Top 10 best 4x4 electric cars 2024
Whether you’re looking to venture off-road, or just want some extra assurance in the winter months, we list the best four-wheel-drive electric cars on sale
Over the years we’ve become used to seeing four-wheel-drive (4x4) systems offered on SUVs and high-performance cars with petrol or diesel engines. When it comes to electric cars, however, it’s much more straightforward and cheaper to make a car all-wheel drive, and the choice of four-wheel drive EVs on the market is that much bigger as a result. But what are the top 10 best four-wheel-drive electric cars you can buy? Read below to see the rundown of our top 10 list.
4x4 systems have many benefits in terms of adding increased traction in slippery conditions to boost safety and performance. In internal combustion engined cars, however, the extra complexity adds significantly to costs. Electric cars are different - they only really require an additional motor, eliminating the need for a transfer box or other mechanical components. That’s why we see many more 4x4 electric cars of different shapes and sizes.
Four-wheel-drive technology certainly helps increase traction in the dry, allowing EVs to better use their considerable power and torque outputs. It can be most helpful in difficult conditions like snow, heavy rain or even off-road where making the most of what grip is available is even more important.
Best 4x4 electric cars on sale now
Here’s the verdict on the ten best 4x4 EVs from our expert road testers. If you just want something high-riding and practical, but aren’t too fussed about 4x4 technology, why not check out our list of the best electric SUVs you can buy?
Make sure to check out the winners of the 2024 DrivingElectric Awards and our list of the best electric cars you can buy in 2024, too – and don't forget to follow DrivingElectric on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for the very latest news and reviews from the world of hybrid and electric cars.
1. Subaru Solterra
Subaru is renowned for its rally racing heritage, so it’s only fitting that the Japanese marque’s first EV comes as standard with four-wheel-drive and a plethora of off-road-oriented features. The Subaru Solterra SUV shares its parts with the Toyota bZ4X, however, unlike that car, it gets Subaru’s ‘X-MODE’, which is a specific drive mode designed for off-road driving. It also boasts ‘Grip Control’, which is essentially a kind of off-road cruise control. Despite its raised ground clearance, the Solterra should be easy to live with everyday, thanks to its 289-mile electric range and standard 150kW charging capability.
Read our full Subaru Solterra review to find out more.
2. Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology
The Mercedes G-Class has long been recognised as one of the most capable premium off-roaders available. The new electric G 580 with EQ Technology not only lives up to the reputation of its combustion-engine predecessors but can actually exceed them with its off-roading ability.
The Mercedes G 580 isn’t just about off-roading; 579bhp and 1,164Nm of torque propel it from 0-62mph in as little as 4.7 seconds. Additionally, the range is a practical quoted 285 miles, thanks to a substantial 112kWh battery pack. With a peak charging speed of 200kW, the G 580 can charge from 10% to 80% in around 32 minutes.
Read our full Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology to find out more.
3. Kia EV9
Our DrivingElectric Car of the Year for 2024, the Kia EV9 is available in both single, and dual-motor configurations. It’s the latter you’ll want if you’re after something that offers some off-road prowess; four-wheel drive EV9 models get a Terrain Mode Select button which allows you to choose from Mud, Sand, or Snow settings, which all adjust the traction control to provide maximum grip. All versions of the EV9 are pretty capable, with up to seven seats, plenty of interior storage and a range of over 300 miles. Like all Kias, the EV9 also gets an outstanding seven-year warranty which should cover anything should it go wrong.
Read our full Kia EV9 review to find out more.
4. BMW iX
BMW’s long-awaited zero-emissions flagship, the iX is an X5-sized SUV that has the Tesla Model X in its sights. The iX showcases a bold new design language that's set to appear across all of the brand's future pure-electric models. All versions get a pair of electric motors and thus, four-wheel-drive, producing between 322bhp (in the entry-level xDrive40) all the way up to 611bhp (in the range-topping M60). The luxury SUV also offers up to 380 miles of range, while 200kW charging allows for a 10-80% top-up in just 34 minutes.
Read our full BMW iX review to find out more.
5. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E was Ford’s first electric car, boasting numerous impressive qualities that earn it a spot on our list. The manufacturer quotes a great range of up to 372 miles from a 91kWh (usable) battery on the Long Range model, and a usable 273 miles from the standard model. The latter can charge from 10 to 80 per-cent in just 38 minutes using a 115kW charger. Inside the car, a minimalist design features, with most functions managed via two large screens featuring sharp graphics. The boot offers a practical 402 litres of space, and the rear seats provide ample room for three adults.
Read our full Ford Mustang Mach-E to find out more
6. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is the bigger brother to the Model 3 saloon and sits below the flagship Model X with its showy gullwing doors. With conventional doors and a much lower price tag, the Model Y combines the practicality of an SUV with Tesla’s cutting-edge in-car technology, but in a far more restrained and compact package. While it’s yet to be facelifted in the same manner as its saloon sibling, there remain three versions of the Model Y available in the UK, two of which feature four-wheel drive. Whichever you go for, all have access to Tesla’s fantastic Supercharger network – ideal for top-ups on longer adventures.
Read our full Tesla Model Y review to find out more.
7. MINI Countryman
Now that the MINI Countryman has made the transition to fully electric, you might have expected it to become more sedate, but thankfully, it hasn't. The Countryman is still as fun as ever to drive, despite weighing roughly two tonnes, and it remains a comfortable and practical family car.
The MINI offers 460 litres of boot space with the seats up and 1,450 litres with them folded down, providing ample room for your family and the dog. The circular OLED touchscreen is a standout feature of the interior, offering bright colours and sharp responses. The top range figure offered for the Countryman is provided by the ‘E’ model, which can manage 286 miles on the WLTP combined cycle and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 29 minutes using a 130kW charger.
Read our full MINI Countryman to find out more.
8. Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
You may be surprised to see a Porsche on our best four-wheel-drive electric cars list, but the Taycan Cross Turismo proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance if you’re after a little extra capability. It boasts a powerful set of electric motors – whether you go for the base 4 or the range-topping Turbo S – and even has decent ground clearance, thanks to a raised suspension setup. With SUV-style body cladding, the Taycan Cross Turismo gets a practical estate-style boot and can also be specified with a compass on the dashboard, too. While it’s not quite suited for rock-crawling, the ‘off-road’ Taycan is more than capable enough for most dirt and gravel tracks, and should offer bountiful grip on the tarmac.
Read our full Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo review to find out more.
9. Volvo XC40 Recharge
The Volvo XC40 is the Swedish brand’s smallest SUV and is available in both ‘Single’ and ‘Twin-motor’ form. The latter outputs a mind-boggling 402bhp and gets from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds. However, the XC40 Recharge is best driven at a relaxed pace, with supple suspension that’s perfect for bumpy country lanes, and a sumptuous interior featuring a minimalist design and a slick Google-based portrait touchscreen. With a maximum range of 312 miles, the XC40 Recharge Twin is suitable for long journeys, too, and can charge at speeds of up to 200kW.
Read our full Volvo XC40 Recharge review to find out more.
10. Mercedes EQS SUV
The original Range Rover proved off-roading could be luxurious, and until Land Rover makes an electric version of its iconic 4x4, the Mercedes EQS currently sits at the pinnacle of all-terrain opulence. Outfitted with Mercedes’ striking (optional) Hyperscreen infotainment system and boasting an interior wrapped in sumptuous leather, the EQS also comes as standard with two electric motors providing all-wheel-drive and up to 365 miles of range. That’s not all, as Merc’s AIRMATIC air suspension can raise the EQS’ ride height to avoid obstacles, while there’s also a dedicated ‘OFFROAD’ driving mode for maintaining traction in treacherous conditions. It may be eye-wateringly expensive, but after trying this tech for ourselves, we’re confident placing the EQS SUV so high on this list.
Read our full Mercedes EQS SUV review to find out more.
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