Vehicle Tests > Little Wonders

On the downside, both front and rear diffs are open and while the approach and departure angles are good, the clearance is only average.
So the Suzuki has enough features to miss being qualified as a soft-roader, but without some sort of electronic traction control (as available on some up-spec overseas models), or even a rear limited-slipper, its not all that fair dinkum either. But it is a more serious offroad prospect than the other three here.

The Hyundai, courtesy of its electronic traction control is the pick of the rest. It also has front and rear recovery points and underbody protection. However, on the down side it has relatively light underpinnings (front and rear struts), an on-demand 4WD system, and a toolow driving position.

The Nissan X-Trail has a better driving position, good clearance, and approach and departure angles and a clean, protected underside, but has a viscous-coupling-based on-demand 4WD system, open diffs all round and isn't as solidly built underneath as the Suzuki.

The Outlander has full-time 4WD which is a bonus but the drive position isn't great and it's the only one without proper rear recovery hooks (it does have two rear tiedown hooks). If you were thinking of an Outlander and were looking at some light offroading, one of the 16-inch wheeled models would also be a better bet than the 17-inch equipped VR-X. The VR-X was the only vehicle that scored a puncture on this test.

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Despite the lack of any serious offroad credentials here, especially from the three 'softies', all of these vehicles are easily capable of extended travel on dirt roads and exploring easy firetrails and the like. Just as their manufacturers intended.

Accommodation
There were no serious complaints about the general comfort of any of the vehicles from any of our testers, but the Nissan received praise for being a tad more comfortable than the other three, despite the fact that it's the only one without a height-adjustable seat. As ever, the Nissan's centre mounted instrument console was criticised as was the Mitsubishi's fiddly after-market radio and confused interior styling - an old-world analogue clock right in the middle of a faux carbonfibre panel? The Outlander's fit and finish isn't the best either.
The Hyundai is nicely finished but the placement of some of the switchgear doesn't follow any logic at all.

Praise all round for the Suzuki's dash - it's clear, logical and even classy. The Suzuki's interior is also well finished.
Our back-seat space and comfort test (for three adults) went to the Outlander, followed by the Suzuki, the Nissan and then the Tucson.

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