Four-wheel drives, or 4WDs, are ultimate companions for adventuring. They are ruggedly durable and exceptional performers on any terrain. They can conquer rocky mountain trails, wade through muddy forests, and realize that all-terrain titans are built for the distance. Here are 19 impressive 4WD cars that define reliability and adventure, rich with impressive statistics and fun facts.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler has been an all-terrain vehicle since its launch in 1986; therefore, it’s the name that appears when anybody mentions off-road capability. A 2.0L turbocharged inline-four or a 3.6L V6 provides this vehicle as much as 285 horsepower. It doesn’t sell this car with the speed, nor was this vehicle built for it either (0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds for the V6). The Wrangler has solid axles, so this car can drive along rocky trails and desert dunes with excellent ground clearance. This is one of a few cars whose doors come off, and windshields fold down to enable complete, unadulterated contact with nature.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser, first introduced in 1951, is a stalwart of reliability. Its 4.5L V8 diesel engine with 268 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque gives it the power and endurance it was meant to have. The vehicle’s top speed of 130 mph was faster than most thought for this heavy-duty SUV. Noted for running decades with few problems, the vehicle is a staple of travelers in remote locations. Over 10 million Land Cruisers are sold worldwide, and thousands still run with no failures after 500,000 or more miles.
Land Rover Defender
First available as a 1983 product and revamped in 2020, the Land Rover Defender is a four-by-four that brings with it engines, for instance, a 3.0L inline-six engine that produces 395 horsepower for a 0-60 mph time of just 6.5 seconds. Even so, it doesn’t lose its off-road soul. Its adaptive terrain response system and locking differentials let it cruise through the worst mud, sand, and snow. The Defender has been driven over some of the world’s most challenging terrains- from the Arctic Circle in northern Europe to the deserts in Dubai.
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco was introduced in 1966 and is a comeback story for 2021. It has powerful engines like the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 that ge,nerates 330 hp, and is designed to conquer wilderness. Its seven-speed manual transmission also features a crawler gear to achieve extreme off-road precision. With its removable roof panels and rugged design, the Bronco looks like an adventurer’s fantasy. The Bronco has a “G.O.A.T. Mode” or Goes Over Any Terrain, which is a “reference to the fact “that it handles any terrain.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The G-Class, or G-Wagon, was first developed in 1979 as a military-grade vehicle and evolved into a luxurious off-road SUV. It is available in the AMG G63 model, which features a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 577 hp to reach 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. While offering a premium interior, the G-Class is still rugged with its ladder-frame chassis and three locking differentials. The G-Class proudly wears a “Schöckl Certification” badge, earned for conquering Austria’s notorious, grueling off-road test site, Schöckl Mountain.
Suzuki Jimny
This 1970-launched Suzuki Jimny proves that big things come in small packages. However, its 1.5L four-cylinder engine makes only 101 hp and the lightweight design and part-time 4WD system offer versatility. Thus, its top speed of 90 mph makes this vehicle perfect for navigating tight trails and dense forests. Due to its lightweight and compact size, the Jimny can easily access areas where most big 4WDs cannot go. It is a favorite among adventure-seekers in Japan and Europe.
Ford F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 Raptor, introduced in 2010, is a high-performance off-road truck. Its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine generates 450 horsepower, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Equipped with a FOX Live Valve suspension system, the Raptor effortlessly conquers rugged terrain, making it a popular choice for desert racing. With an impressive 13 inches of front suspension travel and 14 inches in the rear, the Raptor can quickly soar over dunes.
Subaru Outback
Introduced in 1994, the Subaru Outback is a reliable 4WD wagon with a 2.4L turbocharged flat-four engine producing 260 hp. It is not the fastest, with at least 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds, but its symmetrical all-wheel drive system assures stability on slippery or uneven terrain. The Outback has so well proved itself on rugged terrains that it is now informally known as the “mountain goat of wagons.”
Mitsubishi Pajero
Mitsubishi Pajero is a 1982 model with a 3.2 L diesel and 187 horsepower. Its Super Select 4WD system, with a switch between drives, allows you to alter drive modes without stopping, which is very helpful for unpredictable terrain. The car is especially famous for its strength and is considered a favorite for running rallies like Dakar. The Pajero has won the Dakar Rally 12 times, more than any other 4WD.
Toyota 4Runner
Launched in 1984, the Toyota 4Runner has been a favorite for being rugged. With a 4.0L V6 engine producing 270 hp, it is not quick but shines with its durability and prowess off-road. Its multi-terrain select system adjusts mud, sand, or rock crawling settings. The 4Runner is so reliable that 75% of all units sold in the last 25 years are still on the road.
Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
This vehicle comes with a 5.3L V8 engine that produces 355 hp. It is family-size friendly but off-road ready, with ride height adjusted on air suspension to improve clearance, and skid plates protect underbody rugged terrain. The dimensionally modest Tahoe Z71 says little about its acceleration, which zooms from 0-60 mph in just 7.1 seconds.
Nissan Patrol
Since 1951, the Patrol has been a big player in the off-roading world, particularly in deserts. It has a 5.6L V8 that brings 400 hp and 413 lb-ft torque. Then, of course, there is the union of refinement and power. At its top speed of 124 mph, hydraulic body motion control will keep it riding smoothly on the roughest terrain. It is a favorite in the Middle East and many parts of the world because of its rugged construction and durability. Nissan Patrol is also termed the “Hero of the Desert” because it runs very well, even in sandy dunes and under extreme heat.
Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX, launched in 2021, is a supercharged 4WD pickup that redefines raw power. It carries the 6.2L Hellcat V8 to deliver a mind-boggling 702 hp and 650 lb-ft torque for 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Designed for off-road racing, it is equipped with Bilstein Black Hawk suspension for great control and comfort. The TRX is so fast and powerful that the acceleration makes it look even closer to a supercar—but it can go through mud and sand quickly, too.
Volkswagen Amarok
Launched in 2010, the Volkswagen Amarok is a vehicle that possesses the precision of Europe but packs enough rugged off-road capability. Some engines produce as much as 268 hp from the powerful 3.0L V6 TDI. These have an optimal blend of power and efficiency and can reach a top speed of up to 124 mph. Its payload also boasts a capacity of more than a ton. Thus, it is as practical as it is rugged. The Amarok is named after a legendary creature in Inuit mythology- a gigantic wolf that roams the vast, pristine wilderness- a perfectly representative symbol for its all-terrain mastery.
Range Rover Sport
Introduced in 2005, the Range Rover Sport is a marriage of luxury with off-road capability unmatched anywhere. The vehicle can be powered by engines like the 5.0L supercharged V8 that puts out 575 hp. This gets the Sport from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. With Terrain Response 2, the Sport will adapt to surfaces to navigate city streets or mountain trails with equal aplomb. It previously broke the world records for China when it attempted climbing all 99 turns in one shot of the infamous Tianmen Mountain, wherein the sport set its agility as well as power.
Mahindra Thar
Launched in 2020, the second-generation Mahindra Thar is a rugged 4WD that can easily navigate the most challenging terrain in India. Its 2.0L turbo petrol engine produces 150 hp, while the 2.2L diesel variant offers 130 hp. With a high ground clearance and a 20-inch water-wading capability, it is a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. Thar draws inspiration directly from the classic Jeeps, and it is one of the most affordable off-roaders with serious capabilities.
GMC Sierra AT4
2019 saw the introduction of the new Sierra AT4 GMC model, which now offers premium features and all-terrain off-road capabilities. Its 6.2L V8 engine produces 420 hp, generating 460 lb-ft torque that is perfect for towing and rough trails. It can reach 98 mph top speed and has a 2-inch factory lift. The Sierra AT4 boasts one of the most versatile tailgates, with “Multipro Tailgate” features that allow it to take six positions.
Lexus GX 460
The Lexus GX 460 was introduced in 2002 as a luxury SUV for on-road duties with loads of off-road capability. Its 4.6L V8 engine pumps 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque to generate fairly steady performance. Its body-on-frame construction and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System allow it to traverse rugged terrain without bouncing people around. The GX 460 has become so reliable that people in remote parts of the world go in search of them for sheer reliability.
Hummer EV
The Hummer EV is an all-electric 4WD that was unveiled in 2021. It combines the utmost in technology with off-road dominance. Its tri-motor setup can produce up to 1,000 hp and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3 seconds. Features such as CrabWalk, which enables diagonal movement and an adjustable air suspension for up to 15.9 inches of ground clearance, redefine off-road adventures. The Hummer EV’s Extract Mode essentially lifts the vehicle over obstacles, so sometimes it feels like a sci-fi robot instead of a traditional 4WD.
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