The figures that are almost make-or-break for 4x4 overlanding: ground clearance, approach angles, and wading depth. These are indicators of a vehicle's capability on the rough stuff. However, what do we have on the budget spectrum for that? There are a few vehicles under R650 000 that you can look at, and we picked five of the most interesting ones.
Related: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ vs GWM Tank 300: The Ultimate Off-Road Value Shootout
Quick off-road glossary reminder
Approach Angle - This is the steepest angle a car can climb without contacting the front bumper.
Departure Angle - It's the same concept as the Approach Angle, except we're dealing with the rear bumpers this time.
Wading Depth - This is the maximum depth a car can drive through water safely without water entering critical components or the car drifting off.
1. Suzuki Jimny from R439 900
The Jimny still remains one of the most popular and classically capable off-road vehicles that doesn't cost a lot of money. Plus, you can even have them in 3-door or 5-door body styles. Note that the 5-door versions' breakover angle is compromised at 24.0°, compared with 27.0° in the 3-door variant.
Ground Clearance: 210 mm
Approach/Departure angle: 36.0° / 47.0°
Wading Depth: 300mm minimum
2. GWM P300 Double Cab 4x4 from R499 950
The P300 has been cementing itself as a decent offering in the budget bakkie space. While we're looking at the double cab, you can also get these P300S in single-cab form.
Ground Clearance: 227 mm
Approach/Departure angle: 27.0° / 25.0°
Wading Depth: Up to 900 mm
3. Renault Duster 4x4 from R549 999
Many tend to get surprised by how capable the Renault Duster is. On the road, some would regard it as another family SUV puttering about, watch it overland, and it has the power to surprise.
Ground Clearance: 217 mm
Approach/Departure angle: 31.0° / 36.0°
Wading Depth: Up to 450 mm
4. Mahindra Scorpio-N 4x4 from R594 599
Let's throw a 7-seater family SUV into the mix that handles the off-road nicely. The Scorpio-N recently received an update and proved itself to be a decent budget option if you need space and 4x4 capability.
Ground Clearance: 227 mm
Approach/Departure angle: 27.2° / 21.3°
Wading Depth: Up to 500 mm
5. JMC Vigus 4x4 from R499 900
Now to finish off, let's bring in a newcomer in the South African bakkie market, the JMC Vigus. A shade under the half a million Rand mark and some pretty decent value for money to boot if you need something that's a leisure workhorse.
Ground Clearance: 210 mm
Approach/Departure angle: 27.0° / 22.0°
Wading Depth: Up to 600 mm
