Best 4-Wheel Drive SUVs in 2025

There was a time when all 4x4s were built for serious off-road conditions — think old-school Land Rover Defenders or Toyota Land Cruisers. They were tough, practical, and made for people who really needed them. But as SUVs and crossovers took off, the lines blurred. Now, plenty of family SUV models look ready for the wild but struggle more than a regular hatchback when things get tricky.

So, let’s not get distracted. What really matters is how these SUVs are sending power to all four wheels when it counts. Here are the best 4x4s in the SUV market.

Jeep Wrangler – The Quintessential Off-Road SUV

The Wrangler’s engine powers all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and when things get rough, you can lock the centre differential to keep power evenly split. A low-range gearbox helps with tricky climbs. Also, the Rubicon model takes it up a notch with a detachable anti-roll bar.

On regular roads, the Wrangler isn’t as smooth as other SUVs. The chunky tyres add road noise at motorway speeds, and the heavy-duty axles make the body wobble more than key rivals.

Storage depends on the model. Two-door versions have about as much space as a small hatchback, and the four-door offers twice that. You can drop the rear seats for extra room, but they don’t fold completely flat.

Land Rover Defender – A Legacy of Excellence

Few SUVs handle rough terrain like the Land Rover Defender. It’s been built for tough conditions for decades, and the newer version stays true to that. Additionally, it’s a practical family SUV that makes everyday driving much more comfortable.

The D250 diesel has plenty of pulling power, but if you want something stronger, the 296bhp D300 gives you extra punch. The D300 only comes in X-Dynamic S trim, which gives it a tougher look with a black roof and grey wheels.

The Defender 110 comes with all-wheel drive, off-road tyres, and air suspension as standard, so it soaks up bumps and potholes. And when you leave the tarmac behind, it stays steady and in control.

Ford Ranger Raptor – A Pickup SUV Hybrid

The standard Ford Ranger is already a capable pickup, but the Raptor takes things further. It’s built for tough terrain with more power through all four wheels and serious off-road upgrades.

It won’t carry as much as a regular Ranger and doesn’t get the same tax perks as other double-cab pickups in the UK. However, it comes with heavy-duty coil suspension, reinforced bodywork with skid plates, and a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

The 2.0-litre diesel is the more efficient option, but the 3.0-litre V6 petrol with 288bhp is the one to go for if you want more power. Petrol models also get adaptive dampers, which help make longer drives more comfortable.

Ineos Grenadier – Pure Off-Road Utility

The Ineos Grenadier isn’t exactly built for a smooth, easy drive on the road. But take it off-road, and it’s a different story. The Trailmaster model, with its locking front and rear differentials and tough all-terrain tyres, can handle just about anything. Under the bonnet, the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine sends plenty of power to all four wheels and low-end pull to keep you going.

Inside, you have a high driving position with a clear view of the road ahead. The physical controls are big and built to be used even with gloves on. There are a lot of buttons, which might take some getting used to, but once you do, everything is easy to reach and use. Plus, you get massive cargo space.

Bentley Bentayga – Luxury Meets Off-Road Capability

There was a time when a Bentley SUV seemed improbable. Then, in 2016, Bentley introduced the Bentayga — a 2.4-tonne, all-wheel drive SUV capable of 187mph. It combined high performance with the brand’s signature luxury. The imposing front end, complete with Bentley’s distinctive mesh grille, leaves no doubt about its heritage.

The Bentayga helped define the luxury SUV segment and now competes with models like the Range Rover, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q7, with which it shares much of its engineering. What makes it special is its strong performance, smooth ride, and cabin built for pure comfort.

Mercedes G-Class – A Symbol of Off-Road Prestige

The Mercedes G-Class might be a common sight in the city, but despite its polished image, it still can venture off-road. It has a low-range gearbox, locking differentials, and long-travel suspension, and these features combined allow it to handle tough terrain. Most owners won’t take it much further than a dirt road, but it’s reassuring to know it can go off the beaten track.

On regular roads, though, it’s not as easy to drive. The G400d’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel has plenty of power, but if you want something with even more oomph, the G63’s V8 delivers more punch, along with a louder roar and higher running costs.

It’s worth noting that the interior space of the car is more about comfort than ruggedness.

Subaru Solterra – The Electric Off-Roader

Subaru’s electric SUV shares its motors and 71.4kWh battery with the Toyota bZ4X, but it has its own character. It can go up to 289 miles on a charge. However, the top-spec Touring model, with its larger 20-inch wheels, brings that down to 257 miles.

One of the standout features of this family SUV is the different modes, especially the X-Mode terrain system, which adjusts traction for snow, mud, and other tricky conditions. It’s not built for extreme off-road driving, but from what we’ve seen, it handles rough terrain well enough.

Because of its heavy battery, the Solterra sits lower than some rivals, which limits ground clearance. For an electric SUV with off-road ability, it can hold its own, even on a muddy field.

How We Can Help You Find the Right SUV

The right SUV depends on what you need it for. If you’re after a proper off-road model that can handle rough terrain or a family SUV with plenty of space, Carplus makes it easier to get the best deal. We help you compare options and sort out financing.

Instead of spending hours searching, you can see all your options in one place and go for the one that works for you. Carplus has you covered!

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of 4x4 SUVs in 2025, each built for different needs. You have the tough Land Rover Defender, the luxurious Range Rover, or the family-friendly Toyota RAV4 AWD — there’s something for everyone. These are genuinely some of the best 4x4s. Feel that explosive power across all four wheels!

Take the time to pick the right one for your adventures!