I believe that the Land Rover Defender is the best off-roader. But maybe that’s because I’ve stayed a few too many years in the UK. What’s your opinion?
I don’t know enough to have an informed opinion, but I would have to believe that the civillian version of the HMMV (Hummvee) would give it stiff competition.
Well, I know that in the Israeli army, while the standard field vehicle is the Humvee, certain very elite units (including Sayeret Matkal) use the Landrover Defender 110 instead.
HMMWV has a big advantage and a big disadvantage. The advantage is geared hub assemblies, which gives better ground clearance.
The disadvantage is independent suspension, which is not good for uneven terrain such as axle-twisters.
It’s said that the best offroad vehicles aren’t made – they’re built. IMO anything you buy off a lot is going to be a compromise.
The HMMWV Dog80 mentioned is going to be perfect for some situations. For others it will suck, and you may want to get an old Willys or Land Rover or FJ-40 – which will have their own drawbacks.
As I’ve said in other threads, you need to decide on the mission first and then get the vehicle best suited to that mission.
YMMV.