4x4 Off Roading ›› Sports Utility Vehicles
An SUV is a car or a crossover similar to a station wagon or an estate. SUVs are usually equipped with four-wheel drive capabilities to provide better on-road or off-road driving options.
Thus, some Sports Utility Vehicle owners refer to their SUV as a 4x4, 4WD, or even an AUV - otherwise known as Action Utility Vehicle.
So, what exactly is it that helps to make 4x4 cars different from other automobiles?
Well, it's fair to say that many of them offer the handy towing capacity of 4x4 pickups or small trucks.
Others combine this extra power with the passenger-carrying space of a large family sedan or spacious minivan.
Sports utility vehicles are undeniably large and rugged, easily handling rough surfaces and extreme terrain.
You can add 4x4 automatic transmission to that and it will never be out of place on multilane highways and urban city roadways.
By and large, being built on a light-truck chassis means the term SUV is synonymous with almost any vehicle that delivers all-wheel drive with raised ground clearance.
The American Motor Company (AMC) produced the first 'true' sport utility car with the original XJ Jeep Cherokee model in 1984. The XJ was the combination of a passenger car 'comfortably' seated on a truck chassis.
Here's the thing:
From the late 1980s the modern 4x4 market firmly established itself. The incredibly compact Cherokee proved to be one of the most popular station wagons ever made.
In fact, maybe because of the car's revolutionary ease of driving through difficult conditions, close to three million Cherokees were built between 1984 and 2001.
Pro Tip: Check your 4x4 and SUV insurance policy in case it doesn't cover off roading. Ask for 4x4 insurance with green lane cover when you contact a specialist.
The popular trend of buying 4x4s and SUVs shows no sign of slowing down. But, how do you determine which is the best new model crossover or off roader for the price tag?
This section covers the growing list of big budget luxury models to the cheapest value-packed SUVs and 4x4 cars available on the sales forecourts countrywide.
Are you one of those drivers who believes that size doesn't matter? If so, check out our top ten list of best small 4x4 cars.
We listed them according to their low running costs as well as their practical driving capabilities in snowy winters around the United Kingdom.
Owning one of the modern sports utility vehicles, whether it has two-wheel or four-wheel drive capabilities, is no longer a simple fashion statement - or so it seems.
Why?
Instead, function is what motivates a purchase nowadays. The vast majority of SUV cars offer drivers a "high-up" driving position with an unequalled view of the road ahead. They provide occupants with plenty of family friendly practical features to boot.
But, maybe it's the strong sense of security, combined with the fuel efficiency and clean emissions of many hybrid cars, that drives most owners into buying a new modern 4x4 or SUV car.
But wait - there's more:
The question you must be asking is... which are the best SUVs and 4x4s on sale this year in the United Kingdom?
Well, every decent car review covers the multitude of different shapes, sizes, and prices. Therefore, the extensive collection of thoroughbred motors listed below should help you find the right one that suits your lifestyle and your budget.
If you're looking for the top British manufacturer of luxury sports cars designed for high speeds and long-distance driving, your search ends right here!
This section contains links to a range of Aston Martin car models, with other items of interest in the news issued from their headquarters in Warwickshire, England.
Click through to the Audi cars section for further information about the range and news headlines released from their headquarters in Bavaria, Germany.
The Audi 4x4 Q3 car review reveals the luxury crossover as being the smallest SUV in their range of stylish crossovers. Yet, the engine spec and posh interior trim are unparalleled at this level.
If you are looking for a range of small and stylish cars that prompt a reevaluation of the sporty compacts, the Audi A1 models deliver the goods.
Walter Owen Bentley founded the prestige and luxury car maker in 1919. He was adamant that his Bentley car models would be "a fast car, a good car, and the best in its class".
The Bentley 4x4 Bentayga is a worthy contender for the world's most opulent SUV. But, it also happens to be one which matches an Aston Martin for speed and a Range Rover for off road driving capabilities.
Our Bentley Mulsanne review explains how their flagship saloon combines opulent luxury with scintillating performance - and a very high buying price.
Award winning BMW 4x4 Sports Utility Vehicles and crossovers are designed with ultimate driving pleasure in mind. As a result, the BMW Group plays a huge role in the United Kingdom.
The new BMW X4 SUV is the sister model of the X3. The later model uses the same platform, engines and running gear.
You might say the BMW X6 specifications and styling divides judgement in some ways. Even so, you cannot deny that this superb crossover provides impressive performance and handling.
BMW is going electric - again! They have dubbed this latest episode 'the next chapter of MINI'. The theme and concept is simple. They say the MINI Electric concept car is "measured in volts, but felt in pulse".
The success of Chevrolet SUV and crossover models is mostly attributed to the production of a brand which embodies the best of American automobiles.
The Chevrolet Suburban UK redesigned and supersize SUV continues to provide everything that Chevrolet owners need from a spacious multi passenger vehicle.
The Chevrolet Tahoe UK measures more than five (5) metres in length and it's more than two metres wide - with a humongous 5.3-litre V8 engine.
You should also check out the Chevy Tahoe 2022 4x4 specs if you're searching for a high-class vehicle with passenger accommodations like a minivan and unparalleled towing capabilities.
Pro Tip: Click through to access the Chevy repair manual online free with step-by-step instructions in this service and repair section.
Without any doubt whatsoever, Citroën 4x4 cars rank among the most recognised Sports Utility Vehicles in the United Kingdom.
The stunning range showcases a host of superb examples of modern automobile brands which simply ooze with creativity.
This review of the Citroën Ami Pop highlights some of its best features, technical specifications, and how much it costs to buy one in the United Kingdom.
Most car reviews describe the Citroen C4 Aircross as being somewhat bold and bemusing. Yet, the French carmaker describes it as "intense and optimistic". Find out why the new concept car is so outlandish!
Click through to learn why many experts admit their Citroen C4 Cactus review reveals an untapped niche in the new car market.
Check out our Citroën ë-Dispatch Electric Van review as we explain why this spacious cargo carrier may be the ideal workhorse with eco-friendly benefits.
Our Dacia Duster review is the best place to find out why the crossover is one of the cheapest small SUVs for sale anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Our review of the new Dacia Duster 2023 Journey model explains why its appeal is unwavering - despite a recent price increase.
The key factors defining the next-generation 2024 Dacia Duster 4x4 hybrid are the sub-£20,000 price tag and its technological advances.
This section contains links to a range of Daihatsu cars and trucks with other items of interest in the news from their headquarters in Japan.
The Italian automakers have been producing a unique and stylish brand of cars since 1899. Nowadays, the Fiat SUV and crossover range has since become one of the most widely known and respected.
It's fair to say the standard Fiat Panda 4x4 is favoured as a city car for many commuters. You will see why when you check out the finer details of this surprisingly capable and exciting petit four-wheel drive.
There are few modern crossovers as stylish and affordable as the Fiat 500x SUV. What's more, this is one of the cutest compacts that's also a lot of fun to drive.
Driving any of the Ford 4x4 Sport Utility Vehicles means you also have a car or pickup that you can call a 'Smart Utility Vehicle'.
Ford four-wheel drive SUVs and crossovers are not only intelligently designed, but also available in three different cab styles.
The Ford Ranger 4x4 range encompasses several models. The basic Ranger is a comfortable, double cab pick-up with great looks for the price, and a practical 4x4 for work and play.
There was one obvious outcome from the latest Ford Ranger Wildtrak review. Needless to say, it is a very capable workhorse.
Pro Tip: Check out a section that highlights some awesome cars never sold in the United Kingdom - and the reasons why not!
The manufacturing name is synonymous with engineering and problem solving, and their philosophy "Your Honda" is simple.
Because of that, Honda 4x4 SUV and Crossovers rank at the highest level of automakers around the United Kingdom and worldwide.
As Honda enters a new age of electric automobiles, we need to wait until 2024 for the release of the fully-electric Prologue SUV.
Creating award-winning vehicles is an achievement that very few multinational automotive manufacturers will execute with dynamism and pizzaz.
The information in this section contains links to Hyundai car models with items of interest in the news from their headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.
Isuzu's light commercials, sports utilities, heavy trucks, and diesel engines fill significant roles for drivers in the United Kingdom.
The full range of Isuzu SUV and pickups, and their ongoing sophisticated technological strength, continues to provide their owners with reliable and exciting automobiles for the most challenging terrain.
We took the long-awaited arrival of the elite crossover sports car through the paces in our first impression road test.
The Jaguar F-Pace SUV Crossover becomes the latest contribution emerging into an appealing range of top luxury sport-utility vehicles built by the British carmaker based at Coventry in England.
They are legendary, and recognized in almost every corner of the world. As a result, Jeep 4x4 Off Roaders are often synonymously linked with freedom, dedication, unbridled passion, authenticity, and adventurous fun!
This recent Jeep Avenger review takes the lid off to find out why this electric hatchback aims to become a world leader in electrified SUVs.
A special edition new Jeep Patriot hits the showrooms with an affordable price tag. This puts it at the top of the increasingly popular Jeep Patriot range.
The Jeep Wrangler Supreme has to be one of the best four-wheel drive vehicles available - and it has been for many years now!
The arrival date for the new Jeep Wrangler pickup is confirmed. They're naming it the Jeep Gladiator - and there's not much to dislike about it.
The company headquarters is based in Seoul, and Kia Motors Corporation is the second-largest car maker in South Korea, slightly trailing Hyundai.
It is also part of the fifth biggest automobile manufacturer in the world, operating almost 200 dealerships that sell the Kia 4x4 SUV range around the United Kingdom.
Kia's budget priced junior is an eye catcher with lustrous styling and smooth running engines. This may be why the Kia Sportage 4 wheel drive is also dubbed a baby SUV by many car reports.
Since the official release of the first Land Rover on the 30th of April 1948, they have celebrated decades of iconic strength and ruggedness in the motoring industry.
The versatility of the vintage Land Rover 4x4 is easily recognised as one of the world's top four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles capable of hard work and exciting adventures.
After 68 years of box-shaped production the final Land Rover Defender rolls off the line. But, what is going to happen next at JLR?
This section does a good job of finding a cheap alternative to Land Rover Defender that is comparable and rugged enough for muddy roads in the United Kingdom.
It needs to have awesome off-road ability, durability, and ruggedness. So, what are the features that make a new Land Rover Defender worth buying?
Using restomod treatment to restore a 1960s classic Land Rover Series II is not something we see a lot of in the United Kingdom. Check out the end result after Himalaya 4x4 had finished chopping off the roof and adding a modern powertrain to a legendary SUV.
Pro Tip: It's a fact that some cars get stolen more than others. That's why we wrote an article to help you find the best tracker for Range Rover Sport.
This Lotus Eletre SUV review highlights its striking, progressive principles and how "active aerodynamics" have taken it to a new level.
The superb lineup of Mazda 4x4 and SUV Crossovers rank at the highest level of automakers in the United Kingdom and worldwide.
In fact, by production, Mazda is one of the biggest providing its car owners and drivers some of the closest examples of the perfect ride.
Our review of the Mazda CX-5 small 4x4 crossover has to conclude that it's stylish, solid, and an efficient car to drive.
The classic range of Mercedes 4x4 and SUV are easily regarded as one of the finest in German automobile manufacturing.
Pro Tip: All Mercedes vans have unique selling points, no matter whether you're driving a Citan panel van, a Sprinter, a Vito, or one of the new Mercedes-Benz electric vans.
Mitsubishi Motors continues to manufacture and sell a good range of powerful Mitsubishi 4x4 and SUV cars with a host of complementary and practical pick-up trucks.
The Shogun 4x4 range has all the build and drive capabilities necessary to perform in the most demanding conditions on or off road. Yet, it still manages to combine the styling of a luxury car.
A brilliant piece of kit is the Mitsubishi Triton Warrior 4WD. I recently took one for a 1,200 km round trip. It was a journey that included quite a few scary mountain roads.
The pioneering range of Nissan 4x4 models and SUVs simply oozes with style and safety for any journey of adventure around the rugged roads of the United Kingdom and beyond.
After reviewing the interior and equipment of the Nissan Juke Crossover, we were pleased to see that their small car lineup still produces a 'double take' from most SUV enthusiasts.
Because the Nissan Pathfinder SUV is a spacious 3-row crossover model, it could be the best choice vehicle for expanding families looking to travel in comfort and style.
The Nissan Qashqai 4x4 is a great all-rounder in family hatchback models. We explain why it belongs with a popular range of small cars with four-wheel drive capabilities.
This German car manufacturer is one of the most recognised and revered for producing luxurious SUV and sedans that are even more thrilling to drive.
This section contains links to a range of Porsche high-performance sports cars with extra coverage of news items issued by Porsche Cars Great Britain Limited.
The 10 year wait for the second-generation is finally over as the all-electric Porsche Macan is announced in Singapore on the 25th of January 2024.
After discovering the Renault range available in the United Kingdom it would be difficult not to find an ideal car to suit your lifestyle and budget.
This section contains links to a range of Renault cars and SUV vehicles with further coverage of news items issued by the headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed their plans to top the luxury SUV market. The Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV is "family focused" and set to cost upwards of £250,000.
Choose any of the Skoda 4x4 range and you'll get a gripping drive that copes with adverse weather. In fact they rarely disappoint the owners of their four-wheel drive offroaders and SUVs.
This Skoda Enyaq review explains why the new Crystal Face and state-of-the-art driver-assistance systems make it ideal for city traffic and long relaxing journeys away from urban chaos.
Few genuine all-rounders meet the grade in the group of family size sports utilities. But the Skoda Yeti 4x4 has to be a worthy inclusion.
Subaru's "Confidence in Motion" mission statement expresses their resolve to face the challenges on roads ahead.
The lineup of Subaru 4x4 Models typically use the all-wheel-drive train layout - ideal for driving around the diverse road conditions of the United Kingdom.
It's fair to say that the Suzuki car manufacturers are constantly moving forward to meet the demands of our changing lifestyles.
So, there is no mistaking that the exciting and classy range of Suzuki 4x4 Off Roaders rarely fail to meet the expectations of drivers UK-wide.
The Suzuki Swift 4x4 off roader has few natural rivals in this class and price range. It delivers low running costs with assured handling for a range of urban and rural roadways.
The redesign certainly makes it look more like a SUV crossover car. But, the outcome of our Suzuki SX4 S-cross review concluded that it has good handling and plenty of grip for a firm ride.
Japan's biggest car manufacturer also happens to be one of the biggest global players in the world of sport utility vehicles and luxury carmakers.
For the most part, today's range of modern Toyota 4x4 models owes much to their previous involvement in truck manufacturing in the USA.
The stylish, ultramodern, and trendsetting Toyota Coupe High Rider Hybrid Crossover was finally unveiled for review at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Toyota Rav4 4x4 XT-R has all the refinements that drivers expect. Thus, you get 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, and a glove box that is cooled.
VW uses a unique combination of automation and human skill. You could call it a "win win" conglomeration which combines with fluidity to create a superb range of VW SUV models.
VW has made the decision to introduce the electric "Bulli" version and will call it the I.D. BUZZ. Check out the VW Kombi Van EV and its release date.
The longer and wider MK2 Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover is in a class of its own with bags of space and impressive technology.
Disclaimer: Some of the older car reports might include promotional marketing for products and services that are no longer available. The information was accurate at the time of the research and publication.