I hear ya, finding a brand new 4WD that doesn’t require you to sell your house, spouse, kid or a limb is getting pretty hard these days. When Suzuki Jimnys hit the $40K mark at my local dealer, I knew the world had gone crazy and that if I ever wanted to own a RAM, I was going to have to choose between a house and a 4WD.
Fortunately, there are still affordable options out there and although they may not be the brands you had your heart set on, some of them are surprisingly capable despite their lower price tag.
So without further ado, here’s a list of brand-new 4WDs under $50,000 in 2023.
Suzuki Jimny
Starting from $34,490
The Suzuki Jimny Lite is the most affordable badge, starting at $34,490 and topping out at just over $40K for the full spec Jimny. They are undeniably cute but for those with a family needing to use all four seats, it doesn’t leave much room for camping gear. In fact, you’d be flat-out fitting your weekly shop in the back without putting the back seats down.
Despite its pint size, the Jimny has many of the safety features that you would expect in a new 4WD and the short-wheel-base certainly has its advantages. Fuel economy is a big winner here.
Specs
- Engine: 1.5L VVT
- Towing: 1.3 ton braked
- Fuel: 6.4L/100km
- Power: 75kW
- Torque: 130Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto
- Overall length: 3645mm
- Payload: N/A
- Warranty: 5 years unlimited km (non-commercial use)
SsangYong Musso
Starting from $36,790
The Korean-built SsangYong Musso ranges from just under $37K for the basic trim level ute in the Musso XLV ELX up to $45,150 for the top-of-the-range Ultimate Lux. Even after adding in extras such as upgraded suspension, automatic transmission and underbody protection, it still comes in cheaper than its big-selling brand competitors.
Just because SsangYong Musso is lower cost doesn’t mean it should be dismissed though. Although missing the five-star ANCAP safety rating, it’s still a well-equipped vehicle with a reassuring warranty and plenty of safety features.
Base model specs
- Engine: 2.2L turbo diesel
- Towing: 3.5 ton braked
- Fuel: 7.9L/100km
- Power: 133kW
- Torque: 400Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Overall length: 5095mm
- Payload: 800kg
- Warranty: 7-years unlimited km
LDVT60
Starting from $38,990 (ABN holders)
Unlike the SsangYong Musso, The LDV T60 does have the advantage of a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. LDV describes the T60 as a triple threat, a 4×4 diesel dual cab ute that has the power, strength and features to take you from the worksite to the weekend. Starting at $38,990 for the T60 Max Pro Manual and reaching $49,463 for the T60 Mega Tub auto, LDV still seems to be offering an affordable dual-cab alternative to the heavy hitters.
The warranty is not too slouchy either, covered by a seven-year/200,000km (whichever comes first) new vehicle warranty and 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and access to a loan car program for warranty repairs.
Base model specs
- Engine: 2.0L bi-turbo diesel
- Towing: 3 ton
- Fuel: 9.2L/100km
- Power: 160kW
- Torque: 500Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Overall length: 5365mm
- Payload: 935kg
- Warranty: 7 years/200,000km
Mitsubishi Triton GLX
Starting from $41,463
When it comes to the Triton, just over $41K will get you into the GLX single-cab chassis and if you can stretch the budget up to just over $51K, you’ll manage the GLX-R. Still on offer is the best warranty by a country mile with Australia’s only 10-year new car warranty with 10 years of capped price servicing. Selected models are available in single, club or double cab.
With the cost of a new 4WD rising considerably over the last few years, the Triton is more appealing than ever with its reassuring warranty and commitment to offer a lower-cost alternative to the big sellers.
Base model specs (GLX single cab chassis)
- Engine: 2.4L turbo diesel
- Towing: 3.1 ton braked
- Fuel: 7.9L/100km
- Power: 133kW
- Torque: 430Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual & auto
- Overall length: depends on the tray fitted
- Payload: 1213kg
- Warranty: 10-years
LDV D90 SUV
Starting from $46,990
In the people mover category of 4WDs, an LDV D90 Executive that seats up to seven will set you back a smidge under $50K. The diesel version cost a smidge over. Like the LDV T60, this LDV boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating and features that would usually come with a much higher price tag.
Built for family-size fun, this roomy SUV offers everything you’d expect from a brand new 4WD with state-of-the-art technology and enough versatility to take you from weekend sport runs to camping through to outback adventures.
Base model specs
- Engine: 2.0L turbo-charged (petrol)
- Towing: 2 ton braked
- Fuel: 10.9L/100km
- Power: 160kW
- Torque: 350Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed auto
- Overall length: 5005mm
- Payload: 630kg
- Warranty: 5-year/130,000km
Nissan Navara
Starting from $47,037
A Nissan Navara 4×4 single cab chassis SL will set you back around $47k at its most basic through to the SL dual cab chassis at just over $52k for those who need more seats for bums. The much-anticipated entry-level 2023 Warrier doesn’t quite make the $50k cut unfortunately, but if you can stretch your budget a little further, it’s worth checking out.
Marketing itself as the vehicle you can count on to take you wherever you want to go, Nissan is gung ho about plugging its commitment to making driving safer, smarter and more enjoyable with its range of intelligent technologies. It will even dip the headlights for you when an oncoming vehicle is detected.
Base model specs (Navara SL single cab chassis)
- Engine: 2.3L twin-turbo diesel
- Towing: 3.5 ton braked
- Fuel: 7.2L/100km
- Power: 140kW
- Torque: 450Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Overall length: 5120mm
- Payload: 1186kg
- Warranty: 5-year unlimited km and 5-year 24-hour roadside assistance
Toyota Hilux Workmate
Starting at $48,140
The Workmate is the only Hilux 4×4 under $50K for 2023 with the SR just creeping up over and the full-spec Rogue starting at $76,183. Nevertheless, if you don’t need more than two seats and can only spare 1000 pineapples, then the Workmate is a reliable choice. Particularly for tradies using the same vehicle for work and play. A Workmate double cab is just over $55K for those who need more seats.
Base model specs
- Engine: 2.4L turbo diesel
- Towing: 3.5 ton braked
- Fuel: 7.4L/100km
- Power: 110kW
- Torque: 400Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Overall length: 5265mm
- Payload: Unsure
- Warranty: 5 years unlimited km
SsangYong Rexton
Starting from $48,990
Another 7-seater 4WD under $50K, the SsangYong Rexton ELX has some surprisingly capable features. There are three badges within the Rexton model range with the Ultimate Sports Pack topping the pack at $58,585 before adding any extras.
Designed as a family vehicle that will take you off-road, the Rexton should pull your camper or caravan with ease with it’s 3.5 ton towing capacity.
Base model specs
- Engine: 2.2L turbo diesel
- Towing: 3.5 ton braked
- Fuel: 8.9L/100km (ELX Manual)
- Power: 148kW
- Torque: 441Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed auto
- Overall length: N/A
- Payload: N/A
- Warranty: 7-year unlimited km
Isuzu D-Max
Starting from $49,736
A no-frills D-Max single cab chassis will set you back just under $50K but if you want something that will fit the whole family, you’ll need another $15,000 or so for the D-Max Ute or the MU-X.
Isuzu boasts an impressive list of features across the whole range with both active and passive safety systems. Those who need to use their 4WD as a tow tug will be pleased with the 3.0L diesel and 3.5 ton towing capacity.
Base model specs
- Engine: 3.0L Diesel
- Towing: 3.5 ton braked
- Fuel: 8L/100km
- Power: 150kW
- Torque: 450Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Overall length: 5330mm
- Payload: Unsure
- Warranty: 6 years/150,000km
