4x4 Vehicles and definition of Offroad|Offroad Tutorials||Explore. Prepare. Go further

The general idea and definition of going "Off-Road" would mean you are leaving the tarmac, but what is beyond the tarmac is often rocks, gravel, sand, dirt tracks, mud, or others.

As we are focusing on off-roading in the UAE and GCC, you will find the following:

1. Sand, either flat area, called sabkhas, or dunes.

2. Wadis (riverbeds).

3. Washboard tracks, often found in areas where construction is ongoing.

4. Mountain tracks, consisting out of gravel or boulders

While in the past it was relatively easy to differentiate a 4x4 from a regular two-wheel drive vehicle, nowadays it's not that straightforward anymore due to the rise of SUV's (Sport Utility Vehicles), and Hybrid/EV vehicles.

Because of that, there is a lot of confusion amongst car buyers, and the dealerships that are advertising with big banners that show their vehicles surfing in the dunes are sometimes far from realistic.

Furthermore, based on the types of terrain you'd like to tackle, you will need to choose which vehicle is capable of doing so, as each terrain has its own specific demands that you will need to consider.

This is where the combination of 4x4 drive system, decent power, ground clearance, approach and departure angles, availability of recovery points, and a few other parameters come into play. A classic 4x4 (Landcruiser, Defender, Pajero, Jeep Wrangler, etc..) covers all these requirements and is generally a safe bet if you want to purchase a 4x4 vehicle.