Why Doesn't Anyone Use the Paladin for Off-Roading?
3 Answers
Because the Paladin is no longer in production. Here are some details about the Paladin: 1. Exterior Design: The exterior lacks flashy decorations or embellishments, presenting a purely utilitarian front. The grille uses chrome metal material, connecting with the square headlights on both sides, though the intake grille appears slightly small. 2. Bumper: The bottom of the bumper features a metal guard plate, further emphasizing its rugged nature—clearly designed for off-roading. The protruding wheel arches serve a unique purpose, allowing it to 'survive' in harsh conditions. 3. Side Profile: The side lines are also very bold, with a stepped roof design somewhat reminiscent of the Pajero V31. This design also provides the foundation for a spacious interior. The roof is equipped with an aluminum alloy luggage rack, eliminating concerns about overloading during off-road adventures affecting passenger space, as the rack can share some of the load—making it highly practical.
I've been off-roading for several years, and honestly, the Paladin is quite rare in the circle. Probably because its positioning leans more towards a city SUV—its ground clearance isn't high, and the suspension is on the softer side, making it prone to scraping the undercarriage on mountain trails or muddy roads. Once, I went off-roading with a friend who drove a Paladin, and it got stuck midway, nearly wrecking the rear axle. Not only was the repair expensive, but it also caused a lot of hassle. Compared to purpose-built off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler, the Paladin's 4WD system is cumbersome to switch and lacks flexibility in operation. Plus, its limited modification potential makes it difficult to upgrade with AT tires or lift the suspension, so off-road enthusiasts naturally steer clear. Nowadays, people prefer high-performance models for off-roading, and comfort-oriented vehicles like the Paladin just don’t hold much appeal.
As a tech enthusiast, I've studied the Paladin's mechanical structure. Why is it unpopular in the off-road community? Its four-wheel drive is a part-time system requiring manual switching, unlike full-time 4WD which handles various terrains more conveniently. It also has higher fuel consumption, making off-road driving costs surge. Maintenance is challenging with scarce parts and frequent failures, especially after off-road impacts where repairs are expensive and parts hard to find. Compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser or Wrangler, the Paladin's suspension lacks durability, easily damaging the chassis on rocky terrain, with limited modification potential. Fuel efficiency plummets in extreme conditions, resulting in overall inefficiency. Off-road enthusiasts prioritize durability and economy, making the Paladin a niche choice. Key off-road community tests revealed its insufficient wading depth, prone to water ingress and malfunctions, indicating subpar reliability.
