Best used frame SUVs: Top 10
The choice between a frame structure and a load-bearing body depends on the specific needs of the operation. Frame designs offer durability and versatility, while load-bearing body structures offer light weight and a more comfortable driving experience. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of frame SUVs and present you with a ranking of the most reliable and popular vehicles on the aftermarket. In the list we have compiled, you can choose your best frame SUV.
Frame SUVs - features and advantages
A frame SUV is a vehicle of simple frame construction. The frame structure is a load-bearing system on which the engine, transmission, suspension and vehicle body are mounted. It provides the vehicle with high strength and reliability during operation. There are several types of frame structures, including spar, spine and forked-spine, peripheral and lattice.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of frame structures?
Advantages include high strength, ability to carry heavy loads, and unification of parts. There are many other positive aspects associated with the frame construction of SUVs. And here are just a few of the pros of this auto design:
- Passengers inside the car experience a higher level of comfort compared to other vehicles, as the cabin does not feel vibrations and unpleasant sounds from the rotation of tires and the operation of units.
- The chassis of frame SUVs are more rugged and have a longer operating life, giving the vehicle additional durability.
- In off-road conditions, the load is evenly distributed between the frame and body, preventing the vehicle from rolling.
- Thanks to the use of powerful engines with high displacement and torque, frame SUVs demonstrate high cross-country ability even in difficult conditions.
- The process of assembling the machine in the factory is simplified due to the frame construction. The units are mounted directly on the frame, which facilitates installation and interior finishing.
- The independent frame makes it easy to change the design or create different modifications based on a single chassis. This practice was widely used in the USA until the 1980s.
- The ability to elevator frame SUVs allows the installation of larger diameter wheels to increase ground clearance and therefore improve off-road capability. This process requires changes to the vehicle's structure, but does not affect its basic characteristics.
Top 10 frame SUVs
In our ranking, we've rounded up the best used frame SUVs on the aftermarket:
10. SsangYong Rexton (2012-2017)
The most relevant and popular with car enthusiasts is the third generation of the model, which was produced from 2012 to 2017. Initially, the Rexton was equipped with a new 2-liter turbodiesel, 155 hp, and since 2015 it was updated with a 2.2-liter diesel with 178 hp. The new 2.2-liter diesel engine allowed to reduce fuel consumption to 6.8-7.4 l/100 km.
The interior of the SsangYong Rexton is luxurious and comfortable, featuring a two-tone interior with metallic accents, power adjustable driver's seat, fully automatic climate control and a multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen display. Standard features include fog lights, heated front seats, power and heated exterior mirrors, power windows on all doors and a Bluetooth-enabled audio system. The car is equipped with various safety systems, including ABS with emergency brake assist, skid protection system, 4 airbags. The AWD all-wheel drive system works in concert with the stability system to ensure safe driving.
The SsangYong Rexton is considered one of the most affordable SUVs. Disadvantages of the model include poor noise insulation and insufficient protection against corrosion.
9. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (2013-2019)
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport confidently competes with popular models such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Nissan Pathfinder and Chevrolet Trailblazer due to its lower price and more stylish and practical exterior.
Under the hood is a powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine that provides increased power and maximum torque, which has increased from 343 Nm to 400 Nm. Models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission have 350 Nm of torque at 1,800 rpm. Fuel consumption for the manual version is claimed to be 7.8 l/100 km and for the automatic version - 8.5 l/100 km.
Built to conquer the most challenging terrain, the Pajero Sport has a ground clearance of 215 mm. The Pajero Sport's 4×4 system utilizes the well-known Super Select 4×4 system for driving versatility. The cabin features generous interior space, with seven seats and a luggage compartment of 1,149 liters with the third row of seats folded down. The seats are upholstered in black leather and the leather-trimmed steering wheel features multifunction switches including cruise control, Bluetooth and audio controls.
8. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2013-2018)
This SUV is as good as any car in its category. It never goes unnoticed on the road and attracts attention even when just parked in a parking lot. In the second generation, the only available engine is a 3 liter 211 hp diesel unit. Since 2015, a more productive 3L motor appeared, 245 hp. And in 2018, the third generation of the model was released, in which, in addition to the 3-liter turbodiesel at 286 hp, there was also a gasoline version - a 4L motor that develops 416 horsepower. With a gasoline engine, this square SUV accelerates to 100 km / h in just 6.1 seconds. Regardless of the equipment, the car is the most expensive in our rating.
Off-roading is easy for the G-Class - it has everything you need: all-wheel drive system, long shock absorbers, three differentials with full locking and reduction gears, as well as the electronic traction control system 4ETS. It is capable of climbing steep slopes (up to 80° gradient) and passing water crossings up to 60 cm deep. For off-road use, a powerful unit using heavy fuel is more suitable, but for everyday urban use, the gasoline version is preferable.
7. Cadillac Escalade (from 2013 - IV generation)
The Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV demonstrates high power and can be either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. This SUV is available in standard size and on the extended Escalade ESV platform. The cabin can seat seven people (second-row captain's chairs are standard) or eight people with an optional three-passenger second-row seat. The cabin features an LED-lit dashboard, standard three-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable leather seats in the front, and heated seats in the first two rows. The Escalade also offers a standard navigation system with backup camera function, a DVD entertainment system and an optional power heated steering wheel.
Under the hood of the Escalade is a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine developing 403 horsepower, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Safety features include four-disc antilock brakes, electronic stability control with rollover prevention technology, standard side airbags for all three rows of seats, and side curtain airbags for the front seats. An optional blind spot warning system is also available.
6. Toyota 4Runner (from 2013 - V generation)
The Toyota 4Runner features the high capabilities of a sport-utility vehicle designed for 5-7 passengers. For the 2014 model year, the exterior and interior design has been updated. The 4Runner is offered in three trim levels: SR5, Trail and Limited. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, towbar, wheel chocks, heated mirrors, windshield defroster, cruise control, air conditioning, power driver's seat and more. Upper trims offer additional features such as a sunroof, heated front seats, premium upholstery, upgraded tires, optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, and more.
The Toyota 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission is the standard configuration for rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available as an option for the base trim. A properly equipped 4Runner boasts high towing capacity.
When it comes to safety, the 4Runner, designed for off-road adventures, is equipped with features such as a rearview camera, stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control, active front head restraints and multiple airbags. A-TRAC, a specialized traction control system for challenging off-road terrain, is included on all 4WD models. Standard technology features include Bluetooth® and touchscreen audio, USB and iPod®.
5. Jeep Cherokee (2014-2020)
The Grand Cherokee provides an exceptionally comfortable ride and has excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its air suspension, and it sets the standard for other automakers with its impressive interior electronics interface. Since 2014, the vehicle has been equipped with advanced features such as a digital speedometer and integrated apps.
Abandoning the traditional shifter, the Grand Cherokee utilizes a modern, compact and ergonomically designed handle for the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Grand Cherokee is powered by a base engine, a 3.6-liter V6 with 290 hp. Alternative engine options include a 3-liter V6 diesel, a 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine and a powerful 6.4-liter Hemi V8 for the Grand Cherokee SRT.
The SUV's virtues are remarkably maneuverable for its size, easy and precise steering in all conditions. The electro-hydraulic power steering provides minimal effort and the tight turning radius is useful in a variety of conditions.
4. Kia Mohave (2014-2020)
The Kia Mohave is undeniably an intriguing and quite roomy SUV. Its main disadvantages are the outdated exterior design and somewhat aged interior trim. The 2014 version has few differences from the original 2008 counterpart, and it wasn't until 2020 that the car received a comprehensive upgrade. The main advantage of the interior is roominess (for 7 passengers).
The Kia Mohave features an all-wheel drive mode that locks the differential and distributes torque evenly to all wheels, providing excellent traction. It also offers hill descent control, which is especially useful on rough terrain. Launch and Hill Start Assist prevents the SUV from rolling backwards.
The 3.8-liter V6 engine in the Kia Mohave produces 274 horsepower when paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. For those looking for more power, there is an optional 4.6-liter V8 engine with 340 hp paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
3. Hyundai Terracan (2004-2007)
Structurally, the Terracan, which was produced until 2007, resembled the Mitsubishi model in many ways. It used a 2.5-liter turbodiesel and 3.5-liter gasoline V6 (6G74). The only significant difference was the independently developed 2.9-liter common rail diesel. Transmissions were also borrowed from Japanese manufacturers.
Terracan chassis - frame, solid rear axle, double wishbone front suspension on torsions. Koreans have refused from the Super Select all-wheel drive system. Regardless of the type of transmission in Hyundai Terracan there is a possibility to use a downshift. For its time and class Terracan offered a traditional set of options: ABS, two airbags, full electric package with heated mirrors and front seats, climate control and cruise control, immobilizer, sunroof.
2. Nissan Patrol (2014-2019)
The new generation of the Japanese SUV is focused not so much on off-roading as on comfort and speed. Nissan Patrol is equipped with a 5.6-liter eight-cylinder V-shaped petrol engine with an output of 405 hp, which allows it to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds, and has a torque of 560 Nm.
Base equipment of the car includes multifunction heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, premium audio system Bose with 13 speakers, music server, hard disk and DVD-player. For the driver's convenience, there is a memory system for multimedia system settings, climate control, mirror positions, steering wheel and driver's seat. A navigation system with hard disk drive and 8-inch display is also available.
The ALL MODE 4x4 transmission system gives the driver the option of selecting one of four operating modes: for sandy conditions, trails, snow and rocky terrain. Rear differential lock is also standard, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capabilities.
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Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (IV generation after restyling from 2013)
The best frame SUV in our ranking is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. In 2013, the car went through a major update, turning into an improved all-wheel drive vehicle from the most popular Japanese manufacturer in the world.
The Prado's interior features an audio panel over a 7-inch color screen. The VX and Kakadu versions get satellite navigation. The Prado GX comes with manual air conditioning, while the other models get dual-zone air conditioning. The Prado GX comes in five-seat and seven-seat versions. Additional seats are included in the GX, VX and Kakadu.
The Prado is equipped with seven airbags, stability control, emergency brake warning and a rearview camera. Engines: 4.0-liter V6 gasoline with 282 hp and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 173 hp. The Prado is available with a 6-speed manual and an automatic transmission.
The vehicle is comfortable to drive both on and off-road. There are many features to make driving easier, including trailer sway control and an all-wheel drive system with settings for different conditions
View Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Where to buy a good frame SUV
The best platform to buy a use car from abroad is PLC Auction. This company is an experienced player in the international automotive market that has been working closely with the best car auctions around the world for more than 10 years.
Benefits of buying a car through PLC Auction:
- Quick registration.
- Access to all auction catalogs (over 55 sites), access to bidding.
- Convenient buying conditions - the ability to search, check and buy a car on the world's leading marketplaces from the comfort of your own home.
- Prompt delivery of cars from anywhere in the world to the buyer's country.
- Minimal risks, guaranteed by the reliability of the auction, the ability to conduct a full verification of the history of the car by VIN-code before making a purchase.
- Guaranteed performance by PLC Auction, backed by a formal contract with the buyer.
- A wide range of services - the company provides legal and technical support for the purchase and delivery of the car, taking care of the interests of customers. In addition, you can order a unique service - on-site inspection.
- Competitive prices for delivery services due to good logistics.