Geared SUVs, the last survivors of the 4×4

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The current car market is undergoing a very important change compared to years ago. Fashions and fuel prices are the main culprits. General saloons have given way to SUVs derived from C-segment vehicles, while large MPVs are dying out due to their high price, maintenance and more rational lower-segment options offered by manufacturers. Let's not forget about the SUVs, What is theirs?

And I am not referring to SUVs with 4×4 drive (in 85% of the time they are really 4×2) but to those heirs to the qualities of the Jeep Willys or the Land Rover Defender. The truth is that many have been transformed over the years into raised sedans with an SUV appearance, while others have directly disappeared. We can consider that the Opel Frontera became the Antara and try to assume that the Nissan Patrol said goodbye long ago. Find an SUV with reducing and an authentic 4 × 4 drive It becomes more and more difficult and expensive.

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In many rural areas of Spain ATVs are work tools, who pull trailers loaded with tools or harvesting. For example, in the towns of Jaén it is easy to see the Frontera, Land Cruiser, Patrol, Discovery or the infallible Land Rover Santana working in the field in the most demanding conditions. These cars are subjected to rough treatment, and many began their lives in comfortable cities only to end up as pack mules in the countryside. It is easy to count more than 5 provincial license plates from all corners of the Spanish geography in a few minutes.

When someone goes to look for a car for work with these characteristics, they look for three things: That it be diesel, with manual gearbox and four-wheel drive with reduction gear. The problem is that fewer and fewer manufacturers offer vehicles that meet these requirements and are capable of working in the field, and that also, except for the luxury models, the smallest SUVs have dropped a lot in sales. The Land Cruiser and the Montero have been in the doldrums for years compared to the last 20 years and country people are not going to go to work in a Range Rover Autobiography with 20″ wheels and a thousand sophistications.

We are going to do a review of the current situation of the market for vehicles with reduction gear, regardless of price. We will see that there are not many that are offered with manual transmission and we will also include small models less oriented to 4 × 4 on the list but that also have all-wheel drive and reduction gear. Next week we will review the most work-oriented models, the pickup.

Jeep Cherokee

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El Jeep Cherokee It is the medium SUV of the brand, which presents an aspect that breaks with what has been seen before, although it continues to maintain its 4×4 virtues, better or worse depending on the version. To access the versions with a reduction gear, we have to choose the most powerful diesel engine in the range (2.0 170 hp and 350 Nm), necessarily associated with the 9-speed automatic gearbox and the Limited finish.

Its all-wheel drive system is connectable. It has a gearbox, descent control and the Select Terrain system, which contains 4 driving modes depending on the type of terrain we face. This "package" of elements is included in the Active Drive II traction system. There is also a special version, called Trailhawk, with increased ground clearance, improved off-road angles and adds rear differential lock and Rock mode on Select Terrain. Only available with the gasoline engine 3.2 V6 with 271 hp with 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Jeep Cherokee Limited 170 CV Auto Active Drive II, already with a gearbox, costs 50.450 euros. Without counting on the numerous security systems, its bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, ventilated and heated front seats, parking sensors, rear view camera, keyless entry and start stand out. In equipment it is very well served.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

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One of the legendary 4×4 market. The large model of the American brand continues to retain great off-road capabilities. Leaving aside the sportier SRT version, due to its absence of a reduction gear, the Jeep Grand Cherokee It has a permanent all-wheel drive system with Select Terrain system, descent control and gearbox, called Quadra-Trac II. In addition, it has the Quadra-Drive II traction system in the superior finishes (Overland and Summit) that adds the air suspension to the system, as well as the limited-slip rear differential.

Available two diesel engines, 3.0 V6 with 190 CV 440 Nm or 250 CV and 570 Nm, as well as two other gasoline engines, 3.6 V6 with 286 CV and 347 Nm or the more powerful 5.7 V8 with 352 CV and 520 Nm. Apart we have the huge 6.4 V8 of 468 CV ​​of the SRT. They are all associated with one 8-speed automatic transmission.

We have a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 190 hp for $52.614. It is equipped as standard with elements such as bi-xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, electrically adjustable seats, tire pressure sensor or cruise control. In Actualidad Motor we put test the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD of 250 horses.

Jeep Wrangler

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At Jeep Wrangler we have one of the TTs with the greatest off-road capabilities on the market. Its chassis with stringers and rigid axles are designed for this. Dispose of 3 and 5 door versions. It has a connectable all-wheel drive system with reduction gear, called Command-Trac, with hill start assistant and roll mitigation. equip an engine 2.8 diesel 200 hp and 410 Nm with the 6-speed manual transmission, which reaches 460 Nm with the 5-speed automatic transmission.

It has a version specially designed for “hard” treatment, called Rubicon, which adds front and rear differential lock, as well as deactivation of the front stabilizer. The Jeep Wrangler Sport three doors is for sale for 34.077 euros or 5 doors (Unlimited) for 36.587 euros. They mount canvas hood, automatic climate control and cruise control among other elements. Optionally it can be equipped with hard-top, as standard in the highest finishes. The doors and the windshield can be removed. The Jeep Wrangler It has also passed through our test section.

Lada 4×4 (Niva)

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Despite the name change, we are facing the mythical Lada Niva. The Russian model wears for sale since 1976, and oddly enough, it has barely received changes since those distant years. Its selling price and off-road abilities are its biggest selling points. It has a permanent all-wheel drive system with a lockable center differential and reduction gear. Mount an engine gasoline 1.7 of 83 hp, associated with a 5-speed gearbox. Its maximum towable weight is 1.490 kilos.

Is cheapest suv of the market, with a rate of 12.887 euros. The most remarkable thing about its equipment is the introduction of ABS in its braking system, since otherwise it is a very Spartan car.

Land Rover Defender

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We are facing another of the great heavyweights of the segment, one of the best in the off road section. With more than 65 years in the market, the Land Rover Defender will sadly say goodbye this year. With hardly any changes in its conception, it retains its silhouette, the double beam chassis and the rigid axles, designed by and for 4×4 driving. Its many available bodies stand out: Station Wagon, hard top (commercial), pick up and cab chassis. In addition you can have three different battles: 90, 110 and 130.

It has a permanent all-wheel drive system with gearbox and center differential lock. equip an engine 2.2 diesel with 122 hp and 360 Nm, with which you can tow up to 3.500 kilos. You can access a three-door Land Rover Defender Station Wagon for 32.210 euros or 35.840 euros for the five-door version. Among its equipment it has front electric windows, central locking, ABS or traction and stability control, although the radio or air conditioning have to be paid separately.

Land Rover Discovery

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With more than 25 years behind him, the Land Rover Discovery It already has a proven history in this segment, standing out for its good qualities off the asphalt. To access the models with reducer, we have to choose one of the two highest finishes (SE or HSE). mount air suspension and Terrain Response system, with 5 driving modes (grass, snow, mud, asphalt and rocks) that reconfigure the engine, transmission, throttle and traction to optimize vehicle response in those conditions.

It can mount two 6-liter V3.0 diesel engines, one with 211 hp and 520 Nm and the other with 256 hp and 600 Nm, associated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It uses a permanent all-wheel drive system with lockable center differential. Its descent control, acceleration and starting on slopes, its anti-roll system or its trailer stability assistant stand out. The cheapest Discovery with gearbox is the 211 hp diesel SE, for 58.900 euros.

Land rover range rover

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El Range Rover It is the maximum exponent of Land Rover, a large SUV that arrived in 2012 with changes in the visual appearance and with an aluminum monocoque frame with which it weighs up to 375 kilos less than its predecessor. It stands out in comfort, luxury and, although it may not seem like it, it has great offroad skills. More oriented to comfort than the Sport model, it has long-wheelbase versions, with 18,6 cm more for the rear occupants.

It has two diesel engines. A 3.0 V6 with 258 hp and 600 Nm and a V8 with 339 hp and 740 Nm. A hybrid version with 340 hp and 700 Nm and the supercharged 5.0 V8 petrol engine with 510 hp and 625 Nm. All of them associated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All models have permanent all-wheel drive with low-reduction and lockable center differential, as well as air suspension. They also equip the system TerrainResponse and adaptive suspension. Depending on the version, you can add a lockable rear differential or the Terrain Response II system, as well as multiple active safety systems.

The Rover Range Rover HSE 258 hp is on the market from 100.900 euros. It stands out for being the most luxurious SUV on the market without sacrificing off-road skills. There is no other similar model, nor so expensive on the market.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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Introduced its second generation in 2013, this Range Rover Sport off-road arrives endorsed by its new and attractive silhouette, highlighting its enormous weight reduction thanks to its aluminum monocoque frame, with which it can reduce up to 420 kilos. It can offer 5 or 7 seats, and highlights its compromise between on/off road performance.

Its family of engines is made up of three diesels, with two versions of a 3.0 V6 with 258 hp and 600 Nm or 292 hp and 600 Nm, and a 8 V4.4 with 339 hp and 740 Nm. There is also a diesel hybrid version with 340 hp and 700 Nm, and a supercharged V8 petrol engine with 510 hp and 625 Nm. The latter has a "vitaminized" version of 550 hp and 680 Nm, reserved for the SVR model, the sportiest and most radical version of the British off-roader.

The Range Rover Sport offers a system of permanent wheel drive with lockable center differential and air suspension. Optionally you can have rear differential lock. To access the variants with reduction gear, we will have to start from its second finish (SE) with the 292 CV diesel engine and take the off-road package. Here the reducer and the Terrain Response II system are already included, which adds the automatic mode with which the vehicle decides the correct driving mode according to the conditions of the road surface that also acts on the pneumatic suspension.

Another more complete package adds the Dynamic mode in the Terrain Response, for a more sporty driving, active stabilizers (Dynamic Response) and Torque Vectoring torque distribution control in curves. The price of the 292 hp diesel Range Rover Sport SE with Off Road package part of 78.860 euros.

Mercedes ML-Class

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El Mercedes ML-Class It is the third generation of the E-segment SUV from the German manufacturer. It stands out for its behavior on the road and for keeping its off-road capabilities intact, offering an excellent compromise. It can mount two diesel engines, on the one hand the four-cylinder 250 BlueTEC with 204 hp and 500 Nm and the 3.0 V6 350 BlueTEC with 258 hp and 620 Nm. In gasoline we have the ML 350, V6 engines with 306 CV and 370 Nm and the ML500, V8 with 408 CV and 600 Nm. In its sportier aspect, there is the ML 63 AMG version, with a 8 hp V525 biturbo engine.

They are all associated with a change 7-speed automatic. They have permanent all-wheel drive and the 4 ETS electronic traction control system, which prevents one or more wheels from spinning, emulating the function of the differential locks. The models with reducer are optional (6.082 euros), and it is included in the On & Off Road package, except for the AMG version, which cannot be equipped. Includes reduction gear, air suspension, rotary control with 6 driving modes, multimedia system with browser (Comand Online), underbody protection and center differential lock.

The Mercedes ML 250 BlueTEC with On & Off Road package is the most economical option of the model with a reduction gear, with a price of 68.000 euros.

Mercedes G Class

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El Mercedes G Class is another of the big names in the segment. It has been manufactured since 1979, without major changes in its conception. Like a good classic off-roader, it still maintains the chassis with stringers and crossmembers, as well as the rigid axles. The end result is a excellent 4x4 skills. The interior itself has changed a lot and has been updated.

It has a V6 diesel engine (350 BlueTEC) with 211 CV and 540 Nm and a V8 G (500) gasoline engine with 387 CV and 530 Nm, both associated with a 7-speed automatic transmission. In addition, there are two sports versions, G 63 AMG with 544 hp and G 65 AMG with 612 hp, with which it is positioned as one of the most powerful SUVs on the market. AMG versions do not have a reduction gear Nor are they designed for the field.

It has a permanent all-wheel drive system and Lockable center, front and rear differentials, its greatest hallmark and best weapon to do 4 × 4. It also has the 4 ETS electronic traction system. The cheapest Mercedes G-Class is diesel, for a price of 101.400 euros.

Mercedes GL-Class

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El Mercedes GL-Class It is the largest SUV of the star brand. It measures 5,12 meters in length and has 7 places. It's a premium SUV with plenty of available equipment. Its most basic version, GL 250 CDI, offers a 3.0 V6 diesel with 258 hp and 620 Nm. There are the GL 400 and GL 500 petrol versions with 333 and 408 horsepower respectively. In addition, it has a sports version, GL 63 AMG, with a V8 biturbo engine of 557 hp and 760 Nm. They all have a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

Its total traction system is permanent and with the electronic traction system 4 ETS. In this case the air suspension is standard. As in the class M, models with reducer are optional, and you have to take the package On & Off Road (2.777 euros, not available in the AMG) which in this case includes a reduction gear, a selector with 6 driving modes, a central differential lock and underbody lining. The Mercedes GL 350 BlueTEC with On & Off Road package costs 89.077 euros.

Mitsubishi montero

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Mitsubishi montero, another of the SUVs with more tradition in the market. It has recently received an update, improving some elements of its equipment, as well as aesthetically. It is an SUV more designed for off-road use, so that on the road it does not stand out as much as it does in the field. It is offered in bodies of three and five doors, with up to seven seats.

It only has one motor. 4-litre 3.2-cylinder diesel, 200 hp and 441 Nm. The engine is associated with a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission, depending on the finish chosen between the two available. It uses a connectable traction system, which has a central differential that allows the use of traction in all circumstances. The central and rear differentials are lockable and have a reduction gear.

The starting price of the Mitsubishi Montero is 34.200 euros in the three-door version and 36.900 euros in the five-door version.

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder

El Nissan Pathfinder It is a 4,81 meter long SUV with good 4×4 capabilities and 7 seats. Its last update dates back to 2010 and at the moment nothing is known of a new generation for the Spanish market. can ride two diesel engines. A 2.5 4-cylinder, 190 hp and 450 Nm or a 3.0 V6 with 231 hp and 550 Nm. The first engine mounts a 6-speed manual gearbox and can optionally be equipped with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The most powerful engine is associated with a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

It has a system of connectable all-wheel drive with reduction gear. Depending on the finish, it may have a hill start system, and if an automatic gearbox is fitted, it adds automatic descent control. The Nissan Pathfinder FE 2.5 is the cheapest in the range, with a rate of 34.400 euros.

SsangYong Rexton W

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El SsangYong Rexton W It is the purest SUV of the Korean brand. Its body is 4,76 m long and 7 places. It has a chassis with stringers and crossbars, and depending on the type of gearbox that we mount, it will have a rigid rear axle (manual 6v) or independent (automatic 5v).

Only offered with one motor 2.0 diesel with 155 hp and 360 Nm, associated with a 6v manual or 5v automatic transmission depending on the version. To access the 4×4 versions with gearbox we have to take the Limited finish, and we can opt for the change manual or automatic. It has a connectable all-wheel drive system with gearbox and hill descent control.

The SsangYong Rexton W 4×4 Limited starts at 28.950 euros. Its equipment highlights the browser, the rear view camera, leather upholstery, speed control or active anti-roll system.

SsangYong Rodius

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In the case of SsangYong Rodius We are not dealing with an off-road vehicle, however, elements such as the all-wheel drive or reduction gear they are excellent weapons for driving on slopes or snow, going up or down steep slopes or towing heavy loads. It is a large minivan (5,13 m) with 7 seats and a trunk of 875 liters capable of accommodating the luggage of all passengers.

All SsangYong Rodius range has an engine 2.0 diesel with 155 hp and 360 Nm with 6-speed manual gearbox or 5v automatic gearbox, depending on version. To access the 4×4 version with gearbox we have to take the Limited finish (the most expensive), and it will be associated with the automatic. It uses a connectable all-wheel drive system with a reduction gear.

The SsangYong Rodius Limited 4×4 is priced at 35.900 euros. It has air conditioning with regulation in the rear seats, heated steering wheel and seats, leather upholstery, electric sunroof, navigator or rear view camera.

Subaru XV

2012 Subaru XV 2.0iS.

Although it is an SUV and not an off-roader, we believe it is appropriate to include the Subaru XV in this compilation, being something that goes out of the established patterns. It is a medium-sized model (4,41 m) created on the basis of the 2013 Impreza, although with a different suspension system to have greater ground clearance and improve its off-road dimensions. Despite its SUV appearance, it differs from most of its rivals by equipping all its models with a permanent all-wheel drive, low-speed (with less reduction than that of a pure SUV), depending on the chosen engine, and less specific tires for asphalt.

To access the models with reducer, we can only take the 1.6i petrol boxer engine with 114 hp and 150 Nm, associated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The XV also has a 2.0 petrol with 150 hp and 196 Nm and a 2.0 diesel with 147 hp and 350 Nm, although they lack the possibility of having a reducer. Thanks to the reducer, if we compare the data, the 1.6 engine achieves a towable capacity of 1.500 kg, 300 kg more than the 2.0 petrol engine and only 100 kg less than the diesel version, despite the huge difference in torque between the two engines. .

We have a Subaru XV 1.6i Advance for $18.100 (with PIVE Plan). The automatic climate control with outputs for the rear occupants, heated seats Start&Stop system or hill start help, among others, stands out in its equipment.

Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki Jimny

Heir to the mythical Suzuki Samurai, the Suzuki Jimny hit the market in 1999 and it continues to be maintained, with slight updates, as one of the best options for off-roading, with a contained starting price. The keys to its good performance in this section are its chassis with stringers and crossbars, rigid axles and 4×4 drive that can be connected with a reducer.

It has a three-door body, with two or four seats, depending on the finish. In the mechanical section, it has a 1.3 petrol with 85 hp and 110 Nm, associated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Its all-wheel drive system is connectable and includes a reducer. In two-wheel drive mode it is a rear-wheel drive. Its towable weight is 1.300 kilos.

You have a Suzuki Jimny JX for 13.695 euros. It is equipped with a tire pressure sensor, air conditioning and stability control as the most outstanding elements.

T

T

El T It is one of the most traditional SUVs on the market, with more than 60 years on the scene. It continues to stand out for its great qualities off the asphalt. It has bodies of 3 and 5 doors and up to 7 seats. It has a chassis with stringers and crossmembers, as well as a rigid rear axle.

It offers two motors, a diesel 3.0 190 hp and 420 Nm, with a 6-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission and a gasoline 4.0 V6 282 hp and 387 Nm with automatic gearbox. It has permanent all-wheel drive, manually lockable self-locking central differential and reduction gear. Versions with automatic transmission add the system Multi Terrain, which has 5 driving modes, a lockable rear differential and the system crawl control, which automatically controls the motor and the brakes, maintaining a speed predefined by the user.

The Toyota Land Cruiser GX 3.0 D-4D is the cheapest option, with a price of 36.100 euros in a three-door body and 39.200 euros in five doors.

Toyota Land Cruiser 200

Toyota Land Cruiser 200

El Toyota Land Cruiser 200 It is the largest SUV of the brand, its maximum exponent for luxury, equipment, and that also maintains excellent capacities by field. It has 7 seats and structurally maintains the chassis with stringers and crossbars, as well as the rigid rear axle.

It has an engine diesel V8 4.5 with 272 hp and 650 Nm, associated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It has a permanent all-wheel drive system with gearbox, self-locking and lockable center differential. In addition, it has the Multi-Terrain system, Crawl Control system and active stabilizers. The top-of-the-range version (VXL) instead of active stabilizers, is equipped with adaptive variable suspension with active height control. The base price for this model is 86.900 euros.

Volkswagen Touareg

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El Volkswagen Touareg, the brand's largest SUV, has recently received an update, with slight improvements to its exterior, interior and its V6 diesel engines. It maintains an excellent compromise between its on/off road capabilities.

It has two types of permanent all-wheel drive: 4Motion and 4XMotion. The second option has a gearbox, central and rear lockable differentials and has greater ground clearance. It is acquired optionally, choosing the Terrain Tech package. It can only be taken in combination with the engine 3.0 V6 TDI with 262 hp and 580 Nmwhich comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Optionally, for 3.660 euros, you can equip the air suspension, which will improve its offroad qualities by raising the ground clearance and improving the angles. Its starting price is 69.830 euros.


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  1.   Francisco said

    Why is the Suzuki Grand Vitara missing?

  2.   aabb said

    The grande vitara is not included because it has not been sold in Spain for almost two years. A pity' but that's how it is.