A four-wheel drive, also called 4WD or 4x4, is a type of vehicle with a lot of traction and is best used in off-road terrains or during harsh weather conditions such as snow or heavy rain. The name is derived from its unique feature of having all four of its wheels being powered all at the same time by the vehicle’s drivetrain. The top 10 4x4 cars currently available in the market today possess that appealing feature.
Although 4x4 vehicles are initially designed for rough terrain, they are beginning to be more in demand in modern urban cities because they provide a safe and stable ride in almost all road conditions at any given time.
Thus, the all-wheel drive (AWD) system was born. AWD is a 4WD variant commonly used in more modern vehicles, including the top 10 4x4 cars.
In the AWD system, the 4WD feature is not always turned on but is automatically enabled whenever the vehicle needs it in any case. Unlike the part-time 4WD, where the driver has to activate the 4WD feature, in an AWD vehicle manually, everything is automated. You don’t have to think about it, or you will never have a chance to forget since when the road gets slippery, the 4WD features will be activated at once.
If you want peace of mind and continuous safety for you and your loved ones while driving, you should consider acquiring one of the top 10 4x4 cars.
Without further ado and in no particular order, here are the top 10 4x4 cars and their distinct features and advantages:
The LR2 is one of the most versatile 4x4 cars on the market. It combines elegance and power, which is exceptional in the 4WD industry. It has a 230 hp 3.2-liter engine with enough force to go off-road or easily navigate icy and slippery roads. Other features of the LR2 are crisp leather seats, heated windshield, expansive sunroof, and modern gadget-friendly elements such as a high-end sound system and Bluetooth accessibility.
The Rubicon is considered the best 4x4 car for driving in rocky terrain. Its name is derived from the 22-mile-long trail in California. With Dana 44 front and rear axles and a front sway bar that is detachable via remote control, it can easily maneuver sharp turns and boulder landscapes. It also has a Rock-Trac 4WD system with a 4:0:1 gear ratio for maximum power. The 285 hp 3.6-liter V6 engine is considered one of the most all-around and influential in the market today.
The Durango is another versatile 4x4 car that is practical on off-road terrain and has a smooth paved surface. It has ample cabin space that can accommodate seven people. In addition, its 290 hp 3.6-liter V6 engine is sufficiently adaptable to handle any driving and road conditions.
The X6 is a unique 4x4 car because it looks like a cross between an SUV and a coupe. Its bulkiness, coupled with the dropping roofline on its rear and a 4-seat interior, suggests that it is perhaps the only one of its kind. Its 300-hp 4.4-liter V8 engine gives away its true colors. What’s magnificent about this car is that it can be turbocharged to 400 hp, which offers breath neck speed.
The XL is a long, comprehensive, robust, and sturdy 4x4 vehicle that accommodates up to nine passengers and 137.4 cubic feet of freight load. It is also capable of towing 7500 lbs (3402 kg) of weight, making it perfect for mobile houses. Its 355 hp 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine makes it possible for this powerful puller.
The Navigator L is another long 4x4 vehicle similar to the XL 2500. However, it did not build on its hauling capabilities. It instead concentrated on giving its passengers some good old-fashioned luxury and extravagance. It features three seating rows of crisp leather dwelling spaces where people could dine. It also offers dual automatic climate control, surrounds sound, and rear-seat entertainment systems. The car’s suspensions are also smooth, even on the bumpiest surfaces. It has a 310 hp 5.4-liter V8 engine.
The Mercedes Benz GL class is the most technologically-advanced 4x4 car today. Its high-tech safety features include blind spot exposure, lane-staying apparatus, collision prediction with auto stop, and stabilization technology thru an anti-lock braking system. The SUV is also highly comfortable to handle with advanced power steering, dynamic roll bars, and an air suspension mechanism. It has a 362 hp 4.7-liter V8 engine.
This solid and stylish 4x4 SUV is also 25 percent more fuel efficient than the regular Escalade. Its mix of electric and gasoline 379 hp 6.0-liter V8 engine causes the car to use its power best. The Escalade Hybrid’s interiors and exteriors are equally well-designed and attractive, offering its passengers a fantastic and relaxed trip.
The Land Cruiser is the flag-bearer of Toyota when it comes to 4x4 vehicles. It features Toyota’s own Crawl Control 4WD system and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System to make it one of the most influential and functional off-road vehicles. It also has a spacious cabin for a comfortable and luxurious ride, which is perfect for VIPs or your beloved family. Moreover, its 381 hp 5.7-liter V8 engine is arguably one of the most powerful ever.
The Cayenne Turbo is usually on top of anyone’s 4x4 list regarding flair, value, and speed. Its 500 hp 4.8-liter V8 engine can reach 60 mph in just an astonishing 4.8 seconds. Its practical side is also evident with a 5-seater cabin that can hold 62.9 cubic feet of freight.