Best 4x4s 2024
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If you're looking for an off-roader to buy or lease, then there's certainly no shortage of choice. But precisely what constitutes a 'proper' off-roader? What separates those from SUVs? How do you know which cars will actually do what they promise and excel in the rough stuff? Check out our guide to the best 4x4s in both new and used forms.
SUVs are all the rage these days, but most 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 altogether. They are designed specifically to deal with everything nature can throw at them, including mud, rocks, sand, ice: you name it. Sure, that might come at the expense of refinement, fuel efficiency, comfort and handling on the road, but that's necessary if you want your car to be unstoppable.
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? However, 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 traction when the going gets tough. Being able to negotiate the seriously rutted tracks and byways found right across Britain needs more hardware than just four driven wheels, however.
Ideally, the best 4x4s will also 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 SUVs, 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.
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Best 4x4s and off-road cars 2024
1. Land Rover Defender
Year launched: 2020
When you think 4x4, you'll probably think Land Rover and the mighty Defender. Land Rover set itself no easy task when it decided to replace the iconic Defender with an all-new model, but thankfully, the latest Defender is exactly what the company promised it would be.
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, and with Land Rover's Terrain Response off-road system that ensures the Defender's settings are always optimised for the precise type of terrain you're on (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
There's an all-new Toyota Land Cruiser on the way later in 2024, and we can't wait to get behind the wheel, but that doesn't change the fact that the previous 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.
And if it can traverse the Sahara, it certainly won't be phased by a muddy farm track in Oxfordshire, that's for sure. Although the previous car was launched way back in 2010, it's had plenty of updates over its life 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 it, 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 powerful 2.8-litre diesel engine, so this isn't really an everyday SUV. What it will be is incredibly reliable, and it remains to this day one of the most capable off-road cars ever made.
3. Dacia Duster
Year launched: 2024
For several years now, the Dacia Duster has been charming car buyers by offering a roomy and practical family car that's rugged enough for off-road weekend adventures, and all for a price that undercuts rivals by many thousands of pounds. The appeal of the latest 2024 Duster is no different, but it delivers its tempting mix of abilities with more polish than ever before.
For starters, it's better to drive than previous Dusters, with noticeably less body lean in corners and sharper responses, yet the ride remains comfortable enough for use as an everyday family car. Granted, refinement isn't what it might be and performance from the engine range is a little limited, but that's all perfectly acceptable given the value on offer.
Likewise, the cabin is roomy and the boot is decent, while the interior strikes that delicate balance of being functional and hard-wearing enough to feel rugged, but not so functional that it feels too basic. Luxury kit isn't plentiful in lower-spec models, but all the basics are covered. And yes, the price is right, happily. For four-wheel drive, you'll need to spec it on the mid-range TCe 130 engine, and doing so will give you the ability to get further into the wilderness than you might expect.
4. Mercedes G-Class
Year launched: 2018
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 preceeded the G-Class is able to trace it's roots back to the early 1970s, and while the latest G-Class might look almost indistinguishable from 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. Then again, for the amount of money it costs, it jolly well should be.
5. Volkswagen Touareg
Year launched: 2018
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 that 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 Tech 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 peaceful time. That's complemented by 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
The latest Nissan X-Trail is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, delivering great looks, good driving manners 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: 2022
We have a separate list for the best pick-up trucks, and you'll find the regular Ford Ranger right at the very top of it, because it's the best pick-up truck money can buy. The Ford Ranger Raptor, however, is no ordinary pick-up truck. This thing is more of a hardcore off-road racer with its own enthusiast following, and 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 way more travel. There's an electronically locking rear differential, off-road tyres and new driving modes, along with body protection and styling tweaks. The range-topping model also has Fox dampers with 'Live Valve' technology, and these react in real time to the conditions and can even detect when the vehicle is airborne. Handy when you're busy launching your truck off the nearest sand dune.
The Raptor's huge performance comes from either the same twin-turbo 210PS 2.0-litre diesel engine in the previous version of the Raptor, or a newer twin-turbo V6 petrol developing 292PS. Both operate through 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 that 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
Dire to drive, noisy on the road and lacking space: the Suzuki Jimny is very much 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. However, the Jimny is not without its ‘quirks’. Or flaws, in other words. You see, as an old-school 4x4, it’s not very civilised on the road… but it’s compact 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 at 60mph it feels strained. The steering also requires a lot of input, so you’ll be busy with that, and fast cornering is definitely best avoided. Creature comforts are pretty minimal, too...
Despite all of this, Jimnys hold their value incredibly well. The latest model was launched in 2019 and wasn't on sale for very long before it had to be withdrawn so that Suzuki could meet new European emissions targets, and that meant that demand outstripped supply by a long way. As a result, you'll see used models costing significantly more than they did when they were brand new. Suzuki brought it back to the market in 2021, but as a commercial vehicle with no back seats.
9. Subaru Forester
Year launched: 2013
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 scale mountains 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's 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, perhaps, but the Forester is still a very worthy 4x4.
10. Jeep Wrangler
Year launched: 2018
Off-roaders don't come much more recognisable than the Jeep Wrangler. Its story started way back in 1940 with the original Willy's Jeep, and that heritage is still in clear evidence in the styling of the latest car, with its large round headlights and seven-slot grille. And the Wrangler is an effortlessly cool car as a result. It's also pretty much unstoppable off-road. Short of a vertical cliff face, there's pretty much no surface that the Wrangler can't deal with.
Granted, it's fairly rough-and-ready as a result. The on-road ride is bumpy, noisy and unrefined, while the cabin materials are basic, equipment levels are modest and the interior is surprisingly cramped. It's not quite the stripped out off-roader that the original Land Rover Defender was, but compared with more modern cars, it feels rather behind the times. However, few cars will get as far across the countryside as the Wrangler, and thanks to its detachable roof, you can even feel the sun on your face in the process: in fact, it's the only five-seat convertible that money can buy.
If you’re towing a horsebox or a caravan but want a classy car that's comfortable for daily use, then something like a Land Rover Defender or a Range Rover will suit your needs.
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 that 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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