There are a number of options available. As a disclaimer, I'm a Jeep guy. But, I don't hesitate to recommend a Toyota, Montero, or other vehicle.
It comes down to what is available in your area?
And, your original posting did say Southern Cal.
Toyota and Jeep are readily available. Outside of that, you may stumble on a good deal with Montero or Kia Sportage.
Personally, I would like to have a Susuki. Just looked at one that really needed work with a high price tag. Somehow $6k for a 20 year old vehicle needing a head gasket was more than my idea of a good deal. But a friend in Sacramento area snagged one for $2000 that runs and has the factory hardtop.
The deals are there provided you take your time.
The Mitsubishi forums will give you a lot of info about problems and solutions. The Kia forums will give you info about problems and solutions.
Shop around. I will steer you away from Land Rover, unless you have deep pockets or stumble on an old Defender. Nissan builds a good small truck but not durable Offroad.
Chevy Blazer, not bad, limited with suspension and lift mods. Ford - year and engine dependent. F-150, great truck. A little bigger than your specs. Dodge Ram, great truck, again, a little bigger than your specs.
For SoCal deserts, 110 inch wheel base or less. Coil spring suspension.
The optimal tire size is 33 inch (roughly 295 or 305 P-metric).
Engine - vehicle weight and cargo defendant. If vehicle is less than 5000 lbs, a six cyclinder should be sufficient. But, larger tires require gearing to compensate.
In short, there is no "perfect" vehicle for all occasions. There are trade offs.
And, there are upgrade opportunities. My personal desire is for a platform that has ready supply of parts. On a trip in North Rim of Grand Canyon, pulled into Fredonia AZ. I needed a water pump for an 89 Jeep Cherokee. In stock. Buddy needed a fuel pump for a 99 Toyota Tacoma. 24 hour delivery.
Montero is a good vehicle. As is Jeep, Toyota, Kia and a few others. Space considerations are important. Jeeps (unless Cherokee or 4-door) can be space limited.
Shop around, read about the different options and, ask questions.
