New and Used 4x4s For Sale

Why should you buy a 4x4?

Blue Dacia Duster Exterior Front Driving Off-Road

There are lots of cars that look like off-roaders but which only drive two wheels, so if you’re planning to leave the tarmac then what’s underneath the bonnet and bodywork is what really matters. A true 4x4 sends power to all four wheels, and that vastly increases your chances of finding grip when the surface becomes loose. Models like the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, and now the Dacia Duster have all been designed specifically around this.

Almost everything else comes down to hardware, and good ground clearance and underbody protection will keep you out of trouble. Low-range gearing is what will get you up a muddy track or ease you down a steep bank, and locking differentials will send drive where it’s needed the most. With all that in mind a 4x4 is a car that makes real sense if you tow, or if you live in the kind of surroundings or terrain where a hatchback would struggle to lay down traction.

Weather conditions are another draw for four-wheel drive options. If you need to get moving in snow, for example, when others are stuck then a 4x4 is exactly what you need.

What types of 4x4s are there?

Not all four-wheel drive cars work the same way. Part-time systems use rear-wheel drive for the majority of the time, calling on four-wheel drive when needed and with the added benefit of keeping fuel use down. In contrast, permanent set-ups drive all wheels all of the time for maximum security.

Most modern crossovers use an on-demand system, which runs on one axle until the wheels start to slip, and then feeds power to the other. Whichever system a car uses, you’ll tend to see them in the following shapes:

Front quarter shot of a black Jeep Wrangler parked on some rocks

Built on a tough ladder-frame chassis with low-range gearboxes and plenty of ground clearance.

With an open load bed, selectable four-wheel drive and a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.

The largest and most varied group, the bigger models often offer genuine off-road capabilities but this can vary greatly by trim, so it’s wise to examine the specs carefully.

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Exterior, Driving

4x4 estates offer the grip without the height, plus the load space of a family car.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 4x4 mean on a car?

4x4 means a car is sending power to all four wheels, rather than just two. You’ll also see it written as 4WD, and the two mean the same thing.

The term is an old one. It used to be shorthand for the kind of rugged vehicle that’s now referred to as an SUV, but it’s fallen out of use as plenty of today’s SUVs don’t actually drive all four wheels. For that reason, a car’s real technical spec is what’s worth checking, because a car can look every bit the off-roader and still only drive its front wheels.

Is a 4x4 good in snow and rain?

It helps, but not in the way most people assume. Four-wheel drive gives you more grip pulling away, so you’re far less likely to get stuck on a snowy morning. What it won’t do is help you stop. Your braking and cornering distances are the same as any other car’s, and a 4x4 can still slide on ice if you ask too much of it.

The bigger factor is tyres. Standard tyres clog with compacted snow and lose their bite, which is why a car on winter tyres will often go further than a four-wheel drive car on ordinary rubber. Fit winter tyres to a 4x4 and you’ve got the best of both.

Which is best, 4x4 or AWD?

Neither wins outright, because what really matters is where the car spends its time. A 4x4 usually drives all four wheels permanently and uses a transfer case to split power front to rear, which makes it the stronger choice off-road and for towing. The trade-off is fuel economy, since you’re driving every wheel all the time. All-wheel drive tends to be on-demand, and runs on two wheels until it senses a slip. Then, it prioritises sending most of the power to where the grip is. That’s more efficient day to day and better suited to a car that lives mostly on well-surfaced roads.

Is a 4x4 the same as an SUV?

No, but it’s easy to see why people mix them up. A 4x4 describes what drives the wheels, and an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) describes the shape and purpose of the body.

Plenty of SUVs drive only two wheels and are built to stay on the road, while four-wheel drive turns up in cars that aren’t SUVs at all, from estates to hot hatches. So an SUV isn’t automatically a 4x4, and a 4x4 isn’t automatically an SUV. If off-road ability is what you’re after, it’s the four-wheel drive system and the ground clearance that will count.

Which small cars are 4x4?

You don’t need a big car to get four driven wheels. The small 4x4 has been a niche of the market for years, and there’s more choice now than you might expect. The Suzuki Jimny is the purest of them: a genuine, pint-sized off-roader that punches miles above its size in the rough.

Why should you buy a car from Evans Halshaw?

As part of one of the UK's largest automotive retail networks, we have an extensive range of both new and used cars within our group inventory. Having partnered with over 20 of the world's best-known manufacturers, you're also able to access exclusive benefits, schemes, and offers, to ensure you're getting the greatest value when browsing for your next vehicle.

With over 100 locations nationwide, we serve customers up and down the country, and aim to build lasting relationships with everyone that visits our site. From experiencing a car for the first time, through to long-term care for your vehicle, our stores are well-equipped to take the hassle out of vehicle ownership from start-to-finish, allowing you to enjoy every minute behind the wheel.

So, if you're interested in exploring your next vehicle, please get in touch with your nearest Evans Halshaw retailer where an advisor will be on-hand to support your journey.