Best 4×4 SUVs for 2024 and 2025

Drivers often use the terms four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) interchangeably—but they shouldn’t. Here’s why: 

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A 4WD system, otherwise labeled 4×4, distributes a fixed or adjustable amount of power to each axle, a function which a driver can manually engage or disengage, as necessary, or utilize via automatic inputs. Drivers typically use 4×4 in off-road settings. Conversely, an AWD system automatically delivers variable torque to each axle without manual driver control, with the primary setting being on-road.

Primary advantages of a 4WD configuration include:

• A choice between 4WD and 2WD systems
• Elevated traction/road grip (snow, ice, mud, inclines, rocks)
• Increased engine power

Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best 4×4 SUVs for 2024 and 2025 production years to streamline your options when shopping for this drivetrain. 

2024 Ford Bronco – $39,630 starting MSRP

MotoPickers Rating: 8.1/10

Ford has equipped every 2024 Ford Bronco with standard 4WD capability. This model year Bronco complements its 4WD system with a Terrain Management System, which helps accommodate: 

• Steep approach angles for inclines without front bumper or undercarriage damage
• Ability to traverse obstacles without undercarriage contact
• Select different drive modes for varied terrain types

The Terrain Management System includes Sand, Snow, Rocks, and Mud modes. Each mode makes real-time performance adjustments, optimizing aspects like throttle response, 4WD engagement, and traction stability. Ford reports its 2024 Bronco can wade up to 36.4” of water with supportive design elements like an 11.7” ground clearance.

If an obstacle makes contact with this Ford’s undercarriage, available steel bash plates project vital areas like the fuel tank, engine/transmission, and transfer case shields. Drivers can up the ante on the 2024 Bronco’s off-roading capabilities with a HOSS 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0 suspension system. 

A HOSS 1.0 suspension system is for higher-speed trail running and contains features like a passive damping system and a 220mm solid rear axle with long-travel, variable-rate coil-over springs. The HOSS 2.0 suspension system boasts end cap control valves enhancing ride comfort and off-road handling, while the 3.0 version ups the ante with front steel bash plates. The HOSS 4.0 suspension system is limited to the high-performance Ford Bronco Raptor, which features remote rear reservoirs enhancing aspects like shock absorber fluid cooling.

2024 Lincoln Navigator – $83,625 starting MSRP

MotoPickers Rating: 7.7/10

The 2024 Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV with standard 4WD across its three trims, which include Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label grades. This 4WD system works alongside a speed 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission optimizes 4WD performance by delivering smooth power on varied terrain.

Unlike some models on our list, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator is best suited to light off-roading scenarios, like uneven dirt trails. Still, this Lincoln SUV deserves recognition for its ground clearance of 9.6”, which can help drivers traverse obstacles. 

Lincoln bolsters the 2024 Navigator’s 4WD system with assistance from an adaptive suspension with road preview. This feature utilizes a front-facing camera to analyze road conditions and initiate real-time suspension adjustments for consistently smooth driving. Drive modes within this luxury SUV include Conserve, Slippery, Normal, Deep Conditions, and Conserve, which you activate through a rotary shift dial.

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee – $36,495 starting MSRP

MotoPickers Rating: 8.4/10

Jeep offers 4×4 as standard or optional in all of its 2024 Grand Cherokee trims. More specifically, it provides three advanced 4×4 systems, Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive® II, with a rear electronic limited-slip differential.

Quadra-Trac I is the most straightforward of the model’s 4×4 systems. During changing driving conditions, it consistently delivers 48% of torque to the front axle and 52% to the rear axle. It can also aid in bad weather, requires no driver input, and features a brake lock differential preventing wheel spin during low-traction scenarios. 

Quadra-Trac II detects tire traction loss via sensors and can forward up to 100% of torque to the axle with the most grip. It also boasts several modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock. Auto is best reserved for normal daily driving conditions. The rear electronic limited-slip differential increases grip on terrain where traction can vary between left and right wheels, giving the wheel with the highest grip the most power.

Jeep’s 2024 Grand Cherokee offers an available Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System, which automatically lowers the SUV on highways and raises its ground clearance to help avoid contact with obstacles. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk provides the highest possible ground clearance of up to 10.9”. 

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L – $40,035 starting MSRP

MotoPickers Rating: 8.5/10

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L shares the same 4WD capabilities as its standard counterpart. Still, it’s worth considering due to its increased cabin size, which can be a better option for larger families. Jeep’s 2024 Grand Cherokee L offers seating for up to seven passengers with its third row, whereas the standard Grand Cherokee accommodates up to five via two rows. 

A Grand Cherokee L delivers 293-357 horsepower with optional 4WD. The standard powertrain provides solid fuel economy for a vehicle of its size, at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, and cargo capacity measures 17.2 cubic feet (cu. ft.). If you’re worried about a third row detracting from passenger comfort, you can equip this Jeep with second-row bucket seats, which provide best-in-class second-row legroom and a convenient center console.

2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer – $62,945 starting MSRP

MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10

The last Jeep on our list of the best 4WD SUVs is Jeep’s 2024 Grand Wagoneer, which offers two 4×4 systems: Quadra-Trac I with the Selec-Terrain Traction Management system boasting all-weather capability and available Quadra-Drive II.

Quadra-Trac I is always active within the 2024 Grand Wagoneer, and its Selec-Terrain Traction Management system adapts to different driving conditions with adjustments to shift patterns, engine performance, and torque distribution, solidifying traction. 

The 2024 Grand Wagoneer’s Quadra-Trac II system is more capable, with its two-speed transfer case facilitating high and low-range gear operation. The high-range gear is best suited for everyday driving conditions and light off-roading, as most 4WD systems utilize this as their default mode. The low-range gear helps tackle more challenging off-road conditions with increased wheel torque delivery while lowering speed to prevent wheel spinning.

2024 Land Rover Range Rover – $107,900 starting MSRP

MotoPickers Rating: 8.9/10

The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover is our list’s wildcard since it technically offers standard AWD across all trims, but the drivetrain mirrors a 4WD system’s capabilities. This luxury SUV adjusts the level of power sent to each axle based on your current driving condition, similar to how a 4WD configuration distributes torque. 

Land Rover complements its 2024 Range Rover’s drivetrain with its Terrain Response System, which uses sensors and intelligent software to analyze factors like wheel traction, surface conditions, and inclines to more accurately refine settings for optimal performance. 

The Terrain Response System offers several modes, like Grass, Gravel, Snow, Mud and Ruts, and Sand. Drivers can experience the benefits of the Terrain Response System on-road or off-road paths with rugged and uneven terrain. Electronic air suspension bolsters the 2024 Range Rover’s drivetrain capabilities via electronic roll control increasing performance during cornering.

Land Rover’s 2024 Range Rover delivers 395-606 horsepower through all-electric, gas, and hybrid powertrains, with torque ranging from 406 lb-ft to 553 lb-ft.

2024 Chevrolet Suburban – $59,200

MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, which is slightly more expensive than its Tahoe counterpart, offers 4WD as an option in all of its trims except the Z71, where it comes standard. This SUV’s 4WD system works in conjunction with a 10-speed automatic transmission and single-speed or two-speed transfer case, depending on the grade level. 

Equipping a 2024 Suburban with a diesel engine and 4WD yields an impressive 7,800-lb max towing rating. Chevrolet supports this SUV’s drivetrain performance with Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension. 

Magnetic Ride Control is a best-in-class damping system that adjusts the Suburban’s shock absorbers in response to road conditions. This feature analyzes the road every five milliseconds to either tighten or loosen dampers for a stiffer or softer suspension. Magnetic Ride Control reads and reacts to the road faster than a standard damping system for more precise reactions. It’ll also help soften low-speed impacts during instances like crossing speed bumps. 

Air Ride Adaptive Suspension adjusts the 2024 Suburban’s height to better suit current road conditions. Areas like freeways would facilitate a lower ride height, while off-road paths would benefit from an elevated stance. A lower stance will generally pave the way for better fuel efficiency.

2024 GMC Yukon

MotoPickers Rating: 8.9/10

All five of the 2024 GMC Yukon’s trims offer available 4WD. This trim lineup includes the SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. The AT4 has the greatest off-road capability among these grades. 

A 2024 Yukon AT4 provides an exceptional 32-degree approach angle for increased front bumper and undercarriage protection when encountering obstacles or steep inclines, in addition to features like a front skid plate. This model’s Active Response 4WD system is especially useful on slick and off-road terrain, with its active transfer case automatically adjusting front and rear axle power distribution, an electronic limited-slip differential, and selectable drive modes.

Other features elevating this SUV’s 4WD capability include adaptive suspension and traction control and stability systems. Drivers can pair this 4WD system with an optional 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower. Magnetic Ride Control within the 2024 Yukon reads the road up to 1,000 times per second for a smoother and more stable ride, while systems like Hill Descent Control use anti-lock braking for added peace of mind during incline descents.

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe – $56,200 starting MSRP

MotoPickers Rating: 7.8/10

Drivers can add 4WD as an available option on most 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe trims or receive it as a standard feature in the Z71 grade. Chevrolet designed this 4WD system to include selectable drive modes and high and low setting operation. Drivers of a 2025 Tahoe can also utilize optional Adaptive Air Ride Suspension that’s integrated into every corner of the chassis for the best possible passenger support. 

Off-road enthusiasts can benefit from selecting a 2025 Tahoe with an electronic limited slip differential for elevated traction by controlling torque sent to each wheel. Chevrolet equips the 2025 Tahoe with quality stopping power via large Duralife rotors across all trims, which can prove especially useful on slick terrain or rugged trails.

The 2025 Tahoe’s 4WD modes include Auto for normal driving conditions, 4-hi for slippery or loose terrain, and 4-lo for instances like rock crawling or tackling inclines. Auto mode primarily uses a 2WD configuration to aid the SUV’s low fuel efficiency and engages 4WD or the front wheels when sensing slippage. This SUV’s 4-hi mode assists during slick terrain travel by locking power distribution to the front and rear wheels for consistent 4WD operation. The 2025 Tahoe’s 4-hi mode uses a lower gear ratio within the transfer case to deliver higher torque to wheels at lower speeds.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser – $58,000 starting MSRP

MotoPickers Rating: 8/10

Toyota’s 2025 Land Cruiser features a full-time 4WD system on all three trims, including 1958, Land Cruiser, and First Edition variants. This 4WD configuration includes low-range capability. Drivers can simultaneously utilize low-range 4WD alongside the model’s Crawl Control feature to maintain a consistent speed during demanding situations.

Multi-Terrain Select works alongside this Toyota’s 4WD system to offer drivers different driving modes while initiating system adjustments optimizing traction such as throttle response and brake distribution. Locking center and rear differentials are standard, which is especially helpful for maintaining traction on rocky trails. An automatic disconnecting of the front stabilizer bar through a button press boosts front wheel articulation for increased grip.

Comparable models to the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser include Jeep’s Wrangler and Ford’s Bronco. Optional camera views within this Land Cruiser increase your environmental awareness when off-roading, while performance features like low-speed cruise control further streamline journeys off the beaten track.