Whether you’re a full-time tourer who relishes in tackling Australia’s unique and ever-changing terrain or you’re simply looking to navigate from point A to point B, finding the best 4X4 wagon can be a challenge with a market full of choice. With enthusiasts spruiking their favourites across social media on a daily basis, the answer to ‘what is the best 4X4 wagon in Australia?’ is up for debate.
To assist you in navigating the 4WD wagon market, we’ve listed the vehicles we think are the top contenders for the best 4X4 wagon, backed by significant time in the hot seat, tackling the rough stuff.
What makes a great 4X4 wagon?
Although this seems like a subjective question and opinions will certainly differ, we have a few key points we’d highly recommend you consider in your search for the best 4X4 wagon in Australia.
- Braked Towing capacity:
The fact is, most Aussie’s tow and when we do we generally tow everything, including the kitchen sink. Our favourite past-times are fishing and camping, so if we’re not towing a boat, we’re likely to be hitching up a caravan. Therefore, it’s important that the vehicle you end up purchasing not only has the power required to tow but also has the towing capacity to do so.
- Access to after-market accessories:
Another key part of the research you need to be doing prior to sending your hard earned dollars down the line for a rig is looking at what after-market products are available. There’d be nothing worse than buying a 4WD wagon and realising after the fact that no one makes a long range fuel tank or a bullbar for it. Suddenly your adventures are limited and you’re back to square one. Do your due diligence and check what’s available to level up your rig.
- Safety rating:
Although we love the thrill of off-roading and adventures that get the heart pumping, one thing to never compromise on is safety and this starts with checking the safety rating of your 4wd wagon. We’re going to make an assumption here and suggest that if you’re in the market for a 4WD wagon, you likely have a family you’d like to create these rich memories with, whom you’re responsible for keeping safe. Ensure you check that the 4WD wagon you crack your wallet open for has a 5-star ANCAP rating.
- Interior comfort:
Camping and fishing adventures always come with a bit of ‘roughing it’, however, finding comfort in your vehicle can be the difference between a mediocre 4X4 and the best 4X4 wagon. Consider the interior comfort you’d like for those long and sometimes bumpy road trip adventures and pay keen attention to what the wagon offers, whether that’s space, leg room, head room or dual zone climate control. Comfort is subjective, so work out what that means to you and your family before you decide on your next 4WD wagon.
The Best 4X4 Wagons in Australia: Reviewed
Now that we’ve got all that out of the way, let’s dive straight into the 4WD wagon review. Instead of throwing you in the hot seat, we’ve collated our top contenders for best 4WD wagon in Australia, cultivated from our many years hitting the dirt, blacktop and sand. Please note that these are in no particular order.
Toyota LandCruiser 76 series
The Toyota LandCruiser 76 series is an agricultural vehicle that was historically built to last. Whilst this means you likely can rely on its durability and longevity as your longstanding adventure rig, you need to also accept that you’re not going to have the luxurious interior. This 4WD wagon is for those who value practicality over luxury, ideal for remote touring, outback travel and heavy-duty towing. You can however access a huge aftermarket support for modifications, allowing you to upgrade this vehicle to suit your outdoor adventure needs, working with its strong towing and payload capacity.
Something significant to note is that the Toyota LandCruiser 76 series copped a major update in 2024, where they swapped out the 4.5L V8 for the 2.8L four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which you’ll also find in the Hilux and Prado. Although it’s yet to be proven, we wouldn’t expect to see the kind of longevity from the vehicle now that you’d have expected from the defunct V8.
With that in mind, the 76 series offers two engine options: a 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 150kW and 500Nm of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 4.5L V8 turbo-diesel that delivers 151kW and 430Nm of torque with a 5-speed manual. Both offer a braked towing capacity of 3.5T.
Ford Everest
The Ford Everest is one of the standouts in this 4WD wagon review, purely because it’s what we’d call the best of both worlds with its blend of capability and luxury. We’ve put our very own Ford Everest to the test and never been disappointed. You can confidently overland whilst simultaneously enjoying all of the interior comforts like spacious seating (which is heated and ventilated in some models), climate control and driver assist technology.
Coming in two engine variants: the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel produces 154kW and 500Nm of torque with a braked towing capacity of 3.5T, and the 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel which delivers 184kW and 600Nm of torque, and also boasts a braked towing capacity of 3.5T. It’s worth noting that we find the 2.0L motor quite highly strung with little to be gained from a tune while 3.0L sees great room for improvement on the dyno.
An ideal all-rounder, the Ford Everest can easily handle the run-around required during the week and the off-road tracks on the weekend, allowing adventurous families to confidently enjoy both comfort and practicality. Consider trying out the newly released Everest Tremor, with its even bigger tyres and lift for additional off-road capability.
club 4x4 branded ford everest on a beach in front of a shipwreck
Ineos Grenadier
The Ineos Grenadier draws its inspiration from the beloved, classic vehicles like the Land Rover Defender, giving it a utilitarian design but with the addition of modern features. Built for the long haul, the Grenadier is great for tough-terrain-loving tourers who enjoy the challenge of a technical 4X4 track as well as navigating those iconic, remote Aussie landscapes.
Those who tow their home on wheels behind them will benefit from its diesel engine that produces around 246kW and 550Nm of torque, allowing it to handle heavy loads, like a caravan or camper trailer, and accelerate and climb easily when roughing it on the dirt.
Although the Ineos Grenadier is still fairly new in Australia (only officially selling from 2023) it has quickly climbed its way up our favourites ladder. Keep in mind, you are paying a high price for a 4WD wagon that doesn’t include those high price point luxury features. Instead you receive a vehicle that’ll provide the off-road capability required for those memorable overlanding trips.
The 2025 Ineos Grenadier is available with two engine options: a 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel (BMW B57), producing 183kW of power and 550Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as a 3.0L inline-six turbo-petrol (BMW B58), delivering 210kW of power and 450Nm of torque, also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both offer a braked towing capacity of 3.5T.
ineos grenadier 4x4 in desert
Isuzu MU-X
We’d confidently label the Isuzu MU-X as being the ultimate dual-purpose wagon, given its ability to tackle the rough stuff whilst delivering the comfort you seek for your everyday commute. It’s perfect for families who use their vehicle daily for school drop offs, sport commitments and runs to the office given its spacious interior, boasting an impressive 2138 litres of storage capacity once you put the back seats down.
Once Friday rolls around, the entire family can hit the tracks confident in the fact that there’s substantial ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, allowing you to hook up your boat for a weekend of fun on the water!
If you were comparing the interiors to the list of rigs included in our 4X4 wagon review, the Everest pushes ahead of the MU-X in terms of interior comfort and overall family appeal.
Fun fact: MU stands for ‘mysterious utility’, coined back in the 1990s to blend its off-road ability with a daily run-around lifestyle design.
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is available with two engine variants. One being the 3.0L turbo-diesel that produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, with a braked towing capacity of 3.5T. The other is a 1.9L turbo-diesel that delivers 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, with a braked towing capacity of 3T.
Nissan Patrol
The Nissan Patrol features that unmatched V8 power we all know and love, however you’ll need to accept that you’ll be stopping at the fuel bowser every time you spot one. Whilst it’s incredible for outback explorers, it feels a little counterintuitive to label it as such as it’s so thirsty on fuel, which costs an arm and a leg in those little outback towns, which is another reason spruiking its affordable price of being roughly $30,000 cheaper than a Toyota Landcruiser feels a little deceiving.
It’s certainly built for adventure with its power and off-road capability but is a little less versatile than some of the other vehicles mentioned in this 4X4 wagon review. For example, the large dimensions on the Patrol can make parking in the city a little more challenging.
In 2011, the Patrol would’ve absolutely been considered a luxury 4WD, but disappointingly it just hasn’t evolved with the times. In a market as competitive as the Australian vehicle market, the Patrol’s interior is nothing to write home about in today’s standards—the outdated infotainment system being one of its prominent downfalls.
The 2024 Nissan Patrol Y62 is equipped with a 5.6L V8 engine that produces 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque, with a braked towing capacity of 3.5T.
muddy 4x4 with cloudy sky
Comparing 4X4 Wagons: Key Considerations
There’s a reason this is a 4WD wagon review and not a recommendation, as there’s never going to be a one-size-fits-all. If an enthusiast ever comes to you with a “hands down, this is the best rig” spiel, just quickly disregard, as every vehicle owner will have varying needs and priorities that need to be considered when choosing the best 4X4 wagon for them.
You first need to consider what type of traveller you are. What this means is weigh up if interior comfort means more to you than off-road capability. Or, if you need the power to tow a caravan full of your prized possessions, or are simply happy to bring along a tinny on a trailer. Does fuel economy mean much to you or are you willing to spend big if it means you’ve got the power of ten men at the touch of an accelerator. Do you want modifications that’ll boost performance? Get to know yours and your family’s priorities and your non-negotiables and go from there!
Wagons, utes, SUVs; we do it all
and anywhere they can legally take you in Australia
