Want to cross the Kalahari? Drive to Mozambique? Or spend a few days savouring the Namibian desert? Then you’re going to need a serious offroad vehicle which does more than just mount a pavement or take the kids to school. All-wheel drive soft-roaders seem like they can make the grade on paper, but when the going gets tough you’re going to be needing one of the six serious offroaders below.

Six serious offroaders

Land Rover Discovery (From R634300)

This is a solid choice, but you may cry out ‘why not the Defender?’ Simple reason really. It’s more comfortable and luxurious than its hardcore sibling. It may have slightly less capability, but it more than makes up for it in the comfort stakes. Choose between a petrol V8 or a diesel V6.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series (From R435100)

Ah, the old favourite. Capable of crossing deserts, rivers and canyons without breaking a sweat, the Toyota Land Cruiser is just simply incredible. It’s as tough as nails and mechanically very simple, meaning it’s not going to suffer an electrical fault anytime soon. It even has two fuel tanks for crying out loud! There’s a reason 3rd world military forces use Land Cruisers by the dozen.Read our driving impression of the Toyota Land Cruiser here.

Suzuki Jimny (R209900)

Forget the tiny tot looks for a second. The Jimny punches way above its weight and is quite easily one of the top serious offroaders. It has 40 years of heritage behind it and features an easy-to-use 4×4 system with low range. Read our review of the Suzuki Jimny here.

Subaru Forester (From R329000)

This may look like a soft roader seen on the school run, but if there’s one thing that Subaru does right is make serious offroaders. Featuring clever all-wheel drive, electronic wizardry and great ground clearance the Forester is a great machine.Read the review of the Subaru Forester here.

Toyota FJ (From R476500)

The FJ follows in the Land Cruiser 70’s footsteps and could be considered a borderline military vehicle. Simple stupendous offroad ability coupled with macho big looks mean you could cross countries with it. Or you could, if it were not so thirsty. The only downside to the FJ is the guzzling V6, otherwise this is a mountain-crushing monster.

Renault Duster (From R194900)

Wait, who let the French guy in? No really, what is a Renault doing here? Fear not, the Duster has joined the serious offroaders and is itching to attack some desert dunes. It features a Nissan-engineered 4×4 system and has impressive ground clearance. The best part is its dirt cheap and one of the best bargain buys. Get the diesel and you could join the French Foreign Legion.Read the review of the Renault Duster here.