A month or so ago I did a Gambler 500 with another forum member in his Subaru. During that event I figured out that the type of "offroading" that I like to do can be done easily in an AWD CUV instead of something full sized and gnarly. I like exploring things that are actual roads, not making new ones just for the challenge of going over obstacles. I just picked up a $500 Forester which will fill this role, but that got me to wondering, what else is out there?
I've been searching for an AWD two door RAV4 off and on for a while, but haven't found one that I like. The Samurai would be on the list but they're barely highway capable at best and are all expensive/chopped up at this point. What else is out there?
Suzuki X90 and Geo Tracker immediately come to mind. Isuzu Vehicross if you want to get really berkeleying funky.
In reply to ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ :
Add the Vitara to that list too, especially 4-door & newer for increased creature comforts and highway manners.
What is parts availibility like for Suzukis?
Small and Wierd....Daihatsu Rocky
RossD
MegaDork
4/4/18 7:26 a.m.
Kia Sportage 1993-2002 had a Mazda F series 2.0 4 banger, could be had in rear or 4 wheel drive and has a typical truck like drivetrain (longitudinal). I have no idea about parts however or even aftermarket support.
Sonic
UltraDork
4/4/18 7:36 a.m.
Is there any chance you can just use the FJ for this sort of adventure? You already have it and it would be quite good at it.
In reply to Sonic :
Of course, but using an existing vehicle to accomplish a task is much less GRM than combing the internet for a bizarre Korean offtoader with no parts availability to accomplish that same task.
In reply to RossD :
What else was the F in, the MPV? Wasn't there a 4wd longitudinal MPV too?
I would say Lada Niva but I'm not sure that you can get those Russian tuff guys in the US... It's not much of a highway cruiser but more capable than a Samurai at least.
Myself, I run a Ford Kuga (your Escape) as a daily, I saw someone offroading one in a video with surprisingly good results. While not really compact...well... EDIT: It's not weird at all, forget it :-)
Gustaf
Isuzu Amigo. At least in the rust belt, they seem harder to find than a Vehicross.
In reply to therealpinto :
We also get the first gen rebadged as a Mazda Tribute which makes them juuuuuust werid enough to be on my search. Was it ever available in the US with AWD and a manual in the first gen?
Paco Motorsport equipped Miata.
Hyundai Santa Fe and Tuscan?
Sonic
UltraDork
4/4/18 8:41 a.m.
There was a longitudinal 4wd MPV, from 89-98 or so. 3.0 V6, solid rear axle. Most even had a selectable center diff lock. My dad bought a new one in 1990 and it was a great car, he stopped driving his 5 year old S class as he liked the Mazda so much.
As as a teenager several years later, I can confirm that it would get air. They are quite rare but some of the early models even had a manual with the 4wd.
In reply to NickD :
You know, I really used to HATE the Juke... but it has really grown on me recently. It would be a great car for my needs.
NOHOME
UltimaDork
4/4/18 9:01 a.m.
I assume you have seen the P71 crawling all over Moab:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KFwPXEeJ3aI" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
edit: based on the results, I am assuming that after the last make-over Videos can no longer be embedded in post?
06HHR
HalfDork
4/4/18 9:08 a.m.
In reply to NickD :
The working definition of so ugly it's cute. I seriously considered a NISMO Juke, but you can't get AWD with the manual and i'm still not sold on the longevity of the CVT, since I tend to keep cars until the wheels fall off. Then i stick the wheels back on and drive them some more..
mazdeuce - Seth said:
What is parts availibility like for Suzukis?
Good, at least as far as mechanical/maintenance parts. Rockauto has a good selection for cheap.
I love the Element hack in many ways, but seem to recall that it had a pretty sucky AWD system which is something to consider if you're actually going to bang on this type of vehicle a little. Many of these "cute utes" have AWD more appropriate for snow and gravel than serious rock and mud.
TheRX7Project said:
In reply to NickD :
You know, I really used to HATE the Juke... but it has really grown on me recently. It would be a great car for my needs.
Jukes are actually surprisingly fun to drive. Seriously, they are worth checking out if you can get past the looks.
In reply to mazdeuce - Seth :
I'm pretty certain you could only get a manual with the 4 cylinder and FWD.
