The best nearly new 4x4s on sale

Something that can handle actual off-roading if you fancy straying from the beaten track?

We've chosen our favourite 4x4s available nearly new across a range of categories. Whether you're going off road, carry loads of passengers or towing a trailer, these are the 4x4s you should be shopping.

Best off-road 4x4 – Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser might not have been the first off-roader, but it's built a legendary global reputation as the car to have if you need to cross jungles or escape an active warzone. The latest model embraces a retro design with squared-off panels and upright styling, but its grippy four-wheel-drive system and grunty diesel engine are broadly similar to older Land Cruisers. It isn't quite as refined as posher rivals on this list but it's pretty much unstoppable off road. Prices are steep but Land Cruisers are known to hold onto their value reasonably well over time.

Shop used Toyota cars for sale or read our Toyota reviews

Best small 4x4 – Suzuki e Vitara

What's a tree-hugging electric car doing on this list? Don't dismiss the Suzuki e Vitara, however, because it's one of the few small EVs available with a motor on each of its two axles, giving it four-wheel-drive grip and traction. It doesn't stop at powering all four wheels either, with tech like hill-descent control and trail mode which uses the brakes to mimic a limited-slip differential. Its 245-mile range and 45-minute 10-80% fast-charge speeds are pretty mediocre by class standards, but should still be enough for the typical British driver. Step back from the spec sheet and you'll find the e Vitara is an easygoing car to live with, and comes with the reassurance of Suzuki's 10-year warranty.

Take a look at used Suzuki cars or read our Suzuki e Vitara review

Most reliable 4x4 – Toyota RAV4

Toyota has a solid-gold reputation for reliability so you can be confident the RAV4 won't let you down. The larger Highlander and Land Cruiser could equally fit here, but we chose the RAV4 because its medium size strikes a great balance between city-friendly manoeuvrability and family-friendly practicality. Plus, the majority of RAV4 models are powered by the 2.5-litre hybrid setup which is both effortlessly powerful and impressively efficient. All-wheel-drive RAV4s include Trail mode, which uses the brakes to direct power across the axles to whichever wheel has the most grip for better off-road performance.

Browse used Toyota RAV4 cars or read our Toyota RAV4 review

Best value 4x4 – Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is no longer an ultra-utilitarian SUV, with the latest model gaining more contemporary styling inside and out, plus a more comprehensive selection of standard kid. Prices have crept upwards as a result, but it's still far more affordable than most of the other cars on this list. It's a much more complete vehicle than the last model too, with better handling and refinement, and a little more punch under the bonnet. As for off-road chops, you'll be wanting the Extreme model with the 1.2-litre turbo mild-hybrid petrol, which features four-wheel drive, extra body cladding and washable upholstery.

See used Dacia Duster cars or read our Dacia Duster review

Best performance 4x4 – BMW X3

Take one look at the BMW X3 and it's clear this is an SUV that's built for on-road performance. It'd take a brave driver to venture off-road with the X3's big alloys and relatively low ride height. Instead, this is a car that uses its xDrive four-wheel-drive system for monstrous traction on paved roads, so it can make full use of its plentiful engine power. Its basic petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid engines are already reasonably swift but the M50 (pictured here) uses the famed 'B58' turbocharged 3.0-litre engine, giving it nearly 400hp and pin-you-to-your-seat acceleration. Inside, it's spacious and premium, and illuminated by glossy ambient lighting.

Search used BMW X3 cars or read our review of the previous-generation BMW X3

Best practical 4x4 – Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq is the mechanical sibling to the Volkswagen Tayron, but the Czech car is our pick for most practical thanks to its extra neat features. You'll spot nifty touches like the umbrellas built into the front doors, or the washer fluid's funnel opening that lets you refill without splashing, or the door-edge protector that flips out to stop you dinging your bodywork. Of course, though, it's the Kodiaq's sheer size that'll be the most useful feature for most buyers, with space for up to seven passengers and a van-rivalling load space if you fold the rear seats down.

Check out used Skoda Kodiaq cars or read our Skoda Kodiaq review

Best 4x4 for towing – Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender certainly has the right lineage to feature on a list of best 4x4s, tracing its roots back to the original 'Land Rover' of the late '40s. But the modern Defender earns its spot on this list in its own right, with supreme off-road ability and all Land Rover's latest hardware and tech to back that up. This is a big, burly car that makes older Defenders seem a bit dainty by comparison, so its 3,500kg braked towing capacity – the maximum you can pull on a standard UK license – comes as no surprise. The latest Defender also sets itself apart in the cabin, with an attractive blend of plush surfaces and blocky, rugged design features.

View used Land Rover Defender cars or read our Land Rover Defender review

Most economical 4x4 – Jeep Compass PHEV

You might laugh at the idea of a Jeep winning an accolade for fuel economy – this brand is known for serious off-road cars using big engines to turn heavy off-road tyres. However, thanks to its clever plug-in hybrid setup, the Jeep Compass can average more than 150mpg if you keep the battery charged up. You can even drive up to 30 miles on electric power alone. Off-road drivers should keep an eye out for Trailhawk models, which get taller suspension, all-terrain tyres and redesigned bumpers for better arrival and departure angles. Standard equipment is pretty generous too, and Jeep's infotainment system is one of the easier screens to use. You'll find big discounts on nearly new Compass models since Jeep has just released the new Compass.

Shop used Jeep Compass cars or read our Jeep Compass review

Best 7 seater 4x4 – Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is the sister-car to the Hyundai Santa Fe. While the latter was recently renewed with blocky styling and a hefty price increase, the Sorento has remained mostly the same as it was when it launched in 2020. That means you get a similarly vast cabin with space for adults in all three rows, plus a long standard equipment list and the remainder of Kia's seven-year warranty – all for thousands of pounds less than the Hyundai. Like the Santa Fe, there's a choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, but the Sorento is the only one that still offers a diesel engine – ideal for high-mileage drivers or towing a trailer.

Browse used Kia Sorento cars or read our Kia Sorento review

Best luxury 4x4 – Mercedes G-Class

The Mercedes G-Class casts an unmistakeable presence on the road with a brutish image and towering frame. Its muscles aren't just for show, because the G-Class is astonishingly capable off road, with adjustable suspension, three independently locking differentials, and lots of clever off-road driving tech. We wouldn't judge you if you never went further than a grassy car park, since you can easily push the G-Class' price above £200,000. At least it feels that expensive inside with sumptuous upholstery, supportive seats and more tech than you can shake a USB stick at. It's fast too, with range-topping AMG models outpacing many proper sports cars.

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Chosen the perfect 4x4 for you?

Check out Motorpoint's huge range of nearly new and used cars for sale to save thousands of pounds off the brand-new price. For more great choices, take a look at our picks for the best cars with the biggest boots, or the best cars for motorway driving.