Should I buy a dual-cab ute or wagon for first-time off-roading?

QUESTION

Hi John,

I want to get into 4WD-ing, and I'm looking at getting a vehicle. Not sure if I want/need a ute with a tray/canopy, or a closed vehicle like a LandCruiser. Since I have no 4WD experience, I don't know what I don't know, so am a little unsure of what's really important. And yes, I've watched a ton of 4WD-porn, and it is super-addictive. Anyway, that's the background.

At this stage I'm leaning towards a dual-cab ute, mainly because I've never owned one and at my stage of life (separated, just turned 50) it's a nice departure from an 18-year-old Corolla. Doing some research I've learned that the D-Max, Hilux & Triton all share the exact same transmission, however only the Triton has the Super-Select II option that is effectively AWD on high-traction surfaces. Any idea why this is the case, and why the other manufactures do not enable/engineer this?

I'm not in love with the Triton tray being almost entirely behind the rear axle, whereas all the other dual cab utes at least have some of their tray in front of the rear axle. I know that you own a Triton - how do you reconcile this? This (and the smaller engine) are pulling me away from Mitsubishi. With not knowing what I don't know, I don't know how important AWD in a ute is compared to not having it.

Anyhow, thanks for the great channel. As a podcast listener, thank you greatly for investing in good microphones - it makes a difference, believe me.

Cheers,

Jason

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ANSWER

Hey Jason,

13 points out of a possible 10 for how you’re approaching this mate. Well done.

Utes Vs wagons: Utes are more blokey and generally less practical unless you need the load capacity (which you do not for basic 4WD recreational adventuring. Your gear is more secure in a wagon, and it’s harder to overload one. They’re also more refined to own (for example the Pajero Sport has a coil-sprung rear and an 8sp auto plus adaptive cruise in the high spec.)

You’re looking at the engines the wrong way. The key question is not about displacement; it’s about performance. For me the Triton delivers more than adequate performance and any deficit (behind something like a Ranger) is offset by the high-traction/AWD setup. (I have a steep, slippery driveway - this is a distinct benefit to me in the wet.

The reason the other manufacturers don’t do this is cost. Super Select II is a Mitsubishi-designed transfer case - it’s not part of the transmission itself (like, not part of the auto transmission). It costs more to engineer this feature into the car.

On the load position - the other two (D-Max and Hilux) also have almost all of their load space behind the axles. So there’s actually very little difference between the Triton and the others on this. I resolve this by telling myself not to be a dickhead (like most 4WD ute owners). It’s not a ‘truck’; it’s a light-duty vehicle for carrying 500 or 600 kg of crap in the tray (at most).

I generally use my ute for things like carrying 20 bags of concrete mix home from the hardware store. (400kg.) I would NEVER add 600-700kg of shit in the tray and drive on some of the roughest tracks, because that is insane. It’s a case of choosing the wrong vehicle for the job.

I’d strongly advise you to drive a Pajero Sport and then come up with some 100 per cent defensible, compelling reasons why you really should have a ute instead.

Then, once you’ve crossed this bridge of decision-making, get back to me. We can help you with a discount on the ute or the wagon. (You probably don’t need a LandCruiser. It’s twice the price. And not twice as good.)

Get some 4WD (off-road) driver training, too. See, the secret to driving off road is not all the ARB shit you’ve bolted on. It’s knowing how to do it. Most standard 4WDs are generally more capable off-road than most of the people driving and modifying them…

Good luck with this decision. Take your time.

Sincerely,

JC

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