In the past few years, the sales of 4x4s in the UK have slowly increased. More drivers are looking for vehicles which can handle even the toughest of roads and provide an enjoyable off-road expensive. 4x4s are built with adventure in mind but many drivers also like them for everyday life and some popular models have probably never even seen a muddy country lane! If you’re in the market for a robust next car, check out our list of the best 4×4 cars you can buy this year.
What is a 4×4 car?
A 4×4 or 4WD car gets its name from being a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Four-wheel drives simply mean the power from the engine is transferred to all four wheels simultaneously. This helps to make 4x4s very capable and can handle even the toughest of terrains. Traditionally, they were made to be hardcore off-road vehicles, but drivers have adopted many popular brands such as the Land Rover Defender as a luxury model instead. Drivers like 4x4s because they can be safer, more robust and have great handling.
1. Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler is probably the most instantly recognisable 4x4s on the market. The Jeep Wrangler excels off-road and comes with a powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The latest version brings much-needed improvements to its interior and brings a more sophisticated feel to the model. One selling point of the Wrangler is being able to remove the hardtop to convert it into a thrilling wind-in-your-hair experience! Did you know the Jeep Wrangler also takes our top spot as the best off-road SUV?
2. Land Rover Defender.
Want to go off-road but don’t want to skimp on luxury? Say hello to the Land Rover Defender. There’s no denying it’s a capable car but it also brings a higher level of sophistication to the game. The Defender can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in a record-breaking 3.8 seconds, which is unknown for a vehicle of this stature. The Land Rover Defender is a popular car for families and farmers and was even Queen Elizabeth’s vehicle of choice! So, if it’s good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for us!
3. Mercedes G-Class.
Mercedes G-Class or G-Wagen, whatever you want to call it, it’s one of the best 4×4 cars you can buy! Granted, it’s more of a celebrity SUV than a countryside 4×4, but it is worth considering. The Mercedes G-Class can hold its own and performs well on different terrains. It gives the Land Rover Defender a run for its money when it comes to interior luxury, which is expected from a brand like Mercedes. The V8 petrol engine provides a high towing capacity and allows for heavier hauls, so there’s no denying the G-Class is a strong and efficient option.
4. Toyota Land Cruiser.
One of the best 4×4 cars for families is the Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s more affordable than the Land Rover Defender or the Mercedes G-Class, but it still comes with sharp looks and a strong history of reliability. If you’re a farmer and want something that’s not the Land Rover Defender, the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most capable cars you can buy. Still not convinced? A 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser holds the record for longest driven journey ever!
5. BMW X5 xDrive50e.
Typically, hybrid cars aren’t associated with 4x4s. However, the BMW X5 is one of the best 4×4 hybrid cars around! The BMW X5 xDrive50e is comfortable, spacious and fit for family life. This powerful hybrid car provides an impressive 235.4 mpg and around 54 miles of all-electric driving. When used solely as a workhorse, it isn’t as practical as some of the other 4×4 cars on our list but it can still handle even the muddiest of country roads well.
6. Land Rover Discovery.
The Land Rover Discovery is an impressive 7-seater SUV with brilliant 4×4 capability. It’s no surprise there are two land rovers on our list of the best 4x4s to buy because they have a long history of building strong and tough vehicles. The Discovery has a larger seating capacity, which is great for larger families, but it reduces the interior space. The Defender is better suited to country roads and farm work, whereas, the Discovery is still very robust but nicer to drive on the motorway, The only thing that holds the Discovery back is it’s one of the most stolen cars in the UK!
7. Suzuki Ignis.
One of the cheapest 4x4s you can buy is the Suzuki Ignis, and it’s a great choice for an affordable off-roader. Just because it’s not top of the range, though, doesn’t mean it can’t do the job. The Suzuki Ignis comes with complex Allgrip technology, which performs well on many terrains. It’s also a mild hybrid and provides great fuel efficiency and low emissions. The Suzuki Ignis is a small 4×4 with a big personality and comes with plenty of equipment as standard.
8. Suzuki Jimny.
And last but not least is the Suzuki Jimny. Yes, we know that’s two Suzukis in a row, but they’re proving popular in the affordable 4×4 category. The Jimny is small in stature but makes it great for narrow country roads and paths. If you’re taking your first step into the four-wheel drive world, the Jimny is our recommendation. Its spritely 1.5-litre petrol engine gives it just enough oomph to power you along without compromising on fuel economy.
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