The Chevrolet Corvette and 1949 Hudson Commodore will forever be synonymous as classic road trip vehicles, thanks to their appearance in the TV drama Route 66 and the on-screen adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road.
While both of these cars are mighty impressive, if you plan to embark on a road trip nowadays – particularly one that involves off-roading outdoor adventures – then you are better off getting a 4WD.
These vehicles are designed for rugged terrain, variable weather, and long-distance drives, which make them ideal for travellers who want to experience the beauty of remote trails, pristine beaches, and mountain peaks that regular cars simply can’t access.
If you are planning a road trip to any of these landscapes and have not driven this type of vehicle before, you should read this 4-wheel driving guide.
But before you do that, here is why they are so well suited for this style of road trip. (Cue Steppenwolf’s Born to be Wild!)
1. Can Tackle Most Terrains
One of the main strengths of a 4WD vehicle, such as a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Ford Ranger, or Jeep Wrangler, is that it is specifically engineered to handle different terrains. These include everything from dense sand dunes and rough gravel roads to snow-covered mountain passes and mudflats.
Their four-wheel-drive capability means power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, improving traction and control on these difficult surfaces.
This makes them suitable for exploring pretty much anything Australia can throw at them, especially in regions or seasons where conditions change frequently.
However, before settling on a model, it is also worth weighing the ownership side: a larger, higher-value vehicle can increase your running costs, so it helps to learn more about car insurance costs with NRMA early in the process.
2. Much Higher Ground Clearance
Generally, 4WD vehicles have higher ground clearance than regular sedans or even SUVs, giving them an advantage over these vehicles by providing more clearance over obstacles like rocks, tree roots, and deep ruts they might encounter on the road.
Thanks to this higher ground clearance, these cars can more easily reach remote areas where paths are less maintained or may have significant dips or protrusions, with less risk of damage.
This elevated clearance also provides drivers and passengers with a better vantage point to enjoy the scenic landscapes they traverse and even spot wildlife more quickly than they otherwise might.
3. Fantastic Durability and Stability
As they are designed to endure harsh conditions and heavy use, 4WDs are built extremely tough.
Thanks to their reinforced suspensions, stronger axles, and protective skid plates, they can withstand bumps and scrapes on rough trails, helping keep you steady and safe on your journey.
Many 4WDs also offer advanced stability systems, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control, and downhill assist features that provide further control, even on the bumpiest of slopes.
Such durability is especially valuable for adventurers, as it provides them with the peace of mind of reliably being able to travel into remote regions where repair facilities are few and far between.
4. Can Carry Very Heavy Loads
Another great thing about 4WDs is their excellent towing capacity – often up to 3,500 kg. This comes in very handy when you plan to go on outdoor adventures, as you often want to bring a lot of different gear, including camping tents, portable power stations, fishing gear, bikes, kayaks, and extra fuel.
Most of them also have generous storage space, so you’ll be able to bring all the essentials and luxuries you want without worrying about overloading. In addition, this extra space, especially at the back, can double as an area to sit up or lie back, depending on how you configure the seats.
Doing either will enable you to take in a splendid view, such as the stars, a coastline, or an impressive mountain, in an even more comfortable way.
5. Great Fuel Efficiency
There was a time when 4WDs were renowned for chewing up petrol. However, modern caravans have come a long way in terms of fuel efficiency, with many models now designed to switch between two- and four-wheel drive depending on the terrain.
This flexibility enables them to reduce fuel consumption on smoother roads and, therefore, drive for longer without having to fill up the tank, which, in some models, including the Nissan Navara, is a whopping 80 litres.
6. Better Protect You From The Elements
4WDs are typically designed to handle diverse weather conditions far better than regular vehicles.
Thanks to features like all-weather tyres, heated mirrors, and defrosting systems, they can handle intense heat, torrential rain, or light snow very comfortably.
This is another reason why they are a smart choice for those planning drives to the Australian outback or mountainous areas where the weather can shift unexpectedly.
7. Good for Camping
Camping is often a big part of off-grid road trip adventures, and many 4WDs are ideal for setting up your tent.
Some models are compatible with rooftop tents, which means you can sleep a little easier than you might otherwise do if you pitched it on the ground.
Depending on the vehicle you have, some even provide enough power to run portable fridges, charging stations, and small cooking appliances.
