SCORING CRITERIA

The 4X4OTY cri teria:

VALUE FOR MONEY

is judged according to a vehicle’s equipment level, safety features and price relative to its direct competitors. Just because a vehicle has a high price doesn’t mean it’s not good value, in the same way a cheap car doesn’t always represent good bang for your buck.

BREAKING NEW GRO UND

refers to advancements in technology and design. How a vehicle has raised the bar in the class it fits in and taken 4x4s to a higher level. If a vehicle has the latest safety features, worthy engine technology or an advanced driveline, it will score well here.

BUILT TOUGH

refers to how strong a vehicle is and how well it will cope with the rigours of tough offroad driving environments. Will it be up to the task of carrying loads and outback travel, or fall apart at the first hurdle?

BUSHABILITY

is how well a vehicle is equipped for off-road travel. Suitability of the standard tyres for rough roads, touring range, available accessories and underbody protection are just some of the factors considered here. Is this a vehicle you would choose to drive around Australia the rough way, or is it best left to the suburbs?

DOING THE J OB

is judged according to a vehicle’s design brief. Does a luxury vehicle have all the latest in comfort and convenience features and do they work in the real world? How well a ute carries a load, or a seven-seater accommodates a family will all come in to play here. At the end of a week of testing both on- and off-road, our team of testers score each of the vehicles against the five criteria to give each car a score out of 50.The car with the highest combined score wins – nothing else comes into the outcome.