Jeep

Double cab version of the extremely off-road capable Wrangler.

The massive wheelbase and length might make it a nightmare to drive in town and terrible to park. But has real appeal for anyone seeking a dedicated, extreme off-roading double cab bakkie with a huge loadbed.

Unrefined highway driving experience, and despite the long wheelbase, it likes to wander between lanes if you aren’t consistently trimming the steering.

No diesel engine option, and the 3.6 V6 petrol is wildly heavy on fuel. But with Dana 44 axles, 280mm of ground clearance, and three axle lockers, this bakkie is a lot more capable off-road than even Toyota’s legendary Land Cruiser 70 Series and seriously rivals the Ranger Raptor.

Ensure you measure your garage before buying, though, because the Gladiator is about 200mm longer than most other double cabs.

All-terrain-capable luxury SUV with a classic two-box American design that looks good. Rare, too. If you want a luxury SUV with posing value.

Available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the latter offering plenty of road-tripping space for luggage. Fold the long-wheelbase’s 3-row seating away and you create 1328-litres of packaging space…

Jeep’s all-wheel-drive systems are excellent for everything from flooding Gauteng thunderstorm highways. To Karoo gravel travel at speed. And actual severe duty off-road trails.

Interior materials, build quality and infotainment are not the best. For the price GWM’s Tank 500 shames Grand Cherokee for quality.

The naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 is heavy on fuel and not particularly powerful compared to turbodiesel and PHEV rivals.

One of the world’s most iconic models. Ironically, bought almost exclusively in South Africa by urban owners with little interest in off-roading.

Very aged design with some modern cabin features added, like the large touchscreen infotainment system. But it’s not a comfortable cabin, especially for rear seat passengers.

Wind, tyre and mechanical noise make long-distance road trips very fatiguing. Steering is laughably vague at high speeds, and you need to constantly trim the wheel to keep it from wandering out of the lane.

One engine and it’s not a great one. The 3.6 V6 is heavy on fuel. Land Cruiser and Defender diesels are much better powertrain options for local conditions and needs.

Monumentally capable off-road, but you really don’t need the Rubicon trim version. Unless you do a lot of advanced grade 5 rock crawling in the Drakensberg or Malutis.