Modern SUVs are often 'do-it-all' vehicles, with a strong emphasis on off-road capability. The principles are more or less the same for off-road features, but the application varies. You get mechanical gearboxes and software-simulated terrain modes, and some vehicles even take advantage of both. If you've hopped into a 4x4 and seen wheel selectors, Low Range selectors, some electronic, some with an extra gear lever, that's typically your 4x4 system in a nutshell. Some are heavier-duty, while some are on the lighter end. In this article, though, let's look at a few cars that offer mechanical low-range gearboxes.
Related: Best double-cab 4x4 bakkies SA: Our bakkie World Cup
What are the differences, though?
Low-Range Mechanical Gearbox
In your average 4x4, you'll see near the gear selector a bunch of modes (or gear lever, even) labelled "2H, 4H and 4L". When we flesh those out:
2H - Two wheel drive, High range Gear - Suitable for road driving
4H - Four-Wheel Drive, High Range Gear - The transfer case engages, sending power to all four wheels. Suitable for sand, gravel and slippery surfaces, driving for optimal traction and stability.
4L - Four-Wheel Drive, Low Range Gear - To put it simply, low range gears provide the drivetrain with easier effort to move a vehicle over obstacles. The engine will put out the same sort of effort, but the car will move forward slowly. This slower pace allows the car to negotiate overlanding obstacles with ease, with little to no wheel spin and most of all in a steady manner. Suitable for steep inclines, descents and getting a car out of a situation where it could get stuck.
If you're driving a car on the road most of the time, 2H is enough. 4L is seldom used, except for serious offroading.
Software Simulated Terrain Mode
The first manufacturer to pioneer this setup was Land Rover with its Terrain Response System. A few other manufacturers have crafted their own systems, some without even resorting to transfer case trickery. The basis of these systems is that they adjust the engine's throttle mapping, traction control, and vehicle stability systems to mimic Low Range gears and reduce their sensitivity.
Which Modern SUVs have mechanical low-range gearboxes?
All the vehicles in this section feature a dedicated Low Range gear.
1. Suzuki Jimny - from R439 900
The Jimny is probably the most affordable car here that's capable of serious off-roading. It features a traditional 2-speed transfer case arrangement, and it's a manual selector.
2. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado - from R1 369 200
Just because the new Prados are new and swanky doesn't mean they haven't gone soft; no, they still have traditional off-road accoutrements, such as a 2-speed transfer case, but with electronic 4x4 Selectors.
3. Jeep Wrangler - from R1 315 900
Do you see a trend happening here? The legacy 4x4 SUVs keep things traditional with Part-Time and Full-Time four-wheel-drive systems, transfer cases, and, as is the case here, the Wrangler.
4. Ineos Grenadier - from R1 379 999
It's a new kid on the block, but with old-school, tried-and-trusted 4x4 tech. The Grenadier features a Tremec 2-speed transfer case and, like the Jimny, a separate gear lever for High/Low range selection.
5. Mercedes-Benz G-Class - From R3 561 203
High-class but also highly capable, Mercedes-Benz has added some tech to the G-Class over time, but it still maintains selectable low range and mechanical differentials to boot.
6. Land Rover Defender - From R1 613 000
We have to mention the Land Rover Defender, though it's luxurious, it still maintains a 2-speed electronic transfer case and selectable low range, and it is a force to be reckoned with on the off-road.
7. GWM Tank range - 300 from R649 900, 500 from R1 228 950
Some more new kids on the block: the Tank range in both 300 and 500 forms has proven itself to be a formidable off-road luxury SUV, with 4x4 features to match.
8. Bakkie-Based SUVs - Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Toyota Fortuner - from R692 800
Isuzu mu-X - from R752 400
Ford Everest -from R825 000
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport from R789 990
It would be criminal not to mention the big four. These are all bakkie-based SUVs that are quite popular on our roads and derive their 4x4 equipment from their bakkie siblings.
9. Mahindra Scorpio N - from R489 999
People tend to forget that Mahindra also makes capable 4x4 cars. The Scorpio N also features a pretty decent gearbox system.
