Best used off-road 4x4 for 2020

The macho machines of the automotive industry are off-road 4x4s – vehicles with a lot of extra drivetrain components and a high-riding stance to clamber over rocks and cross fast-flowing streams.

Until the advent of SUVs, true off-road wagons and utes were either too rugged for most families, or just too expensive.

But as much as SUVs should have spelled an end to rough-as-guts four-wheel-drive wagons, many recreational buyers have been driven straight into the arms of vehicle manufacturers offering the sort of specialist products that will reliably cope with the Canning Stock Route.

These are buyers who are willing to spend plenty for the right sort of vehicle – one that is large, capable and well-equipped.

For the 2020 carsales Best Used Car Awards, proudly presented by Bingle, the year in review is 2014.

That year was a promising one for companies selling off-road 4x4 wagons, as sales picked up from the previous year for the big bush-bashers.

Even though the 200 Series Toyota LandCruiser had already been on sale in Australia for seven years, and the Land Rover Discovery was also beginning to look outdated, both remained capable vehicles for buyers who had a tonne of towing to do, or a fortnight of forest frolicking mapped out for their holidays.

As with other market segments in the spotlight for carsales Best Used Cars, the off-road 4x4 winner and two honourable mentions were decided by a score out of 50 from RedBook and individual scores out of 10 from each of the five judges.

And in 2020, the carsales best used off-road 4x4 is the 2014...

Improving on its winning score from last year, the Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX made it another 1-2 result for Toyota, with the larger 200 Series LandCruiser taking out an honourable mention.

For many buyers, the Prado was that ideal compromise of off-road ability, towing capacity, spaciousness, comfort and reasonably compact dimensions for the shopping centre car park.

Throw in ease of use, respectably low running costs from the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and Toyota’s renowned reliability as well, and it’s little surprise the Prado tops the list.

The Prado, in VX trim level this year, posted a combined score of 88.5 points – 44.5 from RedBook, 44 from the judges.

When new, this variant of Prado was priced at $78,520 plus on-road costs, but in the used-car market the Prado VX turbo-diesel with automatic transmission is valued at $43,800, based on average condition, according to RedBook.

“Toyota reliability and functionality, with a high-quality interior and great cost to own,” says Ross Booth, RedBook data services director.

“Comfy Cruiser for those who spend their lives in the urban crawl,” says Cliff Chambers, carsales used-car buying expert.

“Great car for off-roading without the sheer size of the LandCruiser,” says Bruce Newton, carsales senior journalist.

You can read more about the Toyota LandCruiser Prado in our launch review.

After driving the Prado for the local launch, carsales managing editor Marton Pettendy offered these thoughts: “If the Prado didn’t already offer the most accomplished ride/handling package of any body-on-frame SUV, it does now. The 2014 Prado is indeed the most car-like ever on the road, without any effect on its legendary off-road capability.”

Find a used Toyota LandCruiser Prado on carsales

Scored 36.5 from RedBook this year and 42 points from the judges for a total of 78.5 points
RedBook value: $58,150

“Not the cheapest, just the best. The one to have if you’re serious about off-roading” – Cliff Chambers, carsales used-car buying expert

“While the 200 Series LandCruiser has been around since 2007, it remains the favourite choice of buyers in this market sector” – Ken Gratton, carsales technical editor

Scored 38.4 points from RedBook and 32 points from the judges for a total of 70.4 points
RedBook value: $49,800

“The Discovery’s on-road manners complemented its off-road ability well beyond the best its rivals could manage” – Ken Gratton, carsales technical editor

“Great-looking, spacious, go-anywhere explorer which looks just as at home in the city” – Ross Booth, RedBook data services director

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Car Awards?
• Less than six years old
• Standard side-curtain airbags
• Standard Bluetooth
• Standard electronic stability control (mandated for 2014)
• Standard reversing camera for SUVs

How did RedBook weight the categories for scoring?
• 10 per cent for resale
• 10 per cent for ANCAP rating
• 20 per cent for cost of ownership
• Five per cent for service intervals
• Five per cent for number of days for vehicle to sell

Read all about carsales Best Used Cars for 2020 here