Mat Watson and the carwow team gathered four heavily modified off-road vehicles for an extensive comparison designed to reveal how they perform beyond the pavement. Rather than relying on manufacturer claims or specifications alone, the team subjected each vehicle to a variety of demanding challenges that included steep muddy inclines, technical rock sections, water crossings, and traction-focused obstacle courses. The goal was to assess real-world capability by examining acceleration, climbing ability, suspension articulation, traction management, driver confidence, and overall value.
The lineup featured four distinctly different machines: a modified Jeep Wrangler, an Ineos Grenadier, a Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series, and an unexpected contender—a Volkswagen Touareg. Although the Touareg appears more at home as a luxury SUV than a dedicated overlander, its extensive off-road modifications and advanced drivetrain technology make it a surprisingly serious competitor.
Leading the field is the Jeep Wrangler, powered by a tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 304 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels, while a comprehensive suite of off-road equipment—including front and rear locking differentials, low-range gearing, and electronic sway-bar disconnect—gives the Wrangler exceptional capability in difficult terrain. Despite its rugged hardware, it weighs approximately 2,580 kilograms.
The Ineos Grenadier approaches off-roading from a more traditional perspective. Equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine generating 249 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, the Grenadier combines permanent four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, standard locking center differential, and optional front and rear differential locks. At 2,740 kilograms, it is the heaviest vehicle in the comparison, prioritizing durability and expedition readiness over outright speed.
Toyota’s Land Cruiser 200 Series remains a benchmark in the overlanding world thanks to its proven 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged diesel V8. Producing 286 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission, it pairs permanent four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, a Torsen limited-slip center differential, and adjustable suspension height to maximize stability across challenging landscapes. Its curb weight stands at approximately 2,555 kilograms.
Completing the lineup is the Volkswagen Touareg, powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel delivering an impressive 357 horsepower and 767 Nm of torque. Although weighing around 2,700 kilograms due to its extensive off-road upgrades, the Touareg benefits from sophisticated all-wheel-drive technology, adaptive systems, and terrain-focused electronics that significantly enhance its capability.
Throughout the series of tests, these technologies prove that the German SUV deserves consideration alongside purpose-built off-road icons, making it one of the competition’s most unexpected and capable performers.
Source: carwow