Every year, Drive.com hands out awards for the best 4WDs and utes, and every year, we sit back and either nod in agreement or shake our heads in disbelief. So, let’s take a closer look at Drive’s 2025 4WD of the Year winners and see if they got it right—or if we need to have a word.
Best Off-Road SUV Under $80K: Ford Everest | Does It Deserve the Crown?
The Ford Everest took out this category, edging out the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and the GWM Tank 500. With Aussie engineering behind it and a solid reputation for comfort and capability, it’s no shock that the Everest came out on top.
Pros:
Solid diesel engine options, including a grunty V6
Good blend of off-road ability and daily drivability
Proven reliability and strong aftermarket support
Cons:
Not quite a LandCruiser when it comes to reputation or resale value
No petrol option (for those who care)
BAW Verdict: Hard to argue with this pick—though we’re watching to see how the new Prado shakes things up when it lands.
Best Luxury Off-Road SUV Under $150K: Land Rover Defender | Should It Have Been the Lexus GX?
The Land Rover Defender 110 took out the luxury off-road category, beating the Lexus GX550 and Toyota Prado Altitude. Look, we get it—Defender fans love this thing. It’s got heritage, style, and serious off-road chops. But reliability? That’s where the Lexus GX550 might have had a stronger case.
Pros:
Premium interior and tech for those wanting a bit of luxury on the tracks
Cons:
Land Rover reliability jokes exist for a reason
Expensive to maintain and repair
Resale value isn’t as bulletproof as Toyota’s
BAW Verdict: The Lexus GX550 would’ve been a smarter pick if reliability and resale mattered more—but we get why Drive went for the fancier, trendier option.
Best Dual-Cab Ute Under $100K: Ford Ranger | Finally, a Pick We Agree With
The Ford Ranger took the top spot, beating out the GWM Cannon Alpha and Isuzu D-MAX. Honestly, it’s hard to argue.
Pros:
Best all-rounder in the class
Multiple variants, including a proper V6
Car-like driving experience but still tough
Cons:
Expensive in top trims
Not a Toyota
BAW Verdict: Well deserved. The Ranger is still king of the dual-cab market in Australia, and this win just cements it.
Best Dual-Cab Ute Under $50K: SsangYong Musso | A Bold Choice, But Is It the Best?
The KGM SsangYong Musso snagged the win over the LDV T60 and Mitsubishi Triton, which is…surprising. Sure, it’s cheap, has a long warranty, and has seen constant improvements, but is it really the best dual-cab under $50K?
Pros:
Best value in the segment (if you’re just looking at price)
Biggest payload in the class
7-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
Resale and aftermarket support aren’t great
Towing capacity is average
Not as refined as competitors
BAW Verdict: The Triton might have been a better overall choice, but the Musso is punching above its weight—let’s see if the market agrees.
Best Large Dual-Cab Ute Under $150K: Chevrolet Silverado | Big, American, and Now Award-Winning
The Chevy Silverado took home the trophy, edging out the Ford F-150 and Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster. If you’re into big V8 power, serious towing ability, and comfort, the Silverado makes sense.
Pros:
6.2L V8 – no replacement for displacement
Comfortable, roomy, and well-equipped
Massive towing capacity (4.5T)
Cons:
Tight parking spaces become impossible
Expensive for what it is
BAW Verdict: If you need serious towing and have the budget, it’s hard to fault. But for pure off-roaders, the Ineos Grenadier is probably the better pick.
Final Thoughts: 4WD of the Year - Did Drive.com Get It Right?
Some of these choices make perfect sense (Ford Ranger, Ford Everest), while others are a bit questionable (Musso over the Triton? Defender over the GX550?).
At the end of the day, these awards influence buyers, but real-world use is what matters most. Would you have picked different winners? Let us know what you think!
📢 Need to build your ultimate off-road beast? Hit up BAW Automotive for all your 4WD upgrades, suspension mods, and touring setups.
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