Best Four-Wheel-Drive Cars of 2024 (2024)

It’s not surprising that 4-wheel-drive cars are popular, especially in the USA where off-road adventuring is popular, and weather can vary drastically depending on where you live. Rain, mud, and snow on the road can all cause tremendous difficulties for drivers, but these can be mitigated by the additional traction of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. These are usually pickup trucks or SUVs since not many other types of cars get 4x4 capability. Many sedans and even a few sporty coupes get AWD instead, which enhances traction but is not the same as four-wheel drive. Here is the list of the best 4-wheel-drive vehicles of 2024 across the various classifications:

2024 Ram 1500

9.3/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$39,420

Fuel Economy

20/25 MPG

Horsepower

305 hp

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor

8.6/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$76,775

Fuel Economy

15/18 MPG

Horsepower

450 hp

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V

8.6/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$149,195

Fuel Economy

11/16 MPG

Horsepower

682 hp

2024 Cadillac Escalade

8.5/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$81,895

Fuel Economy

14/19 MPG

Horsepower

420 hp

2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV

8.4/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$84,895

Fuel Economy

14/19 MPG

Horsepower

420 hp

2024 Lincoln Navigator L

8.8/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$85,760

Fuel Economy

16/22 MPG

Horsepower

440 hp

2024 Toyota Tacoma

9.0/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$31,500

Fuel Economy

20/26 mpg

Horsepower

278 hp

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

9.0/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$38,035

Fuel Economy

19/26 MPG

Horsepower

293 hp

2024 Toyota Tundra

9.0/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$39,965

Fuel Economy

18/24 MPG

Horsepower

358 hp

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

9.0/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$40,035

Fuel Economy

19/26 MPG

Horsepower

293 hp

2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

9.0/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$57,625

Fuel Economy

20/24 MPG

Horsepower

437 hp

2024 Lincoln Navigator

See Also

AWD vs 4WD: What is the difference and which do you want?

9.0/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$82,765

Fuel Economy

16/22 MPG

Horsepower

440 hp

2024 Ford Bronco

8.3/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$39,130

Fuel Economy

20/21 MPG

Horsepower

275 hp

2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

8.9/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$90,495

Fuel Economy

13/18 MPG

Horsepower

471 hp

2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Hybrid

8.9/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$104,200

Fuel Economy

51 MPGe/21 mpg combined

Horsepower

434 hp

2024 Ford Bronco Sport

8.8/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$31,230

Fuel Economy

25/28 MPG

Horsepower

181 hp

2023 Ram 2500

8.8/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$46,715

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

410 hp

2023 Ram 3500

8.8/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$48,850

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

410 hp

2024 Chevrolet Suburban

8.8/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$57,600

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

2024 GMC Yukon XL

8.8/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$61,200

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

2024 Jeep Wagoneer

8.8/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$62,945

Fuel Economy

17/24 MPG

Horsepower

420 hp

2023 Ram 1500 TRX

8.8/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$84,850

Fuel Economy

10/14 MPG

Horsepower

702 hp

2024 Ford Bronco Raptor

8.4/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$90,035

Fuel Economy

15/16 MPG

Horsepower

418 hp

2023 Chevrolet Tahoe

8.6/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$52,600

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

2024 GMC Yukon

8.6/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$58,200

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

8.6/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$83,000

Fuel Economy

19/26 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

2024 Lexus LX

8.6/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$92,915

Fuel Economy

17/22 MPG

Horsepower

409 hp

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

8.5/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$28,395

Fuel Economy

24/31 MPG

Horsepower

181 hp

2024 GMC Sierra 1500

8.5/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$37,700

Fuel Economy

18/22 MPG

Horsepower

310 hp

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

8.5/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$41,500

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

401 hp

2024 Ford Expedition

8.5/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$54,555

Fuel Economy

17/23 MPG

Horsepower

380 hp

2024 Ford Expedition Max

8.5/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$58,555

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

380 hp

2024 Nissan Frontier

8.4/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$30,030

Fuel Economy

18/24 MPG

Horsepower

310 hp

2024 GMC Canyon

8.4/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$36,000

Fuel Economy

19/23 MPG

Horsepower

310 hp

2024 Nissan Pathfinder

8.4/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$36,080

Fuel Economy

20/27/23 mpg (2WD) | 21/27/23 mpg (AWD)

Horsepower

284 hp (295 hp Rock Creek)

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

8.4/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$36,300

Fuel Economy

19/22 MPG

Horsepower

310 hp

2023 Ford F-450 Super Duty

8.4/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$58,455

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

475 hp

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

8.3/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$29,500

Fuel Economy

20/25 MPG

Horsepower

237 hp

2023 Ram 1500 Classic

8.3/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$32,345

Fuel Economy

17/25 MPG

Horsepower

305 hp

2024 Ford Explorer

8.1/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$36,860

Fuel Economy

21/28 MPG

Horsepower

300 hp

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

8.3/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$42,700

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

401 hp

2023 GMC Sierra 3500HD

8.3/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$43,400

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

401 hp

2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid

8.3/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$54,060

Fuel Economy

20/27 MPG

Horsepower

318 hp

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

8.3/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$60,490

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

375 hp

2024 Land Rover Defender

8.1/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$56,400

Fuel Economy

18/21 MPG

Horsepower

296 hp

2024 Toyota Sequoia

8.1/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$61,275

Fuel Economy

21/24 MPG

Horsepower

437 hp

2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD

8.0/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$45,400

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

401 hp

2024 Jeep Compass

7.9/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$25,900

Fuel Economy

24/32 MPG

Horsepower

200 hp

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD

9.0/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$30,400

Fuel Economy

19/22 MPG

Horsepower

310 hp

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited

8.4/10

What is Buzzscore?

Base MSRP

$31,200

Fuel Economy

19/22 MPG

Horsepower

310 hp

Characteristics of Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

You can find new 4-wheel-drive trucks and SUVs in just about every shape and size, from small, compact crossovers, to the most reliable full-size pickups. So their characteristics can vary wildly. However, there are a few things that set the best apart from the rest:

What to Consider When Buying a 4WD Vehicle

Even the best 4WD vehicles have drawbacks, but if you know what they are, you can tailor your shortlist with only the best models.

Pros

• High levels of power and torque
• Great traction in adverse weather conditions
• Special drive modes for snow, mud, and gravel roads
• The best drivetrain for spirited off-roading
• Good safety expectations
• Good ground clearance and approach/ramp/departure angles

Cons

• Lacks comfort on-road
• More expensive to buy and maintain
• Higher curb weights due to extra mechanical bits
• Expect high gas mileage and a hefty bill

FAQs

What type of cars are 4-wheel drive?

Generally speaking, it is the off-road-oriented vehicles that come with either part-time or full-time four-wheel drive. This includes crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. While some may offer it as an option, for trail-rated icons like the Jeep Rubicon, this is a standard configuration.

What car has the best 4-wheel-drive system?

Identifying the best can be subjective, but when considering the best-functioning 4WD system on the market, it’s logical to follow the route of off-roading specialists such as Jeep and Land Rover, however, Ford offers brilliant vehicles such as the Bronco, while EV company Rivian has won people over with its R1T.

What is the most affordable 4WD car?

In terms of pickup trucks, the Ford Ranger is one of the cheapest ways to get a true-blue 4x4 vehicle. Among SUVs that have a proper four-wheel drivetrain instead of just AWD, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Ford EcoSport, and Jeep Renegade are some of the cheapest options.