Midsize SUVs with 4-Wheel Drive (6 Popular Models)
Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles – also known as 4×4 – are excellent off-roaders, allowing drivers to venture into uncharted territories where a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive cannot.
The following midsize SUVs have a four-wheel-drive system, some as standard, others as optional.
Midsize SUVs with 4WD
While a 4×4 drive type is more common in midsize and large SUVs, smaller 4WD sports utility vehicles are viable options, as some have excellent capability off the pavement.
Still, the following midsize SUVs are capable four-wheel-drive vehicles.
#1 Ford Bronco
Few dedicated 4×4 vehicles can drive on-road as well as the Ford Bronco, a livable SUV daily driver.
This famous nameplate has had a long history of two halves: the first was a gas-guzzling two-door that Ford stopped producing after 1996, while the 2021 model kickstarted the sixth generation, which offered a better balance of off-road prowess and on-road drivability.
Four-wheel drive is standard equipment for all new Ford Bronco models, regardless of the production year, and the SUV comes with many trim levels and options to suit nearly every type of adventurous driver.
While the base Bronco is plenty capable on rougher terrain, the Raptor trim adds a copious amount of off-road hardware to increase its mastery of the rocky landscape.
The Bronco rides reasonably well on pavements despite the body-on-frame construction, with stable and predictable steering at higher speeds, thanks to an independent front suspension, making long journeys less tiring.
However, the removable hardtop makes the interior relatively noisy regardless of the speed, a common issue with this type of vehicle.
Those preferring a much-improved on-road comfort should opt for one of the midsize SUVs with all-wheel drive instead.
#2 Toyota 4Runner
Some SUVs find comfort traveling on pavements, while others excel on dirt roads and rockier terrain; the Toyota 4Runner is an apt example of the latter.
While car-based SUVs ride well on smoother surfaces, Toyota 4Runner’s truck-based body-on-frame gives the vehicle exceptional off-road skills.
Unfortunately, this quality inevitably makes the 4Runner a less suitable daily driver.
The long-running Toyota 4Runner has had a four-wheel-drive system for many generations, with rear-wheel drive being the base provision.
It is reasonably priced considering the considerable qualities, like impressive off-road capability, a versatile cargo area with the slide-out floor, and the marque’s solid reliability, making the Toyota 4Runner one of the best midsize 4×4 SUVs with a four-wheel-drive system.
Shoppers of this SUV should note the 4Runner’s above-average step-in height that can make entering and exiting the vehicle challenging for some.
Still, the high ground clearance gives the 4Runner its off-road superpower.
#3 Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan does not have an extensive vehicle lineup, and most available models aren’t segment-toppers, unfortunately.
Still, the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the better-riding midsize SUVs with optional four-wheel drive.
All three rows are plenty spacious, and the ride comfort is class competitive with car-based SUVs.
While most model years have optional 4WD across the range, Nissan Pathfinder buyers who frequent the off-road trails would do well with the Rock Creek trim.
Considering its size, the Pathfinder is relatively thrifty on fuel, notching over 20 mpg combined, and boasts a high towing capacity for its class, capable of pulling up to 6,000 lbs in the most capable trim.
Overall, Nissan products have exhibited moderate reliability, so opting for a Pathfinder is a relatively safe choice.
#4 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep is renowned for its 4×4 expertise, and a 4WD shortlist won’t be complete without one (or two) of the famous automaker’s SUVs – the next entry on this list is a version of the same vehicle.
Meet the Grand Cherokee, Jeep’s midsize two-row SUV with greater off-road capability than most class rivals.
With the available four-wheel drive for genuine off-road capability, over 6,000 lbs of hauling capacity, and optional air suspension for a commendably comfortable ride, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best midsize 4WD SUV that excels on both types of surfaces.
Four-wheel and rear-wheel drives are available at all Grand Cherokee trim levels.
Lovers of the outdoors who wish to save some fuel will be pleased the Grand Cherokee 4xe joined the lineup in 2022, a plug-in hybrid that can travel over 20 miles on electricity before the SUV switches to gasoline power.
Four-wheel drive is standard across every Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Despite the PHEV powertrain, the 4xe has as stout a towing capacity as the regular model when properly equipped.
#5 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
To satisfy the need of larger families for a third seating row, Jeep created the Grand Cherokee L in 2021 with an extended wheelbase and a considerably roomier interior.
It gave households of up to six an opportunity to go on a ride into the wilderness with more room to stretch as, although it’s only one extra seat over the five-seater regular Grand Cherokee, the L allows two passengers to sit in a row more comfortably.
Six-foot-tall passengers will have no problem fitting into the second and third rows.
While rear-wheel drive remains standard equipment, all Grand Cherokee L trims get an optional four-wheel drive for better traction on uneven and slippery surfaces.
The long wheelbase and optional air suspension give the massive SUV a cushy ride, although wind noise remains a constant in the cabin at elevated speeds.
Its tall ride height lends the SUV superiority away from the pavement but can make getting inside difficult.
#6 Land Rover Discovery
Those after a seven-seater and a premium interior will find the Land Rover Discovery a strong proposition.
Besides the four-wheel drive as standard equipment, the quiet interior, comfortable seats, and air suspension make the Land Rover Discovery one of the most agreeable midsize luxury 4×4 SUVs on pavements.
Although a 4WD, the Discovery isn’t as capable as a Jeep, although it still has above-average off-road ability than most midsize SUVs.
Crucially, Land Rover is one of the least reliable automakers, so purchasing one of its products carries a higher-than-usual risk of watching the vehicle parked in the dealership longer than your own garage.
References:
https://www.toyota.com/4runner/
https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/pathfinder.html