehicle appealed to buyers -- the promise (rather than necessarily the reality) of escape; carrying space; a high view over the traffic.
Most vehicles in what is now called the softroader category do not include a dual-range transmission to facilitate ascent and descent of steep trails. And while ground clearance is usually in the order of 200mm (which is about the same as a 1948 Holden) compared with more like 160mm for a typical family sedan, they will not tackle the kinds of trails that a Mitsubishi Pajero or Jeep Wrangler devours with ease.
So rock clamberers, they ain't, although some have better offroad ability than others. But if it's a spot of beach fishing you are looking for, or the ability to traverse a slippery muddy trail, or if you sometimes go snow skiing, then any of these vehicles is worthy of consideration.
And they all have a higher driving position than a family sedan, which sets them apart from those pioneering Subarus of the 1970s. With many softroader leased over a four-year term, there are plenty of nicely run-in examples from which to choose. In most cases there will be no underbody damage!
TOYOTA RAV4 (more here)
Although the last generation RAV4 is no mini LandCruiser, it does boast fulltime four-wheel drive via a viscous-coupling centre differential which allows the front and rear axles to do their own things under most conditions while coupling them tightly when the going gets tough.
Its high-tech VVT-I engine, which delivers 110kW of power, does not provide the kind of low down urge expected in this category and would be better suited to a family sedan. Because it has to rev quite hard to deliver reasonable performance, the RAV4's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine does not provide class-leading economy either, with a typical overall average of around 10.5L/100km.
The interior is nicely finished, although rough tracks can bring out squeaks and rattles. The driving dynamics are good, perhaps a little above the average. A full-size spare is mounted on the rear of the heavy side-opening tailgate.
NISSAN X-TRAIL (more here)
One comforting thing about buying a used X-TRAIL is that the 2003 model is pretty similar to the '07. In typical Nissan style, the 'X' is a no-nonsense, rugged device with lusty performance from its 132 kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with good economy. Expect an overall average of 10L/100km.
Although rugged, it is not especially refined but build quality is good, the interior design is excellent and there is plenty of room.
With no dual-range transmission on offer, any X-TRAIL buyer thinking of venturing offroad would be well advised to choose an automatic variant because it will climb steeper hills, thanks to the presence of a torque converter which allows slippage. In the manual, it's the clutch that must be used to keep the speed down under these conditions and this leads to an unpleasant smell followed not long afterwards by a big repair bill.
Ride comfort is good but handling and steering are only average. Rough roads excite some suspension noise.
The X-TRAIL is now showing its age but in 2003 it was still reasonably up to date.
SUBARU FORESTER (more here)
The Forester is somewhat deceptive in this company because pre-third generation (2008) models look more like a conventional wagon, being lower in overall height than its rivals and lacking the macho factor of a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
The combination of a lower driving position and excellent dynamics makes for a more car-like experience, although some prospective buyers would doubtless prefer to sit higher.
Ironically, the Forester's offroad ability is superior to most, thanks to a dual-range transmission on the manual variant and short front and rear overhangs. Showing its experience in this field, Subaru has given the automatic Forester an even lower first gear ratio than that provided in manual low range, so it will tackle a fair gradient.
In typical Subaru fashion, the interior is well appointed and comfortable, although the lower body means it is less roomy than most.
On-road performance is only average, thanks to the delivery of just 112kW from its horizontally-opposed (flat or 'boxer') 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. However, those in search of a little extra go can choose the much brisker XT variant which uses that WRX's turbocharged engine in slightly detuned form (although, interestingly, the 2.5-litre unit did not find its way beneath the WRX's bonnet scoop until 2004). With 155kW of power, the XT sets the pace in the softroader category.
Fuel economy for the naturally-aspirated variants is in the order of 10L/100km with the XT more in the 11-11.5L range.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE (more here)
Arguably, the Santa Fe GLS, being the only Korean vehicle in this collection, offers the best value for money proposition. For just $24K you can buy an ultra-low mileage example, while $15K gets a good higher mileage vehicle.
The Hyundai's build quality is equal to most, and the styling has a certain appeal of the machismo variety.
Despite packing a lusty (132kW) 2.7-litre V6, the Santa Fe cannot match the acceleration of some other compact softroads due to its hefty 1705kg weight. Fuel economy suffers, too, and you'll rarely average better than 11.5L/100km, except at steady speeds on the open road.
Driving dynamics are average but the story gets better as the going gets rougher. Constant all-wheel drive, complemented by a viscous coupling and a limited-slip rear differential give it good offroad capability. Most of the time 60 per cent of torque is sent to the front wheels.
Interior packaging is good with plenty of storage compartments, but refinement is not a benchmark. We noted considerable road noise on our last drive of the Santa Fe.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER (more here)
Compared with the '07 edition, the original Outlander looks rather gawky -- a fact that should see a further price reduction in an already affordable four-year old example.
'Middle of the road' is probably the best way to sum up the far from outlandish Outlander. Its urban orientation is manifest in the lack of either traction control or a limited-slip rear differential. Indeed, the original Outlander's constant all-wheel-drive system makes do with a simple centre viscous coupling.
The slightly underpowered 100kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine benefits from low gearing but this incurs heavier fuel use. An indicative overall figure would be 11.0L/100km.
Handling, steering and ride are all acceptably good without being exceptional. And this sums up the Outlander itself.
MAZDA TRIBUTE/FORD ESCAPE (more here and here)
Mazda played the key role in giving both itself and part-owner Ford a compact SUV which went on sale here in 2001. No wonder, then that the Tribute has always outsold its cousin.
Despite visual similarity, the two vehicles actually have different panels and the consensus favours the Mazda. In 2003 the engine of choice was definitely the lusty 150kW 3.0-litre V6, rather than the somewhat underdone four (which was not offered in the Escape until mid-2004).
This is probably the best engine in the class, excepting the Forester XT's 2.5-litre turbo but fuel economy is heavy, averaging 14L/100km.
The viscous coupling can be locked at the push of a button when required to deliver 50 per cent of torque to the rear wheels. Thus offroad, it is among the most competent in the class.
Good suspension and handling are high points but the Escape is let down by a cheap feeling interior. Mazda's designers have a better job inside the car, which feels considerably classier than the faintly downmarket Ford.
HONDA CR-V (more here)
The Honda CR-V has recently dominated this competitive market sector and in 2003 it was consistently at or near the top of the sales charts.
That said, the 2003 model had an Achilles Heel. In heavy sand, it tended to get stuck before its tricky RealTime 4WD system activated itself. By the time drive was transmitted to the rear wheels, the front pair had already buried themselves.
Around Balwyn or Baulkham Hills this won't pose a problem. And on rocky trails or steep ascents and descents the Honda performs at least to the class average. Typically though, most of these vehicles spend most of their time around the 'burbs where their car-like driving qualities come to the fore -- hence the CR-V's popularity.
Honda's 118kW 2.4-litre engine offers an impressive blend of performance and economy, while demonstrating superior refinement to most of the other fours in this group. Expect to use no more than 9.5lt/100 km overall, which is fantastic in view of the CR-V's practicality and spaciousness.
Knockout details include the foldaway picnic table housed in the rear floor and a plastic wet bin in the same place. Finish is exemplary and the interior is superbly designed.
THE CARSALES NETWORK'S PICK OF THE BUNCH...
The Driver's Choice
Because of its WRX-factor, the Forester XT gets the nod in this category. Leave it out of the equation and the contest is closer with the naturally-aspirated Forester XS edging out the Escape/Tribute cousins.
The Sensible Choice
Taking price into account this comes down to a three-way choice between the Hyundai, Nissan and Subaru. On balance, the Santa Fe offers the best value in the used compact softroader market.
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First published 2008. Updated 2009 by the Carsales Network.