So you need a proper 4x4, not an overgrown grocery getter? Something that can cope with proper off roading if you fancy straying off the beaten track?
We've chosen our first-rate 4x4s across a range of categories so there's a great choice for every driver. Whether you're going off road, carry loads of passengers or towing a trailer, these are the 4x4s you should be shopping.
Best off-road 4x4 – Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser might not have been the first off-roader, but it's built a legendary global reputation as the car to have if you need to cross jungles or escape an active warzone. Toyota actually makes three different cars badged 'Land Cruiser' and the one we get in the UK is known as the 'Prado' in other markets. The latest model embraces a retro design with squared-off panels and upright styling, but its grippy four-wheel-drive system and grunty diesel engine are broadly similar to older Land Cruisers. It isn't quite as refined as posher rivals on this list but it's pretty much unstoppable off road.
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Best small 4x4 – Suzuki Ignis
If you need proper off-road ability without the enormous bulk carried by most off roaders, check out the Suzuki Ignis. This adorably rugged hatchback may be only a few centimetres longer than a Fiat 500, but you can spec Suzuki's Allgrip all-wheel-drive system that automatically sends power to all four wheels if it senses the front ones losing traction. The Ignis will keep going off-road quite a bit further than you might imagine thanks to its knobbly tyres, tall ride height and exceptionally low weight. Plus, without needing to resort to serious underbody ironmongery to handle off-roading, the lightweight Ignis drives and rides well on the road, too.
Take a look at used Suzuki Ignis cars or read our Suzuki Ignis review
Most reliable 4x4 – Toyota RAV4
Toyota has a solid-gold reputation for reliability so you can be confident the RAV4 won't let you down. The larger Highlander and Land Cruiser could equally fit here, but we chose the RAV4 because its medium size strikes a great balance between city-friendly manoeuvrability and family-friendly practicality. Plus, the majority of RAV4 models are powered by the 2.5-litre hybrid setup which is both effortlessly powerful and impressively efficient. All-wheel-drive RAV4s include Trail mode, which uses the brakes to direct power across the axles to whichever wheel has the most grip for better off-road performance.
Browse used Toyota RAV4 cars or read our Toyota RAV4 review
Best value 4x4 – Dacia Duster
Normally, a 4x4's practicality and off-road performance mean a larger price tag. The Dacia Duster is the exception to that rule, however, because this smallish SUV is even more affordable than many hatchbacks from several size classes below. There's an optional four-wheel-drive system to make the most of the chunky tyres and lofty ground clearance, and SUV-like space, too. You get comfortable seating for four adults or occasional seating for five, and a usefully tall, square cargo area. That super-low price means you don't get the luxury trimmings of pricier cars, but you'll still find infotainment, cruise and climate control on the options list.
See used Dacia Duster cars or read our Dacia Duster review
Best performance 4x4 – BMW X5
A glance at the BMW X5's price tag might stop you from ever taking this premium SUV off road. This is a shame, however, because its clever drive modes, all-wheel drive and adjustable air suspension mean the X5 is a lot more capable off the beaten track than you might expect. However, the X5 really stands out on the road, with accurate, well-weighted controls, powerful turbo petrol and diesel engines, and supreme comfort over nearly all surfaces. All that capability rests below a vast and luxurious cabin, with space for five passengers to stretch out and a huge boot to swallow your luggage.
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Best practical 4x4 – Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is part of a trio that also includes the SEAT Tarraco and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, but the Czech car is our pick for most practical for its extra neat features. You'll spot nifty touches like the umbrellas built into the front doors, or the washer fluid's funnel opening that lets you refill without splashing, or the door-edge protector that flips out to stop you dinging your bodywork. Of course, though, it's the Kodiaq's sheer size that'll be the most useful feature for most buyers, with space for up to seven passengers and a van-rivalling load space if you fold the rear seats down.
Check out used Skoda Kodiaq cars or read our Skoda Kodiaq review
Best 4x4 for towing – Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery is a close contender for the best seven-seater, and it's the most practical and the best off-road 4x4 on this list – but it's towing where the Discovery truly knows no equal. All versions can haul a braked trailer weighing 3.5 tonnes, which is the heaviest load that can be towed on a regular driving licence granted after 1997. Plus, the Land Rover's vast weight means it always feels completely relaxed, whether it's trundling up a green lane or dragging a horse box up the motorway. The icing on the cake is that you still benefit from the spacious, luxurious cabin, the strong engines and its imposing road presence once you've unhooked your trailer.
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Most economical 4x4 – Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe doesn't exactly shout 'fuel economy', but this brick-shaped car is much more efficient than you might expect. All versions in the UK come with either self-charging-hybrid or plug-in-hybrid power, so they score strong efficiency numbers, even when cruising through tight city streets. That means you can achieve a solid 40mpg in this vast seven-seat family SUV with pure hybrid power, or north of 160mpg if you pick the plug-in hybrid and make the most of its rechargeable battery pack. The Santa Fe has abundant qualities beyond its efficiency, too, such as a plush, well-made cabin and clever driver-assist features.
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Best 7 seater 4x4 – Audi Q7
Several models on this list have seven seats, but we think we'd like to spend the most time in the Audi Q7's cabin if we had to choose. Not only do you benefit from acres of space and plush materials throughout, but there's three separate second-row seats to give rear passengers even more elbow room and a wealth of on-board tech to keep everyone entertained. The Q7's beefy turbocharged engines along with its smooth-shifting auto gearbox and quattro all-wheel-drive system mean it feels well at home when driving off road. There's also very little compromise when driving on the road, either, with comfortable suspension and effortless controls.
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Best luxury 4x4 – Range Rover Sport
Many 4x4s have swathed their cabins in leather and packed their dashboard with tech to justify their bulky price tags, but Land Rover has been doing it for much longer than most. We could easily have chosen the full-fat Range Rover for this spot but, with that model leaning so hard into the luxury angle, it'd take a brave owner to venture off the Tarmac. That's where the Range Rover Sport comes in as the Goldilocks solution. You get the spacious, stylish and luxurious cabin expected from a Range Rover with the same unstoppable off-road prowess at a slightly more sensible price tag, which means you might actually drive off road every once in a while.
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Chosen the perfect 4x4 for you?
Check out Motorpoint's huge range of nearly new and used cars for sale to save thousands of pounds off the brand-new price. For more great choices, take a look at our picks for the best cars with the biggest boots, or the best cars for motorway driving.
