Red Jeep Wrangler

Used 4x4 cars for sale

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Red Jeep Wrangler
Red Jeep Wrangler
Introduction

Finding the right 4x4 car for you.

At Arnold Clark, we have a wide range of 4x4 cars for sale.

Whether you are looking for used 4x4 cars, new 4x4 cars or 4x4 cars on finance, we've got you covered. Four-wheel drive cars can take you where regular road cars cannot! The benefits of buying 4WD cars are abundant. They offer drivers superior flexibility and versatility compared to conventional cars. These types of vehicles also have superior towing capacity. They also have enhanced road stability and, in most cases, long-term value retention. Browse our stock below.

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Overview

An overview of 4x4 cars

What is a 4x4 car?

4x4 cars are vehicles which can confidently go off-road, while still offering the driver fantastic performance. These types of cars are also known as four-wheel drive or 4WD cars. The drivetrains on these types of vehicles are two-axled and capable of sending power to all four wheels at one time.

This is beneficial when driving in poor weather or on uneven road surfaces, as four-wheel drive cars provide the driver with more control, grip and stability. 4x4s also have a higher ground clearance. If you will be taking your 4x4 off-road regularly, you should ensure the model has ground clearance of at least 220mm or above. Don't forget to check out our all-wheel drive cars too!

4x4s are designed to handle anything the elements can throw at them. They have rugged wheels, excellent visibility and extra traction on uneven surfaces. This keeps you and your passengers safe in even the toughest conditions.

Land Rover Defender 2021
Land Rover Defender 2021

What are the best 4x4 cars?

Land Rover Defender

The Land-Rover Defender is a timeless option when it comes to used 4x4 cars. This fierce four-wheel drive model has been known as the Defender since 1990. It has had a long history and has its DNA firmly rooted in the original Series 1 Land Rover launched in 1948. The Land Rover 90 and 110 came to market in 1985 and became instantly recognisable as part of British motoring heritage. They established what would become the Defender that remains just as iconic today.

The highly anticipated 2020 Defender was introduced at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. It has the Land Rover's innovative Terrain Response technology. This detects the surface and conditions and changes the vehicles drive settings accordingly.

The model offers drivers 216-225mm of ground clearance. It has a maximum water wading depth of over 899mm. It's also available as an estate in the form of the Defender 130. The towing capacity of the model is extremely impressive. It offers up to 3,500kg depending on the powertrain you choose. The Defender is arguably the best 4x4 on the market for off-roading. It is a class-leading example of big 4x4 cars.

View our stock of Land Rover Defender cars
Land Rover Discovery Sport 2021
Land Rover Discovery Sport 2021

Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery is one of the most awarded 4x4s of all time.

The Discovery is the epitome of 4x4 cars. It has a rugged exterior, high-quality interior materials and innovative tech and equipment. The cabin is extremely comfortable, offering wide, heated and cooled seats. Most used models also have an 11.4-inch touchscreen Pivi Pro infotainment system for all your in-car entertainment needs. Ultimately, any Discovery you choose will be your home away from home.

In terms of off-road capabilities, a used Discovery Sport, manufactured between 2015 and 2018 offers a ground clearance of 211mm and a wading depth of 600mm. The Discovery 5 has a wading depth of up to 900mm. It has a ground clearance of around 280mm. This is class-leading for 4x4 off-road cars. The Discovery 5 also has an impressive towing capacity. The petrol version can tow up to 3,000kg and the diesel engine will do up to 3,500kg. The Discovery sport is slightly less with a towing capacity of up to 2,000kg. Both are up to the challenge of towing boats, large caravans, horseboxes, fully laden trailers and more! The Discovery really is one of the best 4x4 cars on the market.

View our stock of used Land Rover Discovery cars
Jeep Wrangler 2024 Exterior
Jeep Wrangler 2024 Exterior

Jeep Wrangler

If you plan to go off-road regularly, a used Jeep Wrangler could be a great option for you. Debuted in 1986 at the Chicago Auto Show, the Wrangler has been through four generations. The model is available in both two-door and four-door configurations. There are plenty of handy storage cubbies incorporated throughout the cabin. Materials used in the cabin are also easy to wipe down and keep clean. This makes the model well-suited to those with an adventurous and active lifestyle!

Ground clearance on the Wrangler line-up ranges from around 242mm to 274mm. This depends on the trim level and body style of the model you choose. The 2023 Wrangler has a water-fording depth of up to 850mm. The four-door version has up to 3,500kg braked weight capacity for towing. The two-door version also has a tow capacity of up to 1,500kg. The Wrangler is one of the best 4x4 off-road cars on the market, it looks the part and it's also up to the challenge!

View our stock of used Jeep Wrangler cars
Land Rover Range Rover 2022 Exterior
Land Rover Range Rover 2022 Exterior

Land Rover Range Rover

If you want off-road capability but you are also interested in 4x4 luxury cars, the Range Rover could be the perfect choice for you. Most used models will have both four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capabilities. The Mk4 version has an enormous boot, offering 909 litres of space. It has beautifully designed upholstery throughout the interior. In the Mk5 model, you will also have a 13-1-inch touchscreen Pivi Pro infotainment system.

The towing capacity is impressive, with both the Mk4 and Mk5's capacity ranging between 2,500kg and 3,000kg. The Range Rover has a maximum wading depth of 900mm. The ground clearance varies from 218-219mm. The Range Rover is an extremely luxurious, yet formidable 4x4. It can and will handle the toughest of terrains.

View our stock of used Land Rover Range Rover cars
Dacia Duster Exterior 2024
Dacia Duster Exterior 2024

Dacia Duster

If you're looking for affordable 4x4 cars, look no further than the Dacia Duster. The Duster is a 4x4 that fits into the compact SUV class. The Duster debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and has been a popular choice in the UK ever since. This rugged and versatile model offers families 4x4 capabilities without the hefty price tag. In terms of small 4x4 cars, the Duster has everything you need. It will also make for much easier parking compared to some of its larger competitors.

The 4x4 version of the Duster offers 217mm of ground clearance. This decreases to 209mm on the two-wheel drive version. The max water forging depth for a Duster is around 350mm. The Duster can also tow, with a limit of 1,500kg with just the driver onboard. If the car is full this limit decreases slightly to 1,200kg. That's enough for small caravans and horseboxes. This model is as comfortable navigating the daily commute as it is going off the beaten track!

View our stock of used Dacia Duster cars
Jeep Renegade Exterior
Jeep Renegade Exterior

Jeep Renegade

A used Jeep Renegade is another fantastic 4WD car to consider. The driver can seamlessly switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drivetrain systems. The 2023 model features the Selec-Terrain® System. This allows for selectable terrain modes depending on what you encounter. There are modes for sandy terrain, muddy terrain, snow and more. In terms of 4x4 SUV cars, the Renegade is up there. Towing a caravan or trailer won't be an issue. The 1.0-litre petrol version can tow up to 1,250kg. The 2.0-litre diesel engine has a towing capacity of 1,500kg.

The Trailhawk trim is praised for being the best Renegade to go off-road in. Most trims on the Renegade offer around 203mm of ground clearance. The Trailhawk Renegade offers the most ground clearance at just over 220mm. The 2023 model is also capable of up to 482mm of water fording. The Renegade is tough and will tackle most terrains!

View our stock of used Jeep Renegade cars
Volvo XC90 Exterior 2024
Volvo XC90 Exterior 2024

Volvo XC90

In terms of 4x4 family cars, a used Volvo XC90 has everything you need. All new XC90s come with 4WD. Used models will either have AWD or 4WD drivetrains. There is no doubt the XC90 is designed with family adventures in mind. Volvo is synonymous with safety, so that's why choosing the XC90 as your next family 4x4 is a sensible choice. The XC90 achieved a 100% score from Euro NCAP for the model's safety assist systems.

It's a great option for towing. For example, the B5 diesel engine has an impressive maximum braked capacity of 2,800kg. Most used models have a ground clearance of 223mm. This is reduced slightly on PHEV iterations due to the battery. It also has a maximum fording depth of around 450mm. The XC90 is stylish, sophisticated and strong but above all, it's one of the safest 4x4 cars you will find.

View our stock of used Volvo XC90 cars
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What makes a car a 4x4?

The actual definition of 4x4 is often a point of debate for the automotive industry. However, what makes a car 4x4 is its drivetrain. The first number in '4x4' refers to the number of wheels on the vehicle and the second number refers to how many wheels receive power from the engine.

4x4 cars have two-axled drivetrains which can send torque to all four wheels. This powers them simultaneously. The drivetrain may be 4x4 full-time or on-demand. Towing capacity and off-road capability are the other functions associated with 'proper' 4x4 cars.

What is the difference between 4x2 and 4x4 cars?

The main difference between 4x2 cars and 4x4 cars is how many wheels the engine sends power to. A 4x2 car is a two-wheel drive car, a 4x4 is a four-wheel drive car. 4x2 drivetrains typically tend to be found on larger vehicles like trucks, vans or some SUVs.

Some second-hand 4x4 cars, like the Jeep Renegade, have intelligent drivetrain systems. These allow you to switch between 4x4 and 4x2 modes. This kind of system enables you to navigate challenging terrains, road surfaces and weather conditions without issue.

Is 4x4 the same as 4WD (Four-wheel drive)?

4x4 is the same as 4WD or four-wheel drive in most cases. These terms are used interchangeably because they both refer to a two-axled drivetrain capable of sending torque to all four wheels on a vehicle simultaneously. However, some vehicles may have more than four wheels but can still be 4WD. This type of vehicle would be called a 6x4 4WD.

What is the difference between 4WD and AWD?

The difference between 4WD and AWD is how power is sent to the wheels from the engine when in use. Often these terms are used interchangeably, but they're very different in reality. In four-wheel drive cars, the engine splits the power between each axle so that all the wheels spin at the same rate. In AWD cars, the power sent to each wheel is varied. All-wheel drive is a more modern concept. Lots of SUVs and crossovers now feature AWD. This is because it is ideal for seamlessly switching between city driving and off-road driving.

What is the main benefit of driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle?

One of the most reliable used 4x4 cars is a used Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. A recent survey by WhatCar? determined that the Rav4 hybrid (2019 onwards) was worthy of a 98.7% reliability rating. The reliability rating score takes into consideration the types of repairs, cost of repairs, and how long the model takes to repair. By choosing a Rav4 Hybrid, you can rest assured that you've chosen one of the most reliable 4x4 cars on the market.

What is the best family 4x4 car?

The best family 4x4 cars are manufactured by some of your favourite brands. As we mentioned above, a used Volvo XC90 is a great example of a family 4x4 car because of how safe it is. The Dacia Duster is another great example that won't break the bank, whilst still offering basic off-road capability. A Nissan X-Trail is also a 4WD car perfect for families, the X-Trail also offers water forging depths of up to 400mm. If you have a growing family and want to invest, choose the class-leading Land Rover Discovery.

What 4x4 has the biggest boot space?

In terms of 4x4 cars with big boots, Land Rover always seems to come out on top. A used Land Rover Discovery has the biggest boot space on the market. If the rear seats are folded down (second and third rows) the Discovery offers 2,406 litres. With 5 seats in use, there are 1,137 litres of boot space on offer. With all 7 seats up, you get 218 litres.

However, if you regularly use all 7 seats and don't want the rear bench folded often, a used Range Rover offers the most boot space with all seats in use. With the seats up, you still have 909 litres to play with.