Best 4-Wheel-Drive Cars of 2025 | New 4WD Vehicles

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 4×4 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 2025 across the various classifications.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.

1

Ram 1500

2025 Ram 1500

Base MSRP: $40,275
Horsepower: 305-420 hp
Engine: 3.6L V6 Gas, 3.0 L Inline 6 Gas
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive, Four wheel drive

It should come as no surprise to see the 2025 Ram 1500 pickup truck rated so highly, especially after its most recent visual refresh, and the addition of the impressive Hurricane powerplant. These upgrades, in addition to the smattering of luxurious features available throughout higher trims, are a combination that sees the Ram rank as one of the best 4-wheel-drive cars on sale right now.

Other trucks from Ford and GM offer similar amenities, but the Ram 1500 takes the luxury a bit further with car-like handling, air suspension, huge inline-six power, a class-leading stereo, and huge screens. The new Hurricane engine fixes what was the Ram 1500’s most glaring weakness against its competitors, but now it leapfrogs them in spectacular fashion. It takes a lot to make a truck owner consider changing brands, but the 2025 Ram 1500 should make Ford and GM owners consider switching.

– Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large

Prices start at only $40,275, and for that price, Ram supplies you with a work-ready truck that’s ready to tackle the toughest of environments, thanks to a sturdy build, powerful engine, and capable 4WD system. Luxurious grades with plush interiors, flash alloy wheels and a smattering of creature comforts will set you back much more, but come just as well-equipped for tackling the elements.

2

Chevrolet Tahoe

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe

Base MSRP: $59,000
Engine: 5.3L V8 Gas |
6.2L V8 Gas |
3.0L Turbo V6 Diesel
Horsepower: 305-420 HP

There isn’t much that the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe cannot tackle. Chevy provides buyers with the choice of two powerful gas-powered V8 engines, in addition to a turbocharged diesel choice too, which is perfect for towing and hauling heavy loads. Families will find plenty to love about the Tahoe too, as it’s a spacious three-row SUV which really makes the most of its 120.9-inch wheelbase.

While this full-size SUV is sold with rear-wheel drive as standard, 4WD is available as an option, and standard on more capable trims, such as the off-road-focused Z71. Thanks to the cavernous interior and variety of engines on offer, the Tahoe easily ranks as one of the most versatile 4×4 cars on offer in 2025.

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3

Toyota Land Cruiser

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

Base MSRP: $56,450
Base Trim Engine: 2.4L Turbo Hybrid
Base Trim Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive
Horsepower: 326 hp

For decades now, Toyota’s Land Cruiser has sat proudly among the most formidable 4WD cars on sale, and the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser is no exception. For the first time, a four-cylinder hybrid makes up the entire engine range, and while this may have been an efficiency-driven move, the Land Cruiser certainly packs more than just improved fuel economy up its sleeve. The 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid produces 326 horsepower, alongside 465 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to keep the wheels turning – even through some seriously tough terrain.

Off-roading chops are a given, but one of the Land Cruiser’s great features was in the name – cruising over rough ground was never an arduous experience and could compare with Range Rover’s offerings – but with a much better reputation for reliability.

4

Ford F-150

2025 Ford F-150

Base MSRP: $38,710
Horsepower: 325 hp (2.7L) | 400 hp (V8 and 3.5L V6) | 430 hp (3.5L V6 Hybrid)
Engine: 2.7L V6 Turbo | 5.0L V8 | 3.5L V6 Turbo | 3.5L V6 Turbo Hybrid
Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD

The 2025 Ford F-150’s best-selling recipe is one which has bought the model much success, and while the rear-driven models are certainly useful and proven work trucks, it’s the 4WD grades which grab our attention here. Not only are they more capable on the rough stuff, but they’re also more sure-footed through heavy rain and snow, which makes them a better choice for all-year-round work.

Ford offers a huge range of engines, body styles, and trims, in addition to the choice of rear and four-wheel-drive, which means the 2025 Ford F-150 can be customized and tailored to the buyer’s exacting needs and wants, which is no doubt a big part of why the full-size Ford is constantly topping sales charts throughout America.

If you can’t stretch your budget to the mighty F-150 Raptor, consider the Tremor variant with its Trail Control, off-road shocks, raised ride height, and protective skid plates.

The first thing we noticed behind the wheel of the F-150 Tremor was how comfortable the ride feels on a rough track. This should be a given, but we’ve been bitten before, so we remained wary. We tried the crawl control feature, which is great but, frankly, the brakes and throttle are so easy to modulate that it’s more of a luxury for all-day treks than a necessity. The real game-changer is the trail turn feature, which can lock the inside rear wheel so it drags, allowing the long truck to pivot on tight corners. It’s incredibly effective, making it feel as though the F-150’s wheelbase suddenly shrank.

5

Jeep Compass

Sitting at the cheaper end of the scale of 4-wheel-drive cars is the 2025 Jeep Compass, with a welcoming starting price of only $26,900. For that, Jeep will provide you with a smart-looking compact SUV that boasts a fizzy 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, and, of course, Jeep’s proven 4WD system. While the Compass won’t be as formidable on the trails as some pricier and larger options, the Compass proves that 4WD capability is not exclusive only to those with the deepest of pockets, and instead provides a wallet-friendly option for those who need it.

6

Jeep Wrangler

2025 Jeep Wrangler

Base MSRP: $32,095
Base Trim Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 ICE
Base Trim Horsepower: 285 HP @6400 RPM

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler is the latest iteration of the time-tested off-roader, and as far as cars with 4-wheel drive go, they don’t come much more iconic than this. While potent V8-powered models like the Rubicon 392 do exist, most of the range is powered by the more efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which produces a healthy 285 horsepower. Due to the Wrangler’s off-road-focused construction, it can prove to be tiresome on-road, with excessive wind and road noise, but very little gets close to matching it on the rough stuff.

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7

Land Rover Discovery Sport

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport is potentially the perfect blend of off-road capability and luxury, which makes it a great option for those considering four-wheel-drive cars in 2025. Despite having spent the best part of a decade on sale in this format, the Disco Sport’s cabin is still one of the nicest out there, with high-end materials used throughout. The base engine, a 246-horsepower turbocharged ‘four’, is a little lackluster in comparison to key rivals, but splashing out for the P360 powertrain solves this, by swapping in a six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, with 355 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque.

8

Ineos Automotive Grenadier Quartermaster

The 2025 Ineos Automotive Grenadier Quartermaster is the second offering from the brand, and the most versatile, adding an open bed to the immensely capable off-roader. Very few alternatives out there can match the Grenadier’s impressive abilities when it comes to tackling the path less trodden, thanks to a BMW-derived inline-six engine, front and rear locking differentials, heaps of ground clearance, an off-road-specific navigation system, and chunky all-terrain tires. This Ineos is trail-ready out of the box, and a genuinely exciting alternative to the usual pickup truck choices.

9

Land Rover Defender OCTA

A fiercely capable alternative to the AMG-tweaked G Wagon has finally arrived, in the form of the 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA. This British brute sports a 626-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter mild-hybrid V8, and can dash from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds – just 0.2 of a second slower than a full-fat Range Rover Sport SV. Bolstered performance seats, chopped carbon fiber trim, and powerful audio systems are just some of the upgrades OCTA owners will benefit from, in addition to the usual smattering of goodies one would expect to find within a $152,000 Land Rover.

10

Lincoln Navigator

2025 Lincoln Navigator

Base Trim Engine: 3.5L V6 twin-turbo gas
Base Trim Horsepower: 440 hp
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive

The newly refreshed 2025 Lincoln Navigator looks smarter than ever, and is just as formidable as previous model years, thanks to the 440-horsepower EcoBoost powertrain and 10-speed automatic transmission delivering a healthy 8,700 lbs towing capacity, alongside respectable performance. Although clearly targeted towards urban drivers rather than adventurous trail tacklers, the Navigator sports a capable 4WD system, and is therefore a useful companion for battling arduous conditions all-year-round.

The Lincoln’s real party piece, though, is the sumptuously comfortable interior, which boasts an incredible 48-inch curved display, in-car Wi-Fi, and an immensely powerful 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system.

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11

Ram 1500 RHO

2025 Ram 1500 RHO

Base MSRP: $69,995
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Gas
Horsepower: 540 hp
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain: 4WD

Taking the place of the old TRX model is the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO – a performance-minded pickup truck which makes great use of the new Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-six engine. While the reduced capacity and output could be considered a downgrade by some, the RHO sports more palatable fuel economy, a revised interior, and a more approachable price tag than both the old TRX and more aggressive Raptor rivals. Ram has proven that downsizing can be done correctly, as the RHO is still hilariously good fun, and one of the more exciting 4WD options on the market right now, even in-despite of the smaller engine and reduced power output.

In every scenario, the RHO performed beautifully. It handled well on a variety of off-road surfaces and kept its composure. Letting loose, it was easy and downright fun driving this truck. It’s a confidence-inspiring ride that lets experts rpush to the limits of their skills. You don’t, however, need to be an expert to off-road in the RHO. It works with you, not against you, to make the most of the off-roading experience.

– Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz

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:

Drivetrain: Naturally, a 4WD vehicle requires the appropriate oily bits. Though it functions similarly to AWD, the two should not be confused. 4WD can be either part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, and they come with a low-range transfer case for optimal torque delivery. 4WD cars also often have locking differentials to help get you out of sticky situations, but less ideal for on-road handling.
Power: 4×4 vehicles are generally oriented to being superior off-roading machines, and they aren’t designed to go fast; in fact, the opposite is true as they clamber up rough terrain. This works well when paired with a manual transmission, although some offer manual gearboxes that do the job just as well, even at low speeds or in low-range gearing.
Safety: There is no denying that improved traction helps a vehicle remain poised and planted on the road, and this has inherent safety benefits. Four-wheel-drive cars are also heavier than 2WD cars, which benefits road-holding. Since many high-end or specialist SUVs and cars come equipped with 4WD, comprehensive driver-assistance suites are expected. And, with various drive modes designed specifically for conditions like mud, gravel, snow, or wet, you are more likely to get the traction you need to keep occupants safe.
Price: A 4×4 is a complex piece of machinery and, therefore, it doesn’t come cheap. Some of the pickup trucks that come equipped with 4WD aren’t too expensive, but most of the SUVs that get it as standard are pricey. The added weight of the best 4-wheel-drive cars also means that these heavy vehicles don’t get good gas mileage.

4WD Vs. AWD – Knowing the Difference

How they differ, which is better, and which you should buy.

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

Best 4×4 Trucks Of 2025

These are the top-rated 4×4 pickup trucks you can buy.

What type of cars are 4-wheel drive?

Generally speaking, it is off-road-oriented vehicles that come with either part-time or full-time four-wheel drive. This includes crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

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.

1 Ram 1500