These Are the Best 4x4 SUVs to Buy in 2024
Looking for a more robust SUV to tackle your next adventures? In this article, we look at the best 4x4 SUVs to buy this year.
Whether it’s for a family road trip or a weekend away, SUVs are a go-to with their roomier interiors and spacious boot areas.
Though when it comes to off-road adventures, sometimes you need something with a little more oomph. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 4x4 SUVs this year for the roads less travelled.
Read on for our top picks.
Land Rover Defender
The Defender remains an iconic 4x4 SUV option, with its rugged styling and muscular build. Designed to perform, the 4x4 is as comfortable cruising the open road as it is navigating rougher terrains.
Tough and capable, it offers several advanced features to make off-road trails a breeze, including:
- Advanced air suspension and Adaptive Dynamics - enabling the car to adapt to every road, no matter the road surface.
- Dynamic Stability Control - to help correct your course if one or more tyres begin to lose grip.
- Configurable Terrain Response - fine-tunes the throttle, steering, and traction control.
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As for design, the Defender is packed with sophisticated style and luxurious features. From the outside, the raised bonnet, sculpted grille, and attention to detail make it stand out from all angles.
Inside, the spacious cabin offers seating for up to eight adults, with second and third-row benches. These can be easily folded to provide between 1,232-2,516 litres of extra boot space. Perfect for storing heavy luggage and equipment for the journey.
Passengers will enjoy plenty of legroom, with cupholders, armrests, and USB-C charging ports at their service. With the next-generation Pivi Pro infotainment system, you’ll have all the connectivity you need. The 11.4” central touchscreen brings all your Defender’s controls closer, from music to navigation and more.
The Interactive Driver Display also allows you to customise key driving data presented on the 12.3” display. You can even project preferred information onto your windscreen with optional Head-Up Display.
All-in-all, the Defender brings the perfect balance of luxurious style and practical versatility, making it a great 4x4 SUV.
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Volvo XC90
Volvo’s XC90 also remains a top choice as a 4x4 SUV primed for adventure. The luxury SUV is available with a hybrid powertrain, meaning it’s also a great option for those looking for something more efficient.
As standard, it features eight-speed Geartronic automatic all-wheel drive. This means you’ll never have to worry about being in the right gear, and can enjoy smoother, more efficient cruising.
For a more dynamic drive, you can shift to Manual mode and tailor your experience further. With driver assistance features like Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, there’s no drive too complex.
What’s more, when not in off-road mode, the XC90 is perfectly suited to everyday driving. Start/Stop technology allows you to navigate traffic jams easily, while also reducing fuel consumption.
On the road, the XC90 sure looks the part with 19” six-spoke silver alloy wheels as standard, and bright aluminium roof rails. The front grille complete with a black insert and chrome frame surround creates a sophisticated profile.
Meanwhile, the interior cabin offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for all who enter. The seven-seater offers space for the whole family, with luxurious leather upholstery giving a homely feel.
The seats offer ventilation for more comfortable seating and a ten-point massage function for those in front. Overhead, the panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light so you can make the most of brighter skies.
Up front, the driver’s cabin is clean, clutter-free, and focused. The gear shifter handcrafted from Swedish crystal adds further luxe, while a 9” centre display takes care of connectivity. This includes built-in Google maps and services like Google Assistant, plus in-car apps and more.
It also offers plenty of space in the rear to store items and luggage. Enjoy between 316-356 litres as standard, increased to 1,816-1,856 with rear rows folded.
The Volvo XC90 is a great choice for a family SUV, with its dynamic features making it the perfect 4x4 too.
BMW X5
Next up on our list is the BMW X5 – a large family SUV made to go further. It’s available with petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid options, and it’s packed with performance.
The TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder combustion engines offer maximum power with up to 298hp. Paired with versatile driving features, the X5 is equally confident whether on or off-road. With the optional xOffroad package providing four additional drive modes.
A practical all-rounder, the BMW X5 really is an SUV that caters to every need. With BMW’s Trailor Assistant, you can safely and easily tow a hitched trailer. When driving around in the city, you can park like a pro thanks to Parking Assistant.
Outside, the 4x4 SUV has a sophisticated road presence with the signature BMW kidney grille and large 22” light-alloy wheels. Dynamic LED lights at both the front and rear ensure the X5 leaves a lasting impression from all angles. Plus, the Glacier Silver skid plate adds a stylish yet practical touch.
Meanwhile, a haven of luxury awaits inside. Ergonomic sports seats with lumbar support ensure comfort all around. Covered in decor-quilted artificial leather for a luxurious yet eco-friendly look.
In the driver’s cabin, crystal-cut glass accents around the gear lever, start/stop button and more add to the appeal. With the BMW Live Cockpit, you can enjoy a better real-time view of the road ahead of you. Coupled with the BMW Curved Display, this brings all your main controls and functions within reach. From choosing the perfect route to the perfect driving tune.
Not just about aesthetics, the BMW X5 offers a range of intelligent features for everyday convenience. The spacious boot opens with a motorised tailgate, while the second and third rows fold down to increase loading space even further.
With the BMW Digital Key, you can unlock your car using your smartphone. Driver aids like Driver Assistance Professional also help ensure maximum safety on the road.
Overall, the BMW X5 is a luxurious, practical 4x4 SUV that prioritises comfort and convenience.
Land Rover Discovery
The versatile seven-seater SUV made to go the distance. The Land Rover Discovery is designed to embrace every road, no matter the terrain. This large SUV offers the latest driving technology for efficient performance including:
- Configurable Terrain Response – to personalise your off-road system preferences.
- Adaptive dynamics – to optimise the suspension and enhance comfort behind the wheel.
- Electronic air suspension – switching heights automatically to improve ride comfort.
- Twin-speed transmission – an additional set of lower gears to tackle steep inclines or downhill slopes.
With All Wheel Drive (AWD) the Land Rover Discovery knows no limits when it comes to driving through snow, mud, or other slippery surfaces. If you need to tow a trailer, it also offers up to 3,500kg towing capacity to make light work of heavier loads.
ClearSight Ground View also lets you see through the bonnet with multiple exterior views around the underside and wheels. Perfect to guide you through more challenging landscapes.
The roof rails make it easier than ever to store and safely transport any equipment for the journey. On arrival, Deployable Side Steps make it even simpler to access this area, while also making entry and exit to the SUV smoother.
Inside, the Land Rover Discovery offers seating for up to seven, with foldable second and third rows for when you need more storage. With five ISOFIX points and eight airbags, all passengers are kept safe onboard.
The Pivi Pro system is the home of connectivity, offering wireless charging, cabin air purification and a range of driver aids. These are available separately or as part of an assistance pack, with features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and more.
Parking features like the 3D Surround Camera and rear traffic monitor take the fuss out of parking, giving you a second and third pair of eyes.
As for comfort, the Discovery features Duoleather seats, with 14-way heated electric front seats for added luxury. Two-zone climate control and cabin lighting are also featured as standard to help all passengers settle in for the journey.
A lockable glovebox and lower centre console storage provide plenty of places to keep items handy. Meanwhile, premium carpet mats add a more homely feel.
On the road, you’re sure to make a statement with Land Rover’s exquisite SUV style. From LED headlights with signature daytime running lights to LED tail lights and more. Its broad, muscular proportions and sophisticated style leave a lasting impression from all sides.
The boot features a powered tailgate making it handy to access the spacious loading area. Even with five seats in use, you can still enjoy up to 1,137 litres of boot space. There’s also a load space cover and luggage tie-downs to keep things secure while on the move.
When it comes to a sturdy SUV built to tackle more challenging roads and look good doing it, the Discovery is your go-to.
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Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers traditional 4x4 SUV styling, along with the latest innovations. This large SUV is brimming with power and performance, thanks to a range of advanced driving features.
With 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, you’ll always be in the correct gear. Making use of lower engine speeds where possible, the system helps to reduce your fuel consumption too. The Adaptive Damping System adjusts to your driving style for a more seamless experience. Meanwhile, the shock absorbers help to easily absorb more uneven surfaces.
For added safety, a host of driver assistance features work together inside the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. These include the likes of Active Brake Assist and Parking Assist PARKTRONIC. Helping you find your way easily and safely wherever the G-Class takes you.
Inside, the G-Class offers a luxurious set-up for driver and passengers alike. The Active Multicontour Seat Package Plus allows you to optimise the seating position. There’s also seat heating for those in the front and THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control with three climate zones.
Wood trim accents on the dashboard, centre console and door panels add a more premium feel. Plus, with 64-colour LED ambient lighting, you can set the perfect mood for each journey.
In the rear, passengers will be kept entertained with two 10” touchscreens to watch films or play video games. Perfect for keeping the kids entertained on a longer road trip.
The boot offers up to 667 litres of luggage capacity, which is still plenty to fit in all your essentials for a longer trip. Ever-practical, the G-Class is also perfectly suited for towing, offering up to 3,500kg capacity.
Not forgetting the need for technology, the G-Class offers in-car WiFi, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection. This makes it easier to stay connected, whether you’re navigating unfamiliar terrain or streaming music.
Loved for its higher seating position, the G-Class makes you feel powerful behind the wheel, towering over most other cars on the road.
When it comes to choosing a 4x4 SUV, you want to have the assurance of both high performance and interior comfort. That’s what makes the Mercedes-Benz G-Class an ideal choice.
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Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a 4x4 SUV built on 70 years of all-wheel drive engineering. Designed for practicality from the ground up, it’s made to go just about anywhere.
Advanced features like Active Traction Control (ATC) and Hill Start Assist improve handling and safety. So, you can feel all the more confident behind the wheel.
The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is designed specifically for off-road driving. This helps the wheels remain firmly in contact with the ground, giving you greater stability.
Adaptive Variable Suspension absorbs uneven surfaces, switching to the correct drive mode for the road. From Comfort and Normal to Sport.
On the road, the Land Cruiser is just as proactive when it comes to delivering a smooth, controlled ride. Toyota Safety Sense 2 provides a set of active safety features designed to keep you and other road users safe. These include:
- Pre-collision System (PCS)
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Road Safety Assist (RSA)
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If you’re towing a trailer, Trailer Sway Control will help ensure your load stays secure at every turn.
With two, five or seven-seat options, the Land Cruiser is as versatile inside as it is outside. Whichever you choose, you can expect high-quality interior craftsmanship for comfort guaranteed.
The driver’s seat features lumbar support, while all seats have height-adjustable head restraints. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning ensures a comfortable temperature inside the cabin. With a triple-zone version available as an option.
As for technology, the Land Cruiser offers a 9” Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system. This features ergonomic switches, which you can use to switch between drive modes, operate navigation, and more.
To sum up, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a robust 4x4 SUV that’s adept at both off-road adventures and normal everyday driving.
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Discover your new 4x4 SUV at Vertu Motors
We hope you’re feeling inspired after reading about our top picks for 4x4 SUVs. At Vertu Motors, we offer a wide range of 4x4 and SUV models for sale that are sure to meet your needs.
View our latest deals available now, or get in touch with our expert sales team who can help you find your perfect match. Why not book an appointment and get a real feel for your new car?