Recently, Leisure Wheels and sister publication CAR magazine embarked on a three-day road trip, with the team leaving behind the confines of Cape Town in the rear-view mirrors of six ladder-frame SUVs — and Ford Ranger Tremor support vehicle — en route to the desolate desert environment of the Tankwa Karoo and, then, the quaint Karoo town of Sutherland. In this 10-part series, we reminisce about the trip, highlighting the competitors, the route and dive into how each SUV fared on road and off the beaten track. But first, let’s introduce the competitors (in no specific order)…
1. Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4 VX AT
Related: REVIEW: DRIVING TOYOTA’S FACE-LIFTED FORTUNER
The Toyota Fortuner is a South African favourite. In fact, it’s the best-selling ladder-frame SUV in our market. Although the second generation has been around for quite some time (nine years, to be precise), the updates made to Fortuner over nearly a decade have ensured it remains fresh. It doesn’t feel its age. What’s more, the derivative tested on SUV Shootout came in the shape of the latest, 48V mild-hybrid version of the Hilux-based SUV.
- Price: R961 800
- Engine: 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Power: 150 kW @ 3 000-3 400 r/min (+12 kW when battery is fully charged)
- Torque: 500 N.m @ 1 600-2 800 r/min (+65 N.m when battery is fully charged)
- Fuel consumption: 7.6 L/100 km
- Fuel tank: 80 litres
- Towing capacity: 750 kg (unbraked)/3 300 kg (braked)
- Ground clearance: 279 mm
- Service plan: 9 services/90 000 km
- Warranty: 3 years/100 000 km
2. Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4×4 XLT AT
Related: REVIEW: WHY THE NEXT-GEN EVEREST WILDTRAK IS A WONDERFUL ADDITION FROM FORD
A venerable all-rounder, the new-generation Ford Everest that joined us on SUV Shootout came in the shape of the entry-level 4×4 model (a non-4×4 XLT is also available for R75 000 less). The third iteration of the Blue Oval brand’s Ranger-based SUV is a commendable offering in this segment, with its tech-laden interior and all-around (on and off-road) driving manners making it a worthy consideration if you’re in the market for a family SUV.
- Price: R974 800
- Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, twinturbo-diesel
- Transmission: 10-speed AT
- Power: 154 kW @ 3 750 r/min
- Torque: 500 N.m @ 1 750-2 000 r/min
- Fuel consumption: 7.5 L/100 km
- Fuel tank: 76 litres
- Towing capacity: 750 kg (unbraked)/3 500 kg (braked)
- Ground clearance: 220 mm
- Service plan: optional
- Warranty: four years/120 000 km
3. Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD 4×4 Onyx AT
Related: DRIVING IMPRESSION: ISUZU MU-X 3,0 TD ONYX 4×4
Known for its reliability and ruggedness and, of course, that signature (and endearing) 3.0-litre turbodiesel drone, the latest Isuzu mu-X builds on the characteristics of its predecessors. The new mu-X (tested on SUV Shootout in top-spec, Onyx guise) incorporates an array of convenience-focused features to bring it up to date with its rivals. Although the overall package is feeling its age, it remains an admirable offering in the bakkie-based SUV segment.
- Price: R970 300
- Engine: 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 6-speed AT
- Power: 140 kW @ 3 600 r/min
- Torque: 450 N.m @ 1 600-2 600 r/min
- Fuel consumption: 7.6 L/100 km
- Fuel tank: 80 litres
- Towing capacity: 750 kg (unbraked)/3 500 kg (braked)
- Ground clearance: 235 mm
- Service plan: five years/90 000 km
- Warranty: five years/120 000 km
4. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4DI-D 4×4 Exceed AT
Related: MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT EXCEED DRIVEN
The current-generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport’s lifespan spans nearly a decade (a facelift was introduced in 2019). As such, the Triton-based SUV is starting to feel its age. However, the Pajero Sport remains a commendable offering and a worthy competitor. It feels polished on the gravel and solidly constructed. Here’s hoping that, with the new Triton having been revealed, a box-fresh Pajero Sport will soon follow.
- Price: R904 990
- Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 8-speed AT
- Power: 133 kW @ 3 500 r/min
- Torque: 430 N.m @ 2 500 r/min
- Fuel consumption: 8.1 L/100 km
- Fuel tank: 68 litres
- Towing capacity: 750 kg (unbraked)/2 700 kg (braked)
- Ground clearance: 218 mm
- Service plan: five years/90 000 km
- Warranty: three years/100 000 km
5. Mahindra Scorpio-N 2.2D 4XPlor AT
Related: WATCH: 2023 MAHINDRA SCORPIO PUT THROUGH ITS PACES OFF-ROAD
The least-expensive SUV in this line-up comes in the shape of Mahindra’s new Scorpio-N. Tested on SUV Shootout in top-spec, Adventure trim level, this model has much to offer for its asking price.
- Price: R608 199
- Engine: 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 6-speed AT
- Power: 129 kW @ 3 500 r/min
- Torque: 400 N.m @ 1 750-2 750 r/min
- Fuel consumption: n/a
- Fuel tank: 57 litres
- Towing capacity: 750 kg (unbraked)/2 700 kg (braked)
- Ground clearance: 187 mm
- Service plan: five years/90 000 km
- Warranty: three years/100 000 km
6. GWM Tank 300 2.0T HEV 4×4 Super Luxury AT
Related: DRIVING IMPRESSION: GWM TANK 300 HYBRID
The sole petrol-powered SUV in the line-up, the flagship GWM Tank 300 is also the model equipped with a fully hybrid powertrain. In addition, it’s the most powerful ladder-frame SUV in the line-up. But how will this newcomer fare against its established rivals?
- Price: R851 950
- Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric motor
- Transmission: 9-speed AT
- Power: 255 kW @ 5 500 r/min
- Torque: 648 N.m @ 1 700-4 000 r/min
- Fuel consumption: 8.4 L/100 km
- Fuel tank: 80 litres
- Towing capacity: 750 kg (unbraked)/2 500 kg (braked)
- Ground clearance: 224 mm
- Service plan: five years/75 000 km
- Warranty: seven years/200 000 km (eight years/150 000 km battery)