Best Off-Road Cars

Did you know that almost 80 per cent of Australia's road network is unpaved? To this end, many Australians need a car that can manage mud, gravel, snow and sand just as well as it can on tarmac.

Sales of off-road capable utes and SUVs are growing, with many buyers looking to these vehicles as a family solution for any environment. For Drive Car of the Year 2024, there are four categories that feature off-roaders, two-each for utes and SUVs.

If you are looking for some adventure capability in your next car, these are the best you can get!

In this category, judges prioritised adventurous Australian families looking for no-nonsense capability in their vehicles. Value was a key consideration, as was off-road hardware, engineering and practical packaging.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

In this category, judges again prioritised adventurous Australian families looking for no-nonsense capability in their vehicles, but here, buyers are also looking for that little bit 'more'. More equipment, more refinement, more technology, and ultimately, more luxury.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

In this category, judges looked at vehicles that balanced the dual work-and-play roles needed from a double-cab ute, with a focus on value both at purchase and through ownership.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

As a dual-role vehicle, that can support a balance of family and adventure, judges were looking for a ute that offered a blend of status and capability at both ends of the lifestyle spectrum.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.