Which Off-Roader Delivers the Most Fun: Defender Octa, Ariel Nomad 2, or Mustang Mach-E Rally?
If you’ve ever dreamed of tearing up a gravel rally stage with a V8 super-SUV, a wild hyper-buggy, and a rally-inspired EV, you’re not alone. The rise of high-performance off-roaders has given driving enthusiasts more ways than ever to get their adrenaline fix—whether you’re looking for something you can drive to work or a machine that’s all about pure, unfiltered fun. But with so many options, which one truly delivers the ultimate off-road thrill? We took three of the most exciting contenders—the Land Rover Defender Octa, Ariel Nomad 2, and Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally—to the legendary Sweet Lamb Motorsport Complex in Wales to find out.
What’s Behind the Boom in Off-Road Performance Cars?
Not too long ago, if you wanted to go fast on gravel, your choices were limited to purpose-built rally cars or rugged pickups. Now, the market is brimming with options that blend road manners with serious off-road chops. Think Porsche 911 Dakar, Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, Ford Ranger Raptor, and the Bowler Bulldog. The appeal? These cars let you chase adventure on your own terms, whether that means carving up a winding mountain pass or kicking up dust on a deserted trail.
This new breed of off-roaders isn’t just about brute force. They’re about versatility—cars that can handle the school run, the supermarket, and a wild weekend in the wilderness. And as electrification spreads, even EVs are getting in on the action, proving that instant torque and zero emissions can be just as fun in the dirt as they are on the street.
How Do These Three Off-Roaders Stack Up on Paper?
Let’s break down the contenders:
Ariel Nomad 2: The featherweight of the group at just 715kg, the Nomad is a stripped-back, rally-inspired buggy built for maximum thrills. It’s rear-wheel drive, rear-engined, and designed to be towed to the fun—though you might just be tempted to drive it there yourself.
Land Rover Defender Octa: Weighing in at a hefty 2510kg, the Octa is the muscle-bound SUV of the trio. It packs a V8, proper mechanical four-wheel drive, and some of the most advanced active air suspension tech you’ll find outside a race car.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: The electric wild card. At 2343kg, it’s not exactly light, but it boasts a killer torque-to-weight ratio and a 0-62mph sprint that’ll keep up with just about anything, thanks to its all-electric four-wheel drive.
Each car brings something radically different to the table—size, powertrain, and personality. But the real question is, how do they feel when the going gets rough?
What’s It Like to Tackle a Real Rally Stage With These Cars?
Sweet Lamb is no gentle playground. The gravel is loose and sun-baked, the corners are tight, and the ruts and rocks are ready to punish any lapse in concentration. It’s the kind of place where commitment matters more than horsepower, and where the wrong line can leave you wishing you’d packed a winch.
The Nomad 2, with its spaceframe chassis and motorsport-grade suspension, feels purpose-built for this environment. It’s the kind of car you’d expect to see on a trailer behind the Defender Octa—yet, as we’d soon discover, the tow car might be just as much fun as what’s riding behind it.
The Mach-E Rally, meanwhile, is a bit of an outlier. It’s essentially a performance EV with a £2250 rally package: retuned dampers, longer springs, underbody protection, and all-season tires. At first glance, it might seem like a gimmick. But as the day unfolds, it proves to be anything but.
How Does Each Car Handle the Real-World Demands of Off-Roading?
Let’s start with usability. The Defender Octa is the undisputed king of versatility. It’ll get you and your gear to the remotest corners of the map, cross rivers up to a meter deep, and still cruise the motorway in comfort. Its active suspension smooths out the worst bumps, and its sheer size means you’re never short on space. But in the tight confines of Sweet Lamb, that size can be a double-edged sword.
The Mach-E Rally brings a different set of strengths. With over 210 miles of range (according to recent EPA estimates for similar EVs), it’s practical enough for daily use and surprisingly capable off-road. Sure, you’ll keep an eye on the battery meter, especially when the nearest charger is 25 miles away, but it handled a full day of hard driving without breaking a sweat. For anyone worried about EVs and adventure, that’s a reassuring sign.
The Nomad 2? Forget practicality. This is a car you drive for the sheer joy of it. It’s noisy, exposed, and utterly uncompromising. But that’s the point. Every drive is an event, and every mile is a memory.
Which Car Delivers the Most Fun on Gravel?
Here’s where things get interesting. On paper, the Nomad’s 534lb-ft of torque per tonne dwarfs the Ford’s 271 and the Defender’s 235. But numbers only tell part of the story.
The Mach-E Rally is a revelation. Its instant electric torque makes it lively and responsive, and it’s surprisingly easy to coax into a drift. At moderate speeds, it’s pure fun—agile, playful, and confidence-inspiring. Push too hard, though, and the all-season tires start to protest, reminding you that this is still a road car at heart.
The Defender Octa feels like a monster truck on a tight circuit. Its all-terrain tires dig in, and its suspension soaks up the worst the course can throw at it. But its size and weight mean it’s less nimble, more about brute force than finesse. On a wider, faster track, it would shine. Here, it’s impressive but a bit out of its element.
Then there’s the Nomad. Every bump, every rut, every jump comes straight through to your hands and seat. It’s physical, demanding, and utterly exhilarating. The steering is alive, the chassis communicative, and the sense of connection is unmatched. Hit a jump, and it lands with a poise that belies its lightweight construction. It’s not just fun—it’s addictive.
What Surprised Us Most About the EV in the Group?
The Mach-E Rally’s performance was a genuine surprise. Many enthusiasts worry that EVs can’t handle the rigors of off-road driving, but Ford’s rally-inspired tweaks make a real difference. The car’s electric powertrain delivers instant torque, letting you control slides with precision. While it can’t match the Nomad for raw engagement or the Defender for go-anywhere toughness, it holds its own in the fun department.
Recent studies from the International Council on Clean Transportation show that EVs like the Mach-E Rally are closing the gap in off-road capability, especially as battery and suspension technology improve. This bodes well for the future of electric adventure vehicles.
What’s the Real-World Verdict—and Which Car Would We Take Home?
After a day of dust, jumps, and sideways action, the results were clear:
Ariel Nomad 2: If you want pure, unfiltered fun, nothing comes close. It’s not practical, but it’s the most exhilarating way to play in the dirt.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: A surprisingly effective and accessible way to enjoy off-road driving. It’s not as tough as the others, but it’s quick, playful, and refreshingly different.
Land Rover Defender Octa: The ultimate all-rounder. It’ll take you anywhere, in comfort and style, but needs a bigger stage to truly impress as a driver’s car.
The Takeaway: Why These Cars Matter for Enthusiasts
At the end of the day, each of these cars offers a unique take on the off-road experience. The Defender Octa is your ticket to adventure, no matter how far off the beaten path you want to go. The Mach-E Rally proves that EVs can be fun, fast, and capable—even when the road runs out. And the Nomad 2? It’s proof that sometimes, less really is more.
For anyone who loves driving, the message is clear: there’s never been a better time to chase adventure, whether your weapon of choice is powered by gasoline, electricity, or pure imagination. So pick your favorite, find some gravel, and let the fun begin.