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Australians love the great outdoors and getting off the beaten track, and with destinations like Cape York, Birdsville and Odonata scattered throughout the country, who could blame them?
But to get to some of the most picturesque and remote places in Australia, you are going to need a vehicle that is not only capable of getting you there, but also getting you back in one piece.
It’s little wonder then that the go-to vehicle of choice for exploring Australia’s vast countryside has been the comfortable and capable 4x4 SUV.
Though just a small pool in the vast automotive landscape, 4x4s and off-roaders are no less crucial to vast swathes of the population, and these are the models you should keep an eye on coming out in 2021.
Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2021
- 01. Jeep Wrangler – January
- 02. Range Rover – January
- 03. Subaru Outback – March
- 04. Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – Fourth quarter
- 05. Isuzu MU-X – Third quarter
- 06. SsangYong Rexton – March
- 07. Mercedes-Benz G-Class - July
- 08. Suzuki Jimny Lite - August
- 09. Other new models coming in 2021
- 10. New models arriving in 2022
01. Jeep Wrangler – January
Expanding on the fourth-generation Wrangler that launched in May 2019, Jeep has lowered the point of entry with new base grades for the three- and five-door off-road icon from January 2021.
However, the 2021 Wrangler range is powered exclusively by the 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre Pentasar petrol V6, with the sole diesel Rubicon now axed.
The new Wrangler line-up also scores the brand's Selectable Tyre Fill Alert technology that makes it easier to let air out of the tyres for sand driving, while the usual array of safety and in-cabin technology is also thrown in.
Jeep Wrangler
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
02. Range Rover – January
Though the Range Rover might not be the first choice in transport to get down and dirty at the beach or a secluded camping spot, the model can certainly keep up with the best of them thanks to Land Rover’s renowned off-road expertise.
New from January 2021 is the roll-out of 48-volt mild-hybrid diesel engines, while petrol V6, V8 and a plug-in hybrid option carryover from before.
Costing well into the six-figures, the Range Rover is kitted out with all the tech (such as a 12.0-inch multimedia screen), safety (AEB and adaptive cruise control) and opulence (leather interior and soft-touch in-cabin materials) you’d come to expect for that price.
Range Rover
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
03. Subaru Outback – March
Having dropped the Liberty from its local line-up, the Outback now serves as Subaru Australia's sole offering larger than a Forester.
Launched in March, the Outback now rides on Subaru's new Global Platform that already underpins the Impreza, aforementioned Forester and soon-to-arrive Levorg.
The new Outback is powered by a 138kW/245Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine, while the 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine found in overseas versions might arrive in Australia in the future.
Subaru Outback
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
04. Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – Fourth quarter
Arguably no other model is more synonymous with Australian off-roading than the Toyota LandCruiser, which will be overhauled in the fourth quarter of 2021.
The LandCruiser 300 Series is powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6, which replaces the ageing V8. A 3.5-litre petrol is also set to be on offer internationally from launch.
A petrol-electric hybrid is also said to be in the works, but one thing is certain, Toyota’s next LandCruiser retains the rugged off-road prowess from before while also being able to tow a decent amount (3500kg braked) too.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
05. Isuzu MU-X – Third quarter
With the new-generation D-Max already in showrooms, it was only a matter of time before the ute-based MU-X seven-seat SUV arrives, and that time is the third quarter of 2021.
Like before, the new MU-X shares the same engine as the D-Max, this time an updated 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that outputs 140kW/450Nm, while a six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains are on offer.
The cabin of the MU-X has also been significantly reworked and now features a 9.0-inch touchscreen, as well as all the latest safety tech you would expect out of a brand-new model.
Isuzu MU-X
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
06. SsangYong Rexton – March
An update to the underrated SsangYong Rexton hit Australian showrooms in March, brandishing a fresh look for the seven-seat SUV.
The interior has been freshened up with a new seat design and centre console layout, while the instrument cluster is now all digital, keeping the Rexton feeling up-to-date amongst its contemporaries.
Only one engine will carryover, with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol departing while the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel stays in a revised form.
Ssangyong Rexton
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
07. Mercedes-Benz G-Class - July
For those that want a touch of class to go with their off-road adventures, Mercedes is offering its new G-Class in 400d form from July this year.
Underpinned by a 243kW/700Nm turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine, the Mercedes-Benz G400d offers a surprising amount of grunt, and sends drive to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Adaptive suspension, a low-range transfer case and three differential locks will keep the new G-Class going when the terrain gets rough, while occupants are treated to a 15-speaker sound system, sunroof and three-zone climate control.
08. Suzuki Jimny Lite - August
Craving a Suzuki Jimny but wish it was just a little bit more affordable? Come August 2021, your dreams will come true with the new, bare-bones Lite variant.
Fitted with a manual transmission as standard (there's no automatic option), the entry-level offering will come fitted with steel wheels and no touchscreen multimedia system.
Suzuki Jimny
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Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
09. Other new models coming in 2021
Want to know what other new models are arriving in 2021? Check out our rolling coverage below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2021
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2021
- Best crossovers arriving in 2021
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2021
- Best sedans arriving in 2021
- Best electric cars arriving in 2021
10. New models arriving in 2022
Want to know what new models are due in 2022? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2022
- Best crossovers arriving in 2022
- Best electric cars arriving in 2022
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2022
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2022
- Best sedans arriving in 2022
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