Looking for a boxy diesel off-roader on a budget? These 3 models are worth your consideration, all available for 160,000–170,000 yuan.

For true die-hard off-road fans, diesel-powered rides are always more desirable. Despite the extra step of refilling urea, diesel fuel is cheaper per liter than gasoline, delivering better cost-efficiency. What’s more, diesel engines usually boast stronger low-end torque, which translates to more impressive off-road capability. However, in China’s gasoline-dominated auto market, it’s not easy to find an affordable boxy diesel off-roader. Today, we’re recommending 3 diesel-powered rugged off-roaders – let’s see if any of them suits your taste!

Somehow, the cyberpunk trend has swept the hard-core off-road segment, and the boxy silhouette paired with round headlights has become a common sight. The 212 T01 follows this trend and sports a striking look. Its diesel version starts at just 165,900 yuan, powered by a 2.0T diesel engine from Foton Cummins, which churns out a maximum power of 125kW and a peak torque of 415N·m. It’s mated to a ZF 8AT transmission, featuring robust low-end torque output for smoother hill-climbing and obstacle navigation. With a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km and an 80L large fuel tank, it’s fully capable of trekking through uninhabited areas.

In terms of off-road performance, this vehicle has a 40° approach angle, 36° departure angle, a maximum wading depth of 850mm, and a 100% grade climbing ability. It comes standard with a part-time 4WD system and a rear differential lock, along with tank turn and crawl control functions. A front differential lock and tow hooks need to be added as extras, which will slightly increase the purchase cost. But its advantage lies in the fact that it rolls off the production line with factory-legal modifications, saving you the trouble of aftermarket customization. You just need to make simple adjustments according to your needs before heading outdoors for some fun.

The Beijing BJ40 is also a classic hard-core off-roader with a tough, boxy profile that’s timeless. Though not as retro as the 212 T01, it’s brimming with mechanical charm and retains strong off-road credentials. Under the hood, it’s equipped with a 2.0T diesel engine that delivers a maximum power of 120kW and a peak torque of 400N·m, with the peak torque kicking in at 1500–2400rpm, ensuring excellent low-end performance. It’s also matched with a ZF 8AT transmission, with a WLTC fuel consumption of 9.97L/100km and an 85L fuel tank, enabling worry-free long-distance outdoor trips.

Performance-wise, the BJ40 has a 38° approach angle, 36° departure angle, a maximum wading depth of 800mm, and a 100% grade climbing ability. It also comes with a full-time 4WD system, factory-installed front, center, and rear differential locks, and supports tank turn and crawl control, making its escape capability even more outstanding. Another key point is that this vehicle has a 2.5-ton towing capacity, so you can tow a caravan when going off-roading, making it much more practical.

What’s more, unlike the 212 T01, this vehicle is also equipped with many city SUV features, including L2-level driver assistance, heated seats, and even premium audio and active noise cancellation – all of which are very attractive.

If you think the above two models are a bit small, you can also check out the Haval H5 for over 100,000 yuan. It has a length of nearly 5.2 meters and a wheelbase of 3140mm, which is in the full-size SUV category. Such a large size combined with a boxy shape gives it a truly imposing presence. Of course, more importantly, the 5-seat layout provides ample passenger space, and the trunk volume is really large, up to 976L, allowing you to easily carry all your gear for outdoor self-driving tours.

In terms of power, it’s equipped with Great Wall’s self-developed 2.0T diesel engine, with a maximum power of 122kW and a peak torque of 410N·m. The transmission system is also an 8AT gearbox, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 9L/100km and a fuel tank capacity of 78L.

When it comes to off-road performance, this vehicle is a bit inferior: it has a 26° approach angle, 24° departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 600mm, which is indeed not as good as the other two competitors. In addition, it only comes with a part-time 4WD system, and you can only opt for a rear differential lock. Coupled with the locking function of the center differential, it can still provide a certain degree of escape performance.

We don’t recommend driving the Haval H5 for off-roading, though – after all, its wheelbase of over 3 meters makes it easy to bottom out when passing through moguls. If it’s just for light off-roading on unpaved roads, the Haval H5 is still competent.

From a buyer’s perspective:

So, which of these three models meets your requirements?