Whether you’re a serious off-roader, you regularly deal with brutal winter conditions, or you just want the peak of performance available to you in your new car wherever you happen to find yourself, there are plenty of reasons why drivers seek out four-wheel drive in SUVs.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is distinct from all-wheel drive (AWD) in that it’s generally designed for off-road capability. It can handle more extreme conditions such as deep snow or hazards like water fording or rock climbing. It often comes with features like a transfer case and locking differentials that give the driver significantly more control in varying environments. These vehicles usually have plenty of ground clearance for getting through unusual obstacles and may offer skid plates to protect underbody components. These vehicles do come with downsides, though. Prospective owners will want to weigh this functionality against factors like lower fuel economy before making a decision.
Brands that sell a line-up of vehicles with true 4WD systems include Jeep, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Lexus. Automotive brands that offer AWD systems but not 4WD include Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, BMW, Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, and Subaru.
Here are 10 of the best SUVs with 4x4 systems available on the Canadian market, including options for families of all sizes and budgets. All pricing shown includes the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) plus destination charges where available.
The Best 4x4 SUVs to Buy in Canada
- Ford Bronco Sport
- Jeep Wrangler
- Ford Bronco
- Ford Explorer
- Toyota 4Runner
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Land Rover Defender
- GMC Yukon
- Toyota Sequoia
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Ford Bronco Sport
Dubbed the ‘Baby Bronco’ by enthusiasts, the Ford Bronco Sport is a small SUV and sibling to the larger Bronco. It’s classed as a sub-compact SUV, and it’s one of the more family-oriented crossovers available with 4WD. Though it’s sold with a simpler feature list, all trim levels include standard 4x4 capability, and the top-of-the-line Badlands grade includes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock feature, a class-exclusive offering. For 2024, the Ford Bronco Sport has a starting price of $41,190 for the Big Bend trim, which comes with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder engine making 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is available on higher grades.
Ford Bronco Sport Overview
Jeep Wrangler
When one thinks of the ultimate 4x4 off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler is often the first vehicle that comes to mind. For 2024, three different 4WD configurations are offered to help Wrangler owners tailor their choices to their own needs. The Command-Trac system can shift from two-wheel drive (2WD) to 4WD on the fly at speeds up to 72km/h. Rock-Trac has electronic locking differentials and a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-gear ratio. The Selec-Trac full-time system self-selects between 2WD and 4WD and is featured on the Rubicon 392. There are 16 Wrangler iterations to choose from, and pricing starts at $46,465 for the two-door Jeep Wrangler Sport. If you’re looking for four doors, the Wrangler 4-door Sport is priced from $51,465. And if on-road fuel efficiency is also a factor for you, there’s also the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (from $59,978). What you can’t get in 2024 is a diesel engine. Jeep has discontinued this powertrain option, meaning you’ll need to choose between a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder and the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 on most models. Fortunately, you can still choose between a six-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Wrangler Overview
Ford Bronco
The revived Ford Bronco landed for the 2021 model year to rave reviews, and Bronco Everglades and Bronco Raptor models have since been released to up the off-road ante even further. Two different 4x4 systems are offered on the Bronco. The base system includes a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case. The optional system features a two-speed electromechanical transfer case with auto mode for switching between 2H and 4H without driver intervention. Two-axle electronic locking differentials are available as well. With both two-door and four-door layouts offered with attention-grabbing styling, pricing for 2024 starts at $51,460 for the two-door version and $53,410 for the four-door.
Ford Bronco Overview
Ford Explorer
The Blue Oval’s three-row SUV was last redesigned for the 2020 model year and incorporated numerous upgrades, including a switch to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel-drive architecture that makes it great for towing. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,540 kg (5,600 lb) when properly equipped, including adding the optional 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, Ford’s four-wheel-drive system is standard on all models and integrates available hill descent control and seven-mode terrain management system for ease of use. As of this writing, 2024 pricing hasn’t been announced. This model year is expected to have a short run as a refresh is slated for 2025. 2023 pricing on the Ford Explorer started at $47,535 for the XLT.
Ford Explorer Overview
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner may not have seen a significant redesign in a few years but its feature offerings have been kept relatively up to date. We expect 2024 to be the final year for this generation of 4Runner as a redesign is widely rumoured for 2025. Plenty of buyers still choose this midsize SUV for its body-on-frame construction, rock-solid powertrain, reliability, and four-wheel-drive capability at a lower price point than is found in the brand’s Lexus luxury arm. A full-time four-wheel-drive system is available with a locking rear differential, and the TRD Pro edition includes a lever-type transfer case for switching into low range. This SUV with seating for up to 7 passengers is priced from $56,550 for the entry-level SR5 grade. The TRD Off-road grade starts at $60,960 while the TRD Pro off-road grade starts from $71,800.
Toyota 4Runner Overview
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee entered a new generation for 2022 that adds impressive style and capability to an already-popular midsize SUV. Three different 4WD systems are available: Quadra-Trac I, which is active full-time and operates at close to a 50-50 front-rear torque split; Quadra-Trac II, which includes a two-speed low transfer case and can transfer 100 percent of torque to the axle with the most traction; and Quadra-Drive II, with an electronic limited-slip differential and 2.72:1 low gear range. For 2024, the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s starting prices start at $58,515. There’s also the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which starts at $60,515, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid (2024 pricing has not been announced as of this writing).
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overview
Land Rover Defender
Back in 2020, the return of the Land Rover Defender marked one of the most iconic new vehicle unveilings. For 2024, three configurations are available. There’s the Defender 90 two-door, the Defender 110 four-door, and the Defender 130 three-row large SUV version of the storied nameplate. The off-roading pride of Jaguar Land Rover has a reputation to uphold, and it does so with a two-speed transfer case and permanent all-wheel drive. Centre and rear slip limiting are configurable through the touchscreen infotainment system, and the available Terrain Response 2 system will recognize the driving surface and configure the vehicle to respond appropriately without driver input. In Canada, four accessory packs and 170 individual accessories are available for the two models. For 2024, the Defender 90 starts at an MSRP of $77,300, the Defender 110 starts from $78,900, and the Defender 130 starts at $96,900.
Land Rover Defender Review
GMC Yukon
All three of the General Motors full-size SUVs with a third row—the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Cadillac Escalade—underwent concurrent updates for the 2021 model year. These changes made significant upgrades available at varying price points such as updated safety features and an available adaptive air suspension. Of the three, we think the Yukon offers the best complete package. It has an exclusive available Active Response 4WD system, which includes an automatic two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The latter manages torque from the left to right of the vehicle while locking to prevent wheel slip in off-road conditions when in 4WD LO mode. This feature is available for an extra charge on the AT4 grade, with an MSRP of $93,829, or the Denali, which starts at $102,675. (Note this is 2023 pricing; 2024 pricing is not available as of this writing.) For those who don’t need the upgraded 4WD system but do require more space, consider the longer-wheelbase Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon XL.
GMC Yukon Overview
Toyota Sequoia
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia is another large SUV worth considering. It was redesigned for the 2023 model year using the same platform and powertrain line-up as the latest Toyota Tundra pick-up. The part-time 4WD system is standard in Canada, as is Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain designed to improve fuel efficiency. The TRD Off-Road grade, which is the base model in Canada, adds a selectable locking rear differential and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select that helps control wheel spin in different environments for improved traction. For 2024, Canadian pricing on the Toyota Sequoia starts at $82,245. If you’re looking for a luxury vehicle with the same capability, consider the related Lexus LX 600, which starts at $116,686. Toyota Sequoia Overview
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
It’s far and away the most expensive vehicle on this list, but the functionality and status symbol quotient of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class luxury SUV can’t be denied. Its permanent four-wheel drive with three mechanical locking differentials and two-speed transfer case offer serious off-road capability. Two standard variants of the G-Class are currently available in Canada: the entry-level G 550 is priced from $180,000, and the AMG G 63 starts at $242,000. (Note these prices are for 2023 models and do not include fees.)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Overview
Note: Images may show US models.