Top 5 AWD, 4WD, 4X4 New Cars - Best Deals
Published Date: 27th Sep 2020
If your day to day driving is a little more demanding than a quick around town trip, you may be looking for a 4WD/AWD vehicle. There are some subtle differences between 4x4 or AWD, but both achieve the same thing i.e. driving all four wheels at once.
Here are our top 5 recommended 4WD/AWD/4x4 cars with some excellent deals currently available:
Toyota RAV4 - AWDi (Intelligent All-Wheel Drive)
All RAV4 models come with a 2.5 litre petrol hybrid engine with automatic transmission. With the exception of the entry-level Icon model, which is only available with 2WD, all other trims are available with Toyota’s Intelligent ALL-Wheel Drive system. Depending on the model you choose and configuration you should get around 48mpg (combined).
The RAV4 uses front and rear motors which distributes torque to all four wheels resulting in improved traction and handling. The Intelligent AWD system (AWD-i) also monitors driving conditions and can adjust the torque distribution as required, you can read our more in-depth article on Toyota’s Intelligent AWD system here.
The Toyota RAV4 features distinctive sculpted exterior looks and interior refinement. All three models available with AWD-I are named the Design, Excel and top-grade Dynamic. All are very well-equipped featuring Toyota’s 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel and plenty of driver tech and aids. Higher grade Excel and Dynamic get heated front seats and power operated driver’s seat.
If you are looking for a refined SUV with the option of AWD the Toyota RAV4 should be on your shortlist.
Ford Kuga Intelligent AWD
The Kuga is Ford’s mid-sized SUV, the AWD option is a 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engine with automatic transmission. You’ll need to skip the entry-level Zetec trim which doesn’t offer an AWD option. Fuel economy is around 47mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions around 129g/km depending on your configuration.
The Kuga is built on the same platform as the Focus which is known for it’s excellent drive and handling and the Kuga inherits a lot of these features, it’s bigger/taller stature means it won’t match up to Focus for handling but as far as SUVs go it offers a lot of driver satisfaction. The intelligent AWD system constantly monitors driving conditions and adjusts the distribution of torque to the wheels as required.
Titanium models are well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, Salerno part leather interior, dual-zone automatic temperature control, a premium B&O sound system Audio System, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and 4.2-inch colour TFT driver display.
ST-Line and ST-Line X models adds interior and exterior sports styling (bodykit, large rear spoiler, red brake callipers, alloy pedals, flat bottom steering wheel) and a 12.3-inch digital driver display. ST-Line X gets some further additions like panoramic roof, handsfree tailgate and heated front seats.
Top of the range Vignale models add a touch of luxury and unique Vignale styling including premium leather interior, heated front seats/heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital driver display and additional tech like park assist and a head up display.
You can read our in-depth comparison of the Ford Kuga trim-levels here.
Nissan X-Trail - Intelligent 4x4
If you need more space or 7 seats the Nissan X-Trail is a great option. 4WD models are available with 5 or 7 seats. 4WD models feature a 1.7 dCi diesel engine that can be paired with a manual gearbox or CVT automatic transmission. A manual model with 7 seats can return up to 45mpg (combined). The Intelligent 4WD system, once selected it can automatically adjust the distribution of torque to the wheels to suit driving conditions like snow, ice, steep hills, muddy etc.
The X-Trail won’t offer the same refinement as a Toyota RAV4 or the driving refinement of a Ford Kuga but it is a good, practical all-rounder, very well equipped and a spacious SUV with the 7-seats option.
You’ll need to skip the entry-level Visia trim as there’s no 4WD option. Start at the Acenta Premium model which is very well equipped; driver aids are plenty with front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree colour camera, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning system and traffic sign recognition.
Inside Acenta Premium models you get dual zone climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth.
The N-Connecta trim adds some extra goodies like handsfree tailgate, roof rails and push button engine start
The top-grade Tekna model adds Safety Shield (High Beam Assist (HBA), Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Park Assist, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert). Inside there is a premium Bose sound system and graphite leather upholstery with front and rear heated seats.
If you need a practical, spacious SUV with a 4WD option the X-Trail is great value for money.
Renault Koleos - AWD
The Koleos is Renault’s large SUV. The 4WD models are available with 2.0 litre Blue dCi 190 diesel engine with Xtronic automatic transmission. Running costs may be a little higher than some of the other vehicles in this list but it is quite a substantial, spacious SUV with muscular looks and the price tag is extremely competitive. You should be able to get up to 40mpg (combined).
Renault have gone for a simple two-tier trim level line-up with the entry-level Iconic model and top-grade GT Line.
Koleos Iconic models get 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights and plenty of driver aids and tech like cruise control, hands free parking, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning and blind spot warning. Inside there is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and part synthetic leather/cloth interior.
Koleos GT Line model gets in addition to the iconic model: 19-inch alloy wheels, handsfree power tailgate, part leather interior and an upgraded infotainment system with native sat nav. For additional comfort there are heated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
The Renault Koleos is an excellent large SUV with an affordable price tag.
Mitsubishi Outlander - 4WD
The Outlander is another large, practical SUV, all models get 4WD as standard and you can choose from a conventional 2.0-litre petrol engine model with CVT automatic transmission or plugin hybrid models that combines a 2.4-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and automatic transmission.
The PHEV (plugin hybrid) models have a top limit of 28 miles and can travel at up to 84mph running in full electric mode which could mean very low running costs for those doing short commutes every day.
The petrol models are available in two trims while the PHEV has a 6 trim level line-up and there’s even a new Outlander PHEV ‘Commercial’ model which is effectively an Outlander van with the rear seats removed. If you’re looking for a working vehicle that looks and drives like a car but offers plenty of storage, then this could be just the thing for you.
It might be worth skipping the entry-level Verve PHEV model and starting your research with the Design trim which includes front seat heaters, infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and a rear-view camera.
Upgrade to the Dynamic model and you get some additional driver aids and tech like Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Inside you get leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat
The Dynamic Safety trim adds more driver tech including a lane departure warning system, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. There’s also something called a Forward Collision Mitigation System and Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, both use a front radar system to either warn the driver of potential hazards ahead or intervene at low speeds or when setting off to apply the brakes and prevent a collision.
The Exceed models includes premium quilted leather interior for superior comfort, a heated steering wheel, a power tailgate and 360 parking cameras If you go for the Exceed Safety you get the same additional driver aids and tech as the Dynamic Safety model.
If you are looking for a plugin hybrid SUV that offers 4WD the Outlander is a tried and tested formula and should definitely be on your shortlist.