We share some of the 4×4 SUV vehicles on sale right now in Malaysia
Before you rush out to buy a brand new 4×4 equipped SUV lets us share some options that are available in the Malaysian showrooms right now.
Interestingly, for the many new and also used car buyers who still want a SUV, an all wheel drive vehicle or a high riding SUV, there are actually not that many options available as almost half are actually 2-wheel drive high riding vehicles.
Taking on slightly rough terrain or crossing a 2 to 3 feet flood might not be a good idea. So, the need for proper 4×4 drivetrain means looking more closely at which SUV’s actually have off-road capabilities.
We will start with the best priced new 4×4 SUV you can buy right now. The Subaru XV facelift which arrived two years ago. This proper off-road driving machine comes fully loaded with features you will find in the larger and more expensive Subaru Forester.
This XV is priced from RM139,788 and is equipped with proper mud and dirt driving modes and lets not forget, EyeSight safety features.
Next comes the Mazda CX-5 which is a good looking SUV and Mazda’s best selling vehicle. This midsize SUV sells from RM148,000 for the 4×4 version and there is also a turbocharged high specification version for RM174,000.
Side by side with this CX-5 is another Subaru, the Forester which sells for RM163,788 and carries 4×4 drivetrain that allows for dirt and mud driving modes. Plus, there are EyeSight safety features.
The few other 4×4 SUV’s in this segment is about to be replaced with brand new versions and so we will not be suggesting them at all (Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Proton X90, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Fortuner, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4).
If your budget can be stretched a little higher, there is a Hyundai Santa Fe which is quite large with 3 rows of seats and two engine possibilities. A diesel or a petrol and a proper 4×4 system underneath its muscular shell. This Korean SUV sells from RM208,638 and has all the features to go almost where the rest can go.
Side by side with the Santa Fe is the RM153,888 Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD which was launched back in 2019 and is still on sale in Malaysia.
This Nissan continues to sell well despite its age as it looks modern and has 3 rows of seats and the all important ETCM warranty around the country.
If you can stretch the budget a little more then look at the Kia Sorento. This large 4×4 equipped SUV has just arrived in Malaysia and the diesel version is priced at RM255,228 and the petrol version is RM235,498.
The above are all somewhat luxurious and well equipped for the tarmac and also the dirt road, but if you think you need a proper 4×4 vehicle, then a lifestyle pickup truck should also be considered.
Start by looking at the most popular which is the Isuzu D-Max which now comes with a SUV cabin and a 4×4 system with prices starting from RM121,549 for the 1.9L Diesel to RM141,938 for the 3.0L X-Terrain top specification model.
Priced just RM1,000 plus more than the D-Max is the all new Mazda BT-50 pickup truck which is a very close sibling to the Isuzu D-Max and comes from the same factory, but with very different exterior styling only.
The rest of pickup truck segment has interesting options and variants and we wait for patiently for the all new 2023 model Mitsubishi Triton to arrive.
