Are you in the market for a new ute? From towing, work and family duties to off-road adventures, performance and value, here are the best 4x4 dual-cab utes in Australia to put on your shopping list.
4WD
AWD vs 4WD: What’s the difference & how they work
Ever wondered what’s the difference between AWD and 4WD? Here’s a guide to help you make a more informed decision when it comes to buying an SUV or ute.
With the rise of SUVs and dual-cab utes, more Australians are buying vehicles with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems.
Unlike vehicles with two-wheel drive, which are driven from either the front or rear axle, a 4WD vehicle has engine power directed to all four wheels.
Many people choose cars with all-wheel drive (AWD) for safety reasons, while adventure-seekers favour 4WD vehicles to head off-road to destinations that a conventional vehicle isn’t designed to reach.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of both AWD and 4WD systems.
RACV guides to the best new 4WD utes and SUVs
In this article
- What’s the difference between AWD and 4WD?
- Do all SUVs have 4WD or AWD?
- Is AWD or 4WD safer than 2WD?
- Do I need 4WD to go off-road?
- Do I need 4WD for the snow or sand?
- Is AWD or 4WD worth the higher price?
- Are 4WD and AWD cars fuel efficient?
- Are there electric AWD and 4WD vehicles?
- Do I need 4WD for towing a boat, trailer or caravan?
What’s the difference between AWD and 4WD?
There is very little difference in the mechanicals of AWD and 4WD vehicles. AWD describes vehicles that have a four-wheel drive system designed to maximise road traction, such as in slippery conditions. AWD is sometimes positioned as a safety feature, and used by some brands, such as Subaru and Audi, to differentiate their models.
Many AWD systems limit the drive in normal circumstances to one set of wheels (front or rear) – often to maximise fuel efficiency – and only engage the other set of wheels when the system detects a slippage or a lack of traction.
Four-wheel drive is often used as a description of vehicles that are more inclined to be used for genuine off-roading. Many, but not all, 4WD vehicles – also commonly known as 4x4s – have a centre differential that helps divide the engine power and torque between the front and rear axle, while some will offer the ability to lock the rear and/or front differentials.
Serious 4x4 off-road vehicles will usually have high-range and low-range gearing. Low range makes it easier for the engine to propel the vehicle at a lower speed over steep or tricky terrain. Many 4WD models do not have high and low range but will still have off-road ability.
There is a variety of 4WD systems found in different models. Some require the driver to stop the vehicle and engage four-wheel drive, while others have all four wheels engaged at all times.
Do all SUVs have 4WD or AWD?
SUVs are popular in Australia and have overtaken traditional passenger sedans, wagons and hatchbacks as the favourite type of car. But anyone choosing an SUV assuming it will have some off-road ability might be disappointed.
In decades past, what we now know as SUVs were rugged 4x4 wagons engineered and built with off-road driving in mind. Think of the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, Nissan Patrol and smaller fare like the Suzuki Jimny.
These days, a huge chunk of the high-riding small and medium SUVs on our roads are not AWD/4WD, much as they might look it. Car brands realised a while back that people like the look of an off-roader – chunky wheel arches, big wheels, tough design, higher ride height, etc – but might not want to take their car off-road.
SUVs of all sizes have taken over and a quick look at the compact and small SUV segments shows only a handful of variants are even offered with AWD. The vast majority are front-drive only.
There is, however, plenty of choice among larger SUVs for those who want a competent off-road-oriented model with 4WD. Many manufacturers including Ford, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Toyota sell SUVs based on their respective 4x4 utes and all of them have versions built for off-road adventures. Alternatively, those very utes they are based on are also often proficient off-road.
Popular models like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and the LandCruiser Prado are still going strong too, despite stronger competition from the likes of GWM with its Tank 300 and Tank 500.
More: The best used cars, SUVs and utes in Australia under $20,000
Is AWD or 4WD safer than 2WD?
It is difficult to state categorically that an AWD vehicle is safer than an equivalent front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) model. They tend to have comparable ratings under ANCAP safety testing, for example, and equipment levels should also be similar.
In modern cars, this usually extends to a broad range of electronic handling aids and advanced driver assistance systems.
One of the main benefits of AWD or 4WD is that a vehicle fitted with one of these systems will generally accelerate from a standing start with greater traction than a 2WD vehicle. This is especially the case when the road is wet or slippery, as the traction is distributed more equally between all four wheels.
Depending on the conditions, AWD or 4WD also aids traction when towing a boat, caravan or float. This is evident when towing on wet or slippery roads, at a wet boat ramp or on unsealed roads.
More: Best car safety features and systems in modern cars
Do I need 4WD to go off-road?
‘Off-road’ tends to refer to 4WD-only terrain such as bush trails that are much more challenging to navigate than normal unsealed roads. Typical dirt and gravel roads that are largely free of obstacles should be well within the capability of an SUV or ute with either 2WD or AWD, although the latter is the preferred option for the extra traction it affords.
For off-road trails and other terrain that’s more difficult to traverse, a dedicated 4WD vehicle is recommended.
More: Your guide for driving through the Australian Outback
Do I need 4WD for the snow or sand?
Both 4WD and AWD vehicles can provide an advantage when driving in the snow due to their extra traction, but are not a prerequisite for reaching alpine destinations. In all cases, it’s important to know how to drive safely in the snow, including when and how to fit snow chains.
Electronic handling systems commonly found on modern vehicles, such as traction and stability control, are also designed to provide assistance in slippery conditions.
Driving on sand (where permitted) is a different story, however, and should not be undertaken unless you have a suitable 4WD, appropriate recovery gear and experience in driving in these conditions.
Is AWD or 4WD worth the higher price?
AWD or 4WD models generally cost more than equivalent 2WD models. Many SUVs and some utes are offered in the same model grade but with the option of 2WD or AWD/4WD.
In this case, the AWD/4WD is usually thousands of dollars more than the 2WD version. For example, a Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD medium SUV has a manufacturer’s recommended retail price of $51,410 plus on-road costs (at the time of writing), while the 4WD equivalent starts from $54,410, marking a $3000 premium for the same model grade.
Whether the extra outlay for an AWD/4WD car is worth it depends on how the vehicle is used and where it’s being driven. There’s usually a slight gain to be made in fuel economy if you choose 2WD over AWD/4WD, but if you’re covering a lot of distance on country roads, particularly unsealed roads, then 4WD could definitely be worth the extra outlay.
Similarly, AWD/4WD is worth considering if you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall or snow, or if you’re towing a caravan, boat, horse float or bigger trailer.
More: Beginners' guide to buying a new or used caravan
Are 4WD and AWD cars fuel efficient?
Componentry of AWD/4WD systems tend to weigh more than 2WD components, placing extra load on the powertrain and contributing to a higher overall kerb weight. This means that fuel use typically increases with the addition of AWD/4WD, but depending on the vehicle the increase may be small.
For example, the new Hyundai Santa Fe large SUV has a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the choice of 2WD or 4WD in the entry-level model grade. Opting for 4WD adds $3000 to the price as well as 65kg to the kerb weight (1900kg). The manufacturer claims fuel economy on the combined (city/highway) test cycle is 9.1L/100km for both 2WD and 4WD variants, so theoretically there’s no impact on economy.
The Ford Everest, on the other hand, offers the choice of either 2WD or 4WD with its 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine at base Ambiente level, with 4WD attracting a $5000 premium. It adds 108kg to the kerb weight and is a bit thirstier, returning 7.2L/100km on the official city/highway cycle compared to 7.1L/100km (2WD).
Interestingly, the Australian Automobile Association’s Real-World Testing Program found the Ford Everest 2.0-litre 4x4 to be slightly more economical in the real world (7.1L/100km) compared to mandated lab testing. The V6 4x4, on the other hand, was eight per cent thirstier in the real world at 9.2L/100km compared to the manufacturer’s claim.
More: The cheapest hybrid and PHEV cars in Australia for 2025
Are there electric AWD and 4WD vehicles?
The rise of battery-electric vehicles in Australia has seen a resurgence in AWD passenger cars and SUVs as various EV models are offered with dual electric motors – usually one at the front and rear axle – that provide all-wheel drive.
These dual-motor/AWD EVs are sometimes coupled with a bigger battery that provides for a longer driving range than lower-series models that use a single motor that drives either the front or rear wheels. They also often have a performance orientation given the higher power output brought with two e-motors.
Examples of popular dual-motor/AWD SUVs include the Tesla Model Y Long Range, Kia EV5 Earth and BYD Sealion 7 Performance.
When it comes to electric 4WD SUVs and utes with off-road capability, most carmakers are currently steering towards plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that combine e-motor/s with a traditional combustion engine. These offer a longer range and help allay concerns about the lack of EV recharging infrastructure in remote locations.
Popular examples include the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV medium SUV, while traditional off-road brands such as Land Rover and Jeep are also getting into the act. Examples include the Land Rover Defender 110 PHEV, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Sport PHEVs and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.
It's a similar case with 4x4 utes. There is just one full-electric dual-cab ute on sale in Australia today – the LDV eT60 – which is not anywhere near class-leading and is expected to soon be replaced. There are, however, two new PHEV options now available – the BYD Shark 6 and the GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid. Also arriving soon is the Ford Ranger PHEV.
Do I need 4WD for towing a boat, trailer or caravan?
It’s not the drivetrain of the vehicle but torque (or pulling power) that mostly determines a vehicle’s suitability for towing. In reality, that does mean anyone towing a larger load, such as a caravan or boat, will likely benefit from the torque that comes with 4WD and AWD vehicles, with diesel engines preferred for their ability to generate torque with minimum revving.
Some AWD EVs are also capable of towing but typically have reduced maximum braked towing capacity over diesel vehicles.
If you’re towing smaller loads like a trailer, there are petrol and SUV options that may suit your needs.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
