Rugged SUVs are back in fashion! Mazda CX-50, Haval Big Dog, Ford Bronco Sport, Subaru Forester Wilderness and other tough racers trying to convince you of their off-road capabilities.
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The Mazda CX-50 will not be offered locally, but it is aimed at the adventure-ready market that many Australian buyers have.
SUVs used to be a rugged, all-terrain option for those who wanted to haul their family with some gear over treacherous terrain.
Think the Jeep Cherokee of the mid-1980s, the Ford Explorer of the 1990s, or even the Lamborghini LM002.
But somewhere in the last few decades, SUVs have become the go-to soft-road fad with the same off-road ability as a small hatchback, making them more common in supermarket parking lots than on the beaten track.
Well, it looks like SUVs have finally come full circle thanks to the recent trend towards beefed up models designed to withstand harsh conditions just as much as suburban streets.
And if these models prove successful, you can bet that many other manufacturers will release their own adventure SUVs.
Mazda CX-50
Similar in size to the popular Mazda CX-5, the CX-50 takes styling into more adventurous territory with rectangular black plastic wheel arch cladding, all-terrain tires, raised suspension, blacked-out front grille and anti-glare coating. hood stickers.
Buyers can also opt for a roof rack to maximize cargo capacity, and engine options include two 2.5-liter petrol units, one turbocharged and one naturally aspirated.
Weekend warriors should also be satisfied with the standard all-wheel drive system, including off-road driving mode, but unfortunately the CX-50 will be offered exclusively for the US market.
Subaru Forester Wilderness
Moving closer to full-on SUVs, the Forester Wilderness features higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and front and rear treadplates.
That may not make the Forester Wilderness a Toyota LandCruiser competitor, but it certainly does make it more capable off the black top.
Subaru has also upgraded the roof rails to handle more weight, while the brand's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system is different.
Unfortunately, the Forester Wilderness is not set to debut in the Australian market, which means it remains a US-only model for now.
Hyundai Tucson XRT
The Tucson XRT is more of a styling update than anything essentially mechanical, and features unique front and rear bumper inserts to look like part of an off-road SUV.
Side steps, unique wheel arch protection and roof bars are also added to the Tucson XRT to complete the look, but all-wheel drive is an option with a front-wheel drive layout as standard.
Like the CX-50 and Forester Wilderness, the Hyundai Tucson XRT remains a U.S. market-only model for now, but Hyundai Australia could build its own rugged midsize SUV for local showrooms.
hawal big dog
Despite the odd name, the Haval Big Dog has every chance of doing well in Australia, especially since many of its other competitors on this list aren't made for local showrooms.
Underneath, Big Dog is a Haval H6, but it has a unique body structure with a chunky, boxy aesthetic that makes it look more like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco Sport than a bland SUV.
It comes standard with a BorgWarner all-wheel-drive system, a two-ton drag hauler, and a 155kW/325Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and should be priced around $35,000.
Ford Bronco Sport
Unlike its bigger brother the Bronco, the Bronco Sport uses the Ford C2 platform - the same one used for the Escape midsize SUV and Focus small hatchback.
This means it doesn't have the same DNA as the Australian favorite Ranger, but it still has the same rugged and boxy styling as an SUV.
Engine choices include a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, but unfortunately, like many other coveted Ford models, the Bronco Sport is not offered to Australians.
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
When you think of a rugged off-road SUV, the Jeep most likely comes to mind. Whether it's the original Willys Jeep, the fancy Wrangler or the Grand Cherokee large SUV, the Jeep brand is synonymous with off-road.
While all of the aforementioned models aren't destined or haven't arrived in Australia yet, the Cherokee Trailhawk has always been here for those looking for an adventure-ready SUV straight from the showroom floor.
Priced at $53,450 pre-road, the Cherokee Trailhawk has a range of off-road features such as terrain selectable XNUMXWD system, red escape hooks, all-terrain tires, optional underbody protection, anti-glare hood decal. and dirt-repellent interior.
