VFACTS 2021: Winners and losers among ute-derived four-wheel-drive wagons

Australians treated themselves to a record number of four-wheel-drive wagons last year as more of us planned to holiday at home amid international travel restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

Sales figures across the adventure-vehicle category highlight the growing popularity of large SUVs and four-wheel-drives, which accounted for more than 10 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Australia last year.

The Toyota Prado posted record sales in 2021 – after notching up more than 21,000 sales last year, an all-time high – and has been the top-seller in its class in all but one year over the past decade (In 2014, the Jeep Grand Cherokee pipped the Prado to the post).

The Isuzu MU-X eclipsed 10,000 sales for the first time in 2021 – reporting 10,618 examples as sold – according to new-car sales data published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

The Isuzu MU-X posted its highest annual sales figure on record for the nameplate since the previous generation went on sale in 2013.

The underpinnings of the above four-wheel-drive wagons are derived from their ute siblings.

The wagons typically swap heavy-duty “leaf” rear suspension, large payloads, and longer wheelbases for coil-sprung rear suspension, smaller payloads, and lower towing capacities – but room in the cabin for up to seven occupants.

However, the Isuzu MU-X is rated to tow a 3500kg braked trailer, as with its ute sibling, the Isuzu D-Max. Most other ute-derived four-wheel drive wagons are limited to 3000kg or 3100kg.

Another strong performer in the category was the new Subaru Outback which, oddly, is classed as a large SUV despite its wagon-shaped proportions and limited off-road ability.

Subaru reported 10,490 examples of the Outback as sold in 2021, more than double its annual tally from the year prior.