Best 4x4 SUVs for 2024
These are the best 4x4 SUVs based on iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle’s reliability, resale value and safety.
Many lists ranking 4x4 SUVs may already exist, but those depend mostly on subjective editorial criteria. iSeeCars' Best 4x4 SUVs are ranked using a data-driven and objective methodology. By applying data science to over 330 million vehicles, iSeeCars analyzes each car to understand its reliability and how long-lasting it is, its safety, and how well it holds its value over time. Each 4x4 SUV is compared to others within its own category, and the best one in a given category is the model with the best ratings across these three key areas, summarized by the iSeeCars Quality Score. Here are the top models in each 4x4 SUV category:
The best 4x4 subcompact SUV is the Chevrolet TrailBlazer (8.8 quality rating), with the Chevrolet Equinox being the best 4x4 small and compact SUV (8.6 quality rating). The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ranks #1 for the best 4x4 midsize SUVs (8.7 quality rating).
The best 4x4 large SUV is the Toyota Sequoia (8.9 quality rating) and the best 4x4 crossover SUV is the Chevrolet TrailBlazer (8.8 quality rating). Topping the list for the best 4x4 three-row SUVs is the Toyota Sequoia (8.9 quality rating), while the Toyota Sequoia (hybrid) ranks first for the best 4x4 hybrid SUVs (8.9 quality rating).
The best 4x4 plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (Plug-in Hybrid) (8.9 quality rating).
Buying an SUV with serious off-road capability means understanding the equipment and features that enhance off-road prowess. The most important feature is a four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. This allows the vehicle to shift to a low-range gear set for substantially better torque when climbing steep inclines, driving through thick mud, or scaling rocks.
It’s important to note that all-wheel drive systems, which are different from 4x4 systems, do not include a two-speed transfer case. All-wheel drive is perfect for improved traction and confidence on wet or snow-covered roads. But all those crossover SUVs and four-door wagons featuring all-wheel drive, from brands like BMW, Nissan, and Subaru, are not as capable off-road as an SUV with a 4x4 drivetrain.
Ground clearance, locking differential(s), skid plates, and high approach and departure angles are also critical in determining an SUV’s off-road ability. Each contributes to how effectively and safely an SUV can handle the uneven surfaces and extreme angles encountered when crossing wilderness regions like the iconic Rubicon Trail in California. A model like the Land Rover Defender includes all of these items, and is a good example of a modern 4x4 SUV designed from the ground up to go off road.
While the above items have been available on SUVs for decades, high-tech upgrades like adaptive air suspensions and exterior cameras have become available in recent years. These features take advantage of new-car technology, including infotainment display screens and exterior sensors, to help drivers navigate narrow paths and deep ruts. Advanced powertrain controls also allow for controlled descents or extremely sharp turns on models like the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Range Rover.
iSeeCars has identified the best cars for off-roading across every major SUV size and price category below. These SUVs are ranked by their iSeeCars quality score, which takes reliability, resale value, and safety into consideration. You can also read the price for new and used model year vehicles below, along with mpg ratings and seating capacity.
Drivetrain specs for different engine variants and trim levels are listed as well. Most small and mid-size SUVs have shifted to four-cylinder engines with twin-turbo technology to improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance. But full-size SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe (and longer wheelbase Suburban), Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Lexus LX, and Toyota Land Cruiser can still be had with a V6 or V8 engine, giving them an advantage in towing capacity.
Use the lists and rankings below to find the best 4x4 SUV that meets your needs and budget.
How We Rank These Cars
The best 4x4 cars rank vehicles by iSeeCars Score which is based on our proprietary assessment of a vehicle’s reliability, resale value and safety (based on ratings from IIHS and NHTSA).
The iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
