Winter is on its way (if it's not already here), and if you're looking to get through the harsh conditions that it brings, leasing a 4x4 is a great option.
4x4 lease cars, also known as four-wheel drive cars, distribute engine power to all four wheels, offering superior road grip, especially when driving off-road.
They also provide high driving positions for better visibility, spacious interiors, and practical storage, making excellent family lease cars.
This blog explores some of the best 4x4s to see you through the winter months.
We discuss:
The Land Rover Discovery is a large, comfortable 4x4 that's designed to handle whatever is thrown its way. Equipped with some of the most advanced off-road technology on the market, the Discovery is the perfect vehicle for a winter weekend exploring the countryside.
The standout feature of the Discovery is its Terrain Response system, which changes the car's settings depending on what surface it's driving on. It also comes with 283mm of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 3,500kg.
While the weather outside might be bleak, the inside of the Discovery certainly isn't. There's enough room for seven passengers, and all will be kept happy thanks to an 11.4-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging device, and grained leather seats.
The Volvo XC90 is a seven-seat SUV that's the biggest car Volvo has on offer. In my opinion, the XC90 provides the perfect balance for those who commute into the city but also need a 4x4 that can tackle harsh winters in the countryside.
The XC90 comes with generous level of ground clearance and loads of driver assistance systems such as slippery road alert, lane keeping assist, and front and rear park assist. It's also a Volvo, so you can bet its incredibly durable.
It's powered by a petrol engine with all-wheel drive that returns 250hp and accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds.
If getting outdoors in the winter is your forte, I'd look no further than the Jeep Wrangler. As well as being one of the best-looking 4x4s on the market, the Wrangler is unstoppable when off-road.
What does this mean? Well, it's born to handle harsh winter conditions. The Wrangler comes with advanced driver assistance systems, a 76-cm water-fording capability, and a Selec-Terrain Management System that lets you adjust traction settings depending on the road surface.
The Range Rover started out as a rugged SUV focused on practicality, but now it's the definition of a luxury SUV. However, while its interior is spick-and-span, the Range Rover will more than handle harsh wintery conditions.
Thanks to its sheer size, the Range Rover has a brilliant driving position that gives you a clear view of the whole road. It also comes with excellent off-road ability and a fantastic ride quality on all terrains.
While other entries on this list are towards the luxurious end of the spectrum, the Dacia Duster is much more budget-friendly. A 4x4 that offers substantial off-road capabilities, the Duster is a reliable lease car that could probably handle winter in the Antarctic, let alone the UK.
While previous models were a bit rough around the edges, the third-generation offers a neat and clever interior with some really nice features.
The standout is the 4x4 monitor system that allows you to access roll angle, pitch angle, compass, altimeter, and adaptive hill descent control through the 8-inch touchscreen.
Similar to the Volvo XC90, the Audi Q7 is a top-tier 4x4 that will provide a luxurious break from the weather in winter times. Available with space for up to seven people, the Q7 offers Audi's quattro all-wheel drive and an intelligent suspension system.
Regardless of the weather, the Q7 will power on in its own elegant way. It offers a blend of comfort and power when on the road and features loads of driver assistance systems.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is an icon in the 4x4 sector and won't be fazed by winter weather conditions. An old-school off-roader that's reliable and practical, the Land Cruiser ticks all the boxes if you live in the countryside.
While it may not be as good as others on the road, the Land Cruiser excels in harsh conditions. Its new model features electric power steering to reduce kickback when navigating rough terrain, lane tracing assist, and their GA-F platform that increases response, ride and handling.
Last but certainly not least is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. A legendary 4x4 known for its rugged off-road capabilities and luxurious features, the G-Class ensures you'll look good while on the road in winter.
Its iconic boxy design, four-wheel drive, and high-ground clearance make the G-Class perfect for tackling harsh winter conditions on and off the road.
It also features a wonderfully crafted interior with cutting-edge technology, such as a dual-bonded 12.3-inch widescreen display, ambient lighting, and heated and electrically adjustable front seats.
Looking for your next 4x4 lease car? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of 4x4 leasing deals to suit your every need.
We also offer a range of blogs to help you out, such as the Best Cars for Towing a Caravan and Tips and Tricks for Off-Roading.
