The range of 4×4 vehicles we’ve recently driven and covered demonstrates the broad range of choices we have in the 4×4 world. 

From the wild Ford Bronco pre-runner from Radius Fabrications in Queensland to the range of new Australian-developed 4×4 utes and wagons from Ford, and everything in between, there’s got to be something in there for everyone.

Then we have the new Triton Raider from Mitsubishi Australia. MMAL partnered with vehicle engineering specialist Premcar to build a better Triton ute and the collaboration has succeeded on all fronts.

We also recently pitted the locally conceived and developed Ranger Super Duty against a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD to see if the smaller Ford ute can compete with the big American truck when it comes to towing and off-road use, while the portal-axle-equipped Ranger Raptor from Ultimate Offroad and 74Weld shows how one of the wildest 4×4 utensils on the market can be taken to another level.

Looking at that list of vehicles, you could be excused for thinking we are a bit Ford-centric here at 4X4 Australia, but with this ever-growing range of vehicles, the Blue Oval team is trying to create a 4×4 for all buyers. With specialist models like the Raptor and Super Duty variants, Ford Australia is broadening the scope of its popular midsize ute to try and appeal to buyers who might otherwise have not looked at a Ranger. It’s obviously doing something right as the Ranger has been the best-selling vehicle in Australia for the last three years and it’s looking like repeating that record in 2026.

While utes continue to be the most popular 4×4 vehicles Australians are buying, it’s great news to learn that the Pajero will be returning to Mitsubishi showrooms by the end of this year. While the next Pajero will revert to a ladder-frame chassis derived from what we find under the Triton, MMAL tells us the new wagon will be a big vehicle with real off-road capability and worthy of wearing the Pajero badge. 

It will be exciting to have another 4×4 wagon to compete with the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest, Tank 500 and even the Toyota LandCruiser.

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