anything with a proper transfer case(i.e. Hi/Low range gearing) & decent ground clearance is a proper 4wd, no matter whether it's got IFS/
IRS or solid axles F&R.
so out of the vehicles they tested:
Pajero - proper tranfercase - check, ample clearance - check
Prado - proper tranfercase - check, ample clearance - check
Land Rover Disco - proper tranfercase - check, ample clearance - check
Pathfinder - proper tranfercase - check, ample clearance - check
all are in their own right proper 4wds
yes in most 4wd groups that go off rd more than on rd they mostly choose Nissan Patrol or Toyota Landcruisers & occasionally (solid axle)Jeeps & Land Rovers because they know that a solid axle 4wd will go further & can be pushed harder of rd & will survive longer.
IFS/
IRS 4wds have their own place in the off rd world & that's off rd touring the IFS/
IRS gives gr8 handling & comfort, not to say that solid axles 4wds are uncomfortable, my GU Patrol is very comfy.
if you really want a no frills fair dinkum available to the general public 4wd then ultimately it comes down to either a Land Rover County 110 or the OKA(Western Australian made 4wd truck), next step beyond that it the Unimog 404
County 110: best wheel travel, good gearing, stable, good field of vission, but look like a brick on wheels
OKA: comes in either single cab chassis or tray back, duel cab chassis or tray back, multicab chassis or tray back or full bus/van, portal axles both ends F&R diff locks, hi low transfer case with a crawler reduction box on the back of the transfer, 20" steel rims with 40" mud terrains & bead locks, all cab/van/bus versions come with state of the art luxury & air-con making them the ultimate 4wd.