In this list we show you five tremendously good 4x4s that you cannot buy in Spain. These models, unfortunately, are not suitable for European roads.
The SUV segment has been in low hours for years. There are few models that occupy this market niche, and even fewer for sale in Europe. The main reason why they are not marketed is due to the strict anti-pollution protocols of the Old Continent, which these cars barely comply with and for which their manufacturers do not dare to expose themselves to harsh sanctions.
Just a few days ago we talked about the 10 best 4×4 cars for quality/price ratio that are sold in Spain in 2023, a list that does not include true SUVs such as the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler or the Land Rover Defender due to different factors. .
However, the five tremendously good 4×4 cars on this list are not in last week’s ranking because you can’t buy them in Spain. They are old-school vehicles, with big engines and impressive off-road dimensions that make them suitable for almost any type of surface. But unfortunately, they are not for sale in our country.
Five tremendously good 4x4s that you cannot buy in Spain
nissan patrol
The Nissan Patrol is a classic of Spanish culture. It was on sale in Spain in the third, fourth and fifth generations between 1980 and 2010, but since then the model has disappeared from the Nissan catalog for the European market.
However, in other markets it has continued for sale and there is even a sixth generation that arrived in 2010 for America, Asia and Africa, although with a more asphalt and luxury oriented approach.
In selected markets, such as the United Arab Emirates or South Africa, the fifth-generation Nissan Patrol (Y61) can still be found in Safari or Super Safari versions, which has a 4.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine that develops 280 hp of power with manual or automatic change.
Toyota Land Cruiser 70
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is another of the tremendously good 4x4s that you cannot buy in Spain. This SUV is very popular in Australia, South Africa or the Emirates and is available in an infinite number of body and engine options, either with two or five doors, a short or long wheelbase and even a pick-up with a two or four-door cab.
Among the engines available, there are diesel mechanics such as a 4.2-liter six-cylinder and 126 CV of natural aspiration, or a 4.5-liter V8 turbodiesel with 202 CV. In addition, it is also offered with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine that develops 227 hp.
Mercedes G-Class Professional
Still based on the first generation of the Mercedes G-Class, the G-Class Professional is an SUV that you cannot buy in Spain, since it is sold exclusively in the second generation of the model, a luxury SUV with sporty features reserved for a lucky few.
However, in Australia this version of the G-Class is still sold with a Station Wagon or chassis-cab body, and is available with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine with 181 HP of power and a five-speed automatic transmission. Of course, it has four-wheel drive and has three 100% lockable differentials.
Ford F-150 Raptor R
It is perhaps one of the most popular SUVs in the world and, of course, you cannot buy it in Spain unless you import it. This is the Ford F-150 Raptor R, a high-performance pick-up that was presented in July of last year as the most extreme version of the F-150.
In this case, the R version is equipped with the supercharged engine of the Shelby GT500, a 5.2-liter V8 boosted to deliver 700 hp of power and 868 Nm of torque. It also has what it takes to be a true beast off the road and is Ford’s answer to the feared Ram 1500 TRX with the 717 hp Hellcat engine.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sports
The fifth and last tremendously good 4×4 that you cannot buy in Spain is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Recently facelifted (updated in December), this SUV is still for sale in several countries around the world, including Australia.
It is offered with a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine and four cylinders in line of 181 CV of power with automatic transmission of eight speeds. Although it has been watered down compared to previous generations, the newly signed Pajero Sport is somewhat more SUV-like in appearance, but still packs 4×4 drive and offers great off-road performance.