4x4 cars

There’s no set definition but ‘4x4’ generally refers to a car with four-wheel drive (4WD) and a traditional off-roader (or SUV) shape that is designed for use on and off-road. 4WD (also called all-wheel-drive or AWD) simply means a car (of any shape or size) that has four-wheel drive but is not necessarily designed for use off-road.

The terms ‘4x4’ and ‘SUV’ (Sports Utility Vehicle) are largely interchangeable but SUV is a more modern, inclusive phrase. Both refer to a car with a higher ride height and bulkier shape than a conventional saloon or hatchback but while all 4x4s have four-wheel drive only some modern SUVs do.

4x4 cars cost more to buy than an equivalent two-wheel drive car because they are more mechanically complex, with extra parts needed to transfer power to an extra set of wheels.

Modern 4x4 or SUV cars generally cost more to buy and run than a hatchback or saloon equivalent but they often retain their value better because they are so popular. Advances in technology, including the introduction of hybrid and electric models, mean that modern 4x4s are increasingly fuel-efficient.