The original Austrian Pinzgauer served for almost four decades as a highly regarded Light Utility Vehicle (LUV). However, due to declining sales, it was discontinued in 2008. In search of a worthy replacement, the Pinzgauer II was introduced. This new generation vehicle offers enhanced features such as a larger size, increased capacity, better mobility, higher payload, and improved overall performance.

A notable improvement in the Pinzgauer II is its six-wheel, 6×6 configuration, compared to the original’s four-wheel design. This enables it to carry heavier loads effortlessly, thanks to an impressive engine power increase from 87 to 194 horsepower. With a cargo capacity of 3.8 tons, the Pinzgauer II can accommodate 14 troops along with their equipment and is capable of towing trailers or artillery if required. Its elevated cab design allows it to ford waters up to a depth of 1.5 meters, and it boasts a range of 1,000 kilometers. Furthermore, the range can be doubled with an additional fuel tank, making it one of the most versatile LUVs on this list.

Despite its larger size, the Pinzgauer II can still be transported using Hercules aircraft or Chinook directly to combat zones. It serves various roles in these zones, including ambulance services, reconnaissance missions, tactical operations, and communications tasks. While it can be configured with heavy armor, the primary focus of the Pinzgauer II is utility rather than carrying defensive armaments. Nonetheless, it performs exceptionally well in terms of performance, practicality, and aesthetic appeal.

[Featured image by New Zealand Defence Force from Wellington, New Zealand via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 2.0]