With an ever-expanding off-road vehicle market, determining which 4×4 is best for you and your driving needs can be difficult.
While the number of off-road vehicle manufacturers has grown significantly in recent years, Suzuki still remains one of the most popular brands, especially in emerging markets.
Keep reading to find out more about the best Suzuki off-road vehicles and what features to consider when buying an off-roader.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Suzuki Off-Road Vehicles
Some of the advantages of Suzuki off-roaders include:
- Affordability
Suzuki 4×4 vehicles are made from lighter albeit quality metals compared to other brands. This makes them relatively inexpensive.
- Easy to maintain
The repair and maintenance cost of Suzuki off-roaders tends to be low since spare parts are cheap and readily available from auto shops all over the world.
- Easy to maneuver
Most Suzuki models are assembled from lightweight metals, which gives them an overall light build. As such, they are relatively easier to drive in difficult terrains.
Downsides of Suzuki off-road models include:
1. Limited Space
A majority of Suzuki off-roaders have a small build, which translates to less luggage space.
2. Engine power
Most Suzuki 4WDs are generally less powerful compared to popular brands such as Jeep.
Also read: 4 Best Suzuki Motorcycles For Beginners
What To Look For When Buying an Off-Road Vehicle
Off-road vehicles are not created equal and different 4X4s have unique features that enable easier driving in rough terrain.
As such, when shopping for an off-road vehicle, it is important to know the different features that these vehicles have and how they can aid your driving. These include:
- High Ground Clearance
Ground clearance refers to the least distance between the underside or chassis of a vehicle and the road.
High ground clearance is advantageous when driving off-road and over rocky terrains, because it reduces the risk of the underbelly scraping against road bumps and damaging the vehicle’s chassis.
Vehicles with high ground clearance also have higher seat positioning, which offers drivers and passengers a better view of the road.
However, the downside of this is elevated gravity, which means the vehicle is more likely to roll over in case of collisions or other unexpected circumstances.
- Excellent Torque Output
Torque output in vehicles describes an engine’s rotational ability. High torque is important when attempting to get out of a mud hole or driving up a mountain.
The best 4×4 vehicles are designed with a high torque output, which makes them better at navigating difficult terrains.
Even so, torque output can be influenced by various factors, including the grip quality of a car’s tires and the conditions of the ground.
- Locking Differential
When driving on uneven terrain, the wheels of a vehicle will occasionally rotate at different speeds.
A case in point is when the off-roader is stuck with one wheel off the ground on a very low traction surface, making it difficult to get the vehicle back on the road.
Fortunately, a locking differential can solve this problem by mechanically locking the axles such that the wheels rotate at the same speed.
Since there is no traction when the wheels are locked, the wheel off the ground will not receive any torque while the wheel on the ground will receive all the torque, thus allowing the vehicle to move.
Locking differentials come in various types including automatic, which don’t require any intervention from the driver, and manually-selectable differentials, which are engaged using a switch.
- Special Equipment
Driving off-road requires special car safety equipment as well as extra caution.
You need to make sure your tires are up to the task of navigating uneven terrains and rocky surfaces so that your driving is as smooth and trouble-free as possible.
While a dependable body lift kit might be costly, it will help tremendously when you need to lift the body of your vehicle for extra height.
You’ll also want to ensure your bumpers are good quality since they will keep you and your car safe from rocks, trees, and wandering animals during your drives.
Also read: Why Are Suzuki Cars Cheap?
4 Best Suzuki Off-Road Vehicles
1. Suzuki Vitara
Although the Suzuki Vitara has been around for a long time, it has evolved from a rough-and-ready mini off-roader to a visually gripping and powerful machine.
Its sleek design and stylishly modern finishes give the impression of a refined SUV that has truly come of age.
The Vitara comes ready with an intuitive instrument panel, and multi-information LCD display, and a touchscreen display to ensure seamless driving.
Other Features
- 1.4 Boosterjet Engine
- Panoramic sunroof
- 48V SHVS mild hybrid system
- Dual Sensor Brake Support
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive Cruise Control
2. Suzuki Jimny
In a market dominated by refined and capable crossovers, the Suzuki Jimny remains a dominant albeit niche player.
This trailblazing off-roader exudes vintage-inspired charm both inside and out, with angular and rugged design and durable interior.
One of the best design features of the Jimny is the angled bumper edges at the wheels, which provide more clearance for driving over rocky terrain.
The rigid ladder frame that defines the chassis of this SUV provides a solid foundation for off-road driving.
It also packs a spacious luggage compartment to accommodate everything you need to carry with you during your adventures
Other Features
- 1.5-liter engine
- Dual Sensor Brake Support
- Adaptive cruise control
- 3-link rigid axle suspensions
- Low-range transfer gear
3. Suzuki S-Cross
The Suzuki S-Cross is a sleek and modern SUV with all the qualities you’d expect in a full-grown crossover.
Its 1.4 Boosterjet engine supplies enough power and performance to challenge any kind of terrain in any weather.
AllGrip select, in conjunction with other chassis technology, keeps you in control at all times while still providing tremendous driving pleasure in any road condition.
This off-roader also measures up pretty well as a utility vehicle with a generous luggage room providing all the space you need for your excursions.
Other Features
- Radar brake support
- Adaptive cruise control
- Smartphone connectivity
- 7-inch touchscreen display
4. Suzuki Ignis
The Ignis is a reasonably priced, ultra-compact, head-turning SUV that delivers impressive off-roading capabilities.
Despite its compacted build, this off-roader provides plenty of room thanks to its adjustable luggage space.
The Ignis guarantees driving pleasure with its dynamic DUALJET engine and fuel-efficient SHVS mild-hybrid technology.
Other Features
- 1.2 DUALJET engine
- Lane departure and Weaving alert systems
- Smartphone connectivity
- Meter cluster
What Is The Best Suzuki OffRoad Vehicle?
Our pick for the best Suzuki off-roader is the Suzuki Jimny.
With its squared-off design, charming character, and top-tier off-road capabilities, this 4×4 is guaranteed to captivate adventurous drivers who are seeking a practical off-road vehicle at a decent price range.
While its tiny dimensions make it less versatile compared to other SUVs in the market, this shouldn’t pose much of a problem for individuals who are simply looking for a dedicated vehicle for fun off-road driving.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to picking the right SUV, you can’t go wrong with Suzuki 4WD. Not only are these vehicles light, comfortable and affordable, but they also offer excellent traction and ground clearance for off-road driving.
