Us against the world: Which is the best off-roader?
14 Apr 2026|1,917 views
Everyone wants an SUV nowadays. But for those who enjoy the occasional run through the jungle with the wind in your hair and the sand at your feet, nothing but the very best off-roader will do.
We ask four of our writers to choose the off-roader that best speaks to them, whether it's because of their unique features, their strong and rugged image, or the fascinating history behind how they came to be.
Here's what each of them had to say about their picks...
Clarence thinks the Land Rover Defender is perfect for any occasion both on and off the beaten path
Off-roaders can be a little, shall we say, rough around the edges (just look at the two cars that come right after this). But I've picked this Defender because it's nothing but class.
This recently updated model comes with a host of touches including redesigned head lights and taillights as well as a new infotainment system, but the core thing to note is that it's still as iconic and quintessentially British as the Big Ben, Fish and Chips, or Emma Watson.
This Defender may come equipped with a 5.0-litre engine, but you'll be able to precisely rein all of its horses in (even with boots on) thanks to a well-calibrated throttle
I dare say that its smart exterior makes it the only car here that looks equally at home whether you're navigating through some trail in the lake district or parked outside of Harrods. And in the same way, it's the only car that won't invite curious glances if you do decide to take on some muddy trail up in Perak right after leaving your cosy office in Tanjong Pagar.
And it's not just all about looks, the Defender is also set up to be excellent whether the task of the day call for on or off-road work. Excellent cabin insulation and its refined drivetrain mean you won’t tire even when tasked to cover long highway journeys in this car.
That it is so easy to drive also means you'll be able to simply hop into one with a pair of Wellingtons (or indeed Timberlands) and still drive with utter confidence.
Whether you're hitting muddy fields or dry and sandy deserts, the Defender has an ideal drive programme that's just a few buttons away
And when you do decide to veer off the beaten path, there's a host of clever drive programmmes all at the ready to assist. Selecting these is just a simple press and spin of one of those lovely roundels conveniently located right next to the car's gear selector.
Isn't sheer versatility the whole point of buying an off-roader?
But of course, the bold brashness of our neighbours from across the Atlantic also has its own appeal. And if so, you might be more attracted to Mattheus' pick below.
Mattheus thinks the Jeep Wrangler thrills with its mix of Americana and sheer off-road ability
If one were already itching for something far more capable than the average high-riding crossover or SUV, they might as well seek out the toughest option out there in Singapore today.
Enter: The Jeep Wrangler (it's in its name already, isn't it?).
If you're seriously reading this and thinking hard, chances are that you probably already have other toys in your garage to pull up to Harrods or indeed, ION Orchard in (the Lamborghini, then?). But what about something you can take into muddy warfare without worrying about dirtying - especially with its removable doors and roof, and fully hose-down-able interior?
Heavier-duty four-wheel drive system aside, the Rubicon gets a front sway bar disconnect system that can be activated with the touch of a button
Mind you, this isn't just any Wrangler too, but the Rubicon variant, which even Jeep itself has called the more "hardcore" twin (there's the 'tamer' Sahara otherwise).
With the Rubicon, we're talking a heavier-duty four-wheel drive system with a torquey-er 4:1 low-range ratio, and electronic locking front and rear diffs compared to the open ones on the Sahara open. Unlike the others here, there's even a nifty electronic front sway bar disconnect system - for increased front axle articulation on your next rock crawl.
The Wrangler is still identifiable as ever with its gaping eyes and seven-slot grille - but does look sharper post-refresh, and also gets a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
That's not all. Clarence talks about the modern accoutrements of the Defender post-facelift; this Wrangler received a light nip and tuck two years back too that retains its iconic gaping eyes and seven-slot grille, while also getting a larger infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
Even better? Its mid-life refresh also brought with it mechanical upgrades with a Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle now.
"Since 1941": This little reminder pops up every time you fire the Wrangler up, to remind you that this is a vehicle steeped in heritage, and that heritage is something money can't buy
Unlike the other 4x4s here, the Wrangler is built for proper abuse; you don't need to be a handyman to remove its four doors and roof, and there are even labelled slots for the screws!
The Wrangler may lack the modern luxury of the Defender, or the manoeuvrability of the Jimny; it certainly doesn't boast the power or green credentials of Merc's first electric G too.
But it's no less of an icon than its fellow 4x4s - and certainly the one that those who truly relish a do-it-yourself off-roading adventure will find themselves gravitating toward.
Let's hop over to the other side of the Pacific to Jeremy's own pick.
Jeremy thinks the Suzuki Jimny is perfect for our city streets and the tightest of trails
Why did I pick the Suzuki Jimny? The answer is simple: It's not just the smallest of the four off-roaders here, but also one of the smallest you'll be able to find. It has the skinniest and smallest tyres, and this compactness makes it the easiest to handle around the urban jungle.
But don't underestimate its potential as an off-roader, for it's built on a ladder frame chassis and has the Allgrip all-wheel drive system. The interior feels like it's built to last 20 years, and I love how the instrument cluster is even more analogue than the Wrangler's.
The gauges are basic and easy to read at a glance, while the toggle switches further burnish the Jimny's analogue character
This five-door variant is larger and more practical than the three-door version, making it a viable vehicle for an adventurous family that doesn't mind going off the beaten path.
Don't equate the Jimny's simplicity for a lack of features. It still offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and in terms of safety, there's Lane Departure Warning and Hill Descent Control. You don't have to learn a lot of acronyms to operate this car.
Like the Wrangler, the Jimny also has a proper 2WD/4WD drive selector and manual parking brake
On the go, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-pot isn't big on power (quite unlike what's coming up next), but it is gutsy. Besides, since the Jimny is the lightest off-roader in the group, it still gets around town with ease. And, I'll be the only one in this group who'll be unbothered when LTA comes around to collect the annual road tax.
I like the Jimny because it's simple, straightforward and unpretentious. Yet when you give it a last glance after parking, you can't help but grin. And it takes itself a lot less seriously than Desmond's pick...
Desmond thinks the Mercedes-Benz G580 revels in over-the-top excess
With 579bhp and 1,164Nm of torque (read that again: ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR), the Mercedes-Benz G580 is by far the most powerful car here. With a century sprint of 4.7 seconds, it's by far the quickest in a straight line. At $792,888, it is also by far the most expensive.
And you know what, that's exactly the point.
Come on, no one buying a true off-roader in Singapore is truly going off-road. True off-road enthusiasts are more likely looking at Series II Land Rovers and FJ Land Cruisers.
Extravagant, over-the-top, more than a little bonkers - the G580 is all about attitude and coolness
I must immediately acknowledge that there are still modern off-road enthusiasts. That said, many modern off-roaders will spend more of their time on tarmac. And I suspect many people who buy such cars (and also people who dream of owning such cars) do so less because of their rock-crawling abilities, and more about attitude that they bring.
And my god, the G-Class is all attitude.
With its instantly iconic design, humongous size and presence, iconic round head lights accompanied by an illuminated front grille, the G-Class commands immediate attention anywhere you go. There's just something immediately brutal about seeing one on the road. (tick!)
Do you need a car that can spin around on the spot? Of course not, but then again, why not??
It's got party tricks up its sleeve too. This all-electric off-roader has four electric motors, one for each wheel, which means it can do some unusual things. G-Spin, anybody? (tick!)
And yes, a G-Class does scream money. It's expensive, people know it's expensive, and there's nothing subtle about the car at all. It's entirely over-the-top, it’s undeniably showy, and brings with it a cool factor that you can’t really put a price on (actually you can, exactly $792,888). (tick!)
Of course, this all-electric G-Class is more than a little absurd - ticking every "excessive" box there is. But then driving an off-roader in Singapore is also a little bit absurd. Lean all the way in, I say...
Which will you pick?
So, which do you think is best for you? Are you all for versatility? Does Americana appeal? Maybe you're actually after something small yet capable, or perhaps you're all about that over-the-top excess?
And most importantly, are you sure you still want that road-going SUV? Let us know!
Don't forget to check out these other stories!
Key things to know about the Defender Trophy Edition
Suzuki's road ahead: New products, more personality
Everyone wants an SUV nowadays. But for those who enjoy the occasional run through the jungle with the wind in your hair and the sand at your feet, nothing but the very best off-roader will do.
We ask four of our writers to choose the off-roader that best speaks to them, whether it's because of their unique features, their strong and rugged image, or the fascinating history behind how they came to be.
Here's what each of them had to say about their picks...
Clarence thinks the Land Rover Defender is perfect for any occasion both on and off the beaten path
Off-roaders can be a little, shall we say, rough around the edges (just look at the two cars that come right after this). But I've picked this Defender because it's nothing but class.
This recently updated model comes with a host of touches including redesigned head lights and taillights as well as a new infotainment system, but the core thing to note is that it's still as iconic and quintessentially British as the Big Ben, Fish and Chips, or Emma Watson.
This Defender may come equipped with a 5.0-litre engine, but you'll be able to precisely rein all of its horses in (even with boots on) thanks to a well-calibrated throttle
I dare say that its smart exterior makes it the only car here that looks equally at home whether you're navigating through some trail in the lake district or parked outside of Harrods. And in the same way, it's the only car that won't invite curious glances if you do decide to take on some muddy trail up in Perak right after leaving your cosy office in Tanjong Pagar.
And it's not just all about looks, the Defender is also set up to be excellent whether the task of the day call for on or off-road work. Excellent cabin insulation and its refined drivetrain mean you won’t tire even when tasked to cover long highway journeys in this car.
That it is so easy to drive also means you'll be able to simply hop into one with a pair of Wellingtons (or indeed Timberlands) and still drive with utter confidence.
Whether you're hitting muddy fields or dry and sandy deserts, the Defender has an ideal drive programme that's just a few buttons away
And when you do decide to veer off the beaten path, there's a host of clever drive programmmes all at the ready to assist. Selecting these is just a simple press and spin of one of those lovely roundels conveniently located right next to the car's gear selector.
Isn't sheer versatility the whole point of buying an off-roader?
But of course, the bold brashness of our neighbours from across the Atlantic also has its own appeal. And if so, you might be more attracted to Mattheus' pick below.
Mattheus thinks the Jeep Wrangler thrills with its mix of Americana and sheer off-road ability
If one were already itching for something far more capable than the average high-riding crossover or SUV, they might as well seek out the toughest option out there in Singapore today.
Enter: The Jeep Wrangler (it's in its name already, isn't it?).
If you're seriously reading this and thinking hard, chances are that you probably already have other toys in your garage to pull up to Harrods or indeed, ION Orchard in (the Lamborghini, then?). But what about something you can take into muddy warfare without worrying about dirtying - especially with its removable doors and roof, and fully hose-down-able interior?
Heavier-duty four-wheel drive system aside, the Rubicon gets a front sway bar disconnect system that can be activated with the touch of a button
Mind you, this isn't just any Wrangler too, but the Rubicon variant, which even Jeep itself has called the more "hardcore" twin (there's the 'tamer' Sahara otherwise).
With the Rubicon, we're talking a heavier-duty four-wheel drive system with a torquey-er 4:1 low-range ratio, and electronic locking front and rear diffs compared to the open ones on the Sahara open. Unlike the others here, there's even a nifty electronic front sway bar disconnect system - for increased front axle articulation on your next rock crawl.
The Wrangler is still identifiable as ever with its gaping eyes and seven-slot grille - but does look sharper post-refresh, and also gets a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
That's not all. Clarence talks about the modern accoutrements of the Defender post-facelift; this Wrangler received a light nip and tuck two years back too that retains its iconic gaping eyes and seven-slot grille, while also getting a larger infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
Even better? Its mid-life refresh also brought with it mechanical upgrades with a Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle now.
"Since 1941": This little reminder pops up every time you fire the Wrangler up, to remind you that this is a vehicle steeped in heritage, and that heritage is something money can't buy
Unlike the other 4x4s here, the Wrangler is built for proper abuse; you don't need to be a handyman to remove its four doors and roof, and there are even labelled slots for the screws!
The Wrangler may lack the modern luxury of the Defender, or the manoeuvrability of the Jimny; it certainly doesn't boast the power or green credentials of Merc's first electric G too.
But it's no less of an icon than its fellow 4x4s - and certainly the one that those who truly relish a do-it-yourself off-roading adventure will find themselves gravitating toward.
Let's hop over to the other side of the Pacific to Jeremy's own pick.
Jeremy thinks the Suzuki Jimny is perfect for our city streets and the tightest of trails
Why did I pick the Suzuki Jimny? The answer is simple: It's not just the smallest of the four off-roaders here, but also one of the smallest you'll be able to find. It has the skinniest and smallest tyres, and this compactness makes it the easiest to handle around the urban jungle.
But don't underestimate its potential as an off-roader, for it's built on a ladder frame chassis and has the Allgrip all-wheel drive system. The interior feels like it's built to last 20 years, and I love how the instrument cluster is even more analogue than the Wrangler's.
The gauges are basic and easy to read at a glance, while the toggle switches further burnish the Jimny's analogue character
This five-door variant is larger and more practical than the three-door version, making it a viable vehicle for an adventurous family that doesn't mind going off the beaten path.
Don't equate the Jimny's simplicity for a lack of features. It still offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and in terms of safety, there's Lane Departure Warning and Hill Descent Control. You don't have to learn a lot of acronyms to operate this car.
Like the Wrangler, the Jimny also has a proper 2WD/4WD drive selector and manual parking brake
On the go, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-pot isn't big on power (quite unlike what's coming up next), but it is gutsy. Besides, since the Jimny is the lightest off-roader in the group, it still gets around town with ease. And, I'll be the only one in this group who'll be unbothered when LTA comes around to collect the annual road tax.
I like the Jimny because it's simple, straightforward and unpretentious. Yet when you give it a last glance after parking, you can't help but grin. And it takes itself a lot less seriously than Desmond's pick...
Desmond thinks the Mercedes-Benz G580 revels in over-the-top excess
With 579bhp and 1,164Nm of torque (read that again: ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR), the Mercedes-Benz G580 is by far the most powerful car here. With a century sprint of 4.7 seconds, it's by far the quickest in a straight line. At $792,888, it is also by far the most expensive.
And you know what, that's exactly the point.
Come on, no one buying a true off-roader in Singapore is truly going off-road. True off-road enthusiasts are more likely looking at Series II Land Rovers and FJ Land Cruisers.
Extravagant, over-the-top, more than a little bonkers - the G580 is all about attitude and coolness
I must immediately acknowledge that there are still modern off-road enthusiasts. That said, many modern off-roaders will spend more of their time on tarmac. And I suspect many people who buy such cars (and also people who dream of owning such cars) do so less because of their rock-crawling abilities, and more about attitude that they bring.
And my god, the G-Class is all attitude.
With its instantly iconic design, humongous size and presence, iconic round head lights accompanied by an illuminated front grille, the G-Class commands immediate attention anywhere you go. There's just something immediately brutal about seeing one on the road. (tick!)
Do you need a car that can spin around on the spot? Of course not, but then again, why not??
It's got party tricks up its sleeve too. This all-electric off-roader has four electric motors, one for each wheel, which means it can do some unusual things. G-Spin, anybody? (tick!)
And yes, a G-Class does scream money. It's expensive, people know it's expensive, and there's nothing subtle about the car at all. It's entirely over-the-top, it’s undeniably showy, and brings with it a cool factor that you can’t really put a price on (actually you can, exactly $792,888). (tick!)
Of course, this all-electric G-Class is more than a little absurd - ticking every "excessive" box there is. But then driving an off-roader in Singapore is also a little bit absurd. Lean all the way in, I say...
Which will you pick?
So, which do you think is best for you? Are you all for versatility? Does Americana appeal? Maybe you're actually after something small yet capable, or perhaps you're all about that over-the-top excess?
And most importantly, are you sure you still want that road-going SUV? Let us know!
Don't forget to check out these other stories!
Key things to know about the Defender Trophy Edition
Suzuki's road ahead: New products, more personality
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