Compare the best electric 4x4s
High-quality electric 4x4 cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best electric 4x4s of 2024
If you're after a rugged 4x4 off-roader in the mould of the Land Rover Defender or Suzuki Jimny, there's some good news and bad news. On the bad front, there aren't any cars that meet this definition; on the good count, we can add the word 'yet' to that sentence with some confidence, as electric versions are on their way. In the meantime, however, we've highlighted some great four-wheel-drive electric cars and SUVs that are more geared around on-road competencies than off-road ones, and will update this list as EV 4x4s come on sale.
With one of the nicest interiors in the business, the BMW iX is a full-size premium SUV with a price tag to match, but with a battery range of up to 380 miles, which should be more than enough for most. The iX also has all latest tech, including the most recent iteration of BMW's excellent iDrive infotainment system, while the driving experience is deeply impressive, not least given the size and weight of this imposing machine.
Battery range up to 354 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
The Ioniq 5 is very much an SUV (or arguably a tall hatchback) rather than 4x4 in the traditional sense, but if you go for the 77 kWh 325ps model (which sits relatively high up in the range), you'll get four-wheel drive as standard, together with a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds. Add in the practical, modern cabin, excellent tech, futuristic stying and relaxing driving experience, and the Ioniq 5 has a lot going for it.
Battery range up to 342 miles
What's good
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Audi Q4 e-tron sits on the same platform as the Skoda Enyaq, and offers much of what that car with, but with a more premium interior and better tech. It's also available with four-wheel drive if you go for one of the quattro models, while the driving experience is impressive, interior space is decent, and the battery range of up to 312 miles with the 4x4 option is competitive.
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The 'x' in this version of Skoda's electric SUV denotes that it has four-wheel drive, but that's just one of the many feathers in the Enyaq's cap. With a refined, relaxing driving experience, excellent practicality and a strong sense of character, the Enyaq is a hugely appealing car. Sure, other EVs may offer a more luxurious interior and slightly better interior tech, but Skoda has all the equipment you're actually likely to use and want, together with a decent official range of 317 miles. There's even a coupe version and a 300hp vRS model if you fancy adding an extra dash of excitement to the Enyaq formula.
Battery range up to 333 miles
The electric version of Volvo's XC40 SUV offers all the benefits of the petrol-powered model, togehter with an electric drivetrain. That means you get a thoughtfully designed interior, just the right amount of prestige without any sense of ostentatiosness, as well as a huge roster of safety kit and a comfortable, cosseting driving experience. Make sure to tick the 'Twin Motor' box to get four-wheel drive, with this model also bringing with it a seemingly un-Volvo-ish 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y was the UK's third best-selling car in 2022, with 35,551 examples finding homes - that's more than the Volksawgen Golf, for goodness sake! Why so popular? Well, Tesla's battery technology (which helps give the Model Y an official range of up to 331 miles) and charging network remain key selling points, despite rival car companies challenging at least the former of those. There's also a decent amount of space inside the Model Y, while if you go for the Performance version, which you need to to get four-wheel drive, you'll have a 0-60mph time of 3.5 sec.
Polestar has been quietly carving a successful niche out for itself over the last couple of years, offering buyers a premium alternative to electric cars from Audi, BMW, Mercedes et al. The company deserves this success, too, as the Polestar 2 is an impressively accomplihsed machine, with great driving experience, an inviting cabin, and an impressive range of up to 394 miles - though this drops to 342 – 367 miles if you go for the dual-motor all-wheel-driver model.
Battery range up to 321 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
It may not be as large or expensive as the BMW iX (though it's still pretty pricey), but the Mercedes EQB is still a mighty appealing car, with an inviting interior, all the bells and whistles you could want, together with a relaxing driving experience. All models are four-wheel drive, while the EQB also has the benefit of coming with seven seats; while these are best reserved for children, they still give the EQB an advantage that few electric cars offer.
Another road-focussed SUV rather than a rough-and-tough 4x4 off-roader, the Jaguar I-Pace was one of the first premium electric cars to emerge, but its design has aged impeccably well, while the driving experience remains as impressive today as it was at launch.
Battery range up to 321 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Okay, so the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo may not be a conventional SUV, let alone a 4x4, while it's also one of the more expensive electric cars on the market at present. But with raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive as standard, together with a practical hatcback-cum-estate boot, it's a hugely appealing machine that lends itself well to the great outdoors. The Taycan TC is also, as with the rest of the Taycan range, the best-handling electric car on the market.
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