This year’s Ultimate Guide to 4x4s features commercial SUVs for the first time – that relatively rare breed of four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped specifically for carrying tools, equipment, bales or whatever the farm needs to transport in addition to a driver and passenger.

They offer the attraction of decent comfort and good road manners, although in terms of features, equipment and digital tech, plenty of top-spec pickups give them a good run for their money.

Interestingly, there is tremendous disparity within this category, ranging from the minuscule Suzuki Jimny and Dacia Duster at one end of the size/price scale to the all-singing, all-dancing Land Rover Defender and Discovery, and the Toyota Land Cruiser at the other.

Foers Engineering Ibex

In between – size-wise at least – comes the off-road-focused Ibex, a pretty much bespoke vehicle built in Rotherham that is now available in a matrix of 4×4 and 6×6 configurations.

The hand-crafted Ibex has a purpose-built chassis, sheet steel bodywork and Land Rover running gear as its base, but with a choice of diesel and high-performance petrol engines, mechanical and air suspension setups and a level of interior finish from ultra-basic to whatever the buyer wants.

Using new or refurbished components is another option and the Ibex can even be had in kit form.

The others are more conventional in this respect, being off-the-shelf models adapted from regular five-seater SUVs by removing the rear seating and installing a flat floor and steel bulkhead, either from floor to roof or with a mesh grille making up most of the partition.

Ibex station wagon and pickup © Foers Engineering

See also: British-built Ibex 4×4 offers Land Rover Defender alternative

Dacia Duster

Dacia’s second-generation Duster Commercial is based on the 4×4 version of a “crossover” powered by a 115hp four-cylinder diesel motor. It has the improved styling and equipment that also features on the latest five-seat Duster.

Dacia Duster © Dacia

Suzuki Jimny

The Suzuki Jimny has won near-cult status for its chunky looks and compact size – despite a somewhat busy ride and loud progress on the road – thanks to short gearing that, in addition to a low-range transfer box, is an asset off road.

Having been canned in five-seat form as a car for emissions reasons, the Jimny is now back as a two-seat, five-door Commercial with a box-shaped flat-floored load space and a solid bulkhead topped by a mesh partition.

Suzuki Jimny light commercial © Suzuki

Toyota Land Cruiser

There are short- and long-wheelbase versions of Toyota’s current Land Cruiser 4×4, both available to Commercial Utility and Commercial Active spec. The latter adds a number of electronic driving aid and infotainment upgrades.

All are powered by Toyota’s 2.75-litre six-pot diesel generating 204hp, which helps muster enough power and torque to haul up to 3t with a braked trailer.

In the back, the load space has dimpled rubber matting, a half-depth steel bulkhead, and a mesh opening partition.

Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial © Toyota

Land Rover Defender and Discovery

If ultimate towing performance is a priority, then at 3.5t the two Land Rover contenders in this sector have the edge – the Discovery and Defender.

The Discovery Commercial is the larger of the two, both overall and in terms of load space, which at 1.6m beats all full-size alternatives.

There is a fold-down rear inner barrier to prevent loose items falling out when the tailgate is opened, as well as quite generous underfloor stowage compartments.

Power-wise, the latest Commercial models are powered by Land Rover’s 300hp six-cylinder diesel with mild electric power supporting the main act and coupled to an eight-speed auto with high- and low-ratio transfer gearbox.

As for comfort, riding on air suspension and leather-clad seats is no hardship.

Land Rover Discovery Commercial © Land Rover

Despite its more down-to-earth appearance, Land Rover’s new Defender is surprisingly good on asphalt, as well as being highly capable off it.

A six-cylinder 3-litre engine with 200hp and mild electric motor assistance is the sole power unit for the short-wheelbase 90 Hard Top, but there is a choice of 249hp and 300hp for the long-wheelbase 110 Hard Top.

All operate in conjunction with an eight-speed auto transmission with high and low ranges, coil spring suspension can be substituted for a smoother-riding air set-up, and there are five equipment and trim levels for the 110.

Both versions have a clear, uncluttered load space with a full-depth bulkhead punctuated by a grille-covered window and various underfloor storage areas for carrying hand tools and other loose items.

The rear-view mirror camera option means whatever is going on behind the vehicle is always in sight, whether loaded to the roof or when a third cabin occupant is present in the optional “jump” seat.

Land Rover Defender © Land Rover