In our previous article we talked about the state of the roads in Costa Rica. In summary, we can say that Costa Rica’s roads are not going to pose any challenge to a driver with some experience.
However, we have decided to stay ahead of any inconvenience and have 4×4 all terrain vehicles for those rural stretches that receive little maintenance.
Also because some camping sites can have very uneven roads.
Anyway, let’s talk a little bit about our 4×4 caravans in our fleet, generalities and details.
Isuzu D-Max
First produced in 2002 to replace the Isuzu Faster, which had been on the market for more than 30 years, the DMAX started out as a small chassis pickup.
In 2011 it moved to its modern style, mid-size chassis pickup. This was done to compete with other pickup brands such as the Mazda BT 50 and Chevy Colorado.
Its diesel engine has an average consumption of 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers and generates enough power to carry up to 5 people on the steep slopes of the Costa Rican mountains.
Isuzu is a well known brand in Costa Rica, thanks to the sale of models in the 80s and 90s such as the Isuzu Trooper and the Hino (Isuzu Elf), a light truck, a favorite of goods haulers.
The Isuzu D-Max, in its 2011 and later version, is a favorite vehicle for temporary campers and those who made camping their daily lifestyle. We found an excellent review from an Australian camper that can give you an idea of the capabilities of this vehicle.
Nissan Frontier 4WD
Another pickup conceived at the beginning of the 21st century, this Nissan has undergone four different generations since then. The last generation was not only a facelift, they added size and robustness to the bodywork. Another change is the taller chassis, which gives it more ground clearance.
Some versions of this pickup come in gasoline, but the one we have in fleet is the Diesel version.
This vehicle has an average fuel consumption of 7 liters per 100KM on the highway. In the city consumption rises to about 11 liters.
Its V6 engine with 310 horsepower guarantees power for the most difficult roads and speed for highways.
It is a family vehicle in every sense of the word.
Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki brand took the world by surprise with its series of jeep style vehicles in the 80s globally. Costa Rica was no exception with Costa Ricans opting for the Suzuki Samurai, Geotrack and Vitara. The Suzuki Carry and its variants were also popular for a long time as a minibus and goods carrier.
The Suzuki Jimny has gained the preference of Costa Ricans since the introduction of its 2019 model with a modern and attractive redesign. It is highly preferred among young people looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle to go to the beaches and the mountains.
Powered by gasoline, the consumption of this car is about 7 liters per 100 kilometers on the road. It has 101 horsepower, excellent for most roads in Costa Rica and with the right size to park anywhere.
This vehicle has an AWD traction that allows you to convert the vehicle in 2-wheel drive to any axle or 4-wheel drive.
JAC T8
JAC is a Chinese vehicle manufacturer that until a few years ago was unknown in Latin America. But with the introduction of affordable 4×4 pickup vehicles they have carved a niche in the market.
The JAC T8 is well liked in the Costa Rican market for its manual transmission and front bumper, two features that other pickup models have lost.
The manual transmission is necessary for some places where dirt and dirt roads are still common. Much needed in winter and for steep roads.
While it is widely used as a work vehicle, it is also used as a family vehicle.
With 140 horsepower and a diesel engine that consumes 8 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. Consumption may go up a bit if you regularly drive in the city.
Why 4WD vehicles are the best for tourism
You can’t rely on map applications. They show a road, but the condition of the road is unknown to visitors. Not knowing the type of road you will encounter, a 4WD vehicle can be the difference between turning back or continuing on to your destination.
Four-wheel drive may be necessary to access some exotic locations through streams, open fields and stretches of road impassable to urban vehicles.
Disclaimer: This article was written by a human. I used my own experience and knowledge, which I have had for almost a decade here in Costa Rica.