The range of SUVs is replenished with new models every year, but many drivers are in no hurry to change the seven-year-old Grand Cherokee for the newest Land Cruiser. This is because in the SUV segment, the quality and reliability of the car are of top priority.
Probably, you would like to know which SUV to choose if you have to travel off-road and want to rent a car. So, it’s for this purpose that we have compiled this rating. It takes into account several parameters: the reliability of the entire line, the number of breakdowns over a certain period of time, and possible factory defects.
As a result, we have 5 models that have proved to be a suitable car for use in different road conditions…
Suzuki Grand Vitara
This SUV remains the most reliable in the budget segment, and since the launch of the third generation in 2012, it’s considered to be the best for getting around difficult terrain. A distinctive feature of the Vitara is a unibody frame, long-travel suspension and a reduction gear with an optimal gear ratio of 1.8.
The power unit is represented by a 1.4-liter gasoline unit of the Boosterjet A class with the power of 140 hps. The motor is aggregated with an automatic gearbox, while the car is all-wheel drive only. The latest model is equipped with a good safety package: BSM, EBS, HAC, DAC, ABS, TPWS, LDA, and Brake Assist. There is keyless access, heated seats, and a Start-Stop system, which provides an average fuel consumption of 6 liters in the combined travel mode.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is the best answer to anyone looking for a Jeep rental near me, or simply in need of an outstanding off-road vehicle. For 28 years of production, the model has repeatedly received the title of the best, popular, and legendary car. In 2020, the most popular is the upgraded version of the fifth generation.
A feature of the SUV’s profile is the oversized stamped wheel arches. If you look at the rear, the Cherokee’s bodywork began to resemble the famous Jeep Compass.
The strength structure of the body is increased by 65% due to the use of composite materials and high-strength steels. The 2020 model has received a new line of motors. The basic power units are the 2.4-liter 180-horsepower Tigershark of the fifth generation, and the upgraded 3.2-liter V6 with the power of 271 hps. Also, the engine range is supplemented by a 2-liter turbocharged unit producing 270 hps of power and a torque of 400 Nm. Each engine is equipped with a single 9-step automatic transmission. The excellent characteristics of the car are confirmed by thousands of travelers who often pick up a rental car from Jeep for their off-road needs.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Pajero Sport is a rather unpretentious and productive car that easily overcomes off-road conditions. As a result, it’s not the first time that car rental companies include it in the top three in the SUV class.
In the latest update, the all-wheel drive SUV has retained its corporate appearance with two-row head optics, updating the radiator grille and the shape of the front bumper. A diffuser simulator appeared at the rear, while the rear optics received new LED headlights and a raised spoiler.
The third generation received modern security systems: Lane Change Assist complex monitors road markings, and RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) warns of rear side traffic.
The technical stuffing of the SUV repeats the previous generation. This is Super Select II all-wheel drive providing four off-road modes for different track conditions. Under the hood is the productive 181-horsepower 4N15 diesel unit, which delivers 430 Nm of torque.
Nissan Pathfinder
This is a reliable SUV that easily tolerates low-quality fuel and is fully adapted to difficult driving conditions. Pathfinder doesn’t shine with the beauty of the body – it has angular shapes, as well as rough lines of the roof and bumpers. The only graceful element is the curvature of the window line.
The model is based on a MacPherson strut platform for front and rear suspension. Four-wheel drive will be connected with the possibility of forced locking of the center coupling. The ground clearance is standard for the class – 21 cm, while trunk volume is 475 liters.
The SUV is equipped with one of four engines – the line includes both gasoline and diesel units. Gasoline engines include 1.6 and 2-liter motors aggregated with a 6-speed manual transmission or 4-range automatic transmission. Diesel engines are presented with 1.5-liter units. Depending on the boost level, they produce a power of 85-110 hps.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Land Cruiser is a famous and iconic vehicle among those who often rent a car for traveling on bumpy roads. Technically, the SUV has retained all the units and installations of the previous generation, but received significant changes in the interior of the cabin and body design.
The Land Cruiser Prado offers full-time all-wheel drive and downshift, with a ground clearance of 21.5 cm.
The front panel architecture remains the same. However, the design and packaging have been completely revised. The basis has an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia complex, climate and cruise control, and a new steering wheel with switch paddles.
The power unit is represented by basic 2.7- and 4-liter petrol engines. The weakest unit produces 163 hps at a torque of 264 Nm, while the powerful V6 unit produces 249 hps with 381 Nm of torque. The diesel line consists of a single 2.7-liter turbocharged unit with 177 hps under the hood.
Ritesh P
Suzy V
Abigail K
Lily B
Author
