Our resident renderer Theottle has had a bit of fun by blowing up the pint-sized Suzuki Jimny and fusing it with a next-gen Toyota Prado.

The Suzuki Jumbo – as Theottle has penned it – clearly utilises more Jimny design elements than the Prado, but gone is the Jimny’s boxy shape and upright silhouette, replaced with a more streamlined design in the ilk of the Prado.

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The Jimny’s upright stance at the rear, as well as the tailgate, is also converted to be more Prado-like, but the front end remains true to the Jimny with its five-slot grille, round headlights and bumper protection. The roof rails atop a two-tone roof is more akin to Prado styling cues.

We all know the Jimny is a great little off-roader adored by many enthusiasts for its go-anywhere ability. Its light weight of just 1110kg (auto) and more-than-adept 75kW/130Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combine to make it nimble and highly capable both on- and off-road.

Its 4×4 system is a traditional part-time set-up that offers 2WD (rear), locked 4×4 high range and locked 4×4 low range.

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A five-door Jimny is already expected to arrive in Australia soon, with the stretched variant measuring 3985mm long, 1645mm wide and 1720mm tall, and riding on a 2590mm wheelbase – that’s 505mm longer than the three-door.

It will retain the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, as well as the four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions.

Suzuki Australia is taking registrations of interest for the five-door variant, with local timing of the hotly anticipated model yet to be confirmed.

A differential essentially allows wheels on the same axle to spin at different speeds.

This allows you to turn corners on high traction surfaces by sending all the power to the wheel with least resistance – the outside wheel when turning a corner, for example. This is great on-road, but it becomes a problem when traction is at a premium off-road such as on loose surfaces or when your 4×4 picks up a wheel.

A diff locker solves this by locking the differential and ensuring both wheels on the same axle turn at the same speed.

• What it is: Cross-axle differential lockers.
• Why you need it: All HiLux 4×4 variants come with a standard rear diff locker, but nothing compares to twin lockers. Adding a front locker to the mix will provide supreme off-road traction and really is a must for those who dabble in hardcore off-roading.
• Buying tips: Consider whether the type of off-roading you do really requires this type of modification. The HiLux is plenty capable out of the factory for the average weekend warrior and camper.

JUMP AHEAD

• ARB Air Locker
• Harrop ELocker
• Lokka part-time locker
• Any time factory locker

ARB Air Locker

Manufactured in Australia, the ARB Air Locker is made with quality materials and an uncompromising approach to manufacturing. With a state-of-the-art two-piece design and forged gears, the Air Locker has increased strength, durability, and resistance to fatigue.

It also has a reduced number of moving parts, making it more responsive to activation. ARB has invested heavily in the application of forged gears commonly used in heavy duty commercial, race and agricultural transmissions.

All Air Lockers come with a five-year warranty and are supported by ARB’s extensive network of stores and distributors worldwide. The product’s superior design, quality and support make it a reliable choice for 4×4 enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Specifications

• Locker activation: Air
• Engagement speed: Any
• Warranty: Five years

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Harrop ELocker

A collaboration between Harrop Engineering in Australia and Eaton Corporation in the USA has resulted in the development of the ELocker, an electronically control selectable locking differential.

The locker uses electromagnets to engage the locker, providing a simple and effective design. As the electromagnet is energised, torque is created on a drag plate that activates a ramping mechanism. The ramping mechanism, in turn, translates rotational force into the axial motion of a locking mechanism.

The locking mechanism engages into slots or tabs on the differential side gear and locks the side gear rotation to the differential housing. The result is on-demand traction and a fully locked differential.

Specifications

• Locker activation: Electronic
• Engagement speed: Under 5km/h
• Warranty: Three years

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Lokka part-time locker

As opposed to a selectable diff locker, the Lokka is an automatically engaging diff locker. There are no switches, cables, wires or hoses.

It relies on a simple mechanical design which makes use of two distinct sets of forces” the “ground driven” forces acting on a wheel when cornering (that force an outside wheel to turn faster); and the forces from the engine (power) turning the differential and axles.

Specifications

• Locker activation: Electronic
• Engagement speed: Any
• Warranty: Three years

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Anytime factory locker

It’s not a whole new diff locker, but this modification has been included here as it allows addition functionality of the factory rear diff locker.

The Anytime diff locker allows you engage the factory locker at any speed, when in 2WD, 4WD high and 4WD low range. From factory you can only enable the diff lock when in 4WD low range.

This is a super handy little mod for anyone who uses slippery boat ramps or has a steep, unpaved driveway.

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.

When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.

When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Value for money
• Time and ease to set-up/install
• Weight
• Fit and finish
• How well it gets the job done
• What materials they’re made from
• Corrosion/UV resistance
• Coatings
• Compatibility with other accessories
• Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
• Country of manufacture
• Load ratings, to determine what’s the best product across each price point.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

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The Ford Ranger continues to dominate sales in the 4×4 segment, but it has fallen just short of eclipsing the Toyota HiLux on the overall charts.

The HiLux outsold the Ranger on the overall sales charts (when combining 4×4 and 4×2 variants) by just two sales (5762 versus 5760), reversing the July 2023 result which saw the Ranger on top.

Compare this to August 2022, where a total of 6214 Hiluxes and 4497 Rangers were sold. That’s a difference of -7.3 per cent for the HiLux and +28.1 per cent for the Ranger.

Perhaps the upcoming HiLux GR Sport could shift momentum back in Toyota’s favour.

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Back to the 4×4 charts and a total of 5381 new Rangers were delivered to customers in August 2023, a healthy 820 more sales than Toyota could muster for its HiLux (4561 total sales). Sitting below the unwavering top two is the ever-consistent Isuzu D-Max, which registered 2628 4×4 sales for the month.

In further good news for the Japanese manufacturer, the Isuzu D-Max was the fourth best-selling vehicle on the overall charts, trailing only the Ranger, HiLux and RAV4.

August was also a good month for the Nissan Patrol, with a total of 1032 sales registered for the burly off-roader.

August was also a good month for the Nissan Patrol, with a total of 1032 sales registered for the burly off-roader – it registered 466 sales in July and 630 in June.

This is reflective of a growing appetite for SUVs, large and small, with the SUV market up by 28.3 per cent (or 13,742 more sales) compared to the same month last year. For comparison’s sake, the passenger vehicle market is down 3.3 per cent, and the LCV market is up by 6.9 per cent.

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Other SUVs in the top 10 this month include the Prado, LandCruiser 300, Everest and MU-X, making it an even 50/50 split between utes and wagons.

Notable absentees from the best-selling 4×4 vehicles in August include the Mitsubishi Triton (917 sales), Nissan Navara (688 sales) and Volkswagen Amarok (553 sales).

The LDV T60 is the most sought-after vehicle at the budget end of the market, with 710 deliveries taking place. The GWM Ute trails with 631 sales, and SsangYong only posted 280 sales of its underrated Musso.

Year-to-date sales for this trio: GWM Ute, 6475; SsangYong Musso, 2584; LDV T60, 5995.

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At the opposite end of the market, Chevrolet shifted a total of 251 Silverados, with RAM besting that with 457 sales of its 1500. A total of 74 deliveries took place for the even bigger 2500, and 10 sales for the bigger again 3500.

Overall new-car sales for the month were up by 15.4 per cent compared to August 2022. In fact, it was the highest August result on record in Australia.

“The Australian automotive sector continues to demonstrate its strength, with August recording unprecedented sales figures, reflecting both a high level of demand from Australians and improved supply of vehicles,” said FCAI chief executive, Tony Weber.

“Year-to-date sales have increased 9.9 per cent, which is a better indicator of the underlying strength of the market,” he added.

Top-selling 4x4s in August 2023

Top-selling 4×4 models YTD 2023

The grand opening of Norweld’s new 2367sqm factory in Brisbane welcomed more than 2000 people through the gate for a sneak peek, with a line-up stretching down the street before the 9am kick-off.

Driving into the event, the canopy envy was very real as Norweld-equipped dual-cabs lined the streets of the Brendale industrial estate as far as the eye could see. Once inside, food trucks, free coffee and a DJ in the back of a Jeep offered plenty of fun for the entire family, but the real drawcard was the impressive array of custom 4x4s on display – of which there were dozens.

The number of businesses that turned up with their latest builds, to show support, was immense, with everything on display from heavily customised American pick-ups to decked-out Aussie Troopies.

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Pro Touring Concepts had some of its tough new builds there, including a no-expense-spared Ford F-250 that drew a revolving crowd and dwarfed the sea of 79 Series LandCruisers surrounding it.

Norweld staff also hosted tours of the factory, showing off the low-waste manufacturing line, with cutting-edge machinery on display like a new high-speed CNC router, advanced press brake, and an array of top-end welding equipment.

Massive giveaways drawn throughout the day kept crowds excited, with first prize being a Norweld Deluxe Plus Tray worth around 15 grand, which the guys will fit to whatever ute the winner owns. Second prize was a Torqit exhaust system and third prize was a Redarc 240W solar blanket, and huge crowds congregated for each draw with fingers crossed.

Latest Gear Guides

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In case those prizes weren’t enough, the Norweld team drew names out of a barrel every hour after giving every attendee a ticket at the gate. Door prizes included Norweld’s latest range of merchandise, with goodies like fishing shirts, hats, t-shirts and heaps more.

While we can’t reveal too much just yet, Norweld also had its next-generation Elite Tray on-show, fitted to the iconic ‘Bull79 3.0’ LandCruiser, reborn once again and looking better than ever.

The Bull79 ‘Cruiser, which belongs to Norweld special projects director, Isaac Edmiston, is as tough as it looks with 37-inch tyres, portal axles, big power and now it also wears the manufacturer’s latest heavy-duty tray.

The new tray is set to be launched in early 2024, with the first customer examples expected to land on customer vehicles by March. While we can’t show photos of it just yet, we can confirm it looks the goods.

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Norweld expansion

Norweld will still build all of its canopies out of its Far North Queensland factory, with this facility set to churn out trays and accessories, which makes sense given the Brisbane 4×4 market is the strongest in Australia.

“We started doing components here in Brisbane, making toolboxes and stuff across the past six to 12 months, but this is the first time we’re doing full production here,” said Jaime McIntosh, Director at Norweld.

“Brisbane is our biggest market in Australia, so we wanted to get close and, as far as four-wheel drives are concerned, there are a lot of complementary services around Brendale.

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“Our plan is to get to 40 trays per week out of here, and we’ll do about 20 canopies each week out of Cairns.”

The site will also house a slick new showroom and plenty of office space, serving as the Norweld head office with marketing, sales and design teams now operating out of the one location.

Norweld has more than 20,000 of its trays and canopies out in the wild so far, all with lifetime warranties, and its customers are clearly happy campers after seeing the overwhelming turnout on the day.

When Jaime purchased the company in 2001 it had a strong reputation for high-quality fabrication, but it wasn’t until 2015 that he decided to focus solely on trays and canopies.

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“When I bought the business we had six staff in a small shed, and we’d punch out whatever we could,” he said. “Did I think we could get to this size – no, not at all.”

These days, Norweld employs 120 people and expects that number to grow considerably as the new factory ramps up production.

“We have 20 people at this facility in Brisbane and that will get to 30 relatively quickly and then probably 40 by the time we reach full production,” said Jaime.

It isn’t just about quantity, though, because Norweld’s reputation is founded on building the toughest trays and canopies out there.

“It’s almost a problem in that we build them so tough and we offer a lifetime warranty, but people still want the latest designs and we can customise older models,” said Jaime. “It’s a quality product and it’s handmade, so it’s not just about quantity for us.”

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In recent years Norweld has also exported a number of its products to the US, South Africa and even Saudi Arabia, but Australia remains the core focus.

“We’ve sent them all over, but the main export market has been the US,” Jaime said. “We send a container there every three months, which is about 16 trays and the odd canopy. There’s a big market there, but we still have a lot of growth here in Australia.”

When discussing products in the pipeline at Norweld, Jaime hinted at a new canopy design but couldn’t share too many details just yet.

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“The new trays will be a big thing that is coming, then the next will be a change to the canopy,” he said. “We are always looking at different ways of doing stuff and we’re potentially looking at going to a modular fit-out for the canopies, so you can add and change it.”

While the sheds just keep getting bigger to keep up with Norweld’s explosive growth, Jaime reckons this one will offer enough space for the foreseeable future.

“My wife keeps asking, ‘when’s the shed going to be big enough’ because they keep getting bigger and bigger,” he joked. “This one is probably close to our limit!”

Projecta has released its all-new IDC25X Intelli-Charge DC-DC charger, which has been designed to work harder in tougher conditions while providing the best possible care for your battery.

You no longer need to worry about extreme heat or charge current drop-off, as the IDC25X has been extensively tested in Australia’s extreme conditions, with results showing that the unit won’t derate in hot conditions. The IDC25X has been designed to operate in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Celsius, meaning under-bonnet fitment won’t be a problem.

The unit will provide a full 25A of charge up to 75 degrees Celsius. A thermal epoxy resin works as a heat sink to draw heat away from the electronics to the outer casing, helping maintain a consistent charge output of 25A. Also, with intelligent charging, the IDC25X knows the temperature of the battery and adapts the charging conditions for optimum efficiency.

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“When it comes to providing the best care for your battery, the IDC25X stands head and shoulders above the rest. With its three- and five-stage charging and automatic temperature compensation, it ensures your battery receives the most precise and optimised charge, regardless of climate fluctuations,” said Dale McBride, Projecta Marketing Manager.

“Say farewell to manual tweaking,” added McBride. “This charger’s advanced technology takes care of it all. Its voltage drop compensation guarantees that every ounce of power reaches your battery, no matter where you install it, offering peace of mind and maximising battery life.”

Rated IP68 and IP69K, the IDC25X will remain dry no matter where it is installed, including the engine bay. The units are vibration- and waterproof-tested in the harshest conditions, which will instil complete confidence in the IDC25X as you tackle the Australian Outback in your 4WD.

The IDC25X is extremely durable and provides a resilient solution for multi-DC-to-DC charging. No matter what your setup looks like, your battery is being charged in the best possible way. The unit is compatible with lithium, AGM, GEL, WET, or CALCIUM batteries, and it offers Automatic Temperature Compensation to further protect valuable batteries.

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The IDC25X also includes a built-in MPPT solar controller that prioritises solar charging as default and automatically adjusts to the alternator using INTELLI-CHARGE if there’s insufficient sunlight available, while reducing power draw from the vehicle’s electrical system.

A proprietary algorithm maximises solar efficiency even when there’s less sunlight – when compared to the earlier IDC25, the IDC25X is notably more efficient in harnessing solar power. The unit also accommodates solar inputs of up to 360W.

Users will be able to monitor the performance and functions of the IDC25X via the ‘Intellix-IQ’ smart display and app (coming soon), which will allow users to monitor the condition of the battery, charge status and custom charge profiles on the go. Firmware upgrades will be available via Bluetooth, allowing users to introduce new charging profiles from next-gen batteries, improve MPPT efficiency and utilise the Lithium Wake Up mode that is also coming soon.

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“Experience the IDC25X – a charger that embodies innovation, endurance and convenience, revolutionising the DC-to-DC charger landscape,” said McBride. “Projecta’s dedicated team has meticulously designed the installation process, ensuring it surpasses its predecessor, the IDC25, in ease and simplicity.

“Embrace a secure and reliable nut and bolt termination method, eliminating cumbersome connections. And with included lugs, terminal, and heat shrink, achieving a neat and tidy installation that conceals everything under the cover becomes a breeze.”

Pricing

Projecta provides a five-year warranty on the IDC25X, and it is available nationwide from leading 4WD, caravan, camping and marine outlets for a recommended retail price of $595.

We’re not here to answer the great debate of alloy versus steel, rather we aim to simply outline some of the available options to add some bling, change size or toughen up your HiLux.

There’s a seemingly endless supply of custom wheels available for the Toyota HiLux, ranging from sleek and stylish to rugged and aggressive. So, it doesn’t matter which side of the great debate you sit, there are plenty of options to suit your requirements.

• What it is: Replacement wheels.
• Why you need it: The majority of new 4x4s these days comes with large wheels and low or medium profile tyres. The HiLux is no exception, with 17- or 18-inch wheels. While these look great and perform great on-road, head off-road and you will likely want a little more tyre wrapped around that wheel. The simplest way to do this is drop a wheel size to allow a tyre with a taller sidewall to be fitted without increasing the overall tyre diameter; or perhaps you need a different offset to run the tyres of your choice. There are many reasons to swap out wheels when building an off-roader.
• Buying tips: The HiLux comes with a common six-stud pattern with 139.7mm PCD (often written 6×139.7) and a centre bore/hub bore of 78.1mm. Also ensure the offset is within legal limits, so no more than a change of 50mm – 25mm per side. You’ll also need to check the load rating matches or exceeds that of the standard wheels.

JUMP AHEAD

• ROH Wheels
• Method Race Wheels
• Speedy Wheels

ROH Wheels

All ROH off-road 4×4 wheels come with the ROH lifetime structural warranty and feature ROH’s “Easycleans Baked Enamel” paint finish for superior salt spray performance and anti-weathering durability.

Specifications

• Material: Alloy
• Load Rating: Up to 1500kg
• Available sizes: 17-20-inch

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Method Race Wheels: 700 Series trail wheels

Featuring bead-grip technology, these wheels engage with the tyre-bead seat for increased grip while running lower air pressures. An aggressive safety hump on inner and outer bead seat further stabilises tyre and prevents de-beading.

Specifications

• Material: 356 cast aluminium with T6 heat treatment
• Load Rating: Up to 1200kg
• Available sizes: 17-18-inch

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Speedy Wheels

With multiple sizes and styles, Speedy are sure to have a wheel that suits your HiLux and the driving you plan to do in it.

Specifications

• Material: Aluminium alloy or steel
• Load Rating: Up to 1200kg
• Available sizes: 17-20-inch

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.

When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.

When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Value for money
• Time and ease to set-up/install
• Weight
• Fit and finish
• How well it gets the job done
• What materials they’re made from
• Corrosion/UV resistance
• Coatings
• Compatibility with other accessories
• Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
• Country of manufacture
• Load ratings, to determine what’s the best product across each price point.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

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IFS vehicles are fantastic things in terms of comfort and handling, but they do have an Achilles’ heel.

When the suspension is compressed, the vulnerable underbody components like oil pans and gearboxes get closer to the ground (and potential day-ruining rocks) than you might like. The HiLux comes with some factory protection under these components, but it’s good for one whack and it’s done.

If you’re using your HiLux off-road regularly then it’s only a matter of time until the factory protection is toast and you will need to upgrade to something a little stronger. That’s where aftermarket underbody protection – otherwise referred to as bash plates – comes in.

• What it is: Armour for the underside of your vehicle.
• Why you need it: You may run over rocks, sticks and other objects which can damage the vulnerable parts beneath your vehicle and, in the worst case, stop your trip in its tracks.
• Buying tips: Have a think about underbody protection before you commit to a bull bar, as compatibility is the key. Other accessories such as long-range tanks may impact the ability to install underbody protection, so it’s worth looking at an integrated approach. Also known as Under Vehicle Protection (UVP) and Under Vehicle Armour (UVA).

Here are four products we recommend. Theyu2019re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of whatu2019s available.

JUMP AHEAD

• ARB
• Custom Offroad
• Brown Davis
• Bushskinz

ARB underbody protection

ARB underbody plates are manufactured from laser-cut, pressed and folded 3mm steel for superior strength, and then zinc-plated for longevity.

Specifications

• Material: Mild steel, zinc-coated
• Thickness: 3mm
• Approximate weight: 30kg

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Custom Offroad bash plate combos

Available in 3mm and 4mm stainless steel, these Custom Offroad bash plates are great for general four-wheel driving and will last years and give piece of mind.

Specifications

• Material: Stainless-steel
• Thickness: 3mm at 24kg and 4mm at 34kg
• Approximate weight: 24kg to 34kg

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Brown Davis under-vehicle protection

With more than 40 years of off-road experience and a solid understanding of what is encountered when off-road, Brown Davis has every base of design covered to ensure you have the best chance of battling the outback and winning every time.

The Brown Davis range of under-vehicle guards will protect your vehicle and give you confidence to travel into the unknown without fear.

Specifications

• Material: Mild steel, powder-coated
• Thickness: 3mm
• Approximate weight: 35kg

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Bushskinz under-vehicle protection

Made from 6mm 5052 H32 grade aluminium, these Bushskinz bash plates offer steel-like strength without the weight.

Specifications

• Material: Alloy
• Thickness: 6mm
• Approximate weight: 20kg

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.

When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.

When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Value for money
• Time and ease to set-up/install
• Weight
• Fit and finish
• How well it gets the job done
• What materials they’re made from
• Corrosion/UV resistance
• Coatings
• Compatibility with other accessories
• Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
• Country of manufacture
• Load ratings, to determine what’s the best product across each price point.

We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

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The previous WK2 generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the best-selling model ever for the iconic brand in Australia due to a number of factors.

It was stylish, it had a spacious and well-equipped interior, it offered decent off-road ability when equipped with the Quadra-Drive 4×4 system and height-adjustable suspension, there was a choice of V6 and V8 petrol engines as well as an excellent V6 diesel option, it carried a 3500kg towing rating and, compared to the popular Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol options, it was more affordable and more compact.

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That last point of size was especially important as the WK2 found favour with the caravanning set – which continues to this day – who were usually empty-nesters who travelled two-up and loved that towing capacity.

So we were very interested to see how the new WL Grand Cherokee would go when it arrived as a very different vehicle. First arriving as the seven-seat Grand Cherokee L in 2022, the five-seat version only reached Australia earlier this year.

Jeep has gone for more of a well-equipped luxury design for the WL in lieu of off-road prowess and towing ability, and not all models get a dual-range transfer case and height adjustable suspension.

JUMP AHEAD

• What it gets
• Safety
• Powertrain
• On-road performance
• Off-road performance
• Off-road specs
• Ownership
• Verdict
• Specs

What it gets

The example tested here is an Overland model equipped with the optional Off-Road Group package which adds a heavier duty 9-inch rear axle (up from 7.7-inch standard), underbody skid plates and protection, and drops the tyre size down to a more practical and comfortable 265/60R18 all-terrain.

A Trail Rated badge tells you that this is the off-road spec Grand and the Off-Road Group package adds $2750 to the $98,450 base price of the Overland.

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This test vehicle also featured the Luxury Technology Group, which adds ventilated second-row outboard seats, power adjustment and massage features on the driver and passenger front seats, window shades for the second row seats, a digital rearview mirror, four-zone climate control, and a wireless phone charging pad for a further $4500.

Finally, premium paint adds another $1750 to the price, bringing the total up to $112,050 plus on road costs.

That’s a fair whack for a Jeep Grand Cherokee but once you’re inside it you can see and feel the premium features that add up to this price. Nappa leather seats, a 10.5-inch A/V screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, LED interior lighting, a huge dual-pane sunroof, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system are all among the standard Overland features.

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Safety

The WL Grand Cherokee is safer than ever before with standard kit including Active Emergency Braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, rear cross traffic detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning with active lane keeping, advanced brake assist, front and rear parking sensors and cameras, and TPMS.

Jeep took a bit of a hit in the recent ANCAP test results where the five-door petrol models were only given a four-star rating, while the Grand Cherokee L and 4x4e variants received a full five stars.

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The discrepancy was due to the performance of the seat belts in the rear seats of the five-seater and in regards to this Jeep says “modifying the rear outboard passenger seat belts for future productions is something it is actively considering”, while pointing out that the vehicle meets all current seatbelt design and safety requirements.

All these standard features contribute to an interior that is a very nice and spacious cabin to ride in. Jeep has certainly nailed it with the upmarket premium feel of the WL Grand Cherokee. The cabin is wider and more airy than the previous model and behind the back seat there’s a cavernous 1067 litres of stowage space.

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Powertrain

Until very recently, the WL Grand was only available with one powertrain but the $130,000 plug-in hybrid 4x4e variant has now added a second choice.

All other variants get the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine backed by a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine might be getting long in the tooth but with 210kW and 344Nm on tap it gets along surprisingly well considering the size and equipment in the Jeep.

While the engine’s performance is adequate for the WL Grand, where it does let the overall package down is in refinement, which doesn’t match up with the premium feel of the vehicle. The V6 is harsh when you put your foot down and it likes a drink when you do as well. Over our week of testing it used 14.3L/100km while the official combined figure is 9.9L/100km.

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The feel of the engine is somewhat overshadowed on some sealed-road surfaces where the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are extremely poor, bordering on unacceptable. We noted this in our drive of the Grand Cherokee L last year but that vehicle rode on 21-inch wheels with lower profile tyres, so we had hoped the problem wouldn’t be as evident riding on 18s with more tyre sidewall.

The suspension does a superb job of managing the Jeep over all sorts of terrain and roads

One thing that might be responsible for this NVH transmission to the cabin is the fact that the front suspension is mated directly to the engine and the harshness of the road surface is being transmitted directly through the front tyres, suspension links and engine mounts to the vehicle body. This on-road NVH lets down what would otherwise be a highly polished performance and ride quality.

The suspension does a superb job of managing the Jeep over all sorts of terrain and roads. It is well planted on twisting mountain roads, and balanced on the highway. Raise the Quadra-Lift air suspension to give up to 276mm of ground clearance when off road and the Overland becomes an accomplished go anywhere wagon.

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On-road performance

The Grand Cherokee has always been a superb grand touring wagon and the WL takes that tradition and exemplifies it. The full independent suspension delivers dynamic handling while the V6/eight-speed powertrain delivers just enough performance for spirited driving.

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The sumptuously appointed interior and large glasshouse make the Grand Cherokee a comfortable place to tour in with an excellent view of the great outdoors rolling on by. There’s just that NVH to tarnish the performance but it’s certainly worth sampling.

The Grand Cherokee is a more dynamic on-road tourer than most other off-road capable, 4×4 wagons of its size. Certainly better in the twisties than a Toyota Prado or a Ford Everest, and a challenger for a Land Rover Defender if not the Discovery.

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Off-road performance

While the Jeep might be able to better the aforementioned competitors on road, it wouldn’t compete so when the going gets rough.

While the Quadra-Lift suspension allows for plenty of ground clearance and the Quadra-Trac 2 transfer case gives drivers low-range gearing, the WL isn’t as polished off road as those other wagons, or even the previous Grand Cherokees.

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Jeep no longer includes locking differentials in the Grand with Quadra-Trac 2 like it used to offer with Quadra-Drive. While this system will get adventurers over most terrain, it’s not as capable as others, while only the Land Rovers can outdo the Jeep for a premium feel and ride.

Interestingly, Jeep did previously offer a Trailhawk version of the regular WL Grand in the USA but for 2023 this most off-roadable variant has now been made exclusive to the 4x4e powertrain, and it’s not yet offered in Australia.

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Off-road specs

Ownership

A good thing about a naturally aspirated petrol engine like the Jeep’s Pentastar V6 is that it’s a relatively simple engine and as such should be reasonably reliable and affordable to service and maintain.

The service intervals for the Grand Cherokee come around every 12 months or 12,000km, and capped-price servicing lists them at $399 a pop for the first five services.

That capped-price servicing comes as part of the brand’s ‘Jeep Wave Commitment’ which gets you the capped servicing, five-year/100,000km warranty and lifetime roadside assistance, providing you keep to the regular service schedule at your Jeep dealer.

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Verdict

If you were to drive your WH2 Grand Cherokee into your local dealer looking to trade up to the latest model to do a similar job to your current model you might be in for a rude shock.

For a start, you’re not going to be able to buy one with a diesel or a V8 engine; nor will it tow your three-tonne-plus caravan; and it’s going to cost you a fair bit more to get a similar model spec for spec.

The WL Grand Cherokee is better equipped both in standard features and safety, its cabin is more spacious and has a more luxurious feel than before

On the plus side, the WL Grand Cherokee is better equipped both in standard features and safety, its cabin is more spacious and has a more luxurious feel than before, and you now have the option of a seven-seat model and/or the 4x4e PHEV powertrain.

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While some of those negatives might be deal-breakers that send buyers looking elsewhere, the positives should be enough to bring a whole new group of buyers to the historic nameplate. The WL Grand Cherokee is a nice car to drive on road and bush tracks but is let down by NVH levels from both the chassis and engine that don’t live up to what the superb cabin deserves.

There are other vehicles that do the light-duty all-wheel drive SUV job well, and other 4x4s that deliver better performance in the off-road and towing disciplines. Think about the large soft-roaders from Volkswagen Group, Kia, Mazda and Hyundai for the former, and Toyota LandCruiser, Ford Everest, Nissan Patrol and Land Rover Defender for the more heavy-duty options.

While the WL brings a step up in its premium feel and equipment, it also sees a step up in price that will encourage buyers to look to broader options in that price range.

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2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland specs

*Australian Design Rule ‘Combined-Cycle’ claim

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Parking my Prado under the carport is a real challenge, even after chopping the front fascia out with a grinder and reciprocal saw.

One side of the carport was still lower than the other, and my wife wasn’t happy about me parking in the middle of the carport, leaving her to park her car out in the weather.

With a 50mm suspension lift and a rooftop tent mounted to load bars on a Tracklander backbone, the Prado was a smidge under 2.2m tall. Then I mounted some load bars to the lid of the tent, installed a TRED mounting baseplate and 115mm threaded mounting pins to carry four TRED Pro recovery boards, and overall height grew to 2.3m.

This was a nightmare when it came to accessing underground carparks or negotiating fast-food drive-throughs, let alone squeezing under the carport. I once tried to enter an underground carpark with a clearance of 2.3m but ended up destroying two of the plastic TRED securing nuts, as they sat just 2mm above the top of the threaded mounting pin. Thankfully the pins weren’t damaged.

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Recently TRED Outdoors released 113mm Quick Release Mounting Pins with a new style of securing nut called the TRED Quick Release Ratchet Handle. While the name is long, this new product significantly reduces the height of TRED mounts. Keen to try them out, I jumped online and had two pairs heading my way pronto.

The first thing I noticed was that the ratchet handle is much shorter than the original plastic securing nut, by 25mm, down from 90mm to 65mm. By also taking 2mm off the height with the 113mm mounting pin, I was looking at lowering the Prado’s height by around 25mm.

Now, I can hear you asking, why do I need to carry four recovery boards? If you carry two the clearance will be improved even more, but as I travel solo, having four TRED Pros is a benefit in self-recovery situations, and I also use them to level the Prado when I get to camp.

The TRED 113mm Quick Release Mounting Pins come in pairs with all the gear you need to install them on the mounting plates and they retail for $49.95. You can also purchase the Quick Release Ratchet Handles separately for $20 each if you already have a set of Quick Release pins. The unique design will mount up to four TRED GT, HD or PRO model recovery boards, or two of the TRED 800/1100 model recovery boards. They also work with other brands of recovery boards.

Latest Gear Guides

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The TRED 113mm Quick Release Mounting Pins have taken the hassle out of accessing the recovery boards and I can now get to them quickly and easily while keeping them secured safely on the Prado. The ratchet handles are manufactured from reinforced nylon and are lockable with a padlock to secure your recovery boards. TRED recommends using a 30mm padlock with a 5mm shackle.

One thing I have noticed, especially when it is cold, is that it can be challenging to disengage the Quick Release Ratchet Handle with icy fingers. I haven’t tried this with muddy fingers, but I expect it could be tough as well. This could also be caused by my inability to open things with my ageing fingers, and/or the newness of the handles.

Overall, I’m enjoying the improvement in clearance, even by a mere 25mm, which means I can now access places that have a height restriction of 2.3m… and park under the carport at home while leaving space for my wife’s car.

RRP $49.95

Have you ever driven through the bush at dusk or dawn and been greeted with scores of suicidal wildlife? Without some protection up front, it will put a quick stop to your trip.

In addition, a quality bull bar will improve your approach angle for off-road driving. Investing in a high-quality bull bar is a smart choice to protect your HiLux and to ensure safety while driving.

With so many options, styles and sizes available, it’s important to do your research and choose a bull bar that meets your specific needs and preferences.

• What it is: Often a big lump of steel out the front of your HiLux that is vital to anyone who travels country roads regularly, or anyone who needs somewhere to mount accessories.
• Why you need it: Frontal protection to guard vital bits of your HiLux including the radiator and headlights, as well as house essential aftermarket gear like spotlights, winches and antennae.
• Buying tips: Before you add close to 100kg to the front of your 4×4, ensure the bull bar you’re looking at will meet your requirements and is suitable for your specific vehicle. Ensure it is airbag-compatible and includes all the required tabs and holes for the accessories you want to mount. Some come with recovery points and some have hoops around the headlights for extra protection. Also consider that the extra weight will certainly require a suspension upgrade.

Here are four products we recommend. Theyu2019re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of whatu2019s available.

JUMP AHEAD

• ARB Summit bull bar
• Ironman Commercial Deluxe bull bar
• TJM Outback bull bar
• EFS Xcape bull bar

ARB Summit steel bull bar

The state-of-the-art Summit MKII bull bar takes key components of its flagship namesake and kicks it up a notch with an ultra-modern design that’s constructed to turn heads.

Summit MKII has eliminated front buffers and now features robot welds on the front face of the bar, to highlight ARB’s excellence in sheetmetal fabrication.

Fog light design has been significantly updated to include a plug-and-play indicator/clearance light/DRL and fog light within one complete unit, for an integrated approach and to incorporate these requirements on modern vehicles.

Specifications

• Materials: Steel with 60.3mm tube (87kg)
• Winch-compatible: Yes
• Recovery points: No

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Ironman Commercial Deluxe steel bull bar

Not only does an Ironman 4×4 bull bar increase your protection and provide a mounting platform for other accessories, but it’s also great to look at. Ironman 4×4 bull bars are constructed from the highest quality SPHC oil-and-pickled steel.

Specifications

• Materials: Steel with 50mm tube (87kg)
• Winch-compatible: Yes, up to 12,000lb
• Recovery points: No

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TJM Outback bull bar

All-new cato straps and 63mm outer pipework provides added strength, damage deflection and headlight protection, while its multi-fold channel has been strategically pressed and CNC-folded to maximise impact strength. The TJM Outback bull bar includes 8000kg rated recovery points.

Specifications

• Materials: Steel with 63mm tube
• Winch-compatible: Yes
• Recovery points: Yes

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EFS Xcape bull bar

A low profile, bumper replacement-style bull bar, the Xcape bar is winch-ready and features LED lights, robot welds, improved approach angle for off-roading, and appealing design for city drivers.

Specifications

• Materials: Steel bumper replacement, no hoops (87kg)
• Winch-compatible: Yes
• Recovery points: No

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.

When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.

When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Value for money
• Time and ease to set-up/install
• Weight
• Fit and finish
• How well it gets the job done
• What materials they’re made from
• Corrosion/UV resistance
• Coatings
• Compatibility with other accessories
• Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
• Country of manufacture
• Load ratings, to determine what’s the best product across each price point.

We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

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