What’s the best 4WD in Australia? It’s a question many may well ponder, given that our own backyard hosts expansive deserts, snowy mountains and tropical rainforests – all inviting exploration while making the Great Southern Land the country of, and for, the four-wheel-drive.
Add to that the fact that less than half of Australia's vast road network is estimated to be paved – sealed in bitumen or in concrete.1 Sales of high-riding SUVs have also exploded in recent years. Between 2012 and 2022, SUV and light commercial vehicle sales rose from 45.3% of total vehicle sales to 76.8%.2
Choosing the right off-road capable 4WD can be your passport to many thrilling corners of Australia. In this article, we explore what makes a great 4WD – a vehicle distinct from an AWD – and list some of the best-selling, most-awarded and critically acclaimed models on the Australian market, for different budgets.
If you’re about to start shopping for a new four-by-four, you might also be considering your car insurance options – Youi’s Car insurance by make and model pages offer useful information about insurance costs for some of the most popular 4WD vehicles, including Ford, Toyota, Isuzu and more.
What makes a great 4WD?
“A great four-wheel-drive will have plenty of low-down engine torque, quality off-road tyres, lots of ground clearance and good approach, departure and breakover angles,” says motoring journalist and Editor of Torquecafe Stephen Ottley.
“Also look at the fuel efficiency as it tends to vary a lot between models, plus the fuel tank size if you’re planning long trips. Some four-wheel-drives have massive fuel tanks, giving them huge range – exactly what you want if you’re heading across the Nullabor.”
Ottley adds that the best 4-wheel drive vehicles have towing capacities of up to 3.5 tonnes, locking differentials, high- and low-range four-wheel-drive for serious off-roading and scope for personalisation.
“Many 4WD owners love to customise their vehicles with things like bull bars, winches, rooftop tents and light bars,” he says. “If that sounds like you, check that any models you’re considering are well supported by the Australian aftermarket.”
Adds Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product for Vehicle, Lifestyle and Leisure: “Remember to let your insurance provider know if you decide to add or change any accessories or modifications to your 4WD, so they can assess any change to the risk in accordance with their underwriting guidelines.
It’s always best to check whether car parts or accessories are recommended or specified by the manufacturer, as this may impact your cover. Some accessories and modifications may also increase the value of the 4WD, so you may have the option to add additional cover”
What are the best 4WDs in Australia?
Based on recent data from car sales and Australia's major car awards, together with Ottley's help, we've pulled together an overview of some of the most in-demand off-road capable 4WDs of 2025.
NOTE: Prices are subject to change and are based on the manufacturers’ suggested retail price for the lowest-priced variant, quoted for postcode 2000 in February 2025, and exclude costs such as options, dealer delivery, stamp duty and other government charges.
Entry-level 4WDs (under $75,000)
A best-seller, a new challenger from a China-based brand and a hot new arrival from Toyota.
Ford Everest from $59,2403
With either a powerful turbo-diesel 3.0-litre V6 or turbo four-cylinder engine,4 the Ford Everest offers a spacious seven-seat interior and is “probably the best all-round, off-roading and towing SUV you can buy in Australia at the moment,” says Ottley. Based on the Ford Ranger, the Everest was voted Drive’s 2024 Best Off-Road SUV under $80K5 and won Wheels Magazine’s prestigious Car of the Year in 2023.6 Australians have voted with their feet – with 26,494 sales, the Ford Everest was the best-selling large SUV in Australia under $80,000 in 2024.7
GWM Tank 500 from $66,4908
Next, we have the Tank 500 from newer Chinese-based manufacturer GWM. With seven seats, a seven-year warranty and a 3,000kg towing capacity,9 a Drive review called the Tank 500 “impressive value for money.” It singled out the vehicle’s generous interior space, five-star safety rating, high levels of standard equipment and a high-tech hybrid powertrain, capable of delivering a big shunt of torque when needed.9
Toyota LandCruiser Prado from $72,50010
An all-new model, the LandCruiser Prado brings fresh retro styling, a totally overhauled cabin and four-cylinder, turbo-diesel power.11 All models come with permanent four-wheel-drive, low range and a locking centre differential for greater traction in off-road conditions.11 In a review, CarsGuide praises the Prado for its “off-road capability, on-road refinement and modern, well-appointed cabin.”11
Mid-level 4WDs ($75,000-$100,000)
Large in size and status, these three vehicles are legendary in off-roading clubs.
Jeep Wrangler from $75,95012
In a list of the 10 greatest 4x4s of all time by WhichCar?, Jeep came in at number one – specifically, the US Army’s WWII Willys-Overland MB Jeep.13 Its modern day descendent is the Jeep Wrangler.14 Newly installed with a turbo four-cylinder engine, the Wrangler – with its well-established 4WD history – is “very capable off-road” according to CarsGuide. However, its interior may feel "cramped" and "driving can be tiring" due to a steering experience that “demands your constant attention.”15
Nissan Patrol from $89,26016
A new Nissan Patrol is arriving in Australia in the near future,17 promising the same legendary off-road ability that saw it crowned CarExpert’s 2023 Best Off-Road 4WD SUV.18 “It’s an old dog at this point, but it still has the tricks to keep up with newer rivals,” says CarExpert.18 The Patrol is powered by a 5.6-litre petrol V8 – a desirable engine for many buyers, and not widely available – and has a highly rated 3.5-tonne towing capacity.19
Toyota LandCruiser 300 from $96,99120
The respected Toyota LandCruiser tops the list of best off-road vehicles for CarsGuide.21 “Among four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, the Toyota LandCruiser has a rock-solid reputation for off-road ability and reliability,” says Ottley. Packing a 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6, the LandCruiser has plenty of towing ability, power and torque with outputs of 227kW and 700Nm22 – and was the top-selling Upper Large SUV Under $120,000 in 2024.7 It was also voted the Best 4X4 Wagon 2022 by 4X4 Australia Magazine.23
Luxury 4WDs ($100,000+)
For those who want a seat massage while they’re heading bush – if you have an ample bank balance.
Land Rover Defender 130 from $129,36524
Many will buy the Land Rover Defender for the retro styling, but this 4x4 has the substance to match the style, with Drive naming the 4WD its 2024 Best Luxury Off-Road SUV under $150K.25 “Going utterly against the grain of its ancestor, the current Land Rover Defender uses computer-controlled air suspension, active differentials and a sophisticated aluminium platform,” said Drive. The Defender was also the “standout performer” in a group towing test by CarExpert in 2023.26 No surprise that with 3,209 sales, the Defender was the best-selling Large SUV Over $80,000 in Australia in 2024.7
Lexus LX600 from $159,47627
Off-roaders don’t get much more sumptuous than the Lexus LX600 – the luxury version of the Toyota LandCruiser 300, with a powerful 305kW, 3.5-litre petrol V628 – and all the same off-roading ability. “Heaps of wow factor inside,” as well as “big towing capacity and off-road chops,” says CarExpert.28 The LX600 was also named CarExpert’s Best Performing 4WD SUV of 2023,29 with great acceleration, amazing noise insulation and effortless towing. However, the publication did question its ultimate off-road ability with its road-focused, super-sized 22-inch wheels.28,29
Mercedes-Benz G-Class from $368,40030
Good enough for the Australian military,31 the sole Mercedes-Benz G-Class model available to the public is decidedly more luxurious. A twin-turbo petrol V8 produces 430kW and 860Nm and powers the boxy G63 AMG from zero to 100km/h in a brisk 4.4 seconds.32 For off-roaders, there are triple differential locks, low-range gearing, a solid rear axle and a massive 241mm of ground clearance.32 “It’s probably too nice to take off-road, but if you did, it would be incredibly capable,” says Ottley. An electric version, the G580, is also coming soon to Australia.33
Whatever 4WD you end up choosing, and whether you take it to the bush, the beach or the main street of Bundaberg, consider starting a quote with Youi to make sure you’re covered.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of February 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant manufacturer websites for price and specification updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: Australian Bureau of Infrastructure– Growth in the Australian Road System, 2017
2 Source: The Guardian – SUVs are more popular than ever in Australia – but there is a downside, March 2023
3 Source: RedBook – 2025 Ford Everest Ambiente Auto FullTime 4WD DR MY25.25
4 Source: Ford Australia – Everest
5 Source: Drive – Best Off-Road Cars 2024
6 Source: Wheels – 2023 Ford Everest: Wheels Car of the Year winner
7 Source: CarExpert – VFACTS 2024: New vehicle sales hit record high, but slump expected soon, January 2025
8 Source: RedBook – 2025 GWM Tank 500 Lux Hybrid Auto 4WD
9 Source: Drive – 2024 GWM Tank 500 Lux Hybrid review, December 2024
10 Source: RedBook – 2025 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GX Auto 4x4
11 Source: CarsGuide – Toyota Prado 2025 review, November 2024
12 Source: RedBook – 2024 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S Auto 4x4 MY24
13 Source: WhichCar? – The 10 greatest 4x4s of all time, August 2023
14 Source: Jeep Canada – The Long History of the Jeep Wrangler, December 2021
15 Source: CarsGuide – Jeep Wrangler 2025 review: Rubicon, September 2024
16 Source: RedBook – 2025 Nissan Patrol Ti Y62 Auto 4x4 MY24
17 Source: CarSales – 2025 Nissan Patrol breaks cover, September 2024
18 Source: CarExpert – Best 4WD SUV off-road revealed, June 2023
19 Source: Nissan Australia – Patrol
20 Source: RedBook – 2025 Toyota Landcruiser GX Auto 4x4
21 Source: CarsGuide – Top 5 off-road vehicles, March 2023
22 Source: Toyota Australia – LandCruiser 300
23 Source: WhichCar – 2022 4X4 Of The Year: Winners, March 2022
24 Source: RedBook – 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350 X-Dynamic SE Auto AWD MY25.5
25 Source: Drive – Best Luxury Cars 2024
26 Source: CarExpert – Best 4WD SUV towing test, June 2023
27 Source: RedBook – 2025 Lexus LX LX600 Auto 4x4
28 Source: Lexus – Discover the Lexus LX
29 Source: CarExpert – Best performing 4WD SUV revealed, June 2023
30 Source: RedBook – 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 AMG Auto 4MATIC
31 Source: Australian Government, Defence – G-Wagon Fleet
32 Source: Drive – 2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 review: Quick drive, May 2024
33 Source: Drive – Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class unveiled, coming to Australia, April 2024
