Need a family car that will go anywhere? Go off road with bikes, children, a kayak or something large enough to require an estate? Perhaps you need a 4×4 estate car.
The 4×4 estate car niche is a narrow one but it’s one that has a definite real world use.
If you’re transporting people, luggage or gear to faraway places, a weekend cabin, glamping site down a country track or into the moors and don’t want an SUV, a 4×4 estate car is your alternative.
They have all the ability of an SUV, without the downsides or questioning looks.
They allow you to transport your family anywhere at any time without looking like everything else on the road.
Best 4×4 estate cars of 2022
If that sounds like something you need in your life, let’s look at the best 4×4 estate cars you can buy right now.
Subaru Outback
Subaru is one of the best known brands for delivering capable cars. They were one of the first to introduce the 4×4 estate car and still dominate the market.
Unlike many cars here, the Subaru Outback is a dedicated 4×4 and not a standard car with 4×4 added. It has some strong engines, very capable suspension, confident road holding and enough space for all the family.
The Subaru Outback is a tough act to follow!
Audi A6 Allroad
The Audi A6 Allroad is a rarity on our roads but is a solid 4×4 estate car. It’s the larger sibling of the A4 Allroad and delivers the familiar Audi build quality and options list.
The Audi A6 Allroad is an estate modified for modest rough stuff. Not as capable as the Subaru but offers more options and a larger boot. It has a couple of strong diesel engines, a smooth automatic gearbox and a very comfortable cabin. All that comes at quite a cost though.
Peugeot 508 RXH
The Peugeot 508 RXH is a rare car indeed, but really shouldn’t be. This new model shares all the design DNA of the awesome new look 508, with genuine off road ability.
If you like the look of the new Peugeot 508, the RXH is similar. It has a similar design with slightly different wheel arches and lower sill to allow for rough roads. It’s a comfortable car with a diesel hybrid engine, large boot space, lots of equipment and a brand cachet that’s finally making its way back to the top.
Volvo V90 Cross Country
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is another rarity on our roads. You’ll occasionally see them heading to festivals or glamping sites, but they aren’t that common.
That rarity has nothing to do with capability or quality. This is Volvo after all. The car is very well built, has a lovely interior, superb dashboard and a mix of petrol and diesel engines. It’s higher than a standard V90, yet has the same cavernous boot and reassuring driving ability.
Skoda Octavia Scout
The Skoda Octavia Scout is a more affordable 4×4 estate car that offers bulletproof reliability and cost-effectiveness. It’s a nice little package.
The Skoda Octavia is a solid car with proven quality and reliability. The Skoda Octavia Scout is the 4×4 version, with a decent boot, dependable engines, nice interiors and a look that’s very easy to live with. The diesel engine is quiet and smooth while the automatic transmission delivers a very capable drive.
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is another off road option if you don’t want an SUV. It uses the Golf estate as the basis, raises the ride height, adds 4Motion all-wheel drive and some plastic trim to protect the bodywork.
The design of the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is very similar to all current Golfs. It’s modern, refined and won’t offend anyone. The addition of the higher height and modest trim elements at road level work well and the combination of the diesel engine and DSG transmission provide all the power you need. For a price.
Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain
The Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain is another premium 4×4 estate car that delivers off road ability with estate car practicality. It’s a premium model but you do get a lot for your money.
The E-Class is a luxury car that manages to deliver a very composed ride even though that ride has been heightened. There’s lots of comfort, a 3.0-litre diesel engine with 9 speed transmission and air suspension to keep things smooth whatever the terrain. You’ll pay for the privilege but it’s a lovely car to drive.
Conclusion
Those are 7 of the best 4×4 estate cars you can buy right now. They all have the practicality you want from an estate, with the added ability to go anywhere. It’s a narrow niche, but one that’s very well served!
Our opinion is the best overall offroad 4×4 estate car that you can buy today is the Subaru Outback available for a test drive at Budgen Motors in Telford or Shrewsbury. The Subaru is tough enough to tackle any terrain you will encounter in the UK and is affordable when compared to the other 4x4s on this list.
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