Full-Size SUVs with 4-Wheel Drive (6 Popular Models)
Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles – also known as 4×4 – are excellent for off-roading, giving drivers the ability to tackle rockier terrains where a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive cannot.
The following full-size SUVs have a four-wheel-drive system, either as standard or optional.
Large SUVs with 4WD
Some midsize 4×4 SUVs are just as competent venturing off the pavement.
Still, large 4×4 SUVs offer the best in practicality, comfort, and capability.
#1 GMC Yukon
Based on the old-school truck-based platform, the GMC Yukon has expert-level towing and respectable off-roading abilities that car-based SUVs lack.
While the previous four generations were less refined utilitarian behemoths, the newer-gen GMC Yukons made substantial improvements in interior space and ride quality, making the model one of the best full-size SUVs with available four-wheel drive.
It can fill up to nine passengers in the three rows of seating and has a varying degree of off-road competence with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, depending on the trim level and add-on packages.
Opt for the Yukon Denali for a smoother on-road ride with its independent rear suspension, adaptive dampers, and air suspension combination.
Get the AT4 trim for markedly more off-road chops, where a four-wheel drive is standard equipment.
In its off-road mode, the Yukon can add a couple of inches for enhanced ground clearance over the standard height.
#2 Chevrolet Tahoe
Like its corporate twin, GMC Yukon, the Chevrolet Tahoe is a truck-based SUV with strong pulling strengths and similar off-road skills, but at several thousand dollars less.
Leaving aside the gas-guzzling nature of the potent V8 powertrain – all full-size SUVs are thirsty vehicles – the Chevy Tahoe delivers a pleasing mix of comfort, capability, and utility.
Better still, a brand-new standard Tahoe is cheaper than top rivals’ equivalent models. Considering their comparable performance, this Chevrolet makes a compelling choice for a large four-wheel-drive SUV.
Like the Yukon, the newer Chevy Tahoes sport an improved rear suspension that provides greater interior room, cargo capacity, and a smoother ride over most surfaces.
The Z71 trim is the most capable off-roader among the trims, with its standard 4WD, hill descent control, and all-terrain tires.
#3 Ford Expedition
If you want a full-size 4×4 SUV with serious towing capabilities, the Ford Expedition is for you.
With available four-wheel drive across the range, regardless of the model year, and massive towing strength of over 9,000 lbs (when properly equipped), the Ford Expedition is one of the strongest large SUVs with 4WD or RWD.
It also lets you enjoy its cavernous interior with impressive third-row accessibility, so every passenger gets ample room to travel comfortably.
You can opt for a used Ford Expedition with a V8 (up to 2014) or a muscular turbocharged V6 (2015 or newer).
The latest-gen Expedition is decidedly quicker from a standstill than a similar-age Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon.
Irrespective of the model year, the Expedition is more than up to the task of shuttling the family to remote camping spots or navigating old logging trails.
#4 Toyota Sequoia
While older Sequoias left little to shout about with mediocrity across most practical metrics, the third generation, which debuted in 2023, showed significant upgrades over the outgoing model.
With a new and improved turbocharged hybrid V6 supplying ample power, excellent ride comfort for a truck-based SUV, and strong towing capacity, the latest-gen Toyota Sequoia is a substantial choice for a large four-wheel-drive SUV.
The robust turbo power plant rockets the SUV impressively from a stop and sounds like a bigger engine.
Crucially, the hybrid powertrain makes the Sequoia one of the most fuel-efficient among the competition.
The 4WD system helps maintain traction in rough conditions, while the low-speed crawl control, locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, and skid plates add to the Sequoia’s multi-terrain ability.
Regardless of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the Sequoia can now tow 9,000 lbs or more when properly equipped – rivaling the Ford Expedition as the long-time segment frontrunner.
However, these improvements come at thousands of dollars more than competing base models, but it’s worth the initial outlay for the quality and reliability in return.
Should you need the best Toyota to tackle rockier trails, the marque’s midsize 4WD SUV, the 4Runner, is markedly more capable, especially with the TRD Pro.
#5 Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is a decent off-roader but falls short compared to its chief rivals, the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, and Toyota Sequoia, in interior accommodation and fuel economy.
Apart from the quiet drive even at highway speeds and smooth power delivery, the Armada struggles with its long-in-the-tooth design, suffering from poor fuel economy, cramped third row, and dated infotainment system.
A four-wheel drive remains available for Nissan followers after a competent full-size SUV with moderate towing and hauling capacities.
However, a re-designed Armada may arrive soon to change the status quo.
#6 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Like its SUV stablemates, the Grand Wagoneer delivers when you need more off-road capability, although its ride quality leaves room for improvement.
It moves with less composure around turns than similar-size SUVs.
But unlike most competitors, Jeep Grand Wagoneer comes with four-wheel drive as standard equipment, so every driver gets a capable off-roader, regardless of the model year.
Towing strength is a massive plus of the Grand Wagoneer, as the burly SUV can pull close to 10,000 lbs, putting it ahead of class rivals.
The air suspension allows you to lower the vehicle when parked to ease entering and exiting the cabin.
An important footnote, however, is the Grand Wagoneer’s eye-watering price tag of tens of thousands more than others on this list.
If you must have the largest Jeep to suit your family’s adventure-driven lifestyle, the Grand Wagoneer is for you.
Otherwise, the competing models are better value-for-money purchases.
References:
https://www.gmc.com/suvs/yukon
https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/tahoe
https://www.ford.com/suvs/expedition/
https://www.toyota.com/sequoia/
https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/armada.html