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If you need your mode of transportation to provide more than just a spacious interior, there are a host of brilliant 4×4 SUVs on sale. Some are equipped for only lighter off-road ventures, while others have tech like low-range gearing and locking differentials that allow them to be suitable for some really rough terrain. With so many drivetrains on offer, it can be difficult to figure out which should be at the summit of your list.

It’s not only about the mechanicals, though, as the best 4WD SUVs also have superior ground clearance and approach/departure angles that make them well-suited for the rough stuff. Our detailed reviews also take into account on-road comfort, performance, features, and optional packages that increase your chosen 4×4’s capability. We’ll also look at warranty coverage, reliability ratings, and compare each model with its closest competitors. It’s everything you need to find the 4WD SUV of your dreams in 2025.

1

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Land Rover shows up a few times in this list, and the first 4-wheel-drive SUV is the Range Rover Sport – it’s also got the highest ranking here. While other SUVs here are more practical, somewhat affordable for the right audience, and can take a beating more easily, Land Rover takes a different approach. The Range Rover Sport is a high-end 4WD SUV with a premium interior and distinct styling. There are a handful of powertrains and trims, but the base model starts at $83,700. The base powertrain in the Range Rover Sport SE is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that makes 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

2

Toyota Land Cruiser

The best 4×4 SUV after the Land Rover, according to its BuzzScore of 8.4 out of 10, is the Toyota Land Cruiser. This rugged SUV continues the Land Cruiser’s already legendary legacy with modern styling and features while remaining every bit as capable and adventure-ready as the previous generations. Some might argue that this SUV with four-wheel drive lacks the charm of an older model, but you can’t argue with the results. Once people are ready to beat them up on trails, then the true tests will begin. It starts at $56,700, which gets you a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder hybrid that makes 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

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3

Jeep Compass

As a more affordable option on our list, the Jeep Compass might not exceed many of our expectations in terms of performance, but it still makes for a respectable SUV with four-wheel drive. If you think of the 4Runner as competing against the mid-size Ford Bronco, then the Jeep Compass is put into perspective by competing with the Bronco Sport. It’s not huge, so its price and capabilities follow suit. This Jeep starts at just $26,900, which is thousands less than the Bronco Sport. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It might not be at the top of the list, but it can still get your family to a cool camping spot.

4

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Rounding off the best 4X4 SUVs is the Land Rover Discovery Sport. When it comes to performance, “sport” is just a suggestion; this Land Rover isn’t the most capable, fastest, nor any other adjective for that matter. However, the Discovery Sport is a premium, versatile compact SUV with an upscale interior and distinctive exterior styling. For a base price of $48,900, you get standard all-wheel drive along with a host of features that’ll keep you comfortable while looking for your next adventure. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. On the road, it’ll do the 0-60 mph sprint in about 7.3 seconds.

5

Toyota 4Runner

Next on this list of 4-wheel-drive SUVs is the Toyota 4Runner. Like the Land Cruiser, this SUV’s 4WD system can handle pretty much anything. In its stock form, the 4Runner is an impressive machine, but we can’t wait to see what the aftermarket scene has to offer. On paper, the latest 4Runner starts at $40,770 for RWD, or a minimum of $42,770 for part-time 4WD. It comes with another 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid that makes either 278 hp and 317 lb-ft, or 326 hp and 465 lb-ft, depending on your choice of trim. When compared to another capable SUV, it puts up a good fight.

Once we’ve evaluated the latest 4Runner in full, we expect its ranking on this list to creep up a few places.

6

Lincoln Navigator

Among the best 4-wheel-drive SUVs is the Lincoln Navigator, especially if you need extra space and a lot of luxury. This probably isn’t the kind you’ll be off-roading very often, but Lincoln gives the option to send power to four wheels in the event you might need more traction, like driving through the snow. There are a few trims to choose from, but the cheapest is the Reserve, which starts at $99,995.

Every trim is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. While you might not be driving this car at the level of other off-road competitors, it’s a huge family hauler that can seat up to eight occupants and the extended version can fit up to 121.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the front seats.

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7

Land Rover Defender OCTA

If the first Land Rover we mentioned isn’t enough to feed your off-road tastes, then the Defender OCTA is a four-wheel-drive SUV that steps it up a notch. Not only is the Defender one of the most recognizable names in high-end off-roading, but the OCTA version is the most powerful Defender ever made. The only downside to it is its price: this version of an icon starts at $152,000 before destination charges and other fees. It’s powered by a BMW-derrived 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 mild hybrid that makes 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. While you could drive it on a trail, it’s especially quick on the pavement with a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds.

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Characteristics Of The Best 4-Wheel-Drive SUVs

If you are shopping for a capable SUV, here are some things to look out for when choosing:

• Highly proficient off-road: The highest-scoring offerings in our reviews are exceptional at plowing through muddy waters and over rocky ground, with their systems finding grip in even the most treacherous environments. Not all of those we score highly cost a lot to buy, but sometimes a low price means less capability.
• A wealth of ground clearance: In order to be able to safely navigate boulders and other obstacles without damaging the vehicle, you’ll find a raised ride height on all the entrants to our catalog. This also helps with visibility on the road and makes it easier to spot problems up ahead.
• Powerful engines: In contrast to regular vehicles, most of the best 4×4 SUVs that we have rated highly are fitted with motors that have plenty of power and torque to help overcome the weight of the various components that improve versatility off-road. However, some smaller alternatives like crossovers generally have lower outputs, but this contributes to making them cheap.

Pros

• Versatile capability
• Plenty of space
• More practical than regular cars
• Good safety ratings
• Numerous optional extras

Cons

• Typically poor mpg ratings
• More expensive than regular automobiles
• Numb handling

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What’s the fastest SUV with 4-wheel-drive?

Many hot variants are made, with the likes of the Range Rover providing incredible performance on the track and the trail in a single package.

What’s the best SUV not built in the USA?

Land Rover’s Range Rover is the ultimate all-rounder and is among our favorite picks, with the Defender proving similarly capable and comfy.

Sources: Land Rover, Jeep, Lincoln, Toyota