Six of the Best

GWM Tank 500 Lux Hybrid

The newest model to make an appearance on our list, the Tank 500 joins its smaller stablemate the Tank 300 in Chinese carmaker GWM’s expanding off-road wagon range.

The generously equipped seven-seat wagon is based on ladder-frame underpinnings shared with GWM’s equally new Cannon Alpha ute and is offered in a two-grade line-up comprising the Tank 500 Lux Hybrid ($66,490) and Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid ($73,990).

Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol-turbo-hybrid powertrain sending an impressive 255kW/648Nm to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic and a dual-range transfer case.

Riding on double-wishbone independent front suspension and rear multi-link coil springs with a live axle, the Tank 500 matches reasonably supple on-road ride with good off-road articulation.

With a handy 224mm of ground clearance, 800mm wading depth, strategically placed underbody protection and nine-mode selectable off-road system, the Tank delivers highly capable off-road performance.

A rear diff lock is standard on both models with the Ultra adding an additional front diff lock.

There’s no ANCAP rating yet but the Tank 500 comes equipped with seven airbags and a suite of the latest autonomous driver assist systems.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS

Not to be confused with the original Pajero with which it shares its name and which is no longer in production, the Pajero Sport is based on the previous generation Triton ute’s ladder-frame underpinnings, with rear coil springs replacing the ute’s load-oriented leaf springs.

A new version based on the updated chassis of the sixth-generation Triton is due in early 2025, with a styling and features update of the current model expected before then.

Available in GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR variants, the former two can be had with 2WD or 4WD drivetrains, while the Exceed and GSR are 4WD only.

All are powered by a workhorse 2.4-litre single-turbo four-cylinder diesel, driving through an eight-speed automatic.

The engine is willing but not particularly responsive and its acceleration is relaxed.

Off-road performance of 4x4 variants is very good thanks to a high-riding stance, good ground clearance, and proper 4WD underpinnings.

The latter includes Mitsubishi’s versatile Super Select 4WD-II system, selectable terrain control system and a rear differential lock on all 4x4 models bar the GLX.

With its slow steering response and floaty ride, the Pajero Sport is not the sharpest tool dynamically, but it’s sturdy, keenly priced and comes backed by the best warranty in the business.

SsangYong Rexton Ultimate

CRICKET FANS WITH a television set or internet connection can’t help but have noticed moustachioed former Australian fast bowling legend Merv Hughes plugging the merits of the SsangYong Musso ute and its stablemate the Rexton wagon.

As Merv will tell you, the latter is available in a four-variant 4x4-only model range comprising ELX, Adventure, Ultimate and Ultimate Sport, with driveaway prices starting at a low $50,000 and topping out at $60,000.

The Rexton is powered by the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel that motivates the Musso, with the smooth and responsive unit delivering category-competitive outputs enabling a stout unbraked towing capacity of 3,500kg.

The engine mates to a responsive eight-speed automatic with engine and road noise well subdued in the generously appointed cabin.

Standard features include twin 12.3-inch digital screens, a 360-degree camera, quilted-leather upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel, sunroof and third-row climate controls.

The Rexton is a capable load hauler and can seat seven within its wide, roomy and impressively well-finished cabin, although third-row accommodation is not overly generous and the curtain airbags don’t extend all the way to the back row.

Adaptive cruise control is also missing from the Rexton’s otherwise comprehensive safety arsenal and there’s no ANCAP rating available to compare its performance with rivals.