Recommended Car Types for Off-road Beginners

KatadataOTO – Offroad activities offer drivers an adventurous experience and test their ability to control a vehicle on unpaved terrain.

It's not something to be taken lightly; anyone wanting to participate in this activity must first practice on a simulated track or in an empty area.

The goal is to learn and understand how to maneuver according to the terrain being traversed.

This activity actually carries many risks if preparations are not thorough, especially for beginners.

Photo: Suzuki

The choice of car is also not arbitrary. Drivers are advised to use a vehicle with Four-Wheel Drive or 4WD.

“The car (for offroading) must be a 4x4. At a minimum, All-Wheel Drive (AWD),” said Radit, a Jejelogy 4X4 instructor in BSD City, Tangerang, recently.

He gave examples of several models that could be considered for learning to offroad, namely the Suzuki Jimny and Daihatsu Taft.

Indeed, there are several differences between AWD and 4WD. In an AWD car, the system automatically distributes power to all wheels.

AWD itself is widely used in Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and is divided into two types: permanent AWD or AWD that only activates when it detects suboptimal traction.

Meanwhile, 4WD is arguably more adaptive and can be controlled by the driver as needed.

Power can be sent partially to the front or rear wheels, making it easier for the driver when tackling unpaved roads.

For beginners, he emphasized the importance of practicing on a track area first before heading out to offroad terrain.

This is so the driver can avoid various potential dangers, especially if they are not familiar with the route. According to Radit, it's not uncommon for offroad areas to be near ravines.

Photo: KatadataOTO

If you are not yet skilled at maneuvering, it can certainly be dangerous, especially if you don't know the offroad route.

“And when you practice offroading, don't go alone; there should be at least two cars, with a friend's car,” he said.

Radit also reminded beginner drivers to be more relaxed when driving on offroad terrain and to adjust their seating position to be ergonomic.