The new Nissan Pathfinder is the embodiment of this. It is far more comfortable and convenient for the modern family than its predecessor even though it has nowhere near the off-road credentials of the machine it replaced.

That is a recognition that most spend the majority of their time in urban environments and on the occasional gravel road where a car-based SUV is perfectly capable.

The majority of SUV drivers don't have serious off-road or outback ambitions.

But there are still people out there who need (or want) a genuine 4WD that can handle the Birdsville Track or worse. Judging by the enduring popularity of the Toyota Prado (it is Ballarat Toyota's fourth most popular model behind Hilux, Corolla and Camry) there are plenty of those people out there.

They should be delighted to know that with its 2014 update, the Prado has a few new technological niceties like an updated touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth and even, from March, downloadable apps, to bring it into the digital age, but it is still fundamentally a Prado: tough, rugged, no nonsense.

We spent a couple of days behind the wheel of a mid-spec GXL which, with seven seats, three-zone climate control and rear parking sensors, is the preferred choice of private buyers. From the outside there is a bit more chrome on the grille and more elaborate headlamps, but there is no mistaking it for anything other than a Prado.

Its cockpit is certainly more up-to-date, with more of those features that are virtually essential now. Easy to read and use dials and controls, a much flasher info-audio-communications unit and more upmarket trim.

Mechanically, though, little has changed: ladder frame chassis, robust 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel power train, and 4WD with switchable low range. It is a statement that Prado is tough enough to handle the works even if that means not playing other road-biased SUVs at their own game. There has been some effort to make the cabin quieter. The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with 410Nm peak torque is not the quietest diesel but it is hardly intrusive and is undoubtedly strong.

There is no real outback scrub near Ballarat but we did take our GXL off the bitumen around Dunnstown and Warrenheip.

Because it retains its tough underpinning we were happy to take on faith this Prado remains a benchmark for true off-road stuff but we were more interested to see how it goes where most driving occurs.

If other SUVs are more car-like on the road, the Prado is still not really a handful and better than earlier iterations.

Given the height and chassis, along with tyres and suspension that have to manage rocks, bogs, sharp elevation changes and the like, it is entirely understandable it won't handle as well as its car-based Kluger sibling, for example. Kluger would be a wiser choice for those who never leave the black stuff.

There is a reason Prado has dominated its class. With this update, and fewer real competitors than before, we are confident that reign will continue.

Your local dealer is Ballarat Toyota: 5331 2666

Toyota Prado GXL

ENGINE: 3.0-litre inline four-cylinder turbo-diesel

POWER: 127kW at 3400 revs

TORQUE: 410Nm at 1600-2800 revs

TRANSMISSION: five-speed automatic

DRIVE: four-wheel-drive

FUEL: diesel 8.5l/100km (ADR 81/02 combined)

BRAKES: ventilated discs front and rear with stability control, ABS and brake assist

ANCAP SAFETY RATING: five stars

FEATURES: active traction control, trailer sway control, rear view camera, Bluetooth, side steps, three zone climate control

PRICE: $64,190 plus on road costs

OTHERS TO CONSIDER

MITSUBISHI PAJERO GLX-R: from $55,990

NISSAN PATROL 3.0 DX: from $53,890