The fear of potholes on Nigerian roads is the beginning of wisdom for every driver. You most likely want to buy that fancy car that would make heads turn when you pull over, having all eyes on you as you step out, and walk in slow motion like a character in an action movie. As fun as this might seem, you might achieve this at the detriment of your pocket if you do not consider the road you will be driving the car on.

It is an open secret that most Nigerian roads are not in the best condition. The good ones are a handful. After driving for a short period of time, you get back on the bad part. At Naijacarnews, it is our desire that you enjoy your money’s worth. What is the point in getting a car that will not last for long? We have identified certain cars that are road-perfect in Nigeria. These cars match the ruggedness of our roads due to their technical prowess.

Below are best SUVs to drive in Nigeria, considering their strength, reliablity and ruggedness. Naijacarnews will also suggest Nigerian price lists for second-hand models in case you don't want to spend too much money on brand new cars.

1. The Jeep Wrangler

If the roads you ply are really bad, you will be doing yourself a lot of good by getting the Jeep Wrangler. The name has an element of onomatopoeia as it gives you an idea of the car’s built. The Wrangler is not on the road to play. You either make way for it or it crushes you. Potholes have nothing on it as it rides through them like it is taking a walk in the park.

Strong and powerful like the military 

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The military-looking car is a four-wheel drive with adequate space for four passengers. Besides its rugged design, other features that make the Wrangler suitable for Nigerian roads include:

• 3.6-litre V-6 engine, 285hp
• Highway range and cruising city and of mi 462.50 and mi 314.50
• Four-wheel brake system
• Fuel economy rated at 17/25 mpg city/hwy (est)
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Engine auto stop-start feature
• Electro-hydraulic power assist steering
• Gas-pressurized shock absorbers

What happens when your Wrangler brakes down and needs a replacement of parts? Do not worry. Its spare parts are not scarce in Nigeria.

Prices of used Jeep Wrangler in Nigeria

Prices of used Jeep Wrangler 2010 - 2015 models range from N5 million to N35 million while Nigerian prices of used 2000-2009 Jeep Wrangler are more affordable, at around N3 million - N13 million.

2. Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder is big with value as it comfortably accommodates seven passengers. The four-door vehicle has strong components to resist the effect of potholes without trying too hard. It is quite obvious why the Pathfinder makes this list of most suitable cars on Nigerian roads; it is an SUV. But being an SUV is not the only metric that qualifies it. Other features include:

• 19/26mpgcity/hwy (est)
• 3.5-litres V-6 engine, 284hp
• City cruising range of mi370.50
• Highway mi507.00
• Four-wheel brake system

Its size intimidates potholes

You do not have to walk the length and breadth of the world to get spare parts of the Pathfinder. They are available in every auto market you can find. If you live in Lagos, a trip to Ladipo market is all you need to find all spare parts of the SUV. You can also buy them directly from the manufacturer or retailer.

Prices of used Nissan Pathfinder in Nigeria

The price tag of used Nissan Pathfinder 2000-2009 model years are very suitable for Nigerian people, just around N800K to N4 million. Meanwhile more recent versions (Nissan Pathfinder 2010-2015) vary from N1.2 million to N15 million, depending on the car condition.

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3. Toyota Sequoia

Potholes in Nigeria must not be happy with the Toyota Sequoia because it makes them feel invisible. With such a big size that accommodates eight passengers without flinching, you and your family can enjoy driving in Nigeria seamlessly. Besides the little shaking experienced while driving on potholes, they have little or no effect on your car.

Like a bulldog, its well grounded to resist bad roads.

Features why we love the Sequoia on Nigerian roads include:

• Engine- V-8, 5.7L
• Passenger Capacity-8
• Gas mileage-13 mpg city/17 mpg hwy
• Fuel economy- hwympest 17/combined mpg 15/ mpg city est 13

On top of all this, spare parts of the Sequoia are readily available in the country for a quick fix when problems arise.

Prices of used Toyota Sequoia in Nigeria

Toyota cars often have high resale values, that's why prices of used Sequoia do not vary much. The 2010 to 2015 models cost from N8 million to N20 million while the older generations (from 2000 to 2009) are tagged N800K to N4 million.

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4. Land Rover Range Rover

Why go through the trouble of driving low levelled cars on the bad roads in Nigeria when you can easily get a strong and high levelled car like the Range Rover. Having the right car like the Ranger makes driving in Nigeria less stressful. With big wheels and power-charged engines, the Ranger bounces on potholes for fun.

A luxury car super-charged for the road

Other features why the Ranger made our list include:

• Cruising range- city:mi 499.40, hwy:mi 635.60
• Fuel economy esthwy:mpg 28, city: mpg 22
• Four-wheel brake system
• Engine 3.0L/183
• Front tire size-P255/50WR20
• Rear tire size-P255/50WR20

Getting spare parts of the Ranger is not a problem. They are available in the country.

Prices of used Range Rover in Nigeria

This car is categorized as luxury SUV, that's why its used prices are a bit higher than average. Used Range Rover 2000-2009 cost from N1 million to N6 million. Used Range Rover 2010 - 2015 are often sold at N5 million to N40 million.

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5. Mercedes Benz G-Class

The Mercedes Benz G-Class is rugged with a stench of class. You get to make a grand statement without having to pay dearly for it due to potholes. Popularly referred to as G-Wagon in Nigeria, the all-wheel four-door ride has adequate space for five passengers.

A combination of class and ruggedness

Here are some features why we think it is suitable on Nigerian roads:

• 4.0-liter turbocharged 8-cylinder engine
• 7-speed automatic transmission
• Fuel economy rated at mpg 11 for both cities and highways.
• Four-wheel brake system

Prices of used Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Nigeria:

Well, even more expensive than the Range Rover, a used Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2010-2015 may cost from N13 million up to N88 million. 2000-2009 G-Class models are a bit cheaper, just from N5.5 million to N27 million.

*Note: All the used car price lists are extracted from the biggest car website in Nigeria - Naijauto.com. The prices are taken regardless of used car origin and specs. Please be selective and refer back to such car for sale platforms for more details.

>>> Want to read more about your favorite cars? Always visit news and car buying tips on Naijacarnews!