South Africa’s adventure enthusiasts have several good options to satisfy their off-roading needs, whether they be bakkies, SUVs, or even custom-built options.
For many off-roading enthusiasts, a 4×4 drivetrain is a non-negotiable, but that does not necessarily mean they need to resort to buying a bakkie or breaking the bank to get their hands on one.
This is where all-wheel-drive SUVs come in, and although not all of these are pure off-roading vehicles, they will certainly perform better than their two-wheel-drive counterparts.
Popular and capable models in South Africa include the Toyota Land Cruiser in its many variants, as well as several offerings from Land Rover and Jeep, and for those who want to go against the stream, Ineos.
However, all of these options can cost millions, leaving off-roading enthusiasts with no other option but to go shopping in the comparatively budget segment.
Luckily, there are enough options under R500,000 and R600,000 to satisfy this market.
South Africa’s cheapest 4×4 SUV is the Suzuki Jimny – one of the most popular options on this list – with a R437,900 price tag and a powerful enough 1.5-litre petrol engine.
This motor produces 75kW and 130Nm while maintaining a decent 6.3l/100km fuel economy – which is likely not applicable when off-roading.
The Jimny’s 15-inch wheels and lifted body grant drivers a good amount of ground clearance, 210mm to be exact.
Its 36.0-degree approach angle and 47.0-degree departure angle, combined with a 27.0-degree ramp angle, make light work of off-road conditions.
The SUV’s 1,095kg kerb weight also ensures that the Jimny remains nimble when off the beaten track.
South Africa’s cheapest 4×4 SUVs
While off-roading in a 4×4 may not be the most affordable hobby in the world, there are some options that won’t entirely break the bank, coming in at under R600,000.
Below is a list of the 4×4 SUVs available in South Africa right now. Click on their underlined prices for more details about each.
1. Suzuki Jimny GL AllGrip
- Price – R437,900
- Power – 75kW/130Nm
- Ground clearance – 210mm
- Approach and departure angle – 36.0 degrees/47.0 degrees
2. Renault Duster Hybrid Zen 4WD
- Price – R549,999
- Power – 96kW/230Nm
- Ground clearance – 217mm
- Approach and departure angle – 31.0-degree approach angle
3. Haval H6 Luxury 4WD
- Price – R574,500
- Power – 170kW/380Nm
- Ground clearance – 170mm
- Approach and departure angle – N/A
4. Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 4XPlor
- Price – R587,999
- Power – 129kW/400Nm
- Ground clearance – 187mm
- Approach and departure angle – N/A
5. Jetour T1 Xplora XWD
- Price – R594,900
- Power – 180kW/375Nm
- Ground clearance – 190mm
- Approach and departure angle – N/A
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