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Top 10 best 4WD 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

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When it comes to petrol and diesel-engined cars, four-wheel-drive (4WD) tends to be reserved for SUVs and performance models, as it adds both cost and complexity. However, it's much more common in electric cars because it only requires the addition of a second electric motor – no transfer box or extra mechanical gubbins required.

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While four-wheel-drive can certainly help increase traction in the dry – often resulting in blisteringly-fast acceleration times – it can be most helpful in harsh conditions like snow, heavy rain or even off-road.

And yet dedicated off-roaders remain rare in the EV market. There are a few electric 4x4s on the way such as the upcoming Mercedes EQG, though for the time being, a dual-motor model outfitted with a good set of winter tyres should be more than capable enough in slippery conditions for most buyers.

So without further ado, here’s our rundown of the best four-wheel-drive electric cars you can buy – from SUVs to estates. If you want something high-riding and practical, but aren’t too fussed about going off the beaten track, why not check out our list of the best electric SUVs you can buy?

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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.

Subaru Solterra

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.

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Read our full Subaru Solterra review to find out more.

Mercedes EQS SUV - front 1

2. 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.

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Read our full Mercedes EQS SUV review to find out more.

Kia EV9

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.

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Read our full Kia EV9 review to find out more.

Audi Q4 e-tron

4. Audi Q4 e-tron

The Q4 e-tron is quite a bit more affordable than the range-topping Q8 e-tron SUV, but is still available with Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system – something that was originally developed for rally racing in the early eighties. Also sharing its platform with the Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4, the Q4 takes the best of these cars and adds significant upgrades in terms of quality, comfort and on-board technology. The Q4 e-tron 55 is the only option if you want the aforementioned quattro four-wheel drive. The added power requirements of the extra motor are offset by a larger 77kWh battery, resulting in a range of up to 319 miles.

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Read our full Audi Q4 e-tron review to find out more.

Skoda Enyaq iV

5. Skoda Enyaq

The Enyaq is one more electric SUV available in two or four-wheel drive form, and yet another that comes from a manufacturer with rich off-road racing heritage. While the Enyaq is far from a rally racer, it is available in dual-motor 85x and vRS guises, both providing plenty of grip in slippery conditions. Like most Skodas, the Enyaq is also packed full of ‘Simply Clever’ features that are ideal for the most lifestyle-oriented families, such as a built-in umbrella in the driver’s door and an ice scraper housed in the fuel filler cap. That’s not even mentioning the Enyaq’s 585-litre boot, which should be sufficient for even the biggest of family adventures.

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Read our full Skoda Enyaq review to find out more.

BMW iX

6. 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.

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Read our full BMW iX review to find out more.

Tesla Model Y

7. 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.

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Read our full Tesla Model Y review to find out more.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

8. 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.

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Read our full Volvo XC40 Recharge review to find out more.

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

9. 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.

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Read our full Porsche Taycan review to find out more.

2023 Jeep Avenger - front tracking

10. Jeep Avenger

While this entry may be considered a bit of a curveball as the dual-motor version of the Avenger is still yet to arrive, even the front-wheel drive version of the first electric Jeep is incredibly capable. The Jeep Avenger offers the same raised ride height as the Peugeot E-2008 with which it shares many of its parts, but also comes with an array of off-road driving modes, as well as a special ‘hill descent control’ function for steep declines. There aren’t many small four-wheel-drive electric cars on the market yet and the Avenger comes the closest to offering the desired extra level of grip.

Read our full Jeep Avenger review to find out more.

Best 4WD electric cars to buy now

  1. Subaru Solterra
  2. Mercedes EQS SUV
  3. Kia EV9
  4. Audi Q4 e-tron
  5. Skoda Enyaq
  6. BMW iX
  7. Tesla Model Y
  8. Volvo XC40 Recharge
  9. Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
  10. Jeep Avenger
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Hello there, I’m Tom Jervis and I have the pleasure of being the Content Editor here at DrivingElectric. Before joining the team in 2023, I spent my time reviewing cars and offering car buying tips and advice on DrivingElectric’s sister site, Carbuyer. I also continue to occasionally contribute to the AutoExpress magazine – another of DrivingElectric’s partner brands. In a past life, I worked for the BBC as a journalist and broadcast assistant for regional services in the east of England – constantly trying to find stories that related to cars!

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