10 of the Best Used 4WD SUVs

2014 Toyota FJCruiser hero ・ Photo by Toyota

America’s love affair with SUVs shows no signs of cooling off, and the market for used SUVs has never been better. SUVs vary widely in their design, and different drive systems give very different results if you plan to go off-road.

Without getting into too much detail, the difference between a four-wheel drive (also written as 4WD or 4X4) system and an all-wheel drive (AWD) system comes down to two things: an AWD system is always working, while a 4WD vehicle usually operates with rear-drive until the driver engages the front wheels. Secondly, a true 4WD system offers low-range gears, which maximize available engine power at very low speeds for crossing rough terrain. If that's what you're looking for, we've gathered some of the best options for used SUVs with true 4WD systems.

2014 GMC Yukon

2014 was the final year for the third generation of GMC’s upscale Yukon full-size SUV. Buyers could choose from the 5.3-liter Vortec V8 at 320 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, or the Denali trim with a 6.2-liter Vortec with 405 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. The transmission and driveline included a six-speed automatic transmission with a dual-range transfer case. GMC also offers an extended-length Yukon XL, with more space inside.

Most base-trim Yukons for sale today range between $24,679 to $28,240, with a premium for higher trim levels. The 2014 GMC Yukon received five stars from J.D. Power for reliability, performance, and design, and for overall quality.

Photo by General Motors

2016 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is closely related to the GMC Yukon, and the 2016 model year brought a long list of new modern features for one of America’s most popular full-size SUVs. The only engine available in this model year is a 5.3-liter V8, which delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque on gasoline, or 380 horsepower and 416 pound-feet with E85 ethanol. The 2016 Tahoe uses a six-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case for 4WD.

Optional new features added for the 2016 model year include a head-up display, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface with Apple CarPlay support, adjustable pedal height, a forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Average prices for a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe in base trim are $36,964 to $41,557.

Photo by General Motors

2007 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota has applied its venerable Land Cruiser nameplate to capable SUVs since 1951. The 2007 model year was the last of the J100 line, which was based on the same chassis as the Toyota Tundra pickups of the same era. The engine is a 4.7-liter V8 with 228 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range 4X4 system.

Contemporary reviews praised the J100 Land Cruiser’s comfortable passenger cabin, and its overall reliability has been proven over the years. Today the 2007 Land Cruiser usually sells between $18,294 and $21,673. The 2008 and newer models sell for much more, which makes the 2007 model year all the more attractive.

Photo by Toyota

2016 Ford Expedition

2016 was the second year for Ford’s new EcoBoost 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which produced 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than the previous V8 made, which is why 2016 is the year to buy. The Expedition uses a six-speed automatic and offers 6,600 pounds of towing capacity.

The Expedition is also known for seating up to eight passengers, and for its spacious third-row seat and tremendous cargo capacity. With all seats in use, the Expedition still holds 18.6 cubic feet of cargo, and there's up to 108.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. Pricing on the 2016 Ford Expedition in XLT trim is usually $27,689 to $32,344.

Photo by Ford

2008 Nissan Armada

In 2008, Nissan’s flagship 4WD SUV came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 327 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. The driveline included a five-speed automatic transmission with an overdrive capability, and the 2008 Armada can tow up to 9,100 pounds, which was the best in its class at the time.

The Armada doesn’t have the cargo capacity of some of its competitors, but it will still seat seven or eight passengers depending on the trim level you choose. The Armada received a light update for 2008, making this model year look more current. Typical pricing for a 2008 Nissan Armada is $9,646 to $11,685.

Photo by Nissan

2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

The first model year for Jeep’s Renegade subcompact off-roader was 2015, and models are now widely available on the used market. Most Renegades came with front-wheel drive or a light-duty AWD system, but the Trailhawk trim came equipped with a 2.4-liter TigerShark four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with Jeep’s Active Drive Low dual-range four-wheel drive system. Jeep’s Selec-terrain traction control system offers Automatic, Snow, Sand, Mud or Rock modes.

The Trailhawk also included off-road features like tow hooks, removable roof panels, skid plates, and a raised and ruggedized suspension. Even the hood has a flat black decal to reduce sun glare. Today, a 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk can be expected to sell for $16,540 to $19,825.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2013 Range Rover Sport

2013 was the final year for the first-generation Range Rover Sport. Built on a shorter wheelbase than the full-size Range Rover, the Sport models are more affordable, while still offering the performance and luxury of the larger models.

The 2013 Range Rover Sport is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, good for 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with manual shift capability and Range Rover’s legendary off-road 4WD system. The Range Rover Sport also offers hill descent control and Land Rover’s proprietary Terrain Response System. Buyers can expect to pay about $24,874 to $30,641 for a 2013 Range Rover Sport in good or better condition. A supercharged model is also available, at a higher price.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

2009 Toyota 4Runner Limited

Toyota has been making the 4Runner off-road SUV since 1984, but the 2009 model year was notable as the last year of the fourth generation. In 2009, buyers could choose between a capable V6 or a strong 4.7-liter V8 engine rated at 260 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. The transmission paired to the V8 is a five-speed automatic, with Toyota’s standard hi-lo transfer case.

The 4Runner is prized by off-roading enthusiasts for its capability and durability. When it's equipped with the V8 engine, the 4Runner can also tow up to 7,000 pounds. The V8 and 4WD system came only with the luxury Limited trim package. Prices for the 2009 Toyota 4Runner Limited range from $13,938 to $18,203.

Photo by Toyota

2016 Dodge Durango R/T

Perhaps the most overlooked SUV of recent years is the 2016 Dodge Durango. This powerful seven-passenger 4X4 is available with a V6 or a V8 engine, and it comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case for off-road capability.

Equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, the 2016 Durango boasts 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, which will send the Durango from 0-60 in just 6.2 seconds. The V8 can also go into a four-cylinder mode to save fuel. The V8-powered Durango R/T will tow up to 7,200 pounds, and current prices range from $31,033 to $35,476.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

One of the best off-road SUVs of the last two decades is the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Named after the legendary FJ40 Land Cruiser models of the 1960s and '70s, the FJ Cruiser looks great, goes absolutely anywhere, and has plenty of power. Cargo capacity is up to 66.8 cubic feet, and it will tow up to 4,700 pounds, but that’s not what this SUV is about.

All years of the FJ Cruiser are great, but 2014 was the final year. The FJ Cruiser came equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine. In 2014, that engine was rated at 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose a six-speed manual transmission with full-time 4X4 capability, or a five-speed automatic with more traditional part-time 4WD. In both cases, the FJ Cruiser features a low-range capability. 2014 FJ Cruisers generally sell in the range of $30,412 to $33,610.

Photo by Toyota