Each car is a set of mechanisms and systems mounted on a supporting part. Cars are produced in which the role of the load-bearing part is performed, but there are cars in which all mechanisms and systems are installed on the frame.
car frame
The frame structure was initially used on all types of cars, but over time, a load-bearing structure began to be used in the production of passenger cars, and frames still continue to be used, but only on trucks.
They also did not abandon frame structures in the production of off-road vehicles, so most SUVs also have a frame supporting part. The advantage of using a frame is to provide a more rigid vehicle structure, which in turn makes it possible to transport larger loads.
Types of car frames
The use of frame structures on cars began almost at the dawn of the automobile era. During this time, several basic types of car frames were proposed:
- spar frame;
- and spinal.
Each of these types of frames have variations. A type of spar frame is the so-called peripheral one. And in addition to spinal frames, cars with fork-spine frames were also produced.
Spar frame
The most common frame structure is the spar frame.
The design of the side member frame of the Toyota Land Cruiser 200:
1 — front suspension mounting bracket; 2 - cross member; 3 — spar; 4 — body mounting bracket.
This frame consists of two spars, which are located longitudinally, as well as with cross members. Spars are made from channels with different section heights. In places that will be more loaded, the height is greater.
Cross members can also have different designs; there are ordinary, straight shapes, as well as K- and X-shaped ones. To ensure the installation of vehicle mechanisms, brackets and fastenings for them are installed on the side members and cross members. To fasten frame elements together, rivets, bolts or welding can be used.
A distinctive feature of the peripheral frame from a conventional spar frame is that during the manufacture of the spars they were bent, which led to the fact that in the middle there was the greatest distance between the spars. This was done in order to be able to position the bottom of the car as low as possible. Such frames were used in America in the production of passenger cars.
Spinal frame
Backbone-type frames for cars were developed by Tatra specialists. And such frames were used mainly on cars of this company. The main load-bearing part of the spinal frame is a pipe that connects the engine and all elements.
Frame Tatras
In fact, the power unit, as well as the gearbox and final drive, are also elements of the frame. The fastening of all these mechanisms is rigid. The torque from the engine to the transmission elements is carried out by a shaft that is installed inside the pipe. The use of such a frame structure is only possible if all wheels of the vehicle are provided with independent suspension.
The backbone frame is good because it provides high torsional rigidity, easy and quick creation of cars with different numbers of drive axles, but since some of the car’s mechanisms are located inside the frame structure, repair work is quite difficult.
Fork-spine type frames were also developed by Tatra employees. In this case, they abandoned the rigid mounting of the engine and transmission to the supporting central pipe. Instead, they installed special forks on both sides of the supporting pipe, onto which the engine is installed.
The frame is a type of supporting system of a vehicle; it keeps the entire contents of the car intact and prevents the entire constructor from falling apart into small parts. All the technical equipment of the car is installed on the frame, and the finished frame structure is called a frame chassis. The body itself is attached to the completed frame chassis. The frame takes up approximately 15% of the total weight of the car, that is, it is its heaviest part.
1. The role of the frame in the overall design of the car
Cars built using a frame structure are designed to withstand high loads. Such vehicles must be able to carry heavy loads and easily overcome difficult roads. Therefore, the strength requirements for frame production are quite high. It must be resistant to vibrations on road irregularities.
2. Main types of body frames
2.1 Spar frames
Such frames consist of two metal longitudinal beams running the entire length of the body. They are also called spars, which is where the frame gets its name. The spar frame looks like a ladder. The beams are connected to each other by traverses - cross members that give rigidity to such a frame. And the frame elements themselves are connected to each other by welding or rivets. This is the most common type of car frame.
Machines with spar frames are characterized by a rather low floor, heavy weight and bulkiness. These features are the main disadvantages of such a frame. Spar frames are more often used in the construction of trucks and SUVs; in places of greater load, metal seals are used.
2.2 Spinal frames
They consist of one longitudinal beam (or pipe), inside which the transmission shafts are located, and which connects the rear drive axle housing with the power unit and transmission. Cars with backbone frames have the advantage of lower weight over cars with spar frames, as well as greater torsional rigidity. But the big disadvantage of this design is the difficulty of repairing the machine, since it is necessary to disassemble it completely in order to fix even a small problem. This type of frame was used in the manufacture of cars by the Czech company Tatra.
2.3 Fork-spine frames
This is a subspecies of spinal frames, and its main feature is that both the front and rear parts are tridents, the basis of which is the central frame pipe, and two already extend from it, which are used for fastening components and assemblies. They use a conventional driveshaft, and the axle and engine housings are not integral with the central pipe. The main disadvantage of such cars is poor handling due to the location of the engine at the rear. Nowadays, this type of frame structure is no longer used in the automotive industry.
A type of spar frames, which began to be widely used on large European passenger cars and American “dreadnoughts” in the 60s. In these frames, the side members are placed so wide at the rear that when installing the body they are located at the thresholds, which made it possible to significantly increase the floor level and reduce the very height of the car. The big advantages of such a car are that it is maximally adapted to side impacts, but there is also a rather big minus - the car body must be stronger and more rigid, since the frame is unable to withstand a large load.
2.5 Space frames
These are the most complex type of frame structure used in the production of sports cars. This is a structure made of thin alloy pipes, which are not prone to torsion. Pipe structures do not withstand bending testing well. And today they have given way to monocoques in the automotive industry, but have found application in the bus industry.
3. Advantages and disadvantages of frame structures
Thanks to the frame, the vehicle is much easier to repair and also assemble at the factory. A frame structure differs from a body structure in that all its breakdowns can be corrected with the help of a good craftsman and material. Another important advantage of the frame design of the car is that such a car, after long trips on bad roads, will not have distortions in the doorways and cracks in the windshield pillars, and the chassis will be more durable. A frame car also has a slightly lower tendency to roll over than a body car.
As you can see, frame cars have many advantages, but the disadvantages make it possible for body structures to prevail in the production of passenger cars. The first disadvantage is the significantly increased weight of the vehicle when separating the functions of the body from the functions of the frame, and as the weight of the vehicle increases, its fuel consumption also increases. The second is that the side members under the body take up a lot of space, which makes getting into the car difficult and takes up a significant portion of the passenger compartment.
There is also a low level of passive safety, since the frame may shift relative to the body upon impact. For these reasons, the monocoque body has become indispensable for a passenger car. And frame structures cope perfectly with the difficult conditions of truck movement.
4. Scope of application of frame structures
Frame structures are used mainly in the production of SUVs and trucks, since the frame structure is capable of taking a large load. Premium passenger cars and some buses also have a frame.
Throughout history, the types of frames have changed more than once; at first they were made riveted and cast. Riveted frames are the most common, easiest to manufacture and most technologically advanced. Passenger cars were mainly made using riveted and cast methods. Cast machines are very time-consuming to manufacture and are quite expensive. Therefore, welded frame structures easily went down in history and remained there for a long time.
Welding technology is still used today because it is simple, reliable and inexpensive. This method is equally suitable for the manufacture of both passenger cars and trucks. This method consists of pouring out individual parts and then welding them together.
And finally, a few examples of cars with frame structure:
UAZ Patriot (improved version of UAZ 3160);
SUVs from Great Wall;
Haval H3, Haval H5;
SUVs from SsangYong;
Actyon i Actyon Sports;
Rexton flagship.
There are two types of automobile chassis: a chassis combined with a monocoque body, or a frame structure. In the first case, all components and assemblies are attached directly to the machine body. The second option is when the chassis, engine and transmission are mounted on the frame, and the body is “put on” on top. Both options have their advantages; the case version is more technologically advanced from the point of view of assembly line assembly. The spar frame requires preparatory work before installation, but during operation its design is more reliable.
Frame or monocoque - which is better?
The frame is used in the production of cars, the operation of which involves increased loads and a non-stop work cycle. These are trucks, buses, military jeeps, stretch limousines and Cadillacs. The category of vehicles experiencing high dynamic loads also includes frame SUVs, the list of which is given below. The monocoque type monocoque body is used in all other cases.
What does the frame consist of?
The design of the all-metal frame as the basis for fastening individual units is quite complex. This is a combination of solid drawn and forged profiles, transverse and longitudinal. Their relationship is calculated in advance, and the result is a durable structure that can withstand significant loads. During assembly, all the advantages of the frame go to the car. And the best example of using a reliable profiled structure is frame SUVs. The list of advantages of such machines includes high strength characteristics, wear resistance, and passive safety in minor accidents.
Popularity and Application
Frame structures became widespread in the United States during the automobile boom of the 60s. Manufacturers sought to create new models by changing the exterior of the body without touching the chassis of the car. The frame provided just such an opportunity. Dozens of models were assembled on identical chassis. Then the term body-on-frame even came into use, meaning one hundred percent unification of the chassis of passenger cars. The only condition for connecting the new body to the platform was the complete coincidence of the mounting holes in the frame and body, but these technological standards were easily observed.
Currently, frame structures are rarely used in the production of passenger cars and only when necessary, for reasons of strength. Options with a monocoque body are much lighter in weight, more technologically advanced in assembly and have more attractive passive safety parameters in the sense that in the event of a collision, the frameless body folds like an accordion and dampens the inertia of the impact. And the frame can cause more significant damage due to its rigidity. Therefore, during design, all possible situations were calculated.
Review of SUVs produced today
Currently, almost all leading global automotive companies produce SUVs on a frame chassis. However, they should not be confused with crossovers, vehicles of the same off-road class, but without a frame. All crossovers are assembled using a monocoque body.
The first number in the world ranking in its class is the American Hummer all-terrain vehicle. The powerful vehicle, assembled on a frame chassis, was intended for the US Army, but for various reasons deliveries to military units stopped, and the SUV can now be found on the roads of both the USA and Europe, for private use.
Along with the Hummer, the Cadillac Escalade frame SUV is popular in America. This is also a worthy representative in its class.
The off-road Acura model is also the dream of many motorists. In Europe, Mercedes and Audi SUVs compete with each other, and Volkswagen is breathing down their necks. The Romanian "ARO" and the Korean "Roxta" are not far behind the leading models.
All frame SUVs, the list of which goes on, are very expensive, but true lovers of extreme routes are not deterred by the high cost, and all-wheel drive giants sell well. A developed network of service centers provides technical maintenance of all-terrain vehicles.
American off-road model Cadillac Escalade
In 1999, the full-size off-road model Cadillac Escalade debuted. The car was designed based on the Chevrolet Tahoe. Much attention was paid to the car's signature appearance: five-spoke wheels, light leather in the interior, trim with valuable types of wood.
The car is equipped with a 5.7 liter engine with a power of 255 hp, with a V-shaped arrangement of eight cylinders. Transmission is a four-speed automatic. The dimensions of the car are impressive: length - 5110 mm, height - 1890 and width - 1960 mm. Weight - 2545 kilograms.
The European package of the Cadillac Escalade frame SUV includes an HVAC climate system, seat ventilation, ten airbags around the entire perimeter of the cabin, full power accessories, and satellite TV for passengers. For an additional fee, a computer module with unlimited Internet is installed.
SUV Acura SLX
The luxury off-road luxury car was introduced by Honda in 1996. The car organically fit into the then popular category of jeeps. In addition, the Acura SLX was distinguished by its “combat” characteristics in a complete set. And all this was combined with the highest level of comfort in the cabin. Heated leather seats, a folding roof, impeccable power accessories and servos everywhere.
The Acura's power plant is a 215 hp engine. volume 3.5 liters. The transmission is automatic, four-speed. The standard package includes such a set of options and accessories that the manufacturer has nothing more to add.
Frame SUV Audi Q7
The German all-terrain vehicle looks like a luxury executive car. At the same time, there are signs of sportiness in the exterior. This impression intensifies as soon as the car takes off. The giant's unstoppable run takes a split second.
The Audi Q7 was conceived as the largest European SUV. The length of the car is greater than that of the Hummer H2, and is 5086 mm, height - 1737 and width - 1983 mm. Swift contours, accentuated contours of the body, contrasting with the flat shape of the windows - all these are signs of the sporty nature of the car.
SUV on frame chassis "ARO 244"
The Romanian company ARO, a manufacturer of light trucks and four-wheel drive SUVs, primarily produces vehicles for the domestic market.
The ARO 244 frame SUV model was put into mass production in 1966 and became a pilot modification for the entire 24 series. The car was produced in two versions: two-door (short wheelbase) and five-door (full wheelbase). The car did not have a powerful displacement engine and looked rather like an ordinary car with a frame layout of the chassis and engine. The ARO 244 engine with a volume of 2495 cc/cm developed a power of 83 hp, which was enough to reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h.
The Asia Roxta frame SUV debuted in 1989. Power plant on a medium power vehicle, 86 hp. with a volume of 1.8 liters. But the car had a very interesting appearance. "Roksta" was reminiscent of the legendary American "Willis" from the Second World War. The same unique radiator grille, headlights, front fenders. The car seemed to have come out of a painting reflecting events at the front.
In 1994, "Roksta" underwent a deep restyling, changing its exterior and interior space. The front of the car began to resemble the Mitsubishi Pajero of the first production. The new design was to the taste of consumers, and Asia Roxta went into production. At the same time, the previous version also continued to be released. But in 1998, the frame SUV was discontinued and replaced by the new Retona model.
Frame SUVs, the list of which is not complete in this article, are in moderate but stable demand. Their production is developing, new models are appearing.
Powerful and comfortable frame SUVs, the list of which we will present to you today, have long migrated in ratings from the category of “workhorses for rural areas” to “cars for the middle class.” This means that with the power of a tractor capable of climbing a mountain range, the SUV has acquired all the amenities that were previously equipped with luxury cars: leather interior, electrically controlled and heated seats, a powerful computer that controls electronics that is enough for an average passenger airliner.
Our rating is based on the opinions of Russian and foreign buyers about SUVs with a reduction gear and all-wheel drive that satisfy three main indicators: technical characteristics, comfort and price.
Frame SUVs with reduction gearing, locking and all-wheel drive: TOP 10
First, we should clarify that almost all of the cars presented can be called "combined" in terms of their drivetrain design: they have low-range gearing, a differential lock and a switch to "all-wheel drive" mode. This allows you to operate the SUV on rough terrain and navigate the streets of populated areas in the “urban cycle” with equal efficiency.
The list of the best frame SUVs includes the 10 most popular selling models of 2018-2019, selected according to statistics of total sales in the world. There are both very prestigious names and modest ones (in our understanding), but they are united by universal recognition:
| 1 | Honda Pilot |
| 2 | Kia Mohave |
| 3 | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado |
| 4 | Mitsubishi Pajero |
| 5 | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| 6 | Audi Q7 |
| 7 | Nissan Patrol |
| 8 | Hyundai ix55 |
| 9 | Volkswagen Touareg |
| 10 | Lexus GX |
Honda Pilot
The “Best Frame SUV” crown was awarded to the representative of the Japanese concern “Honda Pilot”, produced in the second generation after updating in 2011 (K2 class, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive modifications).
- engine – V6 3500 (cm3), petrol;
- Max. power – 349 hp, torque – 347 Nm;
- gearbox – automatic transmission, “Grade Logic” system (engine optimization for road conditions). VSM system: control of separate operation of cylinders with increased power. Downshift;
- consumption per 100 km – 11.1 (mono-wheel drive), 11.7 liters (all-wheel drive version);
- differential lock, axle torque distribution system;
- road clearance – up to 200 mm, turning radius – 5.5 m;
- 18-inch wheels for luxury equipment;
- All-metal body using heavy-duty steel (lightweight);
- price range (in rubles) from 1.79 to 2.4 million.
Kia Mohave
The Korean frame SUV “Kia Mojave” is created for extreme conditions and the most comfortable “survival”. In some countries, the car is sold under a different name - KIA Borrego.
- engines: V6, 3 l, CRDI series, diesel; 3.8 l, Lambda series, petrol;
- max power: 250 hp (diesel), 275 (petrol);
- consumption per 100 km (average) – 10.2 (diesel), 9.7-10 liters (gasoline);
- anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake force distribution (EBD). Stabilization and traffic stability systems (TCS, ESC);
- 17, 18 – inch wheels;
- price range (in rubles) from 1.85 to 2.1 million (basic equipment).
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Japanese frame jeep "Toyota Land Cruiser Prado" is firmly in the top ten most popular all-wheel drive SUVs.
- engines: V4, 3 l, diesel; V6, 2700 and 4 l (top version), petrol. Emissions indicators have been brought to the most environmentally friendly level of Euro 5;
- max power: 190 hp (diesel), 163 and 282 (petrol);
- gearboxes: diesel – 6-speed automatic transmission; petrol – 5-speed automatic transmission;
- consumption per 100 km (average) – 12.5 (diesel), 12.3 and 15 liters (gasoline);
- Multi Terrain Select system (engine operating mode control is designed for 5 road options: gravel and stones, dirt and gravel, loose soil, sand and icy roads);
- anti-lock braking system (ABS), downhill braking control. Exchange rate stabilization system;
- protection of “blind spots” and warning of obstacles when “reversing”, video cameras with all-round visibility;
- 17, 18 – inch wheels;
- price range (in rubles) from 1.7 to 2.95 million (top equipment).
Mitsubishi Pajero
The Mitsubishi concern never ceases to improve its most popular all-wheel drive frame SUV - the Mitsubishi Pajero. In 2018-2019, the IV generation car became a bestseller.
- engines: V6, 3 l, diesel; 3 and 3.8 l, petrol;
- max power: 200 hp (diesel), 178 and 250 (petrol);
- gearboxes: diesel – 5-speed automatic transmission; petrol – 5-speed automatic transmission and for the “Invite MT” configuration with engine. 3.0 – 5-speed manual transmission;
- consumption per 100 km (average) – 10-12 (diesel), 11-12 and 13-15 liters (gasoline);
- proprietary powertrain Advanced SuperSelect 4WD (SS4-II) operates in 4 modes: all-wheel drive (4WD Super Select); four-wheel drive with low gear (4llc); 2H (only the rear wheels are engaged) or 4H (all wheels are engaged, transmitting different torque to each); 4Hlc (all-wheel drive with differential lock);
- 17, 18 – inch wheels;
- high ground clearance – 235 mm;
- price range (in rubles) from 1.6 to 2.5 million (top equipment).
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The American frame SUV "Grand Cherokee" is offered in 4 modifications, each of which is equipped with its own engine model. Engines are petrol only.
- “Sport” equipment: Tigershark Multi Air II engine, V4 (2400 cm3), 184 hp, 7.5 l/100 km. Front wheel drive 4x2. Security system: 10 airbags. Cruise control (adaptive). 17-inch wheels. Multimedia audio and video system, touch display. Central electric lock, handbrake (electric);
- “Latitude”: Pentastar V6 engine (3200 cm3), 271 hp, 9 l/100 km. Two modifications: front-wheel drive 4x2 and all-wheel drive. Aluminum cast wheels 17 inches. Heated seats, steering wheel and engine as standard;
- "Limited": Pentastar V6 engine (3200 cm3), but the car is presented as a limited edition. Climate control for two zones. Armchairs in leather covers, heated, with electric drive and memory for 4 and 8 positions. Modifications: front-wheel drive 4x2, all-wheel drive;
- “Trailhawk”: V6 engine (3200 cm3), all-wheel drive with Active Drive Lock multifunction transmission (locking rear differential, Selec Terrain driving mode selector). Transmission: ZF automatic, 9 speed. The machine is designed for the most difficult terrain and is;
- prices for each modification in the basic assembly range from $1.5-1.8 thousand: from $23 to $27.5 thousand from the manufacturer.
Audi Q7
The category “Best frame SUV with all-wheel drive” has been replenished with a representative of the “premium” class. This is an all-wheel drive SUV with a traction force distribution of 40:60 along the axles (more force falls on the rear axle).
- starter kit: V6 engine, 3 l, petrol, automatic transmission, 8 speeds. ABS, ESP systems, “assistants” for descending from a mountain and starting to move on an ascent, parking sensors. The salon is equipped with climate control systems, heated seats, and a powerful audio system. Optics – bi-xenon;
- diesel engines: V6, 3 l (245 hp), V8 4.2 l (340 hp), V12, 6 l (500 hp). The 3000 diesel is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the last two models are equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions;
- diesel modifications are equipped with the same systems as their gasoline counterparts. But in addition, for an additional fee you can purchase adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitoring system, and “smart optics”;
- the price range is very wide: from 2,800,000 to 6,500,000 rubles.
Nissan Patrol
Traditionally, the “best friend of hunters and fishermen” - Nissan Patrol - enjoys success. But the updated body looks simply luxurious, and the all-wheel drive frame SUV will do honor to any resident of an elite suburb.
- engine – VK56VD, V8 (5600cm3), 405 hp, 11.4 (outside the city) up to 20 l/100 km (city cycle);
- gearbox – 7-speed automatic, reduction gear, axle distribution 50:50;
- motion stabilization and brake control systems (anti-slip) ABS, EBD, TCS, BA. HDC (Hill Departure Control);
- amplifier with speed control;
- 4 driving modes on different types of ground: dirt, sand, asphalt, snow.
- rear differential lock;
- starting price from 3,900,000 rubles.
Hyundai IX55
The Korean frame SUV Hyundai IX55 “Irbis” has received universal recognition for the best price-quality ratio. The all-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle is available in two versions: with gasoline and diesel engines.
- engines: petrol V6 DOHC (3.8 l), 264 hp, 9-12 l/100 km; diesel CRDi (3000 cm3), 239 hp, 7.6-9.4 l/100 km;
- transmission – 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, reduction gear with differential lock;
- ABS, EBD, TCS systems (traction control, braking control);
- 17-inch alloy wheels;
- prices start from 1.86 million rubles.
Volkswagen Touareg
The German frame SUV "Volkswagen Touareg" arrived at Volkswagen dealerships after restyling and immediately won the love of European lovers of nature and comfort.
- engines: gasoline - V6 DOHC (3600 cm3), 249 hp, 11 l. and V8 (4200 cm3), 360 hp, 13 l.; diesel - V6 (3000 cm3), 204 hp, 6.6 l and V8 (3400 cm3), 340 hp, 9.1 l;
- gearbox – 8 speed Aisin automatic transmission with manual shifting, downshift;
- the steering wheel is equipped with Servotronic power steering (with speed-variable force);
- 4Motion all-wheel drive system, Torsen self-locking differential;
- brake control systems (ABS, EBD, ESP, ASR, EDS);
- starting price – from 2.5 million rubles.
Lexus GX
The rating of frame SUVs is completed by the result of Japanese-American cooperation - the all-wheel drive Lexus GX. A representative of the Premium class with improved characteristics and design demonstrates in the photo how equally organic it looks next to luxury villas and against the backdrop of mountainous terrain.
- engine: V8 (4600 cm3), gasoline, 298 hp, 13 l.;
- 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive with a Torsen center differential, changing the center force according to circumstances in the proportions of 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50;
- leather interior, adjustable and heated steering wheel and seats, powerful multimedia system;
- stabilization systems KDSS, ABS, EBD, BAS, AVS, etc.;
- price range: from 2.9 to 3.6 million rubles.
Now frame SUVs, which a couple of decades ago were the real kings of off-road, are gradually giving way to modern models of jeeps and crossovers with a monocoque body or an integrated frame.
Comfort and efficiency are put at the forefront, and cross-country ability and reliability are relegated to second place. Nevertheless, such cars have their own segment - they are popular in North and South America, Russia, the countries of the Near and Middle East, as well as Africa. In a word, where “road surface” is a rather relative concept, and to get from point “A” to “B”, you need to use a “framework” or an armored personnel carrier.
Let's look at the most famous SUVs on a frame that were produced before and now.
One of the most famous cars in the list of frame SUVs, produced in a pickup truck, first saw the light back in 1968. Initially, the Hilux was not focused on cross-country ability - the engine was too weak, the wheelbase was small and the single-wheel drive did not allow the pickup to tackle serious off-road conditions. The same applies to Honda Pilot, which we wrote about in a previous article.
But everything changed with the introduction of the third generation Hilux Regular Cab in 1978. For the first time, it was equipped with all-wheel drive, powerful and torquey engines - 1.8 and 2.4 liter petrol engines, and 2.2 liter diesel engine.
The SUV was actively sold and was appreciated in third world countries.
Suffice it to say that the Libyan-Chadian war of 1986–87 was called the “Toyota War” due to the fact that Chadian troops actively used Toyota Hilux pickups.
The powerful frame made it possible to install a heavy machine gun and a rocket launcher in the body, and the unpretentious engine and indestructible suspension provided Chadian army units with amazing mobility in the desert.
According to military experts, the use of these frame SUVs allowed Chad to repel an attack by the much better armed Libyan army. Afterwards, in many African and Middle Eastern countries, field commanders widely used the car as patrol vehicles, light fire support and for transporting goods.
Starting from the fifth generation, Hilux becomes more comfortable and less utilitarian. There are a lot of options, several cab options and the like - but the frame structure remains unchanged.
The modern eighth generation of Toyota Hilux was launched into production in May 2015. A new reinforced frame with increased rigidity provides the chassis with the necessary solidity, allowing it to overcome any off-road conditions.
As power units, the Hilux is equipped with two variants of powerful and responsive diesel engines with a volume of 2.4 and 2.8 liters, 150 and 177 liters. With. respectively, 6-speed manual transmission and the same automatic transmission. The first has a torque of 400 Nm, the second – 450 Nm. All this, coupled with a ground clearance of 227 mm in the low part of the chassis, makes the pickup a king on any off-road.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Land Cruiser is rightfully considered one of the most popular frame SUVs in the world. Although it currently confidently occupies the premium segment, one of the representatives of which is the 2016 Toyota Prado, for quite a long time it was a “workhorse”, designed specifically for use in difficult conditions and calmly competed with the leading American SUVs on the market.
Success for the Land Cruiser, which fully justified the nickname “Land Cruiser,” came with the advent of the 60 series.
Here, for the first time, the combination of a simple independent leaf spring suspension, a powerful diesel engine and a ladder-type frame was tested, which brought success to the model and was subsequently used on other modifications.
The apotheosis was the 100th series, produced since 1998.
Despite the fact that it belongs to the premium SUV segment, off-road performance is impeccable. Impact-absorbing elements began to be installed in the frame, and in the 105-series, a modernized version of the “hundred”, dependent front suspension is still used to this day. Also, a new line of power plants has been developed for the LC 100, including gasoline and diesel engines that work well at low and medium speeds.
Nissan Patrol
Appearing in 1958 as a continuation of a licensed copy of the American Willys Jeep, Patrol 4W65 and subsequent versions were offered exclusively for the needs of the army. But since the end of 1960, these frame SUVs entered the civilian market, where they were appreciated by residents of rural areas - the powerful frame made it possible to transport up to a ton of cargo in the back, and the reliable and unpretentious suspension made the car almost indestructible on any terrain.
The Patrol 160 model, produced since 1960, was seriously modernized, and the designers managed to combine reliability, cross-country ability, comfort and a relatively low price in the car.
The SUV has become so successful that in Middle Eastern countries, for example, in Iran, it is still considered one of the most popular.
A reinforced frame with spring suspension and solid axles, simple and unpretentious diesel engines and a two-stage transfer case allowed the car to overcome any obstacles. We should not forget about the frankly simple and reliable design of the chassis, which rarely failed.
Until 2010, two more versions of inexpensive frame SUVs appeared in the Nissan Patrol family: Y60 and Y61.
They were modernized in terms of improved comfort - the suspension became softer, because springs and levers began to be installed instead of springs, a spacious interior of better quality, etc. More powerful power units also appeared: diesel engines from 2.8 to 4.2 liters (112-200 hp) and petrol V-shaped 4.5 and 4.8 l. Particularly popular were the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated diesel engines TD42, most of which were equipped with a simple in-line injection pump - the engines easily “maintained” 200-400 thousand km without major repairs in very harsh conditions.
But the flagship version of the Patrol Y62 is a rather controversial model. Immediately after its appearance, it became clear that it enjoys commercial success exclusively in the oil monarchies of the Persian Gulf (like Gelik Brabus), where they prefer only two types of cars - elite sports cars or huge premium-segment SUVs.
While maintaining its cross-country ability (frame, ground clearance, transfer case and a powerful 5.6-liter engine with a torque of 560 Nm and 400 hp), the SUV acquired too many options aimed at comfort. As a result, the price is about 4 million rubles not in the top configuration - naturally, buying such a car for off-road driving is at least stupid.
When starting a conversation about frame SUVs, we must not forget about the American market, where such off-road conquerors are in well-deserved demand. There are several reasons - from the need for actually light and passable trucks for various needs and to the presence of serious off-road conditions in the same Colorado, Montana, Nevada and Alaska.
That's why monsters like the Dodge Ram 1500 are very popular in the USA - a real pickup truck that can easily carry half a ton of cargo.
A powerful frame with mixed (torsion bars + springs) or spring suspension, all-wheel drive and a displacement engine has become the calling card of the model. The first generation was launched in 1981, and Dodge introduced the fourth in 2012.
The new Ram 1500 features improved body aerodynamics, a reinforced frame and a wide range of engines, the weakest of which is a 3.7-liter gasoline V-six with a capacity of 218 hp. With. But for those for whom this is not enough, they can order a version with gasoline engines of 4.7, 5.7, 8.0 and 8.3 liters, as well as two powerful turbodiesels of 5.9 and 6.7 liters.
Concluding the review of the best frame SUVs, we need to mention one of the most titled representatives of this type - the famous LR Defender, the undisputed winner of almost all known trophy raids.
It is noteworthy that for many years during production - and the first Defender was released in 1948 - the car's spartan appearance and poor interior did not affect its popularity at all.
In general, as fans of the model joke, Defender’s appearance is as conservative as Britain, which remains a constitutional monarchy.
Essentially, this SUV is a searing mixture of strengths and weaknesses. The ladder frame, coupled with long-travel suspension, good body geometry, torquey low-speed diesel engine, all-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and a locking center differential provide phenomenal cross-country ability on steeply rough terrain.
In 1997, several enthusiasts managed to drive this car to Elbrus - a documented fact.
But on the other hand, comfort in Defender is an extremely relative concept even in the latest models, unlike the compact crossover Range Rover Evok. The developers left it spartan and simple - the side mirrors are adjusted manually, not to mention the frankly uncomfortable back row seats and other disadvantages. But the Defender is a living legend, sitting in which you can look down on any, even the most expensive SUV.
Video
For dessert, watch a video where real jeeps overcome severe off-road conditions. Crossovers never even dreamed of.
