9 4x4s We Want to See Back in Production
We’re sure that you, like us, appreciate the incredible options manufacturers provide when shopping for a new vehicle. Sports cars are faster, and 4x4s are more capable than ever, but as enthusiasts, we still find ourselves daydreaming about what could be. Hagerty’s media staff brainstormed for a bit to dream up some 4x4s that we’d like to see make a comeback, especially now that there’s an off-road arms race going on with Ford, Chevy, GMC, Ram, Jeep, Nissan, and Toyota all offering off-roaders that can tackle high-speed deserts and technical trails. Our choices may not always make fiscal sense, and you might understand why we’re writing about car companies and not running them after checking this list, but if these off-roaders did make it to production, it would make at least a few off-roaders happy.
Geo/Chevy Tracker
I wanna see something like the Geo Tracker—low power, smaller than the current Trax, nothing fancy, but legitimate off-road capability. Bare bones for the base model, but maybe with multiple locking differentials and chunky tires for the performance packages. I’m thinking Suzuki Jimny, but even boxier, and with a Bowtie. The 1.2-liter, 137-hp turbo-three from the Trax would be perfect here with a six-speed.—Eric Weiner
Chevrolet has a lot of crossovers in its lineup, and the Trax is one of the most affordable on the market. The Tracker could be positioned as more of a lifestyle vehicle. There’s already a Chevy Tracker available in Mexico and Central and South America, but it’s front-wheel-drive and not at all aimed at off-road activities. This new Tracker would need a new platform but could also be offered in markets around the globe.
AMC Eagle SX/4
Jacked-up safari coupes are all the rage these days, so why not bring back the original lifted coupe, the AMC Eagle SX/4?
Stellantis can take some length out of the new chassis under the Charger, give the Eagle its own—ideally hatchback—bodywork, and use the Hurricane straight-six to power all four wheels. I know AWD doesn’t fully fit the 4×4 brief we have going, but these cars are too funky and cool to be forgotten. —Eddy Eckart
This one checks a lot of boxes. The Charger will already be available in two and four-door liftback variants, and an AMC-appropriate inline-six engine, so it’s really not that far-fetched. Why let Subaru have all the fun in that space?
Mitsubishi Montero/Nissan Xterra
Mitsubishi and Nissan should collaborate to co-develop a body-on-frame SUV with real 4×4 capability and off-road potential. We could call the Mitsubishi version the Montero (no idea why I’d love to see one of those again…) and we could call the Nissan version the XTerra. Sure, it would mean downsizing the Monty from a three-row to a two-row vehicle, but they did make short-wheelbase versions of that thing for a bit.
Use the dead-simple 3.8-liter V-6 from the Frontier pickup, and pair it with a nine-speed automatic. Heck, you could grab most of the running gear from the Frontier, really.
I’d love to see Mitsubishi ascend back to the levels it once reached in the American market. I think that the most realistic avenue for such a rise would be through off-road SUVs.—Nathan Petroelje
This one seems easy, at least for Nissan. The chassis and powertrain are there, ready for the taking.
Open-top Toyota 4Runner
Bring back a bare-bones two-door 4Runner with a roll bar and removable top. Build it on the current 4R platform to keep things simple, give it manual everything and the Highlander’s 2.4L turbo, and price it at under $30,000.—Stefan Lombard
This could be Toyota’s shot at competing more directly with open-top 4x4s from Ford and Jeep and using an amortized platform could keep the price down to two-door Wrangler territory. It’s the Toyota 4×4 that enthusiasts have asked for since, well, since the open-top 4Runner left production.
Ford Aerostar
I want the 4×4 Ford Aerostar (okay technically it was All-Wheel Drive) to come back. Ditto the Chevy Astro, but I am a sucker for the ‘Star and its cheese-wedge styling.
There’s something about a “modern” looking people mover designed to replace the station wagon for city duties, but can also tow a small boat and go off-road. Just bring it back as-is but with modern safety features, a turboharged four-banger (because underhood space is tight!) and market the hell out of it as a Cybertruck without any of the stainless steel tech-bro downsides.—Sajeev Mehta
Lots of ’80s trends are coming back. We see it in music, fashion, and concept cars. Could it be time for a minivan renaissance?
Ford Bronco II
There were problems, sure, with my new 1986 Ford Bronco II, including the peaky Cologne V-6, which had to be replaced at about 10,000 miles, and the fact that the BII felt like it wanted to tip over on sharp corners. But it was cheap (taking the five-speed manual shaved a lot off the cost), and a little mountain goat off road. Comfortable inside, a decent highway ride, lots of room in back and a neat profile. An SUV like that would find an audience today—build it alongside the Maverick pickup. Make it rugged and relatively bare-bones and start it at $24,500 with air, and it’d sell, maybe including one to me.—Steven Cole Smith
We have the Bronco Sport, but why not give us a bit of ’80s retro styling and a two-door version the next time around?
Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion was unapologetically large and inefficient but at the same time had the ability to haul people and things in a way that can make a pickup truck blush. I’ve never owned one and for a long time didn’t understand some owners love affair with the behemoths. Now I understand that the Excursion is the perfect fit for a niche need, and a replacement just hasn’t seemed to come around in recent history.—Kyle Smith
There hasn’t been a heavy-duty SUV available for consumers since the 3/4-ton Suburban left the market more than a decade ago. Ford merged the Super Duty with the F-150 lineup to share cabs starting in 2017, so an Expedition EL on a modified Super Duty chassis would be the quick way to make this happen, but we really love the style of the Expedition and would love to see a modern take on its elegant lines 20 years after it left the market.
Ram Trailduster
How is it that Ram has never built a full-size SUV? This one seems like a no-brainer at this point. The Ramcharger name is now appropriately taken by the upcoming hybrid pickup, but we could see a full-size, Ram-based four-door SUV built on the platform that underpins the Jeep Wagoneer and shares plenty with the Ram 1500. The Plymouth Trailduster could lend its name. Build one on 33-inch tires like a Ram Rebel and call it the Prospector for a nod to the past, power it with the same turbocharged hurricane turbo-sixes available in the Ram, and you’ve got a fun family camping rig. Of course this overlaps with the Wagoneer, but since that starts at $63,000, there’s perhaps a bit of room to offer a less-expensive version that competes directly with Tahoe starting in the $50,000 range. Besides, GM hasn’t had any problem selling full-size SUVs using three different brands. The Ram 1500 interiors are there for the taking and so is the Wagoneer chassis, do it already!—Brandan Gillogly
Chevy K5/GMC Jimmy
I like the newest Colorado/Canyon mid-size pickups from GM, especially in ZR2/AT4X guise. I would love to see a four-door and even a two-door SUV based on that platform go head-to-head with the new 4Runner. We included a photo of a vintage one up above, but like our daydream of a Ram-based SUV we already mentioned, this could use existing pickup steetmetal and interiors and skip the nostalgia. The Blazer and Trailblazer names are used by FWD-based CUVs, so I don’t think it would be blasphemous to use the K5 and Jimmy names considering these things would be able to tackle serious terrain. Just imagine one with the front and rear lockers, skidplates, and the 35-inch tires that come with the top AEV equipment.
There’s a spot for these in GM’s SUV lineup, especially considering Tahoe and Yukon grew a bit in their current generation. I envision the K5 and Jimmy with a five-link rear and about a 115-inch wheelbase for the four-door, close to the last Colorado-based Trailblazer that was sold in Australia, but taking advantage of the fact that the current Colorado’s front wheels are pushed a bit further forward to improve the approach angle. If it would fit in the midsizers, the Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six would be a great powerplant in general, but especially for those looking for long range capability. Otherwise, this would be yet another place for the General to use the 5.3L V-8.—Brandan Gillogly
Stephen Lombard was my new hero and I was shouting, “I’ll buy that for under $30K” – until I scrolled further down and saw Brandan’s two submissions for the rebirth of two of my all-time favorite full-sized off-roaders. The K5 and Ramchargers were the epitome of cool toughness when I was a much younger man. But, one can’t live in the past, and given the cost of fuel and the probable price points, the full-sizers would probably lose out to the 4Runner if I was being honest. My memories of conquering difficult trails in those big honkers, hauling gear to the top of the mountain are wonderful and precious. Of course, I no longer hunt and camp – and I hear that the backcountry is almost as crowded as the Walmart parking lot nowadays. But I do live on a ranch, so honestly, a pick-up is still my best bet for any off-roading I do nowadays, hauling hay, water troughs, fencing materials and such across a muddy field is about as serious as it gets these days!
I knew that Sajeev wouldn’t disappoint me by not picking a Ford, but I was surprised to see the Aerostar. Although I will admit, every time I see one for sale I check to see if it has a manual transmission. So far none have, so I still don’t own one.
I’m in favor of all of the reboots for the Bronco II (and full-size Bronco), Ramcharger, K5 Blazer, etc., but they have to be done right. The Bronco Sport is a good example of it being done wrong, or they should’ve just called it something different. Part of the appeal of the Bronco, Ramcharger, and K5 is they’re 2 door, simple, and rugged machines.
We should never underestimate Sajeev’s abilities to surprise us!
The Bronco Sport is the correct spiritual successor to the Bronco II. There’s no way in today’s market that a vehicle like that would ever be sold in enough quantity in two-door form to justify the expense. As more of an adventure vehicle, it was wise to make it a unibody (and from the Escape), as these customers are daily drivers with occasional overlanding desires and not the heavy four-wheeling off-roaders for whom the Bronco is intended. The two-door Bronco Sport in Badlands form is quite capable and can handle more than most of its customers will ever ask of it when off the beaten path. Let’s not forget how unloved the B2 was in its day.
I’m a two-door Bronco owner and have to accept that even though I could only own the two-door and not a four-door in large part because it looks and feels like the proper successor to the Gen1 Bronco, without the four-door Bronco, I couldn’t have my two-door.
“The Bronco Sport is the correct spiritual successor to the Bronco II.” I believe that is true. And there are plenty of videos on the Internet that show the surprising (to many, including me) off-road capabilities of the Bronco Sport. I prefer two-doors, but I suspect that you are right: there would be insufficient sales of a Bronco Sport two-door.
The 4Runner and Blazer are the only two here that will ever keep up with the future predictions in the collector markets.
The rest have had their time and will continue to fade away if you can even find a working one.
The 4 Runner is still in production but the open top is not in the cards due to crash and roll over standards. The Blazer as much as it is popular is just flat outsold by the 4 door version. They did not stop making it because their was great demand.
The Fords Well the Explorer is a Bronco 2 with out being top heavy. The Aerostar van is still here with out the dated dust buster styling.
The Excursion just never could gain ground on the Suburban in a segment that is declining in volume.
As for the rest the Tracker makes any sense. The AMC was a predicter of the future but there is no more AMC. Car styled SUVs will continue to grow.
I have tried to forget the Aerostar. We had a customer with one and I hated working on that thing. The rust took it pretty fast.
Yeah I can do without an Aerostar reboot. I don’t remember anyone really loving them when they came out and now most have forgotten it existed.
Agreed. It’s a tragedy when these manufacturers recycle names and completely disregard the character of the original. Kinda like the 4 door escape with a 2′ bed that’s now called a Maverick. That ain’t no Maverick. Not to disown the new Maverick, but they totally could’ve put a different badge on that wouldn’t associate it with a 302 driven hatch back car.
I totally agree regarding the Maverick name. They could have used an old truck name like F-100 or Courier. It’s as bad as calling that EV vehicle a Mustang. Adding the words Mach E to it is just plain dumb and shows a total lack of imagination regarding the heritage and image of the brand.
I owned 3 of them first 2 were good but the last one was an Eddie Bauer all wheel drive with extended body. I loved that thing. It went thru snow like nothing I’ve owned since, including a Land Rover. Seats folded down flat so I could carry plywood or whatever. Great vehicle overall. I’ve always said if I could find one in new condition I’d buy it in a heartbeat.
I had the same Suzuki Sidekick for 18 years. 4×4, 4 door, Hi/Lo transfer, 5 speed, easy to maintain. How I wish I could have one again!
GM totally blew it when they used the vaunted Blazer badge on a bland and uninspiring crossover. Would love to have seen them do something like Ford did with the Bronco.
I have owned 7 2-door Blazers & Yukons from model years 1974 to 1996. I agree GM totally blew it with the new Blazer. What were they thinking? It was obviously designed by a committee of bean counters that have no idea what the original concept was all about. At 225k miles I will keep my ’96 two-door, and if the new Blazer is the best GM can do, I will be keeping it a whole lot longer.
Exactly right reused nameplates with no regard to successor. Courier would have been epic
Just my opinion, but I think somebody’s been smokin’ something marginally legal
I’ve owned a few of these along with an International Harvester Scout. I would include the Scout on this list even ahead of some of the others. The top could be taken completely off for a full convertible. Not easy, like the early Blazer and at least a two person job or one with a lift. I did have more confidence handling the metal Scout roof than the ’72 Blazer roof. It was a great vehicle and tough as they come 🙂
Loved my Scout, and while running the mountain roads of AZ, heard many times how the Chevys and Ford had to go to 4wheel low, and the Scout was never out of 2wheel drive. Got stuck once in a muddy dump, while towing a 16’ trailer. Actually had to put it in 4wheel high to get out. Great vehicles, wish I still had it.
On the other hand, a buddy got his Scout stuck in the snow back in the 1970’s, and a Jeep pulled him out. He soon traded for a Jeep. In general, I believe it is more the driver than the vehicle.
Yes. “No system is fool-proof, if…”
I once pulled a dune-buggy out of beach muck in the U.P. with an Econoline!
I had a Tracker. It couldn’t get out of it’s own way.
My Sidekick could make its own way!
I understand the return of most of these 4WD vehicles…with a few exceptions. However, choosing an AWD Aerostar over a IH Scout (est. 1961) with an ICE…I don’t know, man. Nice article Sajeev.
Our Isuzu Trooper survived hunting trips, boat hauling, teaching two daughters how to drive and daily commuting. In low gear, it would climb a tree and later, apparently was stylish enough for a daughter to drive to school. Probably the most popular car in family history. We finally replaced it with a Honda Passport, which was a rebadged Isuzu and it too lasted for many years and miles.
I had the final year of the US Trooper, 2002. Black with silver lower trim. It was awesome. I loved it. Until it started burning oil bad at 170K miles. Sold it to an old timer Isuzu fan who always wanted the exact vehicle and color combo I had! I disclosed every flaw including of course the oil burning issue of the 3.5 liter. He knew about it and he said his mechanic was well versed in all things Isuzu. Pretty cool.
I agree, the Izusu Trooper I had was the best off road / drive to work combo vehicle I ever had. Plenty of room, ran through creeks, and drove over small trees on the farm. Sold it to a landscaper when I got a new 95 Blazer 4 door. Big mistake cause I didn’t want to beat up a new vehicle. The fun was gone.
Ignoring the fact that all of them had some serious flaws, I remember my 1985, carbureted Bronco II doing its best to kill me with carb icing issues on damp, cold days in Rochester, NY or basically everyday from November to May. I lost count of how many times the Cologne would stall before it would fully warm-up. Left-turns at busy intersections would have made a Kamikaze pilot envious. At least they got a shot of saki and a silk scarf before their mission. The rear suspension was also a source of constant surprise and wonderment. I hit a bump on a curve on I-490 and the vehicle actually changed lanes with no input from me. Undaunted, I bought a new 1995 Explorer.
Many of these were discontinued for good reasons. That’s not to say I don’t like them. If they brought them back, they would all be overpriced and full of electronic crap you don’t need or want.
I have a soft spot in my head (!) for the early Jeep Cherokee XJ’s built by AMC. I liked the looks, handling, and practicality.
And with about 3 million made over the years, many have lasted a quarter million miles!
I had an ’86, four door, four-cylinder 5 speed with Command-Trak. In 4L that thing would not stop – I swear it could pull a farm plow. Wouldn’t turn in 4L, but it would go. One of my buds named it “The Blizzard Lizard”. One of the best vehicles I have ever owned.
Bought it used – original owner traded it in with a cracked exhaust manifold. Fixed that, and it just ran and ran and ran. I used to tow with it, too. On some of the hills on the PA Turnpike or 202 you’d need to downshift and wind her up to hold 65-70 MPH, but you just couldn’t kill it.
Sold it when it was 17 years old with 220,000 on the clock because I got a good deal on a fresher Grand Cherokee. The guy I sold it to slid down an icy hill in the winter and knocked all four corners off it – but they kept running it. It drove to the wrecking yard when the end finally came.
The XJs were quite ubiquitous. Unfortunately, a lot of them were killed off in the “Cash for Clunkers” debacle.
I will never understand why Jeep later ended the Cherokee nameplate – I leased 2018, a 2021, and am leasing a Compass now because they discontinued the ‘Kee. When it comes to classics my blood runs Chevrolet Orange, but there’s always room in my stable for a Jeep.
I heard rumblings that the Cherokee nation was becoming uncomfortable with the use of the name. We’ll know for sure if the Grand Cherokee gets renamed in the near future.
I miss my 1995 full size Bronco. It got me out of a lot of deep doo-doo during many Colorado winters. I like the new Broncos but I prefer sitting up higher.
I suppose a major issue is that the market for 4 x 4s might be somewhat saturated as is, so spending money to tool up another model, just to have it steal sales from an existing one in the lineup, isn’t good business.
Loved my Montero. Delivered magazines with it for 4 years, basically wore it out. Lotsa travel too, lack of 5th gear had 3000 pm at 70 mph. Gave away to needy family, smokin but running with 200,000+ miles.
I gotta chime in and defend my love affair with Bronco 2’s as I own 3 of them. The criticism in other comments has gotta come from people who have never appreciated them. Nothing on the automotive market has ever offered better handling than a bronco 2. Coils in the front was key. 20 MPG’s over 9 with a fullsize has economics in the bag and an easy to find 5 speed model makes these gems all the more desirable. Rolled my first one in high school 12 years ago and crawled out without a scratch. God sent a guardian angel that night. (May or may not have had my seatbelt on) Had the windshield frame smashed back up and running again the same night.
My dream rig is an excursion with a 7.3. Can’t get a better setup other than maybe a better auto trans, although they haven’t offered one since. So, the ultimate solution is go back to direct engine to wheel connections with a manual tranny and all you “my leg hurts from operating the clutch” people can remain quiet peacefully or stuff a sock in it with your one sided opinions.
The camber change through the suspension travel range on the twin I-beam style front end made the Bronco II susceptible to rollover. Same holds true with the similarly equipped early Explorers. The Firestone tires weren’t the only culprits in that whole rollover fiasco.
Your comment is extremely offensive, but in America you get your turn. I stand by my comments on my 1985 Bronco II as I owned it for 10 years and got pretty familiar with all its quirks. Your rollover story tells me all I need to know about you.
Wait – you rolled one, yet think that “Nothing on the automotive market has ever offered better handling than a bronco 2”? What am I missing here?