Best 4x4s

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Best 4x4s 2024

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If you're looking for an off-roader to buy or lease then there's plenty of choice. But how do you know which will actually do what it says on the tin? Check out our guide to the best 4x4s in both new and used form.

SUVs are all the rage these days, but many of them aren't designed with off-roading in mind. Yes, they can have a rugged design and four-wheel drive on certain versions, but many SUVs are built to stay firmly on the road and can't deal with much more than a well-kept farm track. 

Proper 4x4s and off-roaders are a different kettle of fish. They are designed specifically to deal with everything the wilderness can throw at them, and that might come at the expense of refinement, fuel efficiency and handling on the road. They're more at home plugging mud than crossing tarmac. 

If you just want something to get you up your leaf-covered driveway, then why not check out our list of the best SUVs on the market? If your off-roading needs are a bit more hardcore, then keep on reading. 

Obviously, four-wheel drive is a must, because having only two driven wheels means much less grip when the going gets rough. Being able to negotiate the seriously rutted tracks and byways found right across Britain needs more than just four driven wheels, however. 

Ideally, the best 4x4s will have plenty of ground clearance to clear rocks and terrain without damage, and a protected underbody for the same reason. They'll also either have permanent 4WD or special off-road modes, and a low-range gearbox or drive mode is important to make it easier for the car to clear rocky terrain or gradients. 

Good off-roaders also need decent approach and departure angles: this means the car's ability to climb up or come down steep inclines without the front and rear ends getting damaged by hitting the ground. Locking differentials are desirable too, to help free the car if it runs out of grip. 

If a 4x4 on this list doesn't have these features, it'll get by with its plucky nature and ability to withstand abuse. On the other hand, the larger 4x4s on this list also make great towing cars for everything from a boat to a horsebox

Historically, many of the most hardcore off-roaders used diesel engines. Some still do, but times are changing and there are now some really good petrol and hybrid options, too. It won't be long before there's a really capable electric 4x4, too. 

Our list of the best off-road cars gives a wide variety of models, from the cheapest 4x4 to the most capable and the best all-rounders for both on and off-road use. Whether you want a basic, hose-down interior or you want to travel through your land in style and luxury, there's something for everyone. 

If you're looking to save money on a new or used 4x4, check out our Best New and Used Car Deals.

Best 4x4s and off-road cars 2024

  1. Land Rover Defender
  2. Toyota Land Cruiser
  3. Dacia Duster
  4. Mercedes G-Class
  5. Volkswagen Touareg
  6. Nissan X-Trail
  7. Ford Ranger Raptor
  8. Suzuki Jimny
  9. Fiat Panda 4x4
  10. Subaru Forester

1. Land Rover Defender

Year launched: 2020

Land Rover Defender 90 frontleft exterior
8/10

When you think 4x4, you'll probably think Land Rover and the mighty Defender. Land Rover set itself no easy task of replacing such a landmark car like the Defender with and all-new model, but it's pulled it off. 

The new Land Rover Defender was launched in 2020 and thanks to its boxy outline, is unmistakably a Defender. But bought bang up to date for the demands and expectations of the modern day user. This includes matrix LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, the brand's 10-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof.

But what's it like off-road? There's plenty of clever tech on hand to ensure the Defender will conquer any type of terrain. All models come with four-wheel-drive, naturally, with Land Rover's Terrain Response off-road system that ensures the Defender's settings are optimised for the terrain (sand or mud, for example). There's also air suspension as standard and an optional 3D surround camera that can help when wading in deep water or reversing a trailer.  

What makes the Defender so good is that it does everything the old model could do off-road, but is in a different league when it comes to on-road performance. The only concern may be that it's so refined and high-tech, you might not want to cake it in filth after all...

2. Toyota Land Cruiser

Year launched: 2010

Toyota Land Cruiser 2023 front
8/10

The Toyota Land Cruiser is an off-road institution. Admired globally for its dependability and go-anywhere grit, it's also the default car of choice for navigating the world's most difficult and inhospitable environments. 

That means it won't be phased by a muddy farm track in Oxfordshire, that's for sure. Although the current car was launched way back in 2010, it's had plenty of updates over that time to keep it fresh, bringing more comfort and technology to what has always been a pretty hardcore off-roader. 

If you're buying a used Land Cruiser and intend to use it on the road as well as off, then, the later the car the better it is. With a ladder frame chassis (like a pickup truck) it's really a workhorse, but the five-door models are pretty spacious. 

The only engine available is a thirsty and not particularly quick 2.8-litre diesel engine, so this isn't really an SUV. What it will be is incredibly reliable, and it remains to this day once of the most capable off-road cars ever made. 

3. Dacia Duster

Year launched: 2018

Dacia Duster Review 2023 front on
8/10

If you want a great 4x4 on a budget, chances are you’ll be in the market for a used car. Unless, that is, you opt for a Dacia Duster. With nearly new models available for under £10,000, it's one of the best value cars on sale. 

Let's not beat around the bush, though: the Duster is a budget car, and looks it. Go for the pre-facelift model in Access trim and, while you do get electric front windows and ISOFIX child seat points, you also get steel wheels and no radio.

But that's part of the Duster's appeal: You can chuck loads of kit in it and head off the beaten track without a care in the world - the Duster is so cheap you won't be worried about scratching the paint or getting mud in the footwells. And although it won't go as far as some of the high-tech dedicated 4x4s in this list, the Duster is surprisingly plucky and capable in the rough. It's decent enough on-road, too. 

If you can, try and hunt out a Duster in Essential trim, which give you air-con, or the top model Prestige, which boasts keyless entry, parking sensors, sat-nav and climate control. The 2021 facelift model is better equipped across the range, however. 

4. Mercedes G-Class

Year launched: 2018

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review 2023: frontleft exterior
8/10

The Mercedes G-Class certainly isn’t one of the most affordable options here, but if you're a wealthy landowner wanting a car that does luxury, style and off-roading, it's a great choice. The original G-Wagen that proceeded the G-Class is able to trace it's routes back to the early 70s, and while the latest G-Class might look like the old car, a lot has changed. 

Its plush cabin wouldn’t look out of place in one of Mercedes luxurious saloons, like an S-Class. Its upright design has lots of pretty trim pieces and you get a pair of large and colourful infotainment screens. Build quality is first-rate, so it'll stand up to rough treatment, too. Four adults have loads of room to stretch out and the boot is wide and square.

The G-Class is available with a range of powerful petrol and diesel engines and comes with a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system with locking diffs that mean it can tackle pretty much anything you throw at it. Yet it’s also easy to drive and comfortable. A class act. 

5. Volkswagen Touareg

Year launched: 2018

Volkswagen Touareg Review 2023: front dynamic
7/10

The Volkswagen Touareg may not be as well suited to the off-road adventure lifestyle as some of the other 4x4s on this list, but it’s still a highly capable and well equipped machine which can roll up its sleeves and get muddy if needs must.

There’s plenty of space for five people and luggage on the inside - something you’d expect from a large 4x4 - and the infotainment system is one of the best around with heaps of functionality - opt for a higher-grade trim (SEL Tech, R-Line Teck or Black Edition) and you’ll get treated to the excellent Innovision system.

It’s quiet inside the cabin too, with the Touareg offering good levels of sound insulation making for a comfortable ride - especially if you opt for a model with the air suspension. You’ll find petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains, and you’ll get bags of grip and traction with any of them.

6. Nissan X-Trail

Year launched: 2022

Nissan X-Trail Review (2023): front dynamic
7/10

The new Nissan X-Trail is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, delivering great looks, solid driving feel and a premium interior (dare we say, posh) with the flexibility of seven seats as an option. It also boasts a rugged edge, which allows it to effortlessly breeze into our best 4x4 roundup.

It’s a great all-rounder for those looking for space and practicality, but there’s no diesel option, mind. Instead you'll choose between a mild hybrid and Nissan’s ePower system, which uses a petrol engine to power electric motors to give you a feel closer to that of an EV. You’ll want the latter for 4x4 power, and the system can shift torque between axles 10,000 times faster than a mechanical system - making the X-Trail ideal for slippery conditions and off-road terrain.

You’ll want to opt for a mid-spec N-Connecta trim at the very least to bag yourself the improved 12.3-inch infotainment system, 360 degree parking cameras, privacy glass and more.

7. Ford Ranger Raptor

Year launched: 2019

Ford Ranger Raptor Review 2023
7/10

We have a separate list for the best pick-up trucks, but the Ford Ranger Raptor deserves inclusion in this list because it's far from a mere commercial vehicle. With its own enthusiast following, it's also one of the best off-road vehicles that money can buy. 

The Ranger Raptor takes an existing Ford Ranger (itself pretty capable in the rough stuff) and adds uprated suspension with Fox Racing shocks that add an extra 30% more travel. There's an electronically locking rear differential, off-road tyres and new driving modes, along with body protection and styling tweaks. 

The Ranger Raptor is actually a bit of a performance off-roader designed to tackle terrain at speed. Bigger brakes feature, and although it doesn't get a beefy turbocharged V6 like its bigger Ford F-150 Raptor sibling in the US, the 2.0-litre diesel engine gets twin turbos and a ten-speed automatic gearbox. 

It's certainly not the most sophisticated car here on the road, but off the beaten track it's nigh-on unbeatable. Many will find the significantly cheaper base Ranger is capable enough, but some will pay extra to experience the ultimate off-roader. 

8. Suzuki Jimny

Year launched: 2019

Suzuki Jimny Commercial 2023 dynamic off road
5/10

Dire to drive, noisy on road and lacking space - the Suzuki Jimny is an acquired taste. But, whether you’re into its Tonka toy looks or not, this is one supremely capable off-roader.

Buyers love its reliability and low running costs, as well as its ability to get from A to B… even if that means going via X, Y, and Z. That said, the Jimny is not without its ‘quirks’. Or flaws, to you and me. You see, as an old-school 4x4, it’s not that great to pilot on-road… but it’s size and light controls do make it okay around town.

On the motorway, though, the Jimny can be hard work. There are only five gears and even a 60mph it feels strained. The steering also requires a lot of input, so you’ll be busy, and fast cornering is definitely best avoided. Creature comforts are pretty minimal, too...

Despite all of this, Jimny's hold their value. The current model was launched in 2019 and demand outstripped supply before being taken off sale as Suzuki looked to meet emission targets in Europe. This has meant used models fetching significantly more than the list price of new ones. Suzuki brought it back to the market in 2021, but as a commercial vehicle with no back seats. 

The model before that was originally launched in 1998 and while it has gone through some minor updates, it hasn't changed significantly. A 2014 model with around 30-50,000 miles will set you back £15,000. The new one, meanwhile, starts at £25,000 for a 2019 model with around 20,000 miles. 

9. Fiat Panda 4x4

Year launched: 2012

Fiat Panda 4x4 Review 2023: Driving
6/10

Want something that’ll stand out from the usual 4x4 fare? Then take at look at the Panda 4x4. Based, as you’ve probably guessed, on the Fiat Panda hatchback, the Panda 4x4 is the latest in a long line of capable all-wheel drivers from the Italian car company.

The 4x4 Panda uses an ‘on demand’ system, which means power is delivered to the wheels that have the most grip, whether that’s front or rear. But don’t be fooled - it’s still a pretty capable off-roader. Because it's so small and light, it'll bound over obstacles that would leave a heavy SUV floundering. 

Chunky looks come as standard (so you can let the world know you’re a go-anywhere kinda driver). That means black body mouldings around the wheel arches, larger bumpers and under-body protectors. Gadgets like an electronic locking differential mean you’ll barely even notice that muddy hill you’re driving up.

10. Subaru Forester

Year launched: 2013

Subaru Forester 2023 Front View
5/10

When it comes to 4x4s, most drivers have to choose between style and substance. Don’t get us wrong, there are a few mud-pluggers that can do it all and offer the ability to traverse the Sahara in the automotive equivalent of palatial luxury, but most of the time you have to choose between an interior you can host in or an interior you can hose down. 

The Subaru Forester falls closer to the latter category. Low-rent, functional, hard-wearing… call its cabin what you like. This is the kind of car bought by people who need a working vehicle. And that’s because it’s incredibly capable. It’s got all-wheel drive as standard, plenty of ground clearance and can make progress on the muddiest of fields. It’s also got a braked trailer rating of between 1800kg and 2000kg, which means pulling a medium-sized caravan or small horsebox is no drama.

As a family wagon, however, it’s better than you'd think. There is a lot of luggage space - 505-litres to be precise - while the back of row of seats is comfortable for adults as well as children. It’s got decent visibility, too, which makes it easy to see over hedges or spot the corners when parking. Not as plush as more road-biased SUV rivals, the Forester is still a worthy 4x4.

Best 4x4 FAQs

Phil Hall

Written by

Phil Hall

If you’re towing a horsebox or a caravan but want a classy car that's comfortable for daily use, then something like a Range Rover will suit your needs. If you're looking for a cheap but dependable small 4x4, check out the Fiat Panda 4x4.

Sometimes you may see 'normal' cars with all-wheel drive. Usually, but not always, these systems use sophisticated electronics to send power to the wheels which need the most grip, depending on the road surface or conditions. That can mean in normal conditions, the car is only front or rear-wheel drive. A 4x4, on the other hand, usually has permanent 4x4 done via traditional mechanicals. 

Yes and no. The majority of SUVs are designed to prioritise being on the road rather than off it, but most have higher ground clearance than a normal car and are available with four-wheel drive. Many are sold with two-wheel drive, however, so can't be considered 4x4s. 

'4x4' simply means that the vehicle has four wheels and drive from the engine or electric motors is sent to each wheel. These days, a 4x4 can be everything from a Suzuki Jimny to a Range Rover. 

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Dacia Duster

1.0 TCe 100 Essential 5dr

202025,096 milespetrolmanual
£9,989
Deposit con. £250
£142mo PCP
MK44DD

Representative example: Contract Length: 37 months, 36 Monthly Payments: £142.22, Customer Deposit: £1,498.00, Total Deposit: £1,748.35, Retailer Deposit Contribution: £250.00, Optional Final Payment: £5,083.00, Total Charge For Credit: £1,962.27, Total Amount Payable: £11,951.27, Representative APR: 9.9%, Interest Rate (Fixed): 9.9%, Excess Mileage Charge: 8ppm, Mileage Per Annum: 10,000