The best frame SUVs of 2013 have been revealed

Probably, in no other civilized country in the world except Russia is a vehicle’s cross-country ability valued so much. Our road surface, alas, is clearly not created for racing sports cars, and it is not available everywhere. Today, the heroes of our rating will be the best SUVs in terms of cross-country ability and reliability; we will try to find out which of the offers on the market now look the most relevant and which cars are ideal for conquering the harsh and vast spaces of our country.

Review of leading manufacturers

Many manufacturers of off-road vehicles have frame SUVs in their product range. Among the best representatives, the following companies and brands can be noted, the ratings of which will be considered below:

"Jeep"
Land Rover.
"Toyota"
"Mercedes" (Mercedes).
UAZ (UAZ).
"Kia" (KIA).
"Mitsubishi"
"Nissan" (Nissan).
"Chevrolet"
"Hummer" (Hummer).

Among the popular four-wheel drive rigid vehicles there are representatives of various countries, including the domestic model. Let's review these modifications, according to the ratings based on surveys of users and specialists.

GX Lexus

Even exclusive brands are included in the list of body-on-frame SUVs with the best performance. The modification in question is distinguished by high quality and performance characteristics, has existed for quite a long time, and was developed in joint collaboration between American and Japanese designers.

During test drives, this car showed very decent results, despite the skepticism of some experts. The car perfectly combines the parameters of classic SUVs and the advantages of frame variations. The vehicle is equipped with a modern global design, significant ground clearance, all-wheel drive and a powerful power plant.

The car is powered by a 4.6-liter gasoline engine with a power of about 300 horsepower. The package includes a modern multimedia system, a stabilization unit, electronic assistants, a leather interior and other pleasant additions. The cost is at least three million rubles.

Frame SUVs "Nissan Patrol"

This progressive modification with all-wheel drive has been produced for quite a long time and receives regular updates. The new line features a modern design along with the characteristic qualities of a frame structure.

“Patrol” is in high demand among fishing and hunting enthusiasts who prefer to visit remote places on their own. In a new body with an original finish, it is sometimes a pity to drive such a car through mud and swamps. However, the vehicle is adapted to difficult conditions and is not afraid of them at all.

These frame SUVs are equipped with a reduction gear, locking, and a 5.6-liter power unit with a power of 405 horsepower. As the manufacturer notes, the car consumes about 11-12 liters per hundred kilometers (in economy mode). The seven-range automatic transmission is combined with a stabilization unit, which allows you to easily overcome the most difficult road situations. It also provides the ability to select several modes focused on moving through mud, sand or hard surfaces.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

For an amount of more than 5 million rubles. the car enthusiast gets a 3-liter diesel or 5.5-liter gasoline engine, acceleration to hundreds in just 6.1 seconds and all-wheel drive (permanent!). The car can easily conquer a ford more than half a meter deep and climb a steep mountain (up to 80 percent). Differential lock, low-range gearing, excellent interior and the feeling of owning a premium class legend - what could be better?

"Pajero"

This frame SUV with all-wheel drive from the Japanese corporation Mitsubishi is in demand in different countries of the world. It is considered one of the best representatives among its analogues. The manufacturer regularly offers customers updated versions of the vehicle, improves the body and main components of the car.

Among the frame variations of the Pajero, the fourth generation has been put into serial production, which confirms the demand for the car. The package comes with one of three types of engines: two gasoline engines of 3.0 and 3.8 liters (178/250 hp) and a diesel version of 3 liters with a capacity of 200 horsepower. The vehicle is distinguished by a high cross-country ability, which is due to the well-coordinated aggregation of the gearbox in all-wheel drive, as well as high ground clearance (23.5 cm). Additionally, buyers are attracted by the affordable price of about 1.6 million rubles, which is less than its closest competitors of the same class.

Nissan Patrol

Appearing in 1958 as a continuation of a licensed copy of the American Willys Jeep, Patrol 4W65 and subsequent versions were offered exclusively for the needs of the army. But since the end of 1960, these frame SUVs entered the civilian market, where they were appreciated by residents of rural areas - the powerful frame made it possible to transport up to a ton of cargo in the back, and the reliable and unpretentious suspension made the car almost indestructible on any terrain.

The Patrol 160 model, produced since 1960, was seriously modernized, and the designers managed to combine reliability, cross-country ability, comfort and a relatively low price in the car.

The SUV has become so successful that in Middle Eastern countries, for example, in Iran, it is still considered one of the most popular.

A reinforced frame with spring suspension and solid axles, simple and unpretentious diesel engines and a two-stage transfer case allowed the car to overcome any obstacles. We should not forget about the frankly simple and reliable design of the chassis, which rarely failed.

Until 2010, two more versions of inexpensive frame SUVs appeared in the Nissan Patrol family: Y60 and Y61.

They were modernized in terms of improved comfort - the suspension became softer, because springs and levers began to be installed instead of springs, a spacious interior of better quality, etc. More powerful power units also appeared: diesel engines from 2.8 to 4.2 liters (112-200 hp) and petrol V-shaped 4.5 and 4.8 l. Particularly popular were the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated diesel engines TD42, most of which were equipped with a simple in-line injection pump - the engines easily “maintained” 200-400 thousand km without major repairs in very harsh conditions.

But the flagship version of the Patrol Y62 is a rather controversial model. Immediately after its appearance, it became clear that it enjoys commercial success exclusively in the oil monarchies of the Persian Gulf (like Gelik Brabus), where they prefer only two types of cars - elite sports cars or huge premium-segment SUVs.

While maintaining its cross-country ability (frame, ground clearance, transfer case and a powerful 5.6-liter engine with a torque of 560 Nm and 400 hp), the SUV acquired too many options aimed at comfort. As a result, the price is about 4 million rubles not in the top configuration - naturally, buying such a car for off-road driving is at least stupid.

"Prado"

Frame SUVs "Toyota Prado" are constant participants in all sorts of ratings and reviews among all-wheel drive cars. This jeep clearly demonstrates the combination of original style, practicality, excellent cross-country ability and unquestioned status. The Prado is rightfully one of the best cars of its class in the world; it is extremely popular, reliable, durable and has a unique design.

Even modifications from the early 2000s are relevant and have not lost the attention of users. Increased cross-country ability is ensured by the frame design of the supporting structure, while allowing you to feel quite comfortable when driving within the city. The latest generation was equipped with several engine versions. To the attention of consumers are compact 3-liter diesel engines, as well as a popular 4-liter gasoline power unit (power - 282 horsepower). Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, one copy will cost 1.8-3 million rubles.

Honda Pilot

Initially, the car was designed with the US car market in mind, but after restyling, this car came to us. Many people fell in love with this SUV because the Honda Pilot is comfortable with low-quality gasoline. In addition, the huge interior and luggage compartment are highly appreciated.

The car is available in three trim levels, one of which includes a leather interior. Under the hood of the Honda Pilot is a 3.5-liter engine that produces 245 horsepower.

"Mohave"

Domestic car enthusiasts are not very familiar with this Korean-made frame SUV. It produces a car that is designed for use in extreme conditions while maintaining maximum comfort for both the driver and passengers. In some countries the car is supplied under the Borrego brand.

The vehicle can be equipped with a 3-liter diesel power unit (250 horsepower) or a gasoline equivalent (3.8 l/275 hp). Depending on the type of engine, an automatic transmission with six modes or an automatic transmission with five ranges is used. The advantages of the car include the presence of high ground clearance, impressive wheel dimensions, huge arches, a stabilization system, locking, as well as all kinds of electronic gadgets. Consumption per 100 kilometers ranges from 9.6 to 10.3 liters, the price starts from 1.8 million rubles.

SUV reliability rating

Today, the automobile market is full of various SUVs, and they are all different, there are crossovers, there are SUVs, and there are real SUVs, so we will divide SUVs into 3 categories:

lightweight SUVs with an engine capacity of less than 2.5 liters; these cars are characterized by weak engines and compact body sizes;
medium-sized crossover SUVs, engine capacity exceeds 2.5 liters, it is possible to place 7 passengers in such a car;
flagship SUVs with engines exceeding 3.5 liters have large body sizes.

"Gelendwagen"

Among the best models of frame SUVs, one cannot fail to mention the famous G class car. One of the most recognizable cars in the world was created by the Mercedes concern. This modification continues to live and develop. Maybe not all the mechanisms on this modification are of the most modern type, nevertheless the car is a real legend among jeeps.

This vehicle is used not only to overcome deserts and other off-road conditions, but is also in service with governments and intelligence agencies. In city conditions, the car also shows excellent driving and speed characteristics. There is no longer any need for Gelendvagen to prove its cross-country ability. Manufacturers skillfully manipulate the popularity of the brand, making only minimal changes to new modifications. Based on the vehicle, various all-terrain vehicles are created, as well as purely urban versions.

"Hammer"

The list of frame SUVs would not be complete without the Hummer model. The history of these legendary all-terrain vehicles has military roots. The initial purpose of the equipment is to operate exclusively in military units of the US Army.

Over time, civilian prototypes of the Hummers appeared, which were produced in several versions. Some of them were designed only for off-road use, while other options felt great on city streets. For example, the H3 modification is a compact jeep that incorporates the best parameters of a frame SUV, modern equipment, increased cross-country ability and an exterior that is unconventional for its class.

UAZ "Patriot"

Among the domestic best frame SUVs, this particular model should be highlighted. The history of the creation of the car began back in 1956, however, a modern off-road version, capable of competing with other analogues, appeared in 2006. The vehicle has quite good characteristics along with an affordable price. The equipment and interior cannot directly compete with the Prado or Pajero, however, the cost of the unit is an order of magnitude lower. The jeep is perfect for fishing, hunting or off-road travel and does not require significant expenses.

UAZ Hunter

A domestic SUV that pleases with its reliability and maintainability. UAZ Hunter is an ideal option for Russian fishermen and hunters, and for all those who regularly encounter our harsh off-road conditions. The “hunter” also has its own charms: a working engine, inexpensive and accessible repairs.

If you need to replace any failed unit, this can be easily done in the field. UAZ Hunter is a highly capable SUV, but it will be an ideal option only for those who are not looking for comfort and advanced technologies.

"Trailblazer"

Among the characteristics of frame SUVs, this modification has some of the best parameters in terms of the combination of price and quality. The car has good cross-country ability, an impressive body, a powerful frame, and is produced.

The vehicle is equipped with a durable, productive power unit, a spacious, comfortable interior, a solid appearance and rich technical equipment. On the domestic market, this jeep is not represented as widely as many analogues, but it is superior to most competitors in various parameters. Fans of high-quality assembly and power will not regret this purchase.

"Wrangler"

Jeep Wrangler has long been a household name. The car is a classic version of SUVs, and the model in question is one of the best-selling cars in the world. In its modern design, the vehicle combines high cross-country ability with an excellent level of comfort.

This body-on-frame SUV with all-wheel drive is not designed for urban driving. Experts do not recommend wasting its potential on highways in populated areas. The car is a frequent participant in various competitions, where cross-country ability, reliability and endurance play a decisive role. It is not surprising that quite often the Wrangler becomes the winner in such races.

Compact SUVs

Among light SUVs, the leaders in the rating are Japanese SUVs: Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which are equipped with all-wheel drive, they behave well on country roads, on light, dry off-road conditions, and most importantly, they are very comfortable to drive around the city.

Compactness is their main advantage, and in general the characteristics of these crossovers correspond to a passenger car.

"Defender"

The ranking of the most reliable frame SUVs includes another representative from Land Rover. Throughout serial production, this modification has undergone a minimum of changes, without introducing any special design innovations. A modern car looks almost the same as it did in 1983 (beginning of production). This has its own “zest”, especially since the jeep does not require any special modifications. "Defender" is a real conqueror of off-road conditions, including swamps and difficult ground terrain. This car is one of the first to reach the top of Elbrus, and this says a lot. The vehicle is not suitable for the city, but off-road it has no equal competitors in terms of reliability.

TOP 12 most passable SUVs

The 12 most off-road SUVs have been named.
Photo: suvdrive.ru Looking around at the variety of SUVs currently on sale, it becomes a little sad that many automakers have decided to sacrifice cross-country ability for the sake of comfort and a glossy appearance. Some SUVs look so aesthetically pleasing that the very possibility of their existence outside the asphalt raises serious doubts, SuvDrive reports.

And yet, new cars remain and appear regularly, feeling much better where there are only directions instead of roads. Without claiming the right to give out awards and determine the very best, we simply invite you to get acquainted with those who are not afraid of dirt and desert, mountains and forests, wild nature and urban jungle - in a word, real off-road vehicles.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a good SUV in its own right, but with the Off Road Adventure II package from the Limited series, it turns into a professional off-road conqueror. The above package adds a high Quadra Lift air suspension, a set of skid plates, tow hooks and other things that will come in handy for tackling rough terrain. The car received a new platform, developed jointly with Mercedes-Benz, a rather attractive appearance and an adequate price, which allows us to call it the best option for those who are looking for a nice SUV with good cross-country ability.

Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is a mid-size pickup truck with good off-road potential, a rear differential locking system and HDC (however, this is only relevant for models with automatic transmission). The advantage of the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X is that it will deliver not only passengers, but also cargo to their destination, and this can be very useful in some situations. In addition, this SUV constantly participates in Ultimate Factory competitions and shows good results.

Land Rover LR4 (Discovery) – recently, the British brand has shown a strong “tilt” towards crossovers, and even the lacquered Land Rover Freelander 2 is not entirely off-road. Cars are designed only for asphalt surfaces, or, in extreme cases, for even “primer” surfaces. For this reason, new models are designed with fully independent suspension, which is good on the road and bad off it. And yet, in the Land Rover arsenal you can find equipment with which the off-road Discovery will not be afraid of obstacles. In particular, we are talking about the TCS traction control system and the Heavy Duty option package, which includes a rear locking differential, as well as a full-size spare tire.

Toyota FJ Cruiser is the successor to the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. Characteristic features of the Toyota FJ Cruiser are a short wheelbase, high ground clearance, excellent ascent/descent angles and, unfortunately, poor visibility. On top of that, you can install the Off-Road package of off-road options, which includes a rear differential lock, reliable Bilstein shock absorbers and an additional instrument panel for the panel (this includes a compass, inclinometer and thermometer that reports the temperature outside).

Mercedes G-class - these SUVs have been produced since 1964 for the needs of the German army. Having migrated to mass production, they retained the traditionally German strength, reliability and quality, and also acquired the traditionally Mercedes price. Representatives of the G-class are the only SUVs with rigid locking of the front and rear axles. But, due to their high cost, these cars, popularly nicknamed “Gelendvagens,” can rarely be found off-road. It’s a pity to stain them in the mud, it’s a real pity...

Nissan Xterra is perhaps the last representative of the legendary generation of SUVs of the 90s. It kept a bit of a low profile back then, but today the Nissan Xterra is boldly coming to the fore when it comes to off-road capability. This model is initially designed for active travelers, and those options that are not included in the basic configuration can be found in the PRO-4X package, with which the Xterra will finally turn into a proud conqueror of off-road.

The Ram Power Wagon is the SUV for big car lovers. By inheritance, he inherited some parts of the famous Wrangler Unlimited, for example, an automatic anti-roll bar disconnect system and a differential lock. The purpose of the Ram Power Wagon is indicated by a winch and running lights on the roof, the picture is complemented by a shortwave CB radio and brutality, which has no limits.

The Toyota Tacoma is a simple and rugged pickup truck for hunters and that says it all. Well, almost everything. The TRD Off-Road version does the rest, adding Bilstein shocks, a set of additional skid plates, a rear locking differential and a high seating position. True, this set of options costs a lot of money, but is it possible to stop a real adventurer with such a trifle?

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a pickup truck nicknamed the conqueror of sand dunes. The new reincarnation of the Raptor was born in 2012, it received an off-road camera with a washer that helps out on difficult roads, a front differential and an ultra-reliable suspension that is almost impossible to kill. And, of course, purely American brutality, which is also loved in Asia, which distinguishes almost all SUVs originally from the USA.

Hummer H1 – it has not been produced since 2006, but it is impossible to ignore the legendary Hummer. Like the Mercedes G-class, the Hummer comes from the military, only this time from the US Army. The military needed a universal vehicle with excellent cross-country ability, and it soon turned out that civilians would not refuse such an SUV. The Hummer H1 received additional options that increase the level of comfort, but remained the same powerful and reliable warrior, boldly storming any obstacles.

Toyota 4Runner - the fifth generation of this car was released in 2009. What more do you need as proof of an SUV's capabilities? Unless you get behind the wheel of a Toyota 4Runner and cover several thousand kilometers over rough terrain without getting caught in a hurricane. It is recommended to test the Trail package, which has increased ground clearance, a rear locking differential and the Multi-Terrain Select system, which helps when driving on various types of road surfaces and off-roads. Another plus of the Toyota 4Runner Trail is the innovative Crawl Control system. With it, the SUV will slowly but surely move over almost any terrain. Complete the picture with the proprietary KDSS dynamic suspension system, which has automatic adjustment of the anti-roll bars in accordance with current conditions.

The Jeep Wrangler is a legend among SUVs, strengthening its already strong position with the release of the Rubicon version. The most powerful 260-horsepower V6, Dana 44 engines, high ground clearance, high-quality off-road tires, two locking differentials, anti-roll bars with an automatic shutdown system - these are the components of the success of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, allowing it to take first place in the TOP of the most off-road vehicles year after year. SUVs.

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Hover H5

The review of the rating of frame SUVs is completed by the Chinese model “Hover 5”. Thanks to collaboration with Japanese engineers, the developers managed to create a pleasant interior and original appearance. The car is equipped with climate control, a multimedia system, a rear view camera, and heated front glass. The driver's seat is adjustable; noise insulation leaves much to be desired, since the sound of the operating power unit is clearly audible in the cabin. Reduced speed can only be activated on versions with manual transmission.

The vehicle's cross-country ability is higher than that of SUVs, but it is not advisable to do any special experiments with it. Acceptable parameters and a price of about one million rubles make this car a direct competitor to the Patriot. Among the supplied engines is a gasoline engine with a capacity of 136 horses, a volume of 2.4 liters, as well as a diesel unit (150 hp / 2.0 l).

Jeep Wrangler

Created in order to conquer obstacles, since it has spring springs, solid axles, transverse stabilizer bars, a low gear with a ratio of 4 to 1. It is available with automatic transmission, diesel and gasoline engines, supplemented with ABS and ESP systems, fog lights, and cruise control. Number of airbags – from 4. Price – 2 million rubles.