We’re all about you.
Heading straight into the outback for an Aussie adventure? Or maybe your job needs the absolute best in reliable and safe transport? With Redspot’s four-wheel drive rentals, you can hire a vehicle tailor-made for your outdoor needs.
Whether you’re looking for a rugged car to explore or a powerful work tool, we’ve got safety covered. With 24/7 road assistance, 40+ locations and over 35 years as an Australian-owned family car rental business, we keep your wheels turning, wherever you are!
Meet our 4WD Fleet
A 4WD, also known as a ‘four-wheel drive’ or ‘4×4’, is a two-axle vehicle. The vehicle’s power and engine torque are equally distributed to all four wheels. This offers more control and makes driving easier on rough or uneven terrain.
A quality 4WD needs the right equipment to be safe and practical on-site or off-road*. Our vehicles are loaded with all the proper visibility, radio communication, PA systems, vehicle monitoring and roll protection accessories.
Whether you need a safe, sturdy mine spec 4WD or a stunning luxury drive, we have the right car for the job! Our fleet is never more than 6 months old and we keep every car well-maintained.
From a durable Toyota Hilux to a workhorse Landcruiser, our fleet is guaranteed to exceed your expectations.
Luxury 4WD Mine Spec
Toyota Landcruiser 200 or similar
- 4,495kg GVM
- Group F
- 4 Doors
- 5 Passengers
- Standard Car Licence (Class C) required
- Air Conditioning
- Diesel
- Adjustable Steering
- Bull Bar
- Tow Bar
- Cruise Control
- Traction Control
- ABS
- USB available
- Power Steering
- Power Windows
- Remote Locking
4X4 Dual Cab Tray – Mine Spec
Toyota Hilux or similar
- 4,495kg GVM
- Group F
- 4 Doors
- 5 Passengers
- Standard Car Licence (Class C) required
- Air Conditioning
- Diesel
- Adjustable Steering
- Bull Bar
- Tow Bar
- Cruise Control
- Traction Control
- ABS
- USB available
- Power Steering
- Power Windows
- Remote Locking
Redspot offers 24/7 roadside assistance with all our hires. Want even more peace of mind? With Premium Roadside Assistance, we can help you when a flat tyre or empty battery keeps you off the road.
*NOTE: Non-4WD vehicles must be driven on roads that are properly formed and constructed as metalled, sealed, gazetted or gravelled roads. Our 4WD vehicles are allowed off-road following local regulations and on existing tracks.
No vehicles are permitted to be driven in restricted areas such as beaches, creeks, rivers, fire trails, fields or paddocks. Additionally, no vehicles may be driven in non-permitted Area of Use locations without written approval of Redspot.
Please review Redspot’s full terms and conditions for more information.
When should I book a four-wheel drive (4WD)?
A 4WD is most suitable for rough, wet or uneven terrains. Driving off-road to reach a campsite or parking on uneven ground? Maybe you need a better view of the road while driving, or want more storage space.
The big jobs call for big vehicles. Redspot’s 4WDs offer a premium off-road travel experience or a vehicle completely specced for the mining safety you’re looking for!
4WD Hire: Self-Drive Travel Adventures
Planning on heading off the beaten path? With a four-wheel drive, you can tackle any outback road or sandy beach with complete confidence. Our quality 4WDs are as spacious as they are reliable.
Redspot offers 24/7 roadside assistance plus Standard or All-Inclusive insurance on all our vehicles. You can throw yourself into an outdoor adventure with the support of our value packages!
Please note that the recovery kit is not available for leisure 4WDs.
4WD Hire: Commercial Jobs
Need a tough and dependable vehicle for vital commercial jobs? Our mine spec 4WD hires (Toyota Landcruisers, Hilux and more) are ready to meet your business needs.
Basic recovery kits are available for all Redspot mine spec 4WD hires. Please note that the recovery kit is not available for leisure 4WDs.
You can hire a fully equipped Redspot 4WD from our branches in Beverley, Ceduna Airport, Coober Pedy Airport, Darwin Airport, Port Macquarie Airport and Whyalla Airport.
Which is better, AWD or 4WD?
Which car is ‘better’ for you depends on what you need from your vehicle. An All-Wheel Drive, or AWD, can be more suitable depending on your destination or commercial needs.
Advantages of hiring a 4WD include:
- Tailor-made for off-terrain travel
- Enhanced traction for better tyre grip
- Elevated driving position for better visibility
- Sturdy, powerful frame gives better protection
- Tractions and protection offer greater safety
- Strong towing capability
- Incredibly versatile parking capability
- Good year-round for every season
However, 4WD hire may also be:
- Typically higher rental prices than other vehicles
- Heavier and less fuel-efficient than a standard AWD
- Size may not be suitable for urban areas, like parking in tight spaces
- Poor cornering
Comparatively, an AWD may be more fuel-efficient and cost-effective than the typical 4WD. However, a 4WD hire may suit your needs better for off-road journeys because of its sturdiness and enhanced tyre grip.
A 2WD, or two-wheel drive may be a particularly cost-effective option with a wider selection of models. 2WDs also boast a highly fuel-efficient system. That said, 2WD hire is not recommended for off-road situations as these vehicles are not built to withstand rough road conditions.
When should you shift into 4WD?
Trade up for a 4WD if you know there will be rough terrain as you explore Australia. With powerful traction and solid internal protection, a 4WD can give you the confidence to tackle any path off-road, sand, dirt or snow!Looking for a reliable car for commercial jobs? If your company is working on a mining site, or constructing on uneven terrain, a 4WD will be vital for general safety. Redspot’s 4WDs are completely equipped with all the most relevant accessories for work safety and convenience.
Load up with Redspot red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed two packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on your vehicle selected and rental period. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
All-Inclusive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- Reduced standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee**
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- Standard damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee**
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key:
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: Amount reduced by is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown. At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
Where to go with a Redspot 4WD Hire
With over 40 locations across Australia, we’re always on the ground to help!
4WD Hire Brisbane
Pick up a 4WD suitable for the whole family from our branch in Brisbane City. Or, if you’ve just landed, stop by one of our four kiosks at Brisbane Airport serving both international and domestic travellers.
Our Brisbane City branch offers a variety of 4WD SUVs in compact, intermediate or standard format. From a Toyota Camry to a Mazda CX-8, we have the vehicles for safe and comfortable travel across Queensland’s most stunning destinations.
Darwin 4WD Hire
Start your North Territory adventures in Darwin Airport and hit the road in style. You can find our kiosk in the terminal building.
Our 4WDs across Australia aren’t just for exploration! If you need to hire a mine-specced 4WD for your business, we are here to help. Our commercial vehicles are reliable, sturdy and fully equipped for your needs.
Adelaide 4WD Hire
Get off-road in Adelaide with Redspot’s 4WDs! With two convenient locations at Adelaide Airport and Adelaide City, you can accelerate your adventures across Western Australia in style.
Redspot has provided Australia with quality car hire services since 1989. Our local, helpful staff are ready to help you find the right 4WD for your commercial or travel needs.
What to know before you book a 4WD hire
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of things to consider when hiring a 4WD. Here are some handy rental tips to get your stuff where you need it:
- 4WD vehicles can only be driven where permitted – Redspot 4WDs may only be driven off-road on existing tracks or with local permission. Note that you cannot drive in private or restricted areas, such as certain creeks and rivers, beaches, fields or paddocks. Check if there are non-permitted Areas of Use on your route, as you will need Redspot’s written approval to drive in these locations.
- Bring a valid driver’s licence and credit card to book your next 4WD hire – All rental vehicles require a valid credit or debit card at pick-up for pre-authorisation. Planning on an additional driver/s? Bring their valid driver’s licences along to share driving duties.
- Minimum age and maximum age for truck hire – For young drivers over 21 years old and hold a Provisional P2 Licence, you can hire a 4WD with Redspot! If you are over 75, we kindly ask for a medical certificate that gives you the all-clear (and peace of mind) to drive.
- Use the right driving system for the road – Some 4WDs can go into and out of 4WD mode while driving. Keep in mind which mode is more suitable for the path you are on.
- A 4WD uses up more fuel than an AWD – Ensure you are planning your trip well in advance and include fuel stops throughout your journey.
- A four-wheel drive is more expensive to run than an all-wheel drive – A 4WD consumes more fuel than a standard AWD and will also require more specialised maintenance and care. However, exact prices may vary depending on the location and car brand.
- Drive safely and responsibly – A 4WD does not have the same speed or capacity that you might be used to. If you try to rapidly overtake someone on the road you may find your vehicle doesn’t have the power or quick turning you need.
- Be mindful of your tyres – When you pick up from a Redspot branch, we’ve filled the tyres for a standard tar road at 270 kPa/36 PSI. If you are planning to go off-road, be sure to adjust your tyres down to 170 kPa/25 PSI. This tyre pressure will increase traction for off-road trails.
- Keep your thumbs inside the steering wheel – When you are driving on harsher terrain, you may accidentally hit potholes or sudden bumps in the road. Keep your thumbs unhooked and resting outside the hub of the steering wheel to prevent injuries.
- Know your range – You don’t want to run out of fuel when you least expect it. Learn the maximum range of your vehicle and be sure to avoid going further than you have to.
- 4WD is good in the sand – Your 4WD hire is suitable for more than mountain ranges and snowy roads. You’ll find your 4WD can handle beaches around Australia without any issues.
- Pack the essentials – If you’re looking to enjoy an outdoor adventure, here are some packing essentials: Footwear, clothing, satellite phone, first aid kit and non-perishable food and water.
Questions? Chat with our friendly Redspot team for all your 4WD hire enquiries today.
